SARASOTA, Fla., Jan. 31, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This Valentine's Day, why give box of chocolates or Hallmark greeting when you can plan a getaway, say "I do" (again) and find new, creative ways to impress your loved one in sunny Sarasota, Florida.
Say "I Do" Again
For more than 25 years, hundreds of couples have flocked to Siesta Key to participate in "Say 'I Do' Again," an annual marriage renewal ceremony that has become a local tradition.
Couples can reaffirm their love against a sunset backdrop on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 6 to 7 p.m. Judge Becky Titus will perform the non-denominational service, and the cost is just $5 per couple.
The ceremony will take place at the Siesta Key Beach Pavilion, located at 948 Beach Rd. Light refreshments will be provided. In order to participate, couples must pre-register by February 12. Call (941) 861-5000 for more information.
Valentine Stroll
"Everyone gets a kiss" on Thursday, February 14, 2013 from 5 to 8 p.m., during the annual Siesta Key Village Valentine Stroll.
Browse in the boutiques or grab drinks at the bars and restaurants, all while listening to live music and munching on candy kisses from local merchants. If you're in need of some extra loving, donate a dollar for a hug, or get a free kiss at the gazebo. Face painting is available for the kids, and flowers will be available for purchase.
Free trolley service will run from the Siesta Key Public Beach parking lot to the Village from 4:30-8:30 p.m., thanks to the Siesta Key Island Trolley and the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar. For more details, visit www.siestakeyvillage.org or call (941) 685-2274.
Celebrate with Chocolate
The Longboat Key Club and Resort is celebrating Chocolate Month this February, with activities including a complimentary Hot Chocolate Bar in the lobby daily, complimentary chocolate fondue on Friday and Saturday evening, a Chocolate Firepit Beach Barbecue complete with s'mores, Whiskey Lovers Chocolate Chef's Table, Truffle Tasting Seminar and more.
The resort's Island House Spa is also celebrating cocoa, with special treatments including the "Triple Shot Caramel Coffee Scrub" for $99 per person which features a unique dark chocolate serum of cacao and honey-based moisturizer infused with vitamins and fruit extracts. For couples, "Chocolate Decadence for Two" starts with a bourbon and brown sugar scrub followed by a Chocolate Infused Signature Facial, Heavenly Meltdown Pedicure, dark chocolate truffle serum massage and a glass of champagne, all for $300 per person. In addition, the spa is offering a 10 percent discount on all couples suite services. For more information, visit www.longboatkeyclub.com or call (941) 383-8821.
Sail Away
Few experiences are more romantic than sailing at sunset with Kathleen D Sailing Charters. Couples are encouraged to bring a bottle of wine to share on the boat while soaking up the scenery.
All cruises depart from the Twin Dolphin Marina in nearby Bradenton. For more information, visit www.kathleend.net, call (941) 870-4349 or e-mail dellkathleen@gmail.com.
Wine, Dine and Learn to Cook
Renowned romantic restaurant Euphemia Haye is holding cooking classes with Chef Raymond Arpke January 25 - May 8, 2013 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on scheduled dates. Classes include wine pairings, cooking instructions, copies of the menu and the meal itself, along with banana bread and signature coffee.
The menu for the Lesson Luncheon on February 20, 2013, the date closest to Valentine's Day, includes eggs Orleans with smoked ham and sauce Choron; chicken, shrimp and Andouille sausage gumbo; and strawberries Romanoff.
Classes are $60 per person and reservations are required. Both amateur cooks and experienced chefs are welcome. Euphemia Haye is located at 5540 Gulf of Mexico Dr., Longboat Key. For details, call (941) 383-3633 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit www.euphemiahaye.com.
Other restaurants offering Valentine's Day specials include Sam Snead's (1830 S. Osprey Ave., Suite 100, Sarasota), which will have a specially priced menu, and the Polo Grill and Bar (10670 Boardwalk Loop, Lakewood Ranch), which will feature a three-course meal for $50 per person. For more information, visit www.samsneadssarasota.com and www.pologrillandbar.com.
About Sarasota County
Located on Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast, Sarasota County offers a vibrant arts and cultural scene, a diverse array of culinary experiences and a variety of opportunities to take advantage of the clear waters and the great outdoors. Sarasota County provides the quintessential, laid-back beach getaway with numerous sprawling, white-sand beaches, including Siesta Key Beach, named "America's Best Beach" in 2011 by Stephen Leatherman, aka, Dr. Beach. Dubbed "Home of the American Circus," Sarasota County served as the headquarters for the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus for 75 years, and visitors can experience its unique circus heritage first-hand by following the circus trail or catching a performance by one of two local circus companies. For more information on visiting Sarasota County, visit www.visitsarasota.org or call (800) 522-9799.