Valentine’s Day is an extra special day to show your loved one how much you care. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner for 2 or an untraditional celebration, I’d like to offer some suggestions for you on things to do in and around Ocala, FL to express your love, gratitude and appreciation for your special someone!
Dining Options on Valentine’s Day
Love is in the air in Ocala with Valentine’s Day approaching. Check out these restaurants for a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner and make sure to get your reservation early.
Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse will be offering their normal dinner menu from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm at a set price of $44.95 per person. The meal will include a chocolate fountain at their salad bar, and each couple will receive a complimentary picture and rose. For more information or to make reservations, call (352) 622-1741 or visit their website http://ipanemaocala.com/.
Ipanema is located at 2023 S Pine Ave Ocala, Fl 34471.
Mesa De Notte will be offering their holiday menu for Valentine’s Day. They’ll open at 12:00 pm and will stay open until 9:00 pm. For more information, call (352) 732-4737 or visit their website https://www.mesaocala.com/Home.
Mesa is located at 2436 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, Fl 34470.
Sky Fine Dining will be offering a special menu for Valentine’s Day, and a four-course meal for two for $99 per couple. Alcohol options will be available for purchase, as well. Their hours will be from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. For more information or to make reservations, call (352) 291-0000 or visit their website http://www.skyfinedining.com/. Located on the sixth floor of the Holiday Inn.
Their address is 3600 SW 38th Ave Ocala, Fl 34474.
Ivy on the Square is taking reservations for their five-course meal on Valentine’s Day. Dinner for two will cost $120 and include special offerings for you and your loved one. Make sure to get those reservations in early! For more information or to make reservations, call (352) 237-7300 or visit their website https://www.ivyhousefl.com/.
Ivy on the Square is located at 53 S Magnolia Ave Ocala, Fl 34471.
Chili’s will be offering a $25 meal for two. Receive an appetizer, two entrees, and a cheesecake or skillet chocolate chip cookie for dessert. Their $5 margarita of the month is “The Grand Romance”, the perfect drink for Valentine’s Day! For more information or to make reservations, call (352) 237-6611.
Chili’s in Ocala is located at 3501 SW 36th Ave Ocala, Fl 34474.
Come celebrate La Fete des Amoureux at La Cuisine starting at 4:30 pm. For $85 per person, choose delicious options from a set menu for the night, including striped bass with artichoke ravioli and bone in beef filet. Dinner includes appetizer, entree, and dessert. Reservations are required with a credit card. To make reservations or for more information, call (352) 433-2570 or visit their website www.lacuisineocala.com/news-events/
La Cuisine is located at 48 SW 1st Ave Ocala, Fl 34471.
Craft Cuisine is hosting a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner with a special menu starting at 4:00 pm with last seating at 9:30 pm. Reservations are required. For more information or to see the menu, visit the event page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/819022668570681/. Call (352) 237-7300 for reservations or make them online at https://www.yelp.com/reservations/craft-cuisine-ocala-ocala?from_reserve_now=1.
Craft Cuisine is located at 2237 SW 19th Ave Rd Ocala, Fl 34471.
Celebrate love at Market Kitchen and Bar located at Hilton of Ocala. From 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, they’re offering a surf and turf romantic dinner for two for as low as $85 per couple. Dinner includes a champagne toast and a heart shaped cake for two. Reservations are required. Call (352) 390-1515 for more information or to reserve a table. Visit their website https://www.hiltonocala.com/dining/holiday-events for more info.
Market Bar and Kitchen is located inside the Hilton at 3600 SW 36th Ave Ocala, Fl 34474.
Stone Creek Golf Club is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Valentine’s Day. For $39.99 per person, dinner includes soup or salad, entree, sides, and choice of dessert. Reservations are required. Contact nbring@hampton.golf to secure your table. For more information, call (352)291-2140.
Stone Creek is located at 9676 SW 62nd Loop Ocala, Fl 34481.
The restaurant at Juliette Falls is hosting a Valentine’s dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm featuring a one-of-a-kind menu created by Chef Scott. Call (352) 522-0309 to make reservations. Visit their website for more information, https://juliettefalls.com/event/valentines-dinner/.
Juliette Falls is located at 6933 SW 179th Ave Rd. Dunnellon, Fl 34432.
The Keep, located in Downtown Ocala, is hosting a Valentine’s dinner with a gourmet menu and wine service. For $60 per couple (not including tax or gratuity), this evening includes two glasses of wine, choice of appetizer, salad, entrée, and dessert. Live music will be performed by Caly Bryan from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. For more information, call (352) 369-9858 or visit their website at https://thekeepdowntown.com/. The Keep is located at 36 SW 1st Ave Ocala, Fl 34471.
Francesco’s Stone Fire Pizza will be offering a special menu for Valentine’s day including a rack of lamb, surf and turf, and lasagna with homemade noodles. For more information or to make reservations, call (352) 693-2008 or visit their website https://www.francescosristorante.com/. Francesco’s is located at 16770 S US Highway 441, Suite 608 Summerfield, Fl 34491.
Papa Pineapples is hosting a Valentine’s dinner with music by Anne Laurie starting at 5:30 pm. Featuring tropical-themed food and libations, this is the perfect evening to try Ocala’s newest restaurant! For more information, call (352) 421-5466 or visit the event page on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/114032159934282/. Papa Pineapples is located at 3233 Maricamp Rd Ocala, Fl 34471.
Boulevard Bistro in Citrus Springs is hosting an amazing Valentine’s dinner featuring chicken cordon bleu, filet mignon, and shrimp from 2:00 to 8:00 pm. Special drinks, such as a berry sangria and raspberry champagne floats, will be on the menu as well. For more information, visit their website at https://www.blvdbistrocs.com/ or give them a call at (352) 897-5155. Boulevard Bistro is located at 9579 North Citrus Springs Blvd Dunnellon, Fl 34434.
Turnpike Mike’s, located in Summer Glen, is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner for $23.99. The menu includes a choice of 12 oz sirloin strip steak, chicken cordon bleu, or parmesan crusted tilapia. Salad, bread, baked potato, seasoned vegetables, and non-alcoholic beverages are also included in the price. For more information or to purchase your dinner ticket, call (352) 307-8788. Turnpike Mike’s is located at 1450 SW 154th St Rd Ocala, Fl 34473.
Valentine’s Day Events
Whispering Oaks Winery is holding a wine and dine event on Valentine’s day from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and includes live music by The Mudds. Reservations are required for this event and can be made here https://www.winesofflorida.com/recurring-event/steak-night/. Choose February 14th and how many people will be attending. For more information, call (352) 748-0449.
Whispering Oaks is located at 10934 County Road 475 Oxford, Fl 34484.
Carriage tours are available the evening of the 14th and the 15th downtown from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Treat your loved one to a 30-minute carriage ride throughout the historic district of Downtown Ocala. Reservations are recommended. To make reservations or for more information, call (352) 727-0900. Pick up location is on the square across from Mark’s Prime.
Love in all languages at the Appleton Museum on Valentine’s from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $40 per person and include hors d’oeuvres from four cuisines around the world and two beverages from the bar. A live DJ will be playing music, and a larger-than-life balloon wall will make the perfect backdrop for photos. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/love-in-all-languages-a-valentines-party-tickets-90452324337?fbclid=IwAR0MvYSeJRjD0aR0mFP9DcKkWEtiCd5MMrJltwGaBtXCrcyCWxDisvhU9-8. This event is 18+. For more information, call (352) 291-4455. The Appleton Museum is located at 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, Fl 34470.
The Loft Bar and Grill is hosting a Valentine’s Dinner, Show, and Dance. Starting at 5:00 pm, prime rib will be served for dinner. The Clint Byron band will perform from 8:00 pm to midnight with DJ Tecniq spinning from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. To make reservations, call (352) 564-4100. The Loft is located at 10131 N Citrus Ave Crystal River, Fl 34428.
The Lodge in Downtown Ocala is a great after dinner hot spot for a drink and a fun atmosphere featuring dueling pianos! Starting at 8:00 pm, you don’t want to miss this unforgettable performance. It’s a great way to end the evening. For more information, call (352) 289-1390.
The Lodge is located at 36 SE Magnolia Ave Ocala, Fl 34471.
Hammer and Stain can provide an alternative to the traditional dinner date with your loved one to create a one-of-a-kind sign featuring sweet sayings and personalized stencils for $75. From 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, spend Valentine’s doing things a little differently. Sign up online at https://hammerandstainocala.com/collections/ocala-studio/products/february-14-2020-valentines-date-night and begin picking out your custom sign. For more information, call (352) 229-4480 or visit their website.
Hammer and Stain is located at 6158 SW State Road 200 Ocala, Fl 34476.
The Villages Balloon Festival is taking place on the 7th and 8th of February this year at The Villages Polo Club, and it will be a great opportunity to celebrate Valentine’s Day early. For daily general admission, tickets are $15 per day per adult, $10 for children aged 11 to 17, or you can purchase the weekend pass for $20 per adult and $15 for children aged 11 to 17. Children 10 and under are free. The VIP festival pass is $200 per adult, $100 for children 11 to 17. The VIP pass includes reserved seating and viewing area, close parking, access to a gaming area, a VIP only cash bar, and complimentary upscale food served during dinner. For more information, visit https://www.thevillagesballoonfestival.com/ or call Event Management at (352) 750-7656.
This event is located at The Villages Polo Club, 703 N Buena Vista Blvd The Villages, Fl 32162.
Celebrate the romantic holiday with an audio-visual performance at Cedar Lakes and Gardens, a botanical paradise. Featuring a show by world renowned performer, Muriel Anderson, tickets include garden entrance during the day of the concert and access to the show. The park opens at 9:30 am on Valentine’s Day, with the performance starting at 6:30 pm. Tickets for non-members are $25, and for members they are $20. For more information, visit their website https://cedarlakeswoodsandgarden.com/ or call them at (352) 529-0055. No food is provided, but you are allowed to bring your own. Cedar Lakes and Gardens is located at 4990 NE 180th Ave Williston, Fl 32696.
Lakeridge Winery will be hosting an after-hours event for Valentine’s Day this year. Featuring live music by Joe Hand, doors open at 5:30 pm and the party continues until 9:00 pm. Their famous wine, domestic and import beers, and their cheese plates will all be available for purchase. Café Rogue Express food truck will be on site as well. This year, they’re featuring Trivia Fun with the Lake Rising podcast crew. Purchase a $10 ticket now and receive a free limited edition wine flute (only 300 tickets available). Purchase tickets through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wine-valentines-tickets-87972302525. For more information, visit https://www.lakeridgewinery.com/Events/wine-and-valentines/ or call 1-800-768-WINE.
Lakeridge Winery is located at 19239 U.S. 27 North Clermont, Fl 34715.
Getaway Romance Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Southern Oaks Inn in St. Augustine is featuring a Southern Romance Package along with your hotel stay for the entire month of February. For $85 plus tax, this package includes red roses and white hydrangeas in a vase, a heart-shaped box of locally made chocolates, and an extended 1:00 pm check-out. When booking, just select the package as an extra. For more information, visit their website at https://www.southernoaksinnstaug.com/ or call (904) 342-2354. Southern Oaks Inn is located at 2800 Ponce de Leon Blvd St. Augustine, Fl 32084.
The Holiday Inn in St. Augustine is offering a romantic package along with your two-night stay. For an extra $80 per night, this package features a dozen red roses, a bottle of champagne, breakfast for two, and a $25 dinner credit at Barnacle Bills. Call (877) 666-3243 for reservations. For more information, call (904) 494-2100 to reach the front desk or visit their website at https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/st-augustine/sgjnp/hoteldetail. The Holiday Inn is located at 1302 North Ponce de Leon Blvd St. Augustine, Fl 32084.
The Tampa Marriot on Water Street offers a romance package, which includes complimentary valet parking, upgraded room with balcony, bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, breakfast for two in the Waterside Grill, and a 2:00 pm late check-out. Rates vary by night. Visit https://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/details/tpamc-tampa-marriott-water-street/1349010 for more information or to reserve your weekend. Make sure to use the promo code “ROM” when booking. For more information, call (813) 221-4900. Tampa Marriot is located at 505 Water Street Tampa, Florida 33602.
Island Cottage Oceanfront Inn is located on Flagler Beach and offers a “Be Mine—Valentine” romance package. It includes a bouquet of red roses, deluxe box of Valentine chocolates, rose petals, soft music, and lit candles upon your arrival, a bottle of sparkling California Brut on ice, and free use of bicycles, chairs, towels, and umbrellas. For $149 plus tax and the cost of your room, this is an excellent deal to getaway for the weekend or night. For more information or to make reservations, call (386) 439-0092 or visit their website https://islandcottagevillas.com/. Island Cottage is located at 2316 South Oceanshore Blvd Flagler Beach, Florida 32136.
The Epicurean hotel in Tampa, a luxury, boutique hotel, offers “Romance at the Epicurean,” a package which includes breakfast for two at the hotel restaurant, Èlevage, a couple’s massage at Spa Evangeline, prepared picnic for two and bicycle rental, and a special amenity at turndown. Rates vary by day so visit their website at https://epicureanhotel.com/offers/romance-at-the-epicurean/ to reserve your trip. Make sure to use promo code “LVU” when booking. For more information, call (813) 999-8700. The Epicurean is a part of the Marriot Bonvoy program and is located at 1207 S Howard Ave Tampa, Florida 33606.
The Hotel Zamora has a Valentine’s package available and includes 10% off accommodations for two nights, champagne and chocolate covered strawberries, flower and petal arrangements in-room, four course dinner for two at the hotel restaurant, Castile, and two breakfast vouchers. Room rates vary. Visit https://thehotelzamora.com/st-pete-beach-hotel-specials/ to book your room or for more information. Hotel Zamora is located at 3701 Gulf Blvd St Pete Beach, Florida 337-6. You can contact the hotel at (727) 456-8900.
Valentine’s Day Alternative Days to Celebrate
The Daytona 500. Three separate packages are available at https://www.primesport.com/d/daytona-500-tickets for the 14th or 15th through the 17th. The first includes two-night hotel accommodations at the Sheraton Orlando North, tickets to the race for one day, and race-day transportation. This package starts at $435 per person. The second package includes two-night hotel accommodations at Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, tickets to the race for one day, and race-day transportation. This package starts at $455 per person and includes breakfast each morning. The third and final package includes three-night hotel accommodations at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, tickets to the race for both days, and race-day transportation starting at $775 per person. Ticket upgrades are available for all three packages. All packages are through Prime Sport, and you can visit their website for more details. Tickets are also still available at the Daytona 500 website here https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/Buy-Tickets/Race-Tickets.aspx.
The Appleton Museum is hosting a clay workshop on the 25th of January from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm where attendees can make a ceramic heart shaped dish. All supplies are included. For Appleton members, it’s $40 and for nonmembers it is $60. Register online at https://cffoundation.wufoo.com/forms/20192020-clay-workshops/. For more information, call (352) 291-4455 or contact Hollis Mutch at mutchh@cf.edu
The Appleton is located at 4333 E Silver Springs Blvd Ocala, Fl 34470.
The Tradewinds Island Resorts in St. Petersburg is offering a romance package through the entire month of February for both their resorts, the Island Grand and the RumFish Beach Resort. This package includes two-night accommodations, $100 certificate for dinner or Sunday brunch at Palm Court Italian Grill or RumFish Grill, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne and flutes for you to keep, and a nightly resort amenity fee which includes parking pass, wi-fi, and a daily beach cabana for two. Rates vary by day so visit https://www.tradewindsresort.com/packages/romance-packages for more information or call (800) 360-4016. Island Grand is located at 5500 Gulf Blvd St Pete Beach, Florida 33706, and RumFish Beach Resort is located at 6000 Gulf Blvd St Pete Beach, Florida 33706.