FEATURE
Valentine’s Day can be more than a bouquet or a box of chocolates. In South Florida, it can be a chocolate cherry pedicure, a live serenade at the local blues club, or even an Andrea Bocelli concert at the Bank Atlantic Center.
These are just a few of the options you, and your significant other if you have one, can enjoy this Feb. 14.
Of course, if you’re single, Valentine’s Day can be a time to catch up with friends, go out on the town, or meet potential dates.
Or, grab a few friends and try something like wine tasting or devoting the night to baking brownies and cookies.
Oral Fullerton, a junior business management major, said, “If I don’t have a significant other, I’ll go out and have dinner with friends.”
Along the same lines, Joanna Dejesus, a continuing education student studying to be a paralegal, said, “I might have dinner with my sister or watch a movie with my mom. If they aren’t around I will probably watch love-related movies.”
On the other hand, being in a relationship on Valentine’s Day can be extra-special if you know where to go or what to do. Neli Pencheva, a sophomore management information systems major, said that being from Bulgaria, Feb. 14 actually falls on a Bulgarian holiday. This holiday is a celebration of wine known as the day of St. Trifon Zarezan.
She said, “It would be nice to find someone to go wine-tasting with on that day.”
For those of us who don’t really buy into such manufactured holidays, it can simply be treated like a regular weekday.
Alethea Perez, a second-degree sophomore graphic design major, said, “We don’t really do anything special on Valentine’s Day … instead, me and my boyfriend just hang out and treat it like any old day.”
Sarah Keller, a junior political science major, said, “I think every day should be a day of love, not just Feb. 14.” Keller thinks Valentine’s Day is hard on nontraditional couples, but that a day of general love is a good thing.
Exploring a new restaurant or taking a quiet stroll through the park are good options, but remember, effort counts. Even making a gift or a romantic home-cooked meal is sweet. If you’re more spontaneous, maybe surprise your significant other with tickets to a concert or a play.
With so many choices right in the local area, it’s easy to pick a place to make this Valentine’s Day memorable.
5 Locations to go out to on Valentine’s Day
1) Revolution Live
100 SW 3rd Ave. Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
954-727-0950
V-day event – Lover’s Choice Concert with Sanchez and Wayne Wonder on Feb. 13th
[Source – www.jointherevolution.net]
Revolution is a live music venue with standing room only, so if you come for this concert be in a dancing mood or at least be prepared to stand. There will be an open champagne bar from 7 to 8 p.m. Ticket details can be found at www.jointherevolution.net
2) BB King’s Blues Club
550 S Rosemary Ave. Suite 236 West Palm Beach, FL 33401
561-420-8600
V-day special – Sweetheart menu consisting of 3 courses accompanied by a live serenade (menu online) & for singles there will be “Deena and Chad’s UnHappy Hour” where door prizes, drink specials and the chance to meet other singles will be taking place on Feb 12th from 7 to 9 p.m.
BB King’s is known for its Southern menu and live music. Less intimate setting, but perfect for dancing. There is a dress code that states no baggy clothes.
3) Seasons 52
2300 NW Executive Center Drive (On Glades Road) Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-998-9952
V-day Reservations are currently being accepted (menu is the same)
The ambiance is intimate and the menu is seasonal, so this place is better for a quiet dinner and some good conversation with your loved one.
4) Bliss Salon and Spa
17940 N Military Trail Boca Raton, FL 33496
561-988-8989
V-day specials – A chocolate cherry spa pedicure and a chocolate cherry facial
[Source – Sharon Overton, Owner and stylist]
According to customer reviews, the space is relaxing and the staff is pleasant and professional. Bliss is like being on vacation without having to travel out of Florida.
5) Blue Martini
6000 Glades Road, Suite C-1380 (In Town Center Mall) Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-910-2583
http://www.bluemartinilounge.com
V-day specials – They will be collecting a $5 donation for the Angels Pediatric Heart House and with that donation, you get an entry into a drawing for various prizes and a complimentary RED champagne cocktail and chocolate fountain. It will be on Feb. 12th from 8-11 p.m.
Blue Martini is a bar setting better suited for singles. They have an extensive drink menu, but be prepared because everything here is a bit higher in price. They have food too.
a few helpful tips:
> Don’t forget the small things such as making reservations beforehand.
> Find out if the restaurant you’re planning to go to has a different menu for that night.
> Depending on the weather, even stargazing under a blanket and cooking outdoors on a grill can be a nice and welcome change.
> If you plan to go out dancing, wear comfortable shoes.
> If you are going out on the town, have a little cash handy for parking.
