Because you don’t need to drown your sweetie in calories to show that you care.
Put down the box of chocolates and step away from the chocolate fondue. We’re staging a tiny candy heart intervention and reminding you that this Valentine’s Day, you can do a lot more (and a lot better) than handing your sweetie a high fructose corn syrup laden “Hug Me” message. Plan some good-for-you time for yourself and a date at one of these five FN-approved Valentine’s Day spots.
Sunset and Sweet Melissa’s
Break out of work early and head to Sanibel Island to catch the sunset, find a few shells, and take a picture of you and your sweetheart’s names drawn in the sand. After your stroll, head to Sweet Melissa’s Café. Chef Melissa Talmdage is known for using fresh seasonal produce, meat, and seafood to create a stunning menu. Opt for the small plate option to keep portion size down, and save room for dessert! Truly a treat and a splurge, but with a very romantic atmosphere it’s worth every penny.
See A Full Moon (No, Not That Kind)
The day after Valentine’s Day happens to be a full moon, so postpone your celebration a day and head out with Sweetwater Paddle Sports. These full moon paddles fill up fast, so get your reservations in early. You and a friend (or sweetheart) can learn paddle-boarding basics, then ply the gulf’s bright moonlit waters with a group for a fun, glow-stick optional evening.
Be Good to Your Heart
Pick up your spouse and have an ohm-mazing date at Joyful Yoga and Spa. On February 16th you can be good to your heart and lungs with a breathing workshop. Or call the spa and schedule some reiki or chakra balancing for you and your other half.
Farm to Table
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of Buckingham Farms’ Farm Fresh Friday Menu. Available only on Fridays, you can pick up dinner for two. Be sure to include a salad, since you can actually see the greens growing in the fields as you pull up to the farm. Another option is to surprise your sweetie with tickets to the next Farm to Table Dinner, set for February 22, in the gorgeous, on-site pavilion at Buckingham Farms. A perfect way to socialize and eat well while learning about what is in season locally, and getting to know your farmer.
Get Your Heart Racing
Get your blood pumping with a little 5k action at the Edison Festival of Lights 5k on February 15. And the night before? Enjoy the Crafts on the River and Vintage Market, followed by a slow stroll around Downtown Fort Meyers. Start with dinner outdoors at Ford’s Garage, where you can enjoy a craft beer and yes, truly- a healthy burger. (Order the broccoli instead of fries- trust us, it’s good). For our Naples folks, grab a bite at The Local on Valentine’s Day, one of FN’s favorite restaurants for healthy, delicious food that features local ingredients, then rest those legs for the Paradise Coast Marathon (or half marathon, or 5k, or just volunteer) on February 16. Getting your blood rushing and your heart racing on Valentine’s Day is sure to lead to something- we just hope it’s a little romance and maybe a PR.