Valentine's Day in South Florida

With only 7 days left until the big day we thought some of you might need a little help in the romance department. So we asked our friends and neighbors for their top romantic tips.

TIP 1: It's not about the money spent but rather about the thought and planning.
For tighter budgets, think about starting the day off with a morning beach walk and a less-than-impromptu beverage picnic of strawberry shakes adorned with heart shaped fruit and cupid stir sticks.

Stir things up even further by going to a beach you don't often go to. There are so many wonderful beaches around here.

TIP 2: If you're planning on a dinner out, make sure you make reservations as soon as possible. Romantic restaurants aren't all that common down here so the one's that are get booked up fast for February 14th.

Not sure where to go? Our romantic restaurant suggestions.

• In Fort Lauderdale, we like Galanga in Wilton Manors (had a very romantic meal there once), Grill 66 at the Hyatt, or da Campo Osteria on the intracoastal.
• Feel like venturing further away? In Miami, nothing beats the Villa by Barton G in the old Versace Mansion for romance and in Palm Beach, Cafe Boulud.

TIP 3: Gallantry, chocolate and flowers never go out of style. Sure, it's a little corny but what better day is there to bring out the old 'corn-dog'?

TIP 4: Do something different--it's a NO routine day! Turn off the TV, cell phone, etc.. or when coming home from work, instead of just walking in, ring the doorbell and wait for the door to be opened and greet your love with a single flower and a bottle of champagne.

TIP 5: Write your thoughts and feelings down in a love letter and present it to that special someone in your life. Priceless!

Valentine's day is not about spending money, it's about connecting with your partner in a special way on a special day.

Your love doesn't start and end on February 14th. The day's just there to remind us all NOT to take each other for granted the way we often do the other 364 days a year.


Still a little stuck for something to do on Feb. 14th around Fort Lauderdale? Check out some of the other pages on our site, they may just inspire you to come up with your own romantic South Florida celebration.