Valentine’s Day in Tampa

With Valentine’s Day only four short days ahead, I wanted to compile a list of things to do to make sure your loved one feels all the love you have to give. While I personally have never been an advocate for Hallmark Holidays, this one seems important to my wife and thus I’m going to accommodate her.

Things to Buy – Chocolates

If you’re looking for sweets for your sweet, I highly recommend one of the many local confectionaries who cater to your sweet tooth.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory
408 S Howard Ave, Tampa – (813) 259-1099

Choxotica Chocolate
3802 Ehrlich Rd Ste 103, Tampa – (813) 264-8000

Debbie’s Chocolate Delight
2086 W Busch Blvd, Tampa – (813) 933-7377

Things to Buy – Flowers

Nothing captures the symbolism of love more than roses, and there’s one name in Tampa Bay that sticks out as having some of the most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen. Prices starting at $29.99 and going up to $399, Jennie’s Flowers on Columbus is the go-to shop for your botanical gift.

Jennie’s Flowers
2730 W Columbus Drive
Tampa FL
813-872-8441
http://www.jenniesflorist.com/tampa-florist/valentines-day-flowers-94c.asp

Things to Do

Gasparilla Knight Parade – The roughest and most crazy part of the Gasparilla may not be for the faint of heart, but my wife and I are going to brave it anyway. If you’re looking for something with less romance and more… well.. boobs and debotchery, this might be your ticket. Here’s the parade route:

Lavish Love Feast Wine Tasting – Whole Foods on Dale Mabry (1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa FL 33607) is offering a free wine tasting event for lovers on Valentine’s Day. The event runs 1PM-4PM.

Places to Eat

High End: The Melting Pot – Fondue Lovers Rejoice! Three Bay Area Locations are here to serve you. For around $100, you and your partner can enjoy a course of cheese and chocolate.

13164 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL
(813) 962-6936

3689 Tampa Road
Oldsmar, FL
(813) 854-4691

2221 4th St. N
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 895-6358

The Columbia Restaurant (2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, 813-248-4961) – Florida’s Oldest Spanish Restaurant. Fine dining, one of a kind columbian style. Dinner for two should run about $100-130.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House ( 1700 N. Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, 813-282-1118) – My favorite Steakhouse. Tampa’s branch does not disappoint. Whether you want Steak or Lobster or other high end items, Ruth’s Chris is a good bet. Dinner for two should run about $100-130.

Mid End: StreetCar Charlies. This is where me and my wife are going to go, as we’ll already be in Ybor for the Gasparilla Knight Parade. This place looks to be a lot of fun, they have a pretty diverse menu and they cater to the gay community, so no matter what kind of relationship you have, you’ll feel comfortable in StreetCar Charlies. Dinner for two should run about $50-60.

After The Night Out

Todd’s Couples Store (13417 N Nebraska Ave; Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 971-0007) – Everything you need for “after hours adults-only” home entertainment to finish off a great Valentine’s Day.

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