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Offbeat, Fun Couples' Activities For Valentine's Day
Have a sweetie in mind as February 14th draws near? Consider Sarasota County Cupid's corner.
Have a sweetie in mind as February 14th draws near? Consider Sarasota County Cupid's corner.
Hopeless romantics, not-so-secret admirers and longtime lovers on the lookout for unconventional Valentine's Day happenings in Sarasota County have come to the right place.
Plan for an exciting day or evening on the town to include unique date ideas like beer yoga, rum-tasting experiences, a fun and flirty improv show, a self-guided beach hike, and an annual celebration of love on Siesta Key Beach for those wanting to renew their vows or witness others renewing theirs!
If you're in the mood for romance that doesn't involve a candle-lit dinner, then these eight off-the-cuff ideas for Cupid's favorite holiday will be right up your amorous alley!
Downtown Sarasota
Take the elevator up to the top floor at any one of the three modern high-rise hotels and be rewarded with a stunning view whether for sunset. Make the view even sweet with some craft cocktails at the hotels' rooftop bars and cheers to sweeping panoramic views of Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, marina and John Ringling Bridge as it begins to light up different colors after dusk. The cool, February breeze and a Gulf Coast sunset over the water will be the cherry on top of a Manhattan. Head to Perspectives Rooftop Pool Bar at Art Ovation, The Roof Bar & Eats at The Westin, or Sage Restaurant's rooftop to get the best seats in town.
Downtown Sarasota
Sarasota's premier improv venue, Florida Studio Theatre (FST) will present When X Meets Y on Saturday, February 11th at 8:30pm. For one night only, FST Improv brings you their annual Valentine’s Day show—inspired by one location and three random notes on the keyboard. The cast weaves a fully-improvised musical love story right before your eyes. Be sure to order a bottle of champagne for your table to make your celebration extra special. Tickets: $15
East Sarasota
Yogi couples and craft beer lovers will be ecstatic to spend their Tuesday evening on Valentine's Day on their mats for a yoga flow at Big Top Brewery's courtyard area. Follow up your namastes together with a flirty flight of the local brewery's selection of craft beers. Beer Yoga starts at 6pm and taught by yoga instructor Tara Garland of Wild Orchid Wellness. Class: $10/person.
Siesta Beach and Venice Beach
Celebrate love everlasting with vow renewals on Siesta Key Beach—a local Valentine's Day tradition dating back nearly 30 years, hosted by Sarasota County. Every year since 1989, on February 14th, married couples of all ages and duration of matrimony have gathered at Siesta Key Beach for a non-denominational renewal service presided over by a 12th Judicial Circuit Court Judge. The event grew so popular over the years that a second location was recently added at Venice Beach.
The Say "I Do" Again event is open to all at both locations, from 4:30pm - 7pm. Couples who wish to participate must pre-register by February 11th by calling (941) 861-5000. The $14/couple fee for the beach vow renewals includes a certificate, commemorative gift, flower, music on the beach and light refreshments.
Siesta Key
Just off the beach, the Siesta Key Village Association hosts its annual Siesta Village Valentine Stroll with "kisses for everyone" (of the chocolate variety) and holiday fun for the whole family. Visit the Village during 5 pm - 8 pm for the Valentine Stroll, as several local businesses will be offering sweet treats, specials and discounts for red-hot holiday deals. Look for balloons to identify the participating establishments.
Siesta Key
Every Tuesday, including Valentine's Day, visitors can take a Tasting Room Tour for free at Siesta Key Rum Distillery. This starts at 1pm and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. After they are full, there is standing room only. Learn about the local distillery's rum-making process—from mashing and fermentation to distillation, aging and bottling. After the tour, you and your sweetie will be able to sample the different varieties and flavors of Siesta Key Rum!
Lido Key
Enjoy a fun, self-guided hiking date along a selected trail for couples! Trail of Love is an unconventional "date night" itinerary to follow for a date to remember. The hike is self-guided so you can go any time on Valentine's Day, but South Lido County Park is the recommended trail to use as your venue. Each date night consists of a series of activities that you are guided to complete digitally. All you need is your own mobile device and an Internet connection to access your Digital Date Nite Box!
Brohard Beach
Down in Venice, find a slice of heaven known as Brohard Beach & Paw Park, where you and your loved one can enjoy watching all the pups running in the sand and playing in the Gulf from your beach chairs. Bring your own four-legged companion for a fun Valentine's Day with the entire fam, or just enjoy the sights of this paw park paradise.