Love connections for Valentine’s Day: Love is always in the air at Lovers Key State Park, but even more so on Valentine’s Day. Couples are invited to come to the park for a special vow renewal ceremony at the wedding gazebo on the beach from 4:30 to 7 p.m. Each couple will receive a photo taken at sunset, champagne and sweet treats served to music as everyone enjoys the sunset and a quiet walk on the beach. Pre-registration ($30 per couple) will be required by Feb. 5, 2010, so that all couples will be entered into a drawing for a free Valentine’s night stay at Lovers Key Resort (www.lov erskey.com). The drawing will be held on Feb. 6. Vow renewal ceremony is limited to 25 couples. For details, call 239-463-4588 or visit www.floridastateparks.org/love rskey.

Lovers Key State Park has been named among the “Top 10 Romantic Retreats” by Coastal Living magazine and earned a spot on The Travel Channel’s “Florida’s Top 10 beaches.” Located between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach, Lovers Key was only accessible by boat for many years and legend has it that lovers traveled to the island so they could enjoy its secluded beach. Today, it is one of four barrier islands that make up the state park.

With its pristine beaches and outstanding wildlife viewing, Lovers Key provides couples a true castaway experience. Visitors can ride the trolley or walk the boardwalks over tidal lagoons to a recently renourished, white sand beach.  Guests can ride a bike, hike through the woods, see gentle manatees, kayak through inner waters, fish or have a picnic on the beach.   With its 2.5 miles of powder white beach along the Gulf of Mexico and its scenic, secluded gazebo perched above the waters, Lovers Key is also a popular wedding destination.   

According to Coastal Living magazine, it “is popular, but it still offers secluded nooks and stretches of beach where Valentines can get away from it all.” Sweet treats made with “love”

For a “love” connection this holiday, Norman Love Confections in Fort Myers specializes in handmade, all-natural confections that dazzle both the eye and the palate. This year’s Valentine delights include white chocolate raspberry, passion fruit, vanilla latte, Tahitian caramel and much more.

Visitors may stop by the Chocolate Salon in Fort Myers to purchase chocolates or to enjoy pastries, gourmet coffees, lattes and smoothies.  For details:  (239)573-0088 or visit www.normanloveconfections.com.

Think romance with a tropical twist: Go island hopping.  Kick back.  Relax.  Fall asleep in a hammock to the rhythm of island breezes.  Indulge in a sunset cocktail. Count the dolphins. Escape to a deserted island.  Rent a kayak.  Book a romantic dinner cruise.  Browse charming boutiques and galleries. Walk on shell covered beaches.  Sleep late. Do nothing.

Couples’ getaways and vacation packages are available for all interests.  Check out a few ways to escape for a romantic vacation.

RECONNECT

Leave all your cares behind.
Start a shell collection. Relax away the hours.  Watch exotic wildlife. Learn why Anne Morrow Lindbergh was inspired to write her best-selling book, Gift from the Sea, while visiting Captiva Island.

Sleep on an uninhabited island
Book a really rustic cabin or pitch a tent at Cayo Costa State Park.  Sleep under the stars and walk on unspoiled shell-lined beaches along this deserted island.

Another romantic beach
Many are enthralled by the charms of this area each year and it is no wonder.  Captiva Island has been ranked as one of the most romantic beaches in the country.  Relax in the sun.  Watch dolphins frolic. Enjoy award-winning sunsets!

Dine in a Victorian mansion
Watch the sun set surrounded by the historic elegance of the award-winning Thistle Lodge Restaurant on Sanibel Island.

Escape all ties to the mainland!
Let Captiva Cruises whisk you away to an outer island for lunch on Cabbage Key or Useppa Island.  Sunset serenade cruises are also available to capture the beautiful Gulf of Mexico sunsets!

For a really romantic evening…
Take a starlight dinner cruise on the 100-foot luxury yacht, Sanibel Princess at Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort & Spa.

Watch the best sunset view
The Mucky Duck at the north end of Captiva Island is a favorite with visitors and locals who claim it has the best sunset views in the area. Aside from British dishes like steak and sausage pie and fish 'n' chips, the menu also boasts Florida favorites including grouper sandwiches and Key lime pie.

Paddle on the wild side
Meander through a lush mangrove forest.  See white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, manatees, wood storks, bald eagles, ospreys, herons…all in their natural habitat.  Many endangered species call this area home.

See the sunrise by kayak
Follow in the wake of early explorers.  Take a sunrise paddle. Tunnel through mangroves. Travel through the heart of Buck Island, site of an early Calusa Indian fishing village. Watch dolphins play.  Experience the beauty of natural Florida as your day begins.