Valentine’s Day is this Saturday, February 14th, and love is certainly in the air on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With an amazing array of events and attractions to enjoy, here are 7 of the best ways to celebrate this romantic occasion:
Beauty and the Beach
There’s something about the sound of the waves, the salty air and the feeling of sand beneath your feet that is just effortlessly romantic. So this Valentine’s Day, enjoy a long walk on one of the incredible beaches that line our coast. The perfect backdrop to spend your romantic day, you could even treat your valentine to a sunset picnic on the shore.
Romance at the Park
If the winter weather is still a bit too chilly for the beach, the Sarasota area boasts a number of picturesque parks in which to spend your special day. Bay Front Park in downtown Sarasota offers a beautiful view across the Bay, and its lush grassy expanses are perfect for unfolding your picnic blanket. Further south, Lemon Bay Park in Englewood features a scenic bay boardwalk, canoe launch and picnic pavilion.
Show Your Love
Set the stage for romance by taking your special someone to see Violet at the Player’s Theatre, Sarasota. The award-winning, emotionally charged musical opened this week and stars our very own blogger extraordinaire, Kathryn Parks, in the leading role. Get your tickets HERE. Performances continue through March 1.
Home is Where the Heart is
Valentine’s Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants, so why not create a romantic experience in the comfort of your own home? Stock up on candles and stop into locally-owned Artisan Cheese Company in downtown Sarasota, where you’ll find an amazing selection of imported and domestic cheeses, gourmet jams, chutneys and much more. They can also put together a cheese board for you – which will seriously impress your dinner date.
The Art of Affection
Art and love are a historically romantic combination, and this weekend the 27th Annual Downtown Sarasota Festival of the Arts is sure to have you feeling inspired. Some of the country’s finest artists will be displaying their amazing work – from life-size sculptures to paintings, photography and more.
Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Main Street, Sarasota
Love is on the Menu
A host of restaurants in the area will be serving up special fare this Valentine’s Day, including Currents Restaurant at Hyatt Regency, Sarasota. You’ll enjoy romantic bay views as you indulge in a menu that features pan-seared Angus beef, butter-roasted lobster tails and a strawberry scented crème brûlée with local berries and white chocolate. Yum! Reservations are recommended and can be made on the Hyatt website.
That’s Amore
The Italian American Club of Venice hosts a Valentine’s Day celebration on Saturday evening, featuring a social, dinner, dancing and live music. Tickets can be purchased by calling 941.493.8883.
What are your plans for Valentine’s Day?