Four things to make your Valentine’s Day sweeter

Alert, alert: Valentine’s Day is in a week. So whether you’re single or in a relationship, if you want to completely ignore this holiday’s existence, or hang out with your girlfriends or guy pals, it’s a day to celebrate those you love. Here are a few last-minute ideas to make Valentine’s Day special:

9^th Annual Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival

Feb. 12 from 1-9p
We have a sweet tooth so this festival is calling our name. Chocolate popcorn, donuts, sundaes, shakes and more. We’ll wear our stretchy pants! The 9th annual Tampa Bay Chocolate Festival will at Egypt Shriners, 5017 East Washington St. in downtown Tampa. The event is free and open to the public.

Vegetarian, gluten free, keto and paleo options will be available at the event. Both savory and sweet, this chocolaty-themed festival will host several food trucks that will offer their normal menu items as well as signature sweet treats. There will also be a showcase of local craft vendors.

A few of the announced food vendors:
Ralph's Chocolate Delights
Mini Mouthful Donuts
Ipop Gourmet Popcorn
Tacos Y Snacks El Indio
Jimmy Bodean's BBQ
Hott Mess
That's Kickin Chicken!
The Kake Shoppe
Mad Beach Chocolates
Sundae Factory
Frios Gourmet Pops
Just Cause Chocolate
RoseMary's Lemonade Stand
Cotton Kraze Gourmet Flavored Cotton Candy
Whats Shakin Gourmet Milkshakes

Galentine’s Build Your Own Bouquet

Feb. 14 from 6-8p
Grab your girlfriends and head to Amature Works on Valentine’s night (6-8p) to build a beautiful flower arrangement. Tickets are $60 and include flowers and supplies for 1 arrangement, instructions and complimentary wine. Tickets available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/galentines-build-your-own-bouquet-tickets-247255817807

The Tampa Theatre

Love is in the air! But so is COVID. The city’s most romantic movie palace has got you covered! Here are a few options to shine the spotlight on your Valentine.

Love In Lights ($50): Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake for your favorite movie fan! For a $50 donation to support Tampa Theatre, you will receive a digital image of your message of love in lights on our historic marquee. There are three styles to choose from, and orders are due by noon on Friday, Feb. 12 to guarantee delivery before the 14th.

“TT & Chill” Date Box ($99 public, $89 TT members): Remember the spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp? The cocoa-covered sparks between Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche in Chocolat? Good food + good film can turn your couch into the most romantic date night in town. Your box includes a personalized, framed Love in Lights keepsake print (see above); premium dried pasta from Alessi and a jar of sauce from our neighborhood partner Bavaro’s; sweet treats from our newest downtown neighbor, Peterbrooke Chocolatier; a Mystery Bottle of wine (valued at $10-$100); a shareable bag of Tampa Theatre’s famous popcorn; a link to stream Leona, a romantic new feature from the Tampa Theatre Virtual Cinema program; and some Valentine’s Day goodies to set the mood. Boxes must be ordered by noon on Friday, Feb. 12, and can be picked up curbside under the Tampa Theatre marquee between 11:00am-1pm Feb. 13 or 14.

“Happily Ever After” Proposal Package ($250): Have you found the perfect co-star and want to pop the question? Let Tampa Theatre provide the perfect backdrop for your proposal! For a $250 donation, we’ll put your personalized proposal message up on our historic marquee for an hour so you can surprise your sweetheart with a walk-up or drive-by reveal. You’ll also receive one of our “TT & Chill” boxes (above) to celebrate your first Valentine’s Day as fiancé(e)s, and a bottle of champagne to toast your happily-ever-after Hollywood love story. If any of our readers do this option, please send us a pix!

Yacht StarShip Valentine’s Dinner Cruises

If you’re looking for something unique this Valentine’s Day, wine and dine your Valentine aboard Yacht StarShip for a romantic meal and a fun cruise around the waterways of Tampa or Clearwater. With brunch, lunch and dinner cruises all weekend long, plus on Valentine’s Day, we have something for everyone. Enjoy delicious cuisine, intimate seating, spectacular views and dancing under the stars.

From Tampa
Dinner cruise: Treat your date to a 3-course fixed dinner, open bar, 2-hour cruise & DJ entertainment with dancing. Dinner cruises depart February 11-13-14 at 7p. Prices starting at $79.95 per adult, $54.95 per child.

VIP dinner cruise: Includes a 4-course fixed dinner, open premium bar, 2.5-hour cruise, one long-stemmed rose, boarding photo & DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. All guests must be 21+.  VIP cruises are Feb. 11-14 at 6:30pm. Prices starting at $99.95 per person.

Brunch Cruise: Includes brunch, 2-hour cruise, and DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. $10 unlimited mimosas option available. Feb. 12 & 13 at noon. Prices starting at $69.95 per adult, $54.95 per child.

Valentine’s Day lunch cruise: Includes lunch, 2-hour cruise, and DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. Feb. 14 at noon. Prices starting at $79.95 per adult, $54.95 per child.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate & Champagne Cruises: Includes dessert bar, unlimited Champagne, 1.5-hour cruise and DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. Must be 21+. Cruises at 5p and 7:30p. Prices starting at $59.95.

Valentine’s Day Happy Hour Cruise: Includes hand-passed appetizers, open bar, unlimited Champagne, 1.5-hour cruise and DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. Feb. 14 at 3pm (21+). Prices start at $59.95.

From ClearwaterLunch Cruises: Includes lunch buffet, open bar, 2-hour cruise & DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. Feb. 12 & 13 at noon. Prices starting at $69.95 per adult, $44.95 per child.

Dinner Cruises: Includes dinner buffet, open bar, 2-hour cruise & DJ entertainment with dancing on the top deck. Feb. 11-14 at 4:30p or 7:30p. Prices starting at $69.95 per adult, $54.95 per child.