Love is in the air with the first annual “For the Love of Beer, Wine and Boutiques” in Boothbay Harbor. The weekend of fun and love begins on the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 14 and last until the evening of Saturday, Feb. 15.

Organizers Jennie Mitchell of Brady’s and Julie Roberts of Coastal Maine Popcorn said nearly 40 participants between breweries, restaurants, retail merchants and lodging will be in the event with over a dozen of the retailers each hosting a leg of a scavenger hunt on Saturday.

“The whole thing is geared toward couples and singles alike. It's fun for everybody – come with a better half or come find your better half,” said Mitchell.

“Or forget your better halves and come with your friends,” said Roberts.

Boothbay Region Art Foundation will kick off the weekend with its fourth annual “What’s Nude In Boothbay Harbor?” 5-7 p.m on Feb. 14. BRAF will be open through Sunday for the exhibit which promises the natural beauty of the human body through paints, paper craft, fiber, sculpture and photography. The exhibit is free to the public.

Mama D’s is expected to be the designated “breakfast place,” said Mitchell and Farm 23 will open Saturday with an Indigo Coffee Roasters tasting from 8 to 11 a.m. Clue packets for the scavenger hunt will be handed out at Brady’s beginning at 10 a.m. when the hunt begins and hunters will also have access to a digital packet on the event’s website as well as an embedded map to refer to.

The object of the scavenger hunt is to find a hidden object in each participating boutique and to take a picture with it. Said Mitchell, “We’re making sure there's plenty of time because people will want to shop, explore and some stores are going to do discounts.”

“Free popcorn tastings at Coastal Maine Popcorn – like we do every day,” Roberts said. “We’ll be doing 20% off. Two Salty Dogs will be doing 20% off all day and an online auction to benefit Old Dogs New Digs. Action for Animals is going to set up a table at Coastal Maine Popcorn.”

“All retailers will be doing their own specials and promotions,” said Mitchell. “And save your receipts of any purchase over $2 at any participating business for chances to win multiple gift certificates.”

The pub crawl will begin after the scavenger hunt at 4 p.m. Feb. 15 and each location will have a signature event capping all the fun. Every restaurant will have a different craft brewer, Mitchell said. “For example, we're going to have a complete tap takeover here at Brady's with Boothbay Craft Brewery.”

Ports Pizzeria will be paired with Hidden Cove Brewing; Brady’s with Boothbay Craft Brewery; Footbridge Brewery with Black Pug Brewery, Bath Brewery and North Haven Brewing Company; Boat House Bistro with Funky Bow; and Pier 1 Pizza & Pub with Peak Organic.

“It's about fun and company –” Roberts said. “And  beer, wine and boutiques,” Mitchell said.

Call Brady’s at 1-207-315-6155 with any questions and keep an eye on the event website, loveboothbayharbor.com