Find Valentine’s Day Love on The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
LEE COUNTY, FLORIDA – Feb. 2, 2021 - When it comes to romance, the beauty of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel offers all the ingredients for a perfect Valentine’s Day getaway on Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. With spectacular sunsets, white sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, sparkling waters and unspoiled natural beauty, the area is as romantic as it gets with lots of space to socially distance. To celebrate with a visit to the area, visit fortmyers-sanibel.com/discover/around-town/romantic-escapes/ for details.
A sampling of special Valentine’s Day ideas:
Valentines with a Love connection: date night 2021
Norman Love Confections
239-561-7215
normanloveconfections.com
Renowned for handcrafted artisanal chocolates, Fort Myers-based Norman Love Confections unveils “Date Night 2021,” created exclusively for Valentine’s Day. The limited-edition collection features 10 heart-shaped dark, white and milk chocolates, including bananas Foster, chocolate strawberry, devil’s-food cake, pink Champagne, pinot noir, carajillo, honey lavender, spicy dark, passion cheesecake and tropical hazelnut.
Available Feb. 1-14, the collection may be purchased at the Miromar Outlets Chocolate & Dessert Salon in Estero and at the Chocolate & Dessert Salon in Fort Myers. Also available at www.NormanLoveConfections.com.
Waterfront romance
The AAA Four Diamond-rated Luminary Hotel & Co. in downtown Fort Myers is offering couples a romantic getaway just in time for Valentine’s Day. The boutique waterfront property has a special package that includes guestroom accommodations for one night, dinner for two at Silver King Ocean Brasserie, breakfast for two at Ella Mae’s Diner, and valet parking. www.luminaryhotel.com/events/valentines-day-dinner-and-package
Spice up Valentine’s Day with a date night at Kitchen Social
239-560-4255
kitchensocial.com
Take part in a hands-on cooking class at Kitchen Social in Fort Myers. Valentine’s Day is celebrated Feb. 11-14 and will feature a series of themed classes with delectable offerings and themes that include Italian cuisine, beef Wellington, Last Tango in Paris Tuscany for Two and more. Reserve now for a special treat.
Sailor’s Valentines (make your own shell treasure)
It doesn’t get more romantic than these great works of shell art. Popular from 1830-1890, these treasures were brought back home to a special someone when a sailor returned from a voyage at sea. You can view them on display at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island. shellmuseum.org
You may also purchase a kit from Sanibel Seashell online and with a little imagination, create your own. The kit has everything you need to complete your Valentine along with a booklet of tips to get you started.
seashells.com/collections/crafts/products/sailors-valentine-kit
Adventures in Paradise: Sunset and cupcakes
Feb. 14
239-472-8443
adventureinparadiseinc.com/cruises/holiday-cruises/valentines-day-cruise
Valentine's Day Sunset Dolphin Cruise includes complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and cupcakes. Listen to tropical music as you cruise the tranquil waters along the coastline of Sanibel. Experience of birds flocking to their evening roost, watch dolphins play in the wake, sightsee and learn about the mangrove islands and estuaries. Reservations required.
Sunset with a view
The Mucky Duck at the north end of Captiva Island is a favorite with visitors and locals who claim it has the best sunset views in the area. Aside from British dishes like fish 'n' chips, the menu boasts Florida favorites of grouper sandwiches and Key lime pie. muckyduck.com
Other popular beach locations for catching a sunset include the Fort Myers Beach fishing pier, Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island, the old shipping pier on Boca Grande, Cabbage Key, Bonita Beach, Captiva Island and Lovers Key.
Nostalgic romance: Take a ride on a 1927 carousel in North Fort Myers
The Shell Factory & Nature Park
shellfactory.com
239-995-2141
After a total refurbishment, this 1927 beauty has found a new home and popularity at the Shell Factory and Nature Park in North Fort Myers. Cost: $1 per person. Take a ride with your valentine and enjoy a nostalgic trip to a past era and then go for a bite at Capt’n Fishbones.
A Valentine's Day paddle on the Calusa Blueway
Set out in an easy-to-use tandem kayak with a picnic to a coastal island to celebrate!
The 190-mile Calusa Blueway provides the perfect idea for paddlers looking for a getaway. The trail is not crowded and the area's sugar-sand beaches on barrier islands, such as Sanibel and Captiva, harbor back bays loaded with isolated sandy spots and picturesque mangrove mazes. Two dozen outfitters are available in the area, so it is easy to find a boat that suits your needs and/or hire a guide. Visit calusablueway.com
Leave all your cares behind
Start a shell collection. Relax away the hours. Watch exotic wildlife. Learn why Anne Morrow Lindbergh was inspired to write her best-selling book, Gift from the Sea, while visiting Captiva Island. fortmyers-sanibel.com
Escape all ties to the mainland
Let Captiva Cruises whisk you away to an outer island for lunch on Cabbage Key or Useppa Island. Sunset serenade cruises are also available to capture the beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunsets! captivacruises.com
Push some pedals
Rent bikes and explore 23 miles of paved bike paths on Sanibel Island. There are even bikes for two! Meander through shopping areas, past beautiful Gulf homes and tour diverse parts of the island. Quaint shops and restaurants provide fun rest stops. Wheelchair bikes are available. Check details and maps at sanibeltrails.com/sanibel-bike-paths.aspx
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Editor’s note: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel in Southwest Florida includes Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Fort Myers Beach, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Estero, Cape Coral, Pine Island, Boca Grande & Outer Islands, North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres. For media assistance, visit www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/media-central/. Images available at https://fortmyers-sanibel.photoshelter.com/galleries.
