Romantic Florida
For some, the road to romance may lead to feeling a little lost. Let us offer a bit of direction to romantic getaways right here in Florida. Some near, some far, but all sure to guide you to a romantic vacation you won’t soon forget.
HEAD OVER HEELS UP NORTH
Situated on a quiet cul-de-sac on Scenic Highway 98 in Destin, Florida, the Henderson Park Inn is a 35 room, adult-only resort that promises a relaxing and refreshing vacation. This all-inclusive, New England style bed and breakfast welcomes guests with wine, fresh fruit, and flowers and offers full breakfasts and gourmet boxed lunches to eat wherever you so desire. Private terraces overlooking the Gulf of Mexico offer intimate sunsets, while the large veranda offers complimentary sunset beer and wine happy hour. The staff at the inn has anticipated every desire so guests can put away their car keys and forget the rest of the world exists. It’s the perfect place for a romantic beach vacation.
EAT
Beach Walk Café at Henderson Park Inn offers the only waterfront fine dining in Destin. The spicy smoked tomato and shrimp soup is unlike anything you’ve had before and the New Zealand Venison is a staple that guests shouldn’t miss.
THINGS TO DO
Lounge on the beach, enjoy a bike ride, venture out for a day trip to the adorable town of Seaside about 30 minutes away.
RATES
There are many options to fit any kind of budget. From the Mini Suite with a coastline view from $139-$369 to the most luxurious accommodations of the Presidential Suite ranging $369-$609. Visit their website www.hendersonparkinn.com to book your romantic getaway.
SLIP DOWN SOUTH TO THE KEYS
An upscale 16 suite hotel located on Islamorada with the casual spirit of the Caribbean, Casa Morada provides its guests the seclusion of a private tropical island with the convenience of being located only minutes away from some of the best dining and outdoor activities in the Florida Keys. This tropical oasis is the perfect place to escape and leave the world behind.
EAT
Offering a unique menu of French Fusion cuisine with World influences, Pierre’s Restaurant prides itself in perfecting simple dishes. Their Florida Keys Hogfish Meuniere with fregola sarda, wilted Swiss chard & sautéed spaghetti squash is not a complex dish, but is divine in its execution. Patrons are sure to be wooed by the elegant yet relaxed fine dining just a quick drive away at mile marker 81.6 Bayside. For reservations call (305) 664-3225.
THINGS TO DO
Relax with a massage, be transformed with yoga, play a game of bocce ball, take a dip with the dolphins at the Theater of the Sea.
RATES
There are many options to fit any kind of budget. From the Mini Suite with a coastline view from $139-$369 to the most luxurious accommodations of the Presidential Suite ranging $369-$609. Visit their website www.hendersonparkinn.com to book your romantic getaway.
SCOOT ON OVER TO THE WEST
Let Mother Nature take your breath away with her magnificent sunsets as you walk hand in hand on the beaches of the Casa Ybel Resort located on Sanibel Island. With a well-rooted past into the 1880’s, the resort offers a getaway with elegance and serenity. All suites come with the convenience of a full kitchen for those wanting to stay in along with a private lanai or balcony to take in the serene views of the beach. The resort is a sure way to feel like you are in your own vacation beach home.
EAT
Recognized as one of Sanibel’s most romantic restaurants, the Thistle Lodge Restaurant onsite at the Casa Ybel Resort presents a menu with Floridian, European, and Asian influences. Try the signature lobster bisque, banana leaf-steamed whole yellowtail snapper, and the Mid-west dry-aged steaks.
THINGS TO DO
Enjoy spectacular sunsets, do the “Sanibel Stoop” for some magnificent shells, challenge your sweetheart to a game of tennis, indulge in a couple’s massage, explore beaches of their smaller neighbor to the north, Captiva Island, catch sight of migrating birds at J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the nation’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem.
RATES
The beachfront 1 bedroom king suite is $559/ night from Feb 17- April 13 with a 2 night minimum. Add champagne and chocolate covered strawberries to your reservation for $50 for a romantic treat. Start planning your vacation at www.casaybelresort.com.
NOT ENOUGH TIME FOR AN OVERNIGHT STAY?
St. Augustine There’s nothing more romantic than a carriage ride through the oldest city in the nation, except horseback riding down the beach of the oldest city. Contact County Carriages at 904-826-1982 for your reservation. Carriage rides range from $85-$125 and horseback riding starts at $75/person.
Downtown Orlando Add some whimsy to your romance with a swan ride on Lake Eola. Rentals out of the Lake Eola Café are $12/ half hour for you and your sweetie to paddle out and around the beautiful floating fountain. For more info call 407-232-0111.
Daytona Beach Looking for a little nostalgia? Head down to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk for a ride on the Ferris wheel or a spin on the Tilt-O-Whirl. Tickets range from $3-$5 per person. Play some arcade games, eat some salt water taffy from Zeno’s, and really feel young at heart together.
