In the grand scheme of things Valentine’s Day is just another day to show your sweetie how much you care.
But love’s day is Sunday, and the weekend is packed with a grand assortment of activities designed for couples looking to spend quality time together.
Before you venture off, check out these 12 date-night ideas.
Chocolate Kingdom
You may consider yourself a connoisseur of all things chocolate, but how much do you really know about your favorite delectable delights? Anyone looking to learn more can take a 45-minute interactive tour at Chocolate Kingdom to discover just how chocolate is transformed from a collection of cacao beans into a variety of tasty treats. After the museum tour ends guests can create a customized chocolate bar for an additional cost. Tours run hourly every day beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets: $16.95 for adults and $12.95 for kids 4-12.
Locations: 9901 Hawaiian Court, Orlando; 2858 Florida Plaza Blvd., Kissimmee
Details: chocolatekingdom.com; 407-705-3475
Cork & Fork
Science has proved that food is an aphrodisiac, giving you all the more reason to wine and dine your sweetheart. Cork & Fork American Grill in Orlando is offering a three-course Valentine’s Day dinner on Sunday for $35 per person. The special menu includes lobster bisque, steak Diane and a dessert trio of bread pudding, chocolate-covered strawberries and banana split puffs. For more restaurant deals, go to OrlandoSentinel.com/thedish
Location: 5180 S. Conway Road, Orlando
Details: corkandforkorlando.com; 407-250-6763
Drip Orlando
Couples looking to relive the excitement of their first date can check out Drip’s “The Blind Date: An Artistic Adventure for Couples,” Feb. 11-14. Couples will be given blindfolds and their choice of experiences ranging from innocent to enticing. The evening will feature interactive games, artistic activities, live music and more. Tickets are $29-$89 and only 40 couples will be allowed per day with reservation times starting at 8 p.m.
Location: 8747 International Drive, Orlando
Details: ilovedrip.com; 347-855-3747
Enzian Theater
In the mood for a brunch and a movie? The Enzian in Maitland has both on Sunday. Starting at 10 a.m., guests can enjoy a Valentine’s Day brunch and be serenaded by a live band as they dine at the buffet-style feast that includes a meat-carving station and fresh-squeezed juices. Following the meal will be a screening of 1982’s “An Officer and a Gentleman,” starring Richard Gere, Debra Winger and Louis Gossett Jr. Tickets are $120-$170 per couple, and advance purchase is recommended. Can’t make Sunday? Check out another love story on Saturday at noon, with a showing of a new restoration of the 1946 French fairy-tale film “Beauty and the Beast.” Tickets are $8 in advance.
Location: 1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Details: enzian.org; 407-629-0054
Indie-Folkfest
In “Forever Young,” Bob Dylan sings “may your heart always be joyful, and may your song always be sung.” Lovers of sentimental folk songs and fine art can stop by the free Mennello Museum’s second Indie-Folkfest at Loch Haven Park from noon-5 p.m. Saturday. This Valentine’s Day-themed concert will feature performances by local musicians including Kaleigh Baker, Terri Binion and JUNOsmile. Parking is available at the Orlando Science Center garage for $5.
Location: 900 E. Princeton St., Orlando
Details: orlandofolkfestival.wordpress.com
‘Love Is Delicious’
The Orlando Gay Chorus will present their annual “Love Is…” show on Saturday night at 7:30, with this year’s theme being “Love Is… Delicious.” The performance will feature classic love songs, contemporary pop, musical theater and even a few original pieces written by chorus members. Also on hand will be students of the musical theater program at the University of Central Florida. Tickets are $20 in advance.
Location: First United Church of Christ, 4605 Curry Ford Road, Orlando
Details: orlandogaychorus.org
Nude Nite
Fans of pop-art who aren’t afraid of creative exhibitionism can take in the sights and sounds of the annual Nude Nite extravaganza in Orlando. Billed as the largest showing of nude works in North America, guests can expect to see burlesque shows, body painters — and little left to the imagination. The 21-and-over event runs from 6 p.m. till midnight Feb. 11-13. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door.
Location: Artegon Marketplace, 5250 International Drive, Orlando
Details: nudenite.com
‘Pretty in Pink’
This month marks 30 years since the release of John Hughes’ classic ’80s romantic comedy “Pretty in Pink.” Six Central Florida cineplexes are among theaters across the U.S. that will show the Molly Ringwald and Jon Cryer film Sunday. The cult classic follows a tale of young love and teen angst in suburban Chicago. This anniversary edition includes behind-the-scenes footage and alternate endings.
Location: Various theaters around Central Florida
Details: fathomevents.com/event/pretty-in-pink
Silver Spurs Rodeo
Kissimmee’s time-honored rodeo week kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Saturday with the 5th annual Monster Bulls at the Silver Spurs Arena. Thousands are expected to witness daring riders get thrown around by 1,700 pounds of enraged beast. Organizers have dubbed this year’s event “Tough Enough to Wear Pink,” with $1 from each ticket sold going to the Florida Hospital Foundation’s breast-cancer research. Spectators are encouraged to wear pink to show support. Tickets are $15; free for kids 10 and under.
Location: 1875 Silver Spur Lane, Kissimmee
Details: silverspursrodeo.com; 321-697-3495
‘The Walking Dead’
If spending Valentine’s Day evening at home is more to your liking then have no fear — or maybe a little fear. The zombie-apocalypse drama “The Walking Dead” returns Sunday night at 9. The AMC show left off with a nail-biting cliffhanger: A horde of “walkers” looking to make a meal out of the community of Alexandria. Depending on your level of fandom and current emotional state you may want to have some tissues on standby in cause tragic events unfold.
Location: The couch
Details: amctv.com
Will’s Pub
A concert to honor David Bowie will take place at Will’s Pub in Orlando at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. More than 15 local acts — including The Woolly Bushmen, FunkUs and Watermark editor Billy Manes — will cover some of Bowie’s greatest hits. The British rocker died Jan. 10, just days after his 69h birthday. Tribute-show concertgoers must be at least 21 years old. Tickets $7-$10.
Location: 1042 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Details: willspub.org
Yanni
World-renowned composer Yanni has performed at China’s Forbidden City, the Egyptian pyramids and India’s Taj Mahal, and now he’s looking to add the Walt Disney Theater at the Dr. Phillips Center to his list. With more than 25 million albums sold, Yanni is a force of modern instrumental music. The Greek pianist and music producer is known for his blend of soft rock, classical and world music. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. Saturday and tickets start at $49.50.
Location: 445 S. Magnolia Ave., Orlando
Details: drphillipscenter.org; 844-513-2014
