Valentine’s Day is 17 days off, but for those who take it seriously, planning is a good idea, you might even say required. I’m sure any number of fellas could testify to a misstep or two, and perhaps even some of the women.
Over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be passing along periodic Valentine’s Day events and specials as I come across them. Here’s the first installment.
If you’re a restaurant, club, bar or any other VDay-oriented establishment—or readers who have tips or faves to pass along—send info to eric@baypop.com and we’ll post our picks.
Valentine’s Day Lunch and Dinner Cruises aboard the Yacht Starship: Views, breezes, sunshine (presumably), moonlight and good food. Lunch includes three courses at a reserved private table for you and your significant other, or for a party of yous and significant others. Boarding 11:30 a.m., noon departure, returns at 2. Adults $34.95, children $19.95.
Dinner features a pre fixe menu, private table, DJ and dancing. Adults $99.95, children $59.95. These sojourns are among Yacht Starship’s most popular, and routinely sell out in advance. Yacht leaves from Tampa.
Valentine’s Day Getaway at the Tradewinds Island Resort, St. Pete Beach: Barring a sneaky cold front, the beach is gorgeous in mid-February. The Tradewinds offers a one-night package that includes accommodations at the Island Grand or the new Guy Harvey Outpost and a three-course dinner for two in Bermudas Steak and Seafood, located at the Island Grand. On Valentine’s evening, guests of the Island Grand can enjoy live entertainment by the bonfire on Pirate Island while indulging in champagne specials at RedBeard’s Sharktooth Tavern. Prices start at $199.
Valentine’s Celebration Dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Tampa: It’s a four-night soiree at the landmark Tampa restaurant. Feb. 14-17 (Thurs.-Sun.), with a special menu created by Executive Chef Russell Skall ($69.95 per person). Highlights: Mint to Be cocktail (Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey, Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur, POM Wonderful® juice and fresh mint, $11.95); entree choice of Roasted Lobster Tail or Chateaubriand with Crab Glacage.
Jon Secada at the Powel Crosley Estate, Sarasota: For fans of romantic crooner Secada, it probably doesn’t get much better than seeing him in an intimate setting on the bay. You also get: an array of food and drink selections; a red rose for each woman; additional music by Lotus Fire. The Powel Crosley Estate is located north of downtown Sarasota on the water, due west from the Sarasota/Bradenton Airport. Event begins at 7 p.m. $160, $140.
Anti-Valentine’s Day at Postcard Inn: And this from those fun-loving contrarians over at the Postcard Inn (below). Radio station Hot 101.5′s DJ Ekin entertains for this singles event. Special room rates are available for Hot 101.5 listeners, and a free drink if you bring a picture or a piece of apparel of your Ex and sacrifice it to the bonfire. 6 p.m.
