By Will Estell
The celebratory day of chocolate hearts, rose bouquets, stuffed bears and love is right around the corner. However, that doesn’t mean you have to celebrate this Valentine’s Day just like everyone else, and just like every year in the past. It’s often good to shake things up a bit, and brainstorm some ideas for your day, and night, of fun. So that’s exactly what we’re going to help you with.
Keep your heart open, because some of these might just make you feel luckier than you even knew you were.
“The Ultimate Elvis in Vegas” Comes to Niceville: Experience “Burning Love” and all the King’s hits with the one that’s always on your mind during this unforgettable evening as The Ultimate Elvis in Vegas comes to Niceville’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center.
Headlined by one of the world’s top Elvis tribute artists and Ultimate Elvis Champion, Cote Deonath, you’ll experience a night to remember, that is officially endorsed by Elvis Presley Enterprises.
You’ll hear some of the greatest moments in Elvis’s historical career, from his iconic 1968 Comeback Special to the over-the-top glamour of his Las Vegas performances. Deonath will be backed by The Infinit-E Tribute Band – often referred to as the world’s best Elvis tribute band – bringing you a show that captures the spirit and sound of Elvis’s legendary hits with a stage performance reminiscent of the King’s signature moves.
This remarkable experience takes place Saturday February 15th at 7 p.m. with tickets ranging from $35 – $65 depending on seating location. Visit MattieKellyArtsCenter.org for tickets.
The Gulfarium’s Valentine’s Dinner for Two: Valentine’s Dinner for two at The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park is definitely an experience like no other to celebrate the big day of love. You and your date or mate can take in an enchanting after-hours experience at the Gulfarium, where you can meet and mingle with the resident penguins, while sipping on a beverage.
Afterwards your evening adventures will move indoors, where the two of you can enjoy a delectable three-course meal while surrounded by the majestic tropical fish backdrop of The Gulfarium’s massive aquarium full of interesting inhabitants.
These special dining events run from Saturday the 11th through Valentine’s Day, and are only $350 per couple. But hurry, as the spots are filling fast! For more information and to book, visit Gulfarium.com.
Strike a Pose with Your Valentine: What better way to make a memory last than to pose together for a Valentine’s Day special mini photo session with Savvy Leigh Photo? Savannah Smith of Savvy Leigh Photo has become one of the most requested and reputable photographers in our area for unique couples’ photos. Savvy Leigh Photo has been featured as one of the Destin area’s top photographers, and is sure to provide you and yours with photos to treasure for years to come. Best of all, you receive all the edited digital images! Savvy Leigh also does family, baby and bridal photos. Visit SavvyLeighPhoto.com to book.
Celebrate Valentine’s, Galentine’s and Thursdates® at Melting Pot Destin: It’s no secret that Melting Pot Destin has been in the business of helping couples, just like you, celebrate love for over a decade, and this Valentine’s month is no exception. From that special first date to a 50th anniversary, this favorite couples’ go-to has you covered and keeps it all exciting from the fondue to the main course. This year Melting Pot Destin is turning the entire month of February into their “Total Love Takeover,” giving you 28 days to make it happen! But move fast, as reservations are limited. Visit MeltingPot.com to book
Chill with Your Significant Other at CRYO850: If you’re ready for something a little out of the ordinary this Valentine’s Day, the two of you can have some fun getting your health on at Destin’s CRYO850. The attentive staff at CRYO850 are at it again, offering some great VD specials for couples, so the two of you can experience the remarkable benefits of CRYO Therapy together this year! What better way to give the gift of love than to enhance the health and wellbeing of your special someone? CRYO850 has something for everyone and has the dedication and experience to help you, and yours, become the best version of the well-balanced couple!
For more information about these specific specials and benefits, call (850) 279-4145, or visit Cryo850.com to book your special session and just chill!
“Love Hurts” Murder Mystery and Dinner at AJ’s on the Bayou: They’re always killing it at AJ’s, and this special Valentine’s Day dinner is no exception! AJ’s on the Bayou in Fort Walton Beach presents “Love Hurts,” a thrilling dinner murder mystery that will have you laughing in suspense as you take part in three hours of food, fun and sleuth work. This is a unique and entertaining event for couples – or friends – who love to figure it all out while enjoying a night out with delicious cuisine, drinks, and other fun-loving friends.
Limited seating is available, so don’t wait to secure your spot for the perfect date night putting the pieces together. For more information, and to book, call Nicole Dickson at (850) 207-7115, or email icmtheatre@gmail.com.
Hit the Gulf Waters with Your Own Favorite Catch: Hit the Gulf together and experience what “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” is perhaps most famous for! V-Day is a great time to do some deep-sea fishing as a couple, and there are more than a few charter businesses to help you… and your catch, snag a catch for your table. Start planning your upcoming excursion by checking out the array of charter companies headquartered along Destin Harbor, Fort Walton Beach and online. Tell them we sent you!
Grab a Weekend Getaway at Henderson Park Inn: If you want to extend the Valentine’s celebration into a few nights away from it all, then Destin’s Henderson Park Inn is the perfect Valentine’s getaway! This famous adults-only luxury boutique hotel is nestled along Destin’s white sands and offers fabulous views of the Gulf of America. The Cape-Cod style cedar shingled B&B features a quaint coastal cottage feel, with each room having its own unique design and furnishings.
I may very well be the only person to have spent over 100 nights at Henderson Park Inn, across the past two decades, and, as such, I can assure you there literally isn’t anything quite like it along the beautiful Destin coastline. While you’re there, remember to start each day with a remarkable breakfast at the inn’s BeachWalk Café, included with each stay!
You can also make your Valentine’s celebration even more special with a scrumptious dinner at their top-tier BeachWalk Café, located inside Henderson Park Inn and offering water views from each dining table. Trust me, no matter what you order, it’s a meal to remember every time! Book soon, though, as BeachWalk is one of the most sought-after Valentine’s Day fine-dining experiences across all of Northwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. For more information and to book your stay and dining, visit HendersonParkInn.com.
Rub Out the Tension with a Romantic Couples Massage at Beverly Hills Day Spa: Celebrate the month of love as a couple at Beverly Hills Day Spa by experiencing your choice of a 60- or 90-minute Swedish or Deep Tissue massage in the same spa room. Want more? How about a pedicure side-by-side in their ultra-comfortable Jacuzzi chairs while partaking in a complimentary glass of champagne or wine? It’s a great way to unwind and relax together! Call (850) 654-6544 to book today.
Take in the Love Songs at Emerald Coast Theatre Company: If you’ve taken in a show at Emerald Coast Theatre Company you already know how remarkably entertaining their events are, so why not couple that excitement with a Valentine’s Day musical revue? This one-day performance of Timeless Love: Songs Through the Ages will be brought to you at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. February 14th and features favorite love songs from yesteryear brought to you by top-notch vocalists rocking the ECTC stage.
Your special evening can be complemented with a bottle of wine, and a sweet or savory charcuterie box, as a fun way to celebrate with your Valentine – or Galentine – and avoid the packed restaurants. ECTC has everything you need to spend a memorable evening together, with the love of your life… or just another date!
Visit www.EmeraldCoastTheatre.org or call the box office at 850-684-0323.
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