by Adele Woodyard
In Florida the month of love and romance may don different hats in the same town. For instance:
Valentine’s Day starts off with a very loud BANG in Daytona Beach. The Daytona 500 NASCAR Sprint Cup kicks off the Series season on February 14. For couples who love the excitement of the race car scene as much (or more?) than each other, there’s a package for “2 + 2 nites + 2 race tickets” that starts at $310. Some hotel rates list from $99/ per night (Heritage Inn) to $399/night at the Acapulco Hotel and Resort. If you really want to be close to the action, the Ramada Speedway offers $425/night, with a four night minimum stay. http://www.daytonabeach.com
Loving couples who prefer to take the quieter champagne/chocolates/flowers route, will find a variety of selections on http://daytonabeach.com/romance_package
Golfing couples can have their Romantic Rendezvous at the Comfort Suite World of Golf Village, in St. Augustine. Located six miles from the downtown historic district, and eight miles from the beaches, an indoor pool offers a dip after a day on the greens. A king suite with lakeview includes a Continental breakfast, and a gift tray with champagne or wine, and chocolates, on arrival. http://www.cswgv.com
One of several places downtown St. Augustine offers for lovers, is a Romantic Suite at the award winning, © 1893 B & B, Cedar House Inn. Price ranges from $259-299; another $199 brings a dozen roses, chocolates, sparkling wine, and a private horse and carriage ride for two, with dinner. Two night minimum on weekends. 800-845-0012; http://www.cedarhouseinn.com. More info on http://www.getaway4florida.com.
A Valentine’s Day weekend at Forever Florida an outdoor couple’s dream. On Saturday, Feb. 13, they can zip over the treetops or ride horseback on dirt trails that cross acres of land inhabited only by wildlife. The day ends with a champagne toast and a 4-course dinner for two. Or for regular prices, they can create their own Sunday package around lunch. Sweetheart zipline pkg,: $210/couple; Horseback pkg.,. $160/couple; Dinner only, $80/couple, tax and gratuity not included. . 4755 N. Kenansville Rd. St. Cloud, 866-854-3839, 407-957-9794; http://www.foreverflorida.com
How about a Valentine Day getaway to Key West on an air-conditioned catamaran? With a full galley, bar, TV and outdoor sun deck? The Sea Key West Express leaves from Fort Myers Beach , but to get the $112 round-trip fare, you need to book 8 days in advance. For reservations and information call 888-539-2628. http://www.seakeywestexpress.com
Another sea going excursion is the Indian River Queen, a triple-deck paddleboat on Florida’s east coast. Although it specializes in private charters and exclusively designed affairs, e.g. weddings, such events as Friday dinner cruises, and Sunday jazz cruises are open to the public. Cocoa Village Marina, 90 Delanney Ave. Cocoa, 800-979-3370; http://www.indianriverqueen.com
Ready to tie the knot? Take a look at Anna Maria Island, the “wedding capital of the Gulf Coast”. Brides-to-be will welcome a visit to the town’s 3rd Annual Wedding Festival, Sunday, February 28, 2010. A complementary limo and beach trolley service ferries them to sites where, amid live music, wine and cheese and catering tastings, are hair and makeup demos, fashion shows, a mock wedding, and more .$7 for a pre-event brunch from 9 to11 a.m.(pre-register); $10 at door for the main event 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Chamber of Commerce, 5313 Gulf Dr. N., Holmes Beach, 941-778-1541; http://www.amiweddingfestival.com.
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