Valentine’s Day Activities for Every Romantic
You’ve picked up flowers and a sappy card, now… book the babysitter! Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for Central Florida parents to reconnect through romantic activities.
Get Dirty!
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Before the mortgage and the kids, you went on fun dates. Fall in love all over again with a unique night out! Maybe even channel the romantic, waterside streets of Murano, Italy, with a hot glass date night at International Hot Glass, a 4,300-sq. ft. gallery and glass blowing studio. Create two custom stemless wine glasses with the help of professional glassblowers as you enjoy smooth tunes, silky wines, and a sampling of fine cuisine for $149 (per couple) on February 13. |
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Clay is like a relationship: It must be pinched, molded, and designed to become everlasting. Crealdé’s Date Night Ceramics Class is held monthly on the first Friday ─ so why not celebrate Cupid’s holiday a pinch early on February 5? It’s not the Play-Doh that you’re accustom to but, under the skilled direction of Vadim & Meredith Malkin, you’ll love the blissful mess ─ remember the classic Ghostscene with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze sculpting pottery! The workshop will be held 7 – 9 pm in Studio 4 and cost $90 per couple. Bring wine (snacks are provided) and let love be your muse. |
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There’s no need to purchase a heart-shaped box of chocolates… you can make your own at Farris & Foster’s Famous Chocolate Factory on Friday or Saturday night (closed Sundays). Create one-of-a-kind confections using dark, milk, and white chocolate with tons of toppings and crème fillings. Bring beverages to cleanse your tasting palate. Just $29 per couple gets you the sweet experience and a full pound of personalized chocolates. |
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Ready to turn up the heat? Publix Aprons Cooking School, a state-of-the-art kitchen nestled in the back corner of the Marketplace at Dr. Phillips, will teach couples how to make the ultimate Valentine’s Day meal for food lovers on Sunday, February 14. The menu includes baked oysters (the most notorious aphrodisiac), scallops, risotto, and more. “The best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” so, for $55 per person, this demonstration serves up a satisfying ‘dinner and show’ combo. |
Set the Mood Music
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Tune into classic love with classic masterpieces at the 81st Annual Bach Festival(multiple performances). The Bach Festival Choir & Orchestra will play an intimate concert in Central Park on February 7 from 1:30 – 2:30 pm before the Winter Park Chamber’s Annual Jazz Concert. Cozy up to your sweetheart on a blanket and toast the tunes.Or cheers to your years of love at Bach and Beers, also free and co-hosted by Cask & Larder Brewmasters, on February 13 from 11 am – 4 pm. Savor your love as you savor the flavor of the limited-edition Brandenburger Bock beer, a close resemblance to the dark-colored craft brew of Bach’s time. Fun fact: Johann Sebastian Bach was often paid in beer! |
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Paint the town red at the Indie-Folkfest at the Mennello Museum of American Art. The second annual festival, themed Music + Art + Picnic + Love, will be held at the lakeside Sculpture Garden in Loch Haven Cultural Park on February 13 from 12 – 5 pm. The Valentine’s Day-themed family picnic ─ yup, this event is kid-friendly ─ features local music, original art vendors, food from East End Market, and bar beverages. Lay out a blanket, make Valentine cards, and enjoy the winter sunshine with a backdrop of Lake Formosa. |
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Love is in bloom with Leu Gardens Valentine’s Concert! Stroll arm-in-arm with your delicate flower throughout the 50-acres garden under the starlit sky. Pack a picnic basket (alcohol is permitted) or nosh on treats from Sugarbuzz Dezert Company. Set up chairs or a blanket to enjoy performances by Selwyn Birchwood, Dave Capp Project, and Mud Rooster Blues. Advanced tickets cost $17 per person (or $13 for members) and, if available, day of tickets cost $22 per person. |
Set Sail on a Love Boat
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Make waves with your choice of magical excursions with Walt Disney World Specialty Cruises, on either a 21-ft. pontoon boat or 52-ft. Sea Ray Sedan Bridge Yacht. Make a splash with personalized options, such as private dining, butler service and, of course, Epcot’s fireworks display (prices vary per package), as you coast along Bay Lake, Seven Seas Lagoon, or Crescent Lake. |
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Avoid a ‘Dear John’ letter by sailing with your love on the St. Johns River aboard an authentic sternwheel paddleboat. From its home port on Lake Monroe in charming downtown Sanford, the ‘Barbara-Lee’ serves up food, live music, and dancing on a lunch ($46.78 per person) or dinner ($60.75 per person) cruise. Anchor a wild memory with wildlife sighting of herons, “snakebirds,” osprey, eagles, turtles, alligators, and manatees.
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Stay in Love with a Staycation
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It’s hard for parents to get away. So just stay… in town! The Rosen Shingle Creek Sweet Retreat package offers one night deluxe accommodations (luxury suite upgrades are available). How sweet? How about chocolate-covered strawberries with champagne and breakfast in bed for two; plus a 30% discount at selected restaurants, the spa, and golf? Prix fixe Valentine’s dinner options are available February 12 – 14 at both Cala Bella, a romantic space filled with Italian art and great views, and A Land Remembered, a steakhouse named after the late Patrick Smith’s rich novel featuring Florida’s historical moments and landscapes. |
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Turn Valentine’s Day into Valentine’s Weekend! Just ‘Pack Your Bags’ and let the Villas of Grand Cypress handle the logistics. Book this two-night getaway for luxury accommodations (we’re talking the ultimate posh room, gorgeous kitchen, TV in the bathroom – why not?), dinner for two at Forbes Four Star rated Nine18 restaurant (three courses of locally-sourced deliciousness), a bottle of sparkling wine with fresh fruit, floral arrangement, and a $100 gift card for local shopping. The 1,500-acre resort of 146 luxury villas features 45 holes of Jack Nicklaus signature-designed golf, tennis courts, a rock climbing wall, catch-and-release fishing lakes, pools and, of course, spa services.
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