February in Florida is the perfect month to get outdoors and explore. Below are a few fun ideas to celebrate as a couple, friend group or family, while soaking up our glorious winter weather.
Nosh at the Florida State Fair. Grab that special someone and head to the Florida State Fairgrounds for a food tour like none other. From a Seafood Boil Stuffed Potato to a Soul Food Egg Roll to S’mores Chocolate Bacon, the fair is always a fun place to try outrageous food concoctions…and wash it all down with some Cotton Candy Iced Tea. Plus, enjoy Midway rides, farm animals, live entertainment and more. The Florida State Fair runs Feb. 6-17. Learn more at floridastatefair.com.
Cycle Safety Harbor. The quaint city of Safety Harbor is a great place for a cycling adventure. Rent a bike from Bicycle Boutique at 135 4th Avenue North, just off Main Street. Pedal to your heart’s content through the downtown streets and over to Safety Harbor Waterfront Park. Be sure to cycle past Whimzeyland on Third Street North along the way. Once you’ve worked up an appetite grab a bit to eat at one of the many delectable options that line Main Street.
View Manatees: February is the perfect month to spot our beloved sea cows as they huddle together for warmth. The Manatee Viewing Center at the Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach is a great local option to view manatees while learning a bit more about these docile creatures. Visitors can wander along boardwalks overlooking the warm-water area where manatees gather, visit the education center to learn about the manatees and get a bite to eat at the Southshore Café. Plan your visit at tampaelectric.com/manatee. In the mood for a road trip? Head north to manatee hot spot, Three Sisters Springs. Writer Heather Bossowski offers excellent tips for a day trip the Springs at westchasewow.com/three-sisters-springs.
Tour Keel Farms. Located in nearby Plant City, Keel Farms is home to Keel Farms Winery and Keel Farms Agrarian Ales and Ciders. Sign up for one of their daily tours that take you behind the scenes to explore the farm, the winery, and taste their farm-to-glass products. They also offer an immersive wine-tasting option and, on Valentine’s Day, they are hosting Valentines in the Vines, a four-course dining experience. Reservations are required for all options. Learn more at keelfarms.com/plan-your-visit.
Stroll the Riverwalk. The Tampa Riverwalk offers a continuous 2.6-mile waterfront walkway along the banks of the Hillsborough River with gorgeous views of the river and architectural treasures, like the University of Tampa. Pick a starting point and grab a bit to eat at Armature Works or Sparkman Wharf. After your stroll along the Riverwalk, cap the day off by grabbing an adult beverage from Ulele’s outdoor bar or Sparkman Wharf’s LightHaus Beer Garden. Or, take in a view of Tampa’s skyline from Armature Works’ rooftop bar, M.Bird.
Explore the St. Pete Pier: This is a gorgeous time of year to visit downtown St. Petersburg and all it has to offer. At the center of it all is the St. Pete Pier. Begin your visit with a stop at the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Then take a stroll out to the pier, stopping to browse the wares of local vendors at The Marketplace located at the entrance to the pier walkway. As you walk toward the Pier, enjoy art installations, amazing water views, a stroll through a Coastal Thicket and much more. Head up to Pier Tiki at the top of the Pier for a beverage and a bite to eat while enjoying stunning views of downtown St. Pete. Or make a reservation at Teak or Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro. The Pier is also a short walk to several amazing museums, including The James, The Dali, the Museum of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, The Museum of Fine Art and the Imagine Museum.
Play tourist in Tarpon Springs. The Sponge Docks isn’t just a great place to get authentic Greek food; it is also the perfect spot to play tourist. Browse the gift shops that line Dodecanese Boulevard, take a spin through the Spongeorama Museum and then set sail on a romantic boat ride down the Anclote River.
Picnic at the Gizella Kopsick Arboretum. This unique arboretum located along North Shore Drive in St. Petersburg features two acres of Zen-like waterfront property that is home to more than 500 palms and is the perfect setting for a picnic for two or more! For more perfect picnic spots, visit westchasewow.com/picnic-spots.
Stick close to home. February is also the perfect month to take advantage of the numerous al fresco dining options right here in Westchase that are just a short walk, bike ride or car ride away.
Whatever option you choose, we hope all our readers enjoy spending time with their loved ones this Valentine’s Day.
