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…
Things to Do on Valentine’s Day Weekend in Sanford – Find the most romantic things to do!
Movies
Let’s start with the most obvious quick-fix Valentine’s day date idea. 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, you do not want to miss Sanford’s one and only international movie festival! Walk the red carpet at the 6th 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.
Details:
Love Your Shorts Film Festival
When: Friday, Feb 12 – Sunday, Feb 14 (Special event on Thursday, Feb 11)
Where: Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center, 201 Magnolia Ave, Sanford FL
What: The 6th 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
Read the interview with one of the founding couples of the festival, Nelson and Christina Beverly
Theatre & Art & Music
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).
Romeo and Juliet
The classic of all classics for lovebirds, William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” will be performed at the Seminole State College Center for Fine and Performing Arts.
Dates:
Feb. 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.
William Shakespeare created the world’s greatest love story with “Romeo and Juliet,” a tragedy that follows two star-crossed lovers caught in a web of factionalism as their love pits them against the feuding houses of Capulet and Montague. Against this fractious backdrop, young love, beautifully expressed through Shakespeare’s language, blossoms and grows. Romeo and Juliet have become synonymous with romance and have inspired and moved theater audiences for centuries.
Seminole State College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre presents five major productions per year. 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.
- Ticket and subscription information
- Location: Building G on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus
- Parking: General parking for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts Theatre is available in Lot 9. Accessible parking is available in Lot 11, north of the Center for Fine and Performing Arts (building G).
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, the current gallery is: “Welcome to My World: New Work by Theresa Disney”
Welcome to My World: New Works by Theresa Disney
When: Jan 22- Feb 28, Tue-Sat 10am – 6pm and Sun 12 – 5pm
Where: Jeanine Taylor Folk Art Gallery
What: Theresa Disney’s 2015 collection. Colors will pop and you’re sure to feel a smile spread across your face.
Admission: Free
Dinner
Below is a list of my favorite 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!
La Sirena Gorda (118 S Palmetto Ave – 407-391-3955 ): In my opinion nothing beats the romantic outdoor dining of the beautiful garden at this restaurant featuring Latin American fare. Dine under the stars – and the many lights that adorn the garden.
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 will surely get you in “Schunkel”mood and you know what we say in Germany, the couple that schunkels together…
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!
Specials for Eating out!
When: Sunday Feb. 13th, 6pm-8pm
Where: Sanford Moose Lodge (2660 S. Palmetto Ave.)
What: Music, Dancing, Prizes and Romance!
Info: (407) 321-9244
When: Sunday Feb. 13th, 6pm-8pm
Where: Westview Baptist Church (4100 H.E. Thomas Jr. Pkwy.)
What:The Valentine’s Italian Bistro Banquet operates as a fundraiser for Westview Students to earn money to attend camp.
Cost:
The tickets are $12.50 per person.
Menu:
Stuffed Shells with marinara sauce
Beef Meatballs
Roasted garlic broccoli
Italian garden salad
Fresh bread
Dessert
Lemon Cheesecake parfait
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available at the Westview Baptist office.
You can purchase them before and after our morning services on Sunday January 31 and Sunday February 7.
Tickets will be avaliable Wednesday before the Adult Bible Study
Tickets will be sold Thursday at the JOY group potluck.
Wednesday, February 10, is the last day to purchase tickets.
Info: Please contact the church office if you have any questions:
407-323-0523
When: Sunday Feb. 14th, 10am-3pm
Where: Rabbitfoot (307 E. 2nd St.)
What: Come enjoy a delicious brunch!
Info: 321-926-3154
When: Sunday Feb. 14th 1pm
Where: Celery City Craft (114 S Palmetto Ave)
What: His/Her’s V-Day package from Celery City
Like bundling? Come out for some beers, wines, and a cheeseboard on your special day!
SPECIAL—includes 2 beers or wines, an app (cheeseboard or hummus), chocolates, strawberries, a branded glass for the guy, and a long stem rose for the ladies. All for $20!!!
Info: (407) 915-5541
When: Sunday Feb. 14th
Where: The Smiling Bison (107 S Magnolia Ave, Sanford, Florida 32771)
What: Valentine’s Day is just under 2-weeks away! Enjoy a 3 course dinner prix fixe for $75 per couple, on a rare Sunday Evening at the Smiling Bison-Sanford.
Info: Reservation only….so please call 407 915 6086 to reserve your spot today!
When: Sunday Feb. 14th, 4pm
Where: Buster’s Bistro (300 S Sanford Ave, Sanford, Florida 32771)
What: So you spent the past few years going to silly Valentine’s day events where they fill your head with romance then you’re delivered yesterday’s leftovers with some candy hearts. This year it’s time for you to go over and beyond to impress your significant other and show them Valentine’s Day can be fantastic. Buster’s want nothing but the best for you hungry couples out there and they will do their very best to make that happen just for you. Buster’s Bistro will be hosting a three course dinner including a soup, entree, and a delicious dessert. Stay tuned for the menu details. There’s no specific time for the event, come in and grab a table and enjoy the meal from beginning to end.
Info: (407) 732-6880
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.
8 Creative Ideas & Activities
(scroll down for all details)
- 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 Feb. 11th at 5pm to enjoy music, food samples and drinks. The Smiling Bison will be serving delicious food for just $7 and that includes a beer tent ticket.
- Visit the Planetarium at Seminole State College in Sanford for their special Valentine’s show on Feb. 13th 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 Brunch 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.
- Take your sweetheart sailing at U-Sail of Central Florida. Spend some romantic hours on Lake Monroe!
- Fly through the night with Zoomair. Enjoy the night sky and enjoy a beautiful evening with nature and your almost literal love bird.
- Looking for something a little nontraditional, gather a group of friends and put together a team for Airport Lanes Valentine bowling competition, Click here to find out more!
- Create your own Love Potion Massage Oil at A. Clore Interiors. Beauties, grab your beaus and head over to the boutique to discover 4 secret scents that will invigorate the senses and ignite the passion of love. Click here for all the details.
Alive After Five: Pardi Gras
When: February 11, 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 The Smiling Bison), drinks, vendors and – its very own Mardi Gras Parade! Lineup begins at 7 p.m. near the intersection of Palmetto and 1st Street near the Historic Sanford Welcome Center.
Admission: Free ($7 for main food and a beer ticket)
More Info: Alive After 5 on Facebook
Heavenly L
ove
When: Feb 12, 8:30-9:30pm & Feb 13, 7:00-8:00 & 8:30-9:30pm
Where: 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.
Valentine’s Day Brunch
When: Feb 14, 11:30am-2:30
Where: Limo Cycle (303 West Third Street, Suite 4 Sanford, FL 32771)
What: Enjoy mimosas, sweet treats, quiche and a variety of food and drink samples on this pedal-powered tour of Historic Downtown Sanford. This three-hour event includes all of your food and drink, as well as a leisurely pedal along Lake Monroe and around Ft Mellon Park.
The Limo Cycle Sunday Brunch Tour is guaranteed to wake you up, calm you down and set the tone for the perfect Sunday Fun Day.
Admission: $45 per person, Click here to save your seat!
More Info: 855-7569-FUN
Valentine’s Day Cruise
Barbara Lee by Flickr Sanford365 Group user Sacha Marie
When: Saturday, Feb 13 & Sunday 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.
Saturday:
Lunch 11am-2pm $46.78
Dinner/Dance 7:30-11pm $60.75 (Does not include port fee of $4)
Sunday:
Afternoon 12pm-3pm $46.78 (Does not include port fee of $4)
Admission: $46.78 to $60.75 (Does not include port fee of $4)
More Info: Call 321-441-3030 to reserve!
A Lovely Evening Excursion
When: Friday, 12th or Saturday, 13th 6:30pm-9:30pm
Where: Central Florida Zoo 3755 NW Highway 17-92 (I 4 Exit 104) Sanford, Florida
What: ZOOm Air Orlando is offering special Moon ZOOms Friday, February 12, and Saturday, February 13, 2016, BY RESERVATION ONLY. You and your Valentine (or your BFF or someone else you love for their sense of adventure) can experience aerial adventure under the stars at a very alluring price: Two people, only $90! This special nocturnal trek through Upland and Rainforest begins at 6:30 p.m., finishes by 9:30. Advance Paid Reservation REQUIRED, so get yours in now! Call (407) 330-0767 before noon on Thursday, February 11, 2016.
Admission: $90 per couple (Moon Zooms normally require that you have at least 4 people in your party to make a reservation, and the normal price is $55 per person. This is a rare opportunity: SEIZE IT! Not combinable with any other discounts.)
More Info: Detailed information available by calling (407) 330-0767 or emailing office@ZoomAir.US.
Things to do with the kids
KIDGITS VALENTINE CARD MAKING EVENT
When: Saturday Feb. 6th 1pm-2:30pm
Where: Seminole Towne Center Mall (200 Towne Center Cir, Sanford, FL 32771)
What: Simon Kidgits Club Members are invited to create a special Valentine’s Day Card for your friends, family and classmates at this fun workshop. Get creative with glitter, glue, markers and more at this special craft event. The event will be in the Center Court and will also include face painting and giveaways.
Gifts
Last 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 Magnolia Square Market or Park Ave. Popcorn to purchase some sweet treats for your sweetie! For gift ideas there’s always Boxelder and don’t forget Sanford’s latest spot, Antidote Apothecary & Spa for gift certificates for her and him!
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 😉
Hello everyone, my name is Charisse and my family and have lived in Sanford for the past 16 years now and I just love the laid back scene. I just fell in love with downtown Sanford and the river walk. It’s just a fabulous place where you and the family can enjoy nature and have a cookout.