Every February 14, the nation celebrates all things love. The stores are decked out in shades of pink and red, chocolate and flowers line the shelves, and couples everywhere make plans for a memorable Valentine’s Day. You may be the type of couple who finds staying at home in your pajamas with pizza and a movie the most romantic option (and trust me, we respect that), but if instead you see Valentine’s Day as a chance to hit the town, this post is for you. Because St. Augustine is a pretty romantic city, and there’s much more than just dinner dates on the table for the couple (or group of friends!) that want to have an adventure. So get out and experience something new in St. Augustine this Valentine’s Day.
TRY SOME UNFORGETTABLE DINING
Okay, we do have to get the dinner date option out of the way, because St. Augustine is home to some pretty amazing restaurants. Even just a reservation at one of these will make for a memorable Valentine’s Day. Collage regularly makes it onto “Most Romantic Restaurants” lists; Michael’s has a to-die-for menu; The Reef and Cap’s on the Water have unbeatable views; Llama is cozy and unique…we could go on for ages. You’ll also find lots of restaurants with special prix fixe menus for the holiday. You can’t go wrong with any of the local spots – but tables fill up fast, so make your reservation sooner rather than later.
LAUGH AND LOVE AT AN IMPROV SHOW
An unscripted romantic comedy, 3 Blind Dates follows three single ladies through a round of speed dating and the dates that occur as a result. The twist? The audience selects which speed dater goes on a date with each of the ladies. And if you bring along some of your favorite dating stories, they just might make it into the show.
LEARN TO COOK FOR PASTA
If you’d rather be a little more self-sufficient and take home a new skill, book a couple seats for A. Chef’s Cooking Studio’s Valentines Pasta 101 class. There’s nothing more romantic (or delicious) than fresh pasta, and Chef Andrea Rosenblatt’s classes are a delight. You and your partner or friends can dig your hands into pasta dough and emerge with a meal you’ll want to make over and over again. And if your Valentine’s Day is booked up, you can take the same class the next day.
BOOK A SPECIAL SPA DAY
Take relaxation to a romantic level with a special spa treatment at the Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. These Valentine’s Day treatments include Love is in the Air (a complimentary aromatherapy upgrade to any massage); a Couple’s Massage (where couples will receive a complimentary glass of bubbles and chocolate covered strawberries to enjoy poolside after their service); and the Wine Down Facial (masks, serums, tonics, moisturizers, and a post-facial glass of wine poolside). If you want to take a little drive, the Spa at Omni Amelia Island Plantation is offering a special Cupid’s Cupcake Pedicure, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers the Wrap to Remember (a two and a half hour bath and wrap experience).
TAKE A SAIL ON THE SCHOONER FREEDOM
We can personally attest that there is something profoundly peaceful about sitting on the deck of the Schooner Freedom. Wind whipping your hair, floating by St. Augustine’s gorgeous skyline, the sky lit up with the deep hues of a setting sun – this sail is all kinds of special. And it promises to be even more special with both a Sunset Sail and a Moonlight Sail on Valentine’s Day. You can experience the golden hour glow or the quiet even light as you sip on some wine next to your love.
DANCE YOUR HEART OUT (NO MATTER YOUR RELATIONSHIP STATUS)
Whether you’re single, taken, or “it’s complicated,” you can join in celebrating loving yourself at The Valentine Dance. Hennessy Events is teaming up with Classic Blends to create a one-night-only Valentine Themed Pop-Up Bar on The Deck at Push Push Salon. There will be sweets, cocktail/beer/wine stations, photo stations (for that perfect Insta pic), and, of course, your favorite tunes.
TASTE AND TOUR THROUGH DOWNTOWN
There are so many delicious destinations in downtown St. Augustine that it’s hard to just pick one to enjoy. Luckily, you don’t have to. The Tasting Tours is offering three different tours on Valentine’s Day weekend for you to explore the culinary creations of the city. The Carriage, Bubbly, & Dessert tour invites you to a romantic carriage ride with a glass of wine and a decadent dessert; the Food & Wine Pairing Tour starts with a champagne toast and ends with dessert – with a culinary stroll in between; the Gal-entine Celebration says abandon the romance and bring your best friends instead!
GET CREATIVE AND SPIN SOME POTTERY
Hosted by the St. Augustine Art Association, working with the clay – and each other – you’ll learn design techniques and construction methods for porcelaneous stoneware while sipping on wine and munching on tasty charcuteries. It’s a perfect intro class and a way to do something crafty and creative with your Valentine. If you’re super into that Demi Moore/Patrick Swayze scene from Ghost (no judgment), this is the Valentine’s Day activity for you.
How are you spending your Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments below! Featured image by Brian Miller.
