Love is in the air: Spending Valentine’s Day on Fort Myers Beach
By MELISSA SCHNEIDER
mschneider@breezenewspapers.com
Looking to woo your very special honey this Valentine’s Day? Fort Myers Beach and its surrounding areas has everything you’d ever want or need to make your sweetheart extra happy this year. Heads up the day of love is only a few days away (Monday, Feb. 14)!
The traditionalist
Flowers, cards and chocolates are still top dog in the Valentine’s Day gift market. Stop by Beach Buds, Lorrie Wolf Florist or Fort Myers Beach Florist for a personalized bouquet specially made for your honey. Several local gift shops, like Surprize, Island Girl and Discovery Bay, have cards, candy and other fun gifts for you to choose from whether you’re looking for some charm, wit, romance, or a combination of all three.
The rub down
Get her a special massage package at one of our many great spas on and around the island, from Armando’s and Esterra to Elle’s Well-Kneaded Massage Therapy. Everyone needs a soft rubdown from time to time.
All that glitters
Looking to make him or her smile with a little shine of gold or silver? Stop by one of our jewelry shops for the perfect piece of elegance. On the north end, the Silver Witch is loaded with sterling silver goodness of all shapes and sizes. On the south end, Scruples Jewelers have custom creations in precious, semi-precious, gold and silver extravagance.
An evening on the water
Got your sea legs? Take your sweetheart on a romantic sunset cruise or dolphin charter on one of the many charters available around the island. Now operating out of Salty Sam’s Marina, Idylwild Sailing Catamaran and the Back Bay Tours gondola are two new charters offering romantic getaways for two or more.
Wine her and dine her
Tell her to put on her favorite dress, high heels, puff up that hair and don’t skimp on the lipstick. Get on the reservation list and take her out to one of the many fine restaurants our island offers, complete with candlelit tables, soft music, black ties and an elegant atmosphere.
Feel free to go all out, look her in her eyes, kiss her hand and recite some poetry!
Liquid Love
Nothing says “I Love You” like a bottle of special champagne, aged bourbon, whisky or chardonnay. Stop by a local liquor store, like the Mermaid, Val’s Lounge, Nicola’s or Town and Country, to see if they carry the perfect bottle of liquid love. Tie this in with some soft music, a few lit candles, something skimpy and maybe a rose or 12, and you’ve got yourself a perfect evening.
Keeping it casual
Are you in a pretty new relationship and not quite sure how to handle yet? Still feeling a little awkward about Valentine’s Day? There’s a way of keeping your actions casual but still making a great impression at the same time. A simple night out with dinner and drinks, or a hand-held stroll along the shore is all you have to do to show a girl you care.
You don’t have to take her to the finest, most elegant restaurant around (even though it’s nice from time to time), or buy the most expensive drinks or concoctions that a bar or club offers.
A nice and simple dinner at a casual beach restaurant, followed by a short stroll down the boulevard or shoreline for a couple of cocktails and live entertainment is the perfect combination for a new couple.
Whatever you decide to do this Valentine’s Day, have a great time, share your feelings for that special someone in your life, and enjoy the night!