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Romantic Spots and Things to do for Valentines Day in Sanford

It’s time to plan your Valentine’s Day weekend in Sanford, and as every year, we are here to help. So whether you are into creative date ideas or want to keep things simple, this is your go-to guide for all things romance in Sanford.

Please be sure to check back often since we will be adding new events and ideas as we learn about them…

It’s time for another Sanford365 Giveaway – and it’s not just a date night, it’s a date weekend! That means multiple date destinations that you can use this Valentine’s Day weekend in Sanford!

HAPPY VALENTINE'SBIG VALENTINE’S DAY Giveaway

Congratulations Donna Kottler on winning  a prize package worth $250 to spend Valentine’s Day weekend in Sanford!

The lucky winner was announced February 10th, 2015!

Valentine's Day Sanford 2015

Movies

Let’s start with the most obvious quick-fix Valentine’s date idea. I have to admit, when I was younger I wouldn’t have been very intrigued by the idea of going to the movies, but ever since we have kids, it’s the simple things in life that make me happy – and I haven’t been to the movies in over a year (not counting a couple of kids movies… Frozen anyone?). So, a good movie with a bucket of popcorn to share in a quiet, comfortable movie theater might be just the right thing for any busy parent out there…

In Sanford, choose UA 10 at the Seminole Town Center. You might want to turn the date into a movie and dinner date so below follows a list of romantic restaurants in Sanford.

  • UA 10 Sanford at Seminole Town Center, 430 Towne Center Cir Sanford, FL 32771

BUT… if you are into a bit of a fancier, yet – in true Sanford style – down to earth movie event, how about a short film festival? Walk the red carpet at the 5th Annual Love Your Shorts Film Festival! I have attended every single one and cannot recommend this event enough. It has truly grown into one of Sanford’s best events and is visited every year by hundreds of movie lovers and international (!) film makers. This year even includes a free education day (Feb 12) for the movie maker geek in you! Later that day (7pm) there will be a free screening of a selection of student films from STARTFEST: Florida Student Film Festival. at the Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center.

Details:

Love Your Shorts Sanford 2014Love Your Shorts Film Festival

When: Thursday, Feb 12 – Sunday, Feb 15

Where: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 Magnolia Ave, Sanford FL

What: The 5th annual short film festival that makes Sanford the destination for national and international film makers! Don’t miss this wonderful selection of short films! During the festival, film fans can view films up to 30 minutes each in a variety of categories and attend film workshops. At the end of each category block the audience gets to vote for their favorite film and the winner will be awarded the “Monroe”, a piece of metal art work. On the last day of the festival all films will be shown in the Best of Fest Category and the Best of the Festival award will be given as decided by a panel of judges.

Admission:

  • Tickets are sold per film block and are $8, except for “E” for Everyone, which is $2 per ticket.
  • You can also purchase a Weekend Pass for $55 which gets you in to all film blocks.

More Info: Visit the official film festival website

Here’s a little review of LYS opening night 2014

Theatre & Art & Music

Princess Theater Sanford FL

Another idea is taking your sweet Valentine to an art event, the theatre or to a music concert (of course, just as above, there’s always the optional romantic dinner or lunch for two to add to the date).

  • There are two plays in town Valentine’s Day weekend: “Radio Golf” and “The King and I
  • How about a visit at one of Sanford’s many Art Galleries? Just walk down First Street Downtown and you will stumble upon a lot of beautiful and local art! Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery even has a special exhibit in the gallery: “The Colors of Love”
  • Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Wops Hops Beer Garden while listening to the Aloha sounds of Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee
  • Dance the night away to Sanford’s hottest Salsa rhythms at Valentine’s Noche Latina
  • Enjoy a little Valentine’s Day Blues (the good kind!) at The Alley in Sanford! Hear the Selwyn Birchwood Band live!
  • Rather unconventional but how about a good old concert? West End’s 2nd Saturdays goes Valentine’s on February 14th…

Details:

Radio Golf

When: Feb. 13 & 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 15 at 2 p.m.

Where: Seminole State College – Building G at the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus, 100 Weldon Boulevard, Sanford

What: Radio Golf, By August Wilson

In the conclusion to his acclaimed “Pittsburgh Cycle,” Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson explores the events leading up to a development project meant to rejuvenate Pittsburgh’s Hill District. Protagonist Harmond Wilkes encounters unforeseen complications when one homeowner refuses to sell his property. With millions of dollars at stake, the ensuing legal battle exposes cold deception, shady backroom dealings and broken friendships.

Seminole State’s Fine Arts Department made the commitment to produce all 10 plays in Wilson’s “Pittsburgh Cycle,” starting with “Two Trains Running” in 2006. “Radio Golf” is the final installment in the series.

Admission: Individual tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and non-Seminole State students; and FREE for faculty,
staff and currently enrolled Seminole State students.

More Info: Ticket and subscription information: http://www.seminolestate.edu/arts/events/boxoffice

The King and I

When: Feb 13, 14, 15 – Fr, Sat, Sun 7:30pm and Sundays 2pm

Where: Princess Theater, 115 West First Street, Sanford FL

What: Spotlight Theatre of Central Florida presents “The King and I”

“The King and I” is a musical based on the 1944 novel Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon. The musical tells the story of Anna, a British schoolteacher hired as part of the king’s drive to modernize his country. The relationship between the King and Anna is one of conflict but also love that neither of them can admit. This is the fourth longest-running Broadway musical in history!

Admission: Adults $15, children $12

More Info: Tickets: www.Spotlightcfl.org or call 407-542-4526

colors-of-loveThe Colors of Love 

When: February 7 – March 1, Tue-Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 12-5pm

Where: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery

What: Love is in the air! Join us as we welcome Theresa Disney for her annual winter visit and the debut of her 2015 collection. Colors will pop and you’re sure to feel a smile spread across your face. Meet Theresa in the gallery at the opening reception, Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10am to 4pm.

Admission: Free

More Info: 407.323.2774

Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee at Wops Hops

When: February 14th at 8pm

Where: Wops Hops Brewing Company, 419 S Sanford Ave, Sanford FL

What: Sarah Maisel and Craig Chee

Admission: $50 per couple (includes concert, bottle of champagne and a delicious cheese, fruit and dessert platter. For concert only admission fee of $15

More Info: Advance tickets/RSVP at 407-878-7819

Salsa Rhythm Valentine’s Noche Latina

When: February 13th from 9:30pm-2am

Where: MONROE’S BALLROOM, 530 N. PALMETTO AVE, Sanford FL

What: Salsa Rhythm presents Papo Santiago’s GRUPO KONGALAYA 4 from Ventanas al Jazz performing live at our VALENTINES NOCHE LATINA at MONROE’S BALLROOM overlooking beautiful Lake Monroe near the Sanford Florida Marina.

An elegant and sophisticated ambiance for adults, a smoke-free environment, FREE parking, all-night drink specials, and a sleek wooden dance floor for the most demanding of dancers. Enjoy the best in Salsa, Bachata, Merengue and Cha-cha! Also featuring Deltona’s very own, DJ GEORGIE and his hot Latin Mixes. Proper attire is required.

Admission: $10

More Info: Reserve your table at 321-279-4014.

Valentine’s Day Blues Concert

When: February 14th, 9pm

Where: The Alley, 114 S Park Ave, Sanford FL

What: Experience Selwyn Birchwood (winner of the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge and the Albert King Guitarist of the Year Award in 2013) live for an evening of world class blues.

Admission: $10

More info: The Alley on Facebook or (407) 328-4848

Valentine’s 2nd Saturday

When: February 14th, 7pm

Where: West End Trading Co. 202 S Sanford Ave, Sanford, Florida 32771

What: OrlandoBands.com is proud to present Second Saturdays in Sanford, featuring two stages of live entertainment. Unbeatable drink and food specials, along with tons of fun and a night to remember! 18+ , under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Admission: Tickets are $5 (advance/day of show).

More Info: See a list of all bands here.

Dinner

Below is a list of a couple of romantic restaurants/dining spots and a special dessert place suggestion in downtown Sanford.

 

The Breezeway (112 E 1st St. – 407-878-1284): Currently the most romantic outdoor dining spot in downtown Sanford, we just love the covered courtyard!

Chianti’s (685 Towne Center Blvd – 407-878-5900): This cute little Italian restaurant may be located in a plaza but still exudes romance. On top of that, Chianti’s has partnered up with the Sanford Flower shop to offer a variety of roses that will be waiting for you on your “Valentines Day” Table. Guys, here is an opportunity to show your sweetheart how much she means to you! Call for your reservation and to pick your bouquet!

Hollerbach’s Willow Tree Cafe (205 E First Street – Call 407 321 2204 or E-mail: Reservations@Hollerbachs.com): Due to its super entertaining beer hall atmosphere, everyone’s favorite German restaurant might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a romantic evening, but Hollerbach’s team has thought up something Valentine’s Day worthy that is hard to resist (be sure to call NOW for a reservation because this event will sell out!) As part of their Fasching schedule Hollerbach’s is offering a night of romance… and polka! Join Jimmy and Eckhard for a night of dancing and merriment. Couples should wear fancy red clothes!

The Imperial at Washburn Imports (116 E 1st St – 407-322-1449): Well, yes, we know this is Sanford’s famous craft cocktail bar where you can sip your favorite libations on Central Florida’s most unique furniture. How about doing all this while enjoying a slice of pizza from your favorite downtown pizza spots (Riverwalk or Christo’s for example)? Yes, in case you didn’t know, The Imperial will let you bring in your favorite downtown Sanford take-out food. They even have menus available so you can order right from the bar. Just ask the friendly bartenders 😉

After dinner, pick up some marshmallows to share at Wondermade (214 E First Street), Sanford’s sweetest kid on the block. Their fabulous hot chocolate can also serve as a delightful liquid dessert!

Additional Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials Around Town:

Riverwalk Pizza

350 E Seminole Blvd, Sanford FL (407- 328-0018) or 5040 W SR 46. Ste 1102 (Lake Forest), Sanford, Florida (407-915-5559)

riverwalk-pizza-sanford-special

Picture taken by Sanford365 Flickr Group contributor Joe Chesteen

Picture taken by Sanford365 Flickr Group contributor Joe Chesteen

Walk in the Park

Low budget? No problem. Sanford has three great locations for a romantic afternoon or evening stroll or a picnic:

  • Sanford Riverwalk: What could be more romantic than an extended walk (thank you Riverwalk Pahse II) along beautiful Lake Monroe? After that sit on one of the swings and simply enjoy the view…
  • Centennial Park in Sanford: Another romantic spot is the Centennial Park on Park Avenue. Sit down in the pavilion and just enjoy being with your loved one. After that you can stroll through the streets of the historic Sanford and spend some time in the city’s past…
  • Fort Mellon Park: How about a picnic in the park? Just bring a blanket, your favorite drink and food (possibly the one you just purchased from the Farmers Market (every Saturday 10am-3pm on Magnolia Square), Magnolia Square Market (117 S Magnolia) or Park Avenue Popcorn Shop (108 S Park), and sit down on the lawn with beautiful views of Lake Monroe.

planetarium sanfordCreative Ideas

  • Alive After Five for the party love-birds: Do something fun: Dress up and walk in a Mardi Gras Parade together – and check off another item on your couple’s bucket list… This month’s theme may not be Valentine’s Day but Pardi Gras will certainly be a fun way to kick off your long love-weekend! Come down to First Street in Sanford Downtown at 5pm to enjoy music, food samples and drinks.
  • Visit the Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford for their special Valentine’s Day show of “Heavenly Love”. What could be more romantic than admiring the stars together…
  • Take a romantic lunch or dinner cruise and let the Barbara Lee take you back to a more adventurous and romantic time…
  • Hop on the LimoCycle for a public pub crawl. Meet other couples and tour historic Sanford’s bar scene. It’s an unforgettable experience and, as they always say, the couple that pedals together stays together… Click here for more info.
  • BONUS IDEA: Take your sweetheart sailing at U-Sail of Central Florida. Spend some romantic hours on Lake Monroe!

Details:

Pardi Gras Street Party and Parade

When: February 12, 5-8pm

Where: Downtown Sanford FL

What: Alive After 5’s street party “Pardi Gras” with lots of great music, food (main food will be provided by Sanford Ale House), drinks, vendors and – its very own Mardi Gras Parade! Line up for the parade begins around 6:30pm on Palmetto Ave between 1st & 2nd Street. Parade kicks off at 7:15pm

Admission: Free

More Info: Alive After 5 on Facebook

Heavenly Love

When: Feb 12 & 13, 8:30-9:30pm – Feb 14, 7-8pm and 8:30-9:30pm

Sanford FL PlanetariumWhere: Buehler Planetarium at Seminole State College, 100 Weldon Blvd, Sanford, FL

What: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with three romantic stories taken from the vast tapestry of the night sky. Discover the Chinese myth about the stars Vega and Altair and their separation on either side of the Milky Way. Experience the romance between Orion and Artemis, the goddess of the moon, and discover how this love story tragically ends. Finally, enjoy the classic Native American tale of Algon the Hunter and the lost star maidens of the Pleiades.

Admission: $4-6

More Info: Appropriate for ages 14 and up. Call 407.708.2360.

Barbara Lee by Flickr Sanford365 Group user Sacha Marie

Barbara Lee by Flickr Sanford365 Group user Sacha Marie

Valentine’s Day Cruise

When: Friday, Feb 13 & Saturday Feb 14

Where: St. Johns Rivership Company, 433 N Palmetto Ave, Sanford FL

What: A dinner/dance cruise on Friday night and a lunch, afternoon and evening dinner/dance cruise on Saturday.

Friday:
Dinner/Dance 7:30-11pm $60.75

Saturday:
Lunch 11am-2pm
Afternoon 3pm-6pm
Dinner Dance 7:30pm-11pm

Admission: $46.78 to $60.75

More Info: Call 321-441-3030 to reserve!

diva-x-change-sanford-flLadies, this one’s for YOU (it is a gentlemen friendly event though…)…Diva Fashions Clothes Xchange & Ladies Network present:

LOVE YOURSELF IN FEBRUARY

When: February 4, 2015, 6-8pm

Where: Sanford Chamber of Commerce, 400 East 1st Street, Sanford, FL

What: Lots of photo booth fun, lots of clothes, lots of freebies!!!

So you think you can dance? Get a sneak peak at Classy Burlesque and Stiletto Dance Fitness in February and………..FREE Valentine’s Photo Booth by Photo Boom! Bring your own props or hand held LOVE messages for that special man of yours or use props we will have on hand. A gentleman friendly event. No children.

Bring at least 1 and up to 5 items to exchange! Clothes (on hangers, wrinkle free, gently worn or new ONLY), shoes, jewelry, handbags, or accessories. Go home with “new to you” fashions and accessories! Exchange items required for admission. Cast off items support Harvest Time International.

Admission: Free but must bring at least 1 and up to 5 items to exchange!

 

More info: Join free at www.meetup.com/clothesXchange – Interested Vendors please call Ms. Brenda Cioe at 407-4681987

Gifts

seminole-flowerLast but not least, don’t forget to surprise your love with pralines or a beautiful flower bouquet. Check out the special Valentine’s Day flowers of the Seminole Flower shop in Sanford or visit Buster’s Bistro (412 S Sanford Ave) to purchase some of their fine Belgian chocolates while they last… Only about 20 boxes, 32 pieces for $25. Real treats for your sweetie and guaranteed to turn every date night into something special!

And if you are looking for even more gifts, remember to keep it local! Here is a gift guide that will make it simple for you!

Now, Happy Valentine’s Day to you all!! We will definitely be found at a few of the above mentioned spots on Valentine’s Day weekend 😉