Chocolates and roses are nice, but chocolates and roses on a boat?
Even better!
Bringing a date out on your boat or rental boat is a completely unique and romantic way to spend this heart holiday. Since you will be the Cruise Director and Captain of your love boat, Cannons Marina has a few ideas of ways to make Valentine’s Day a fun boating adventure for you and your date.
Come aboard, we’re expecting you!
Romantic Picnic by Boat
How psyched will your date be when you take her to Cannons Marina, rent a boat for the day and then whisk her off for a picnic on a beautiful island? Be daring and make the whole thing a surprise. Just advise your date to wear beach-friendly clothing and a sweatshirt. Before you leave, pack a cooler with some drinks, prepared sandwiches and finger foods. We suggest stopping by Sarasota’s Casa Italia to stock up on some delicious cheeses, olives and the House Special sandwich that comes with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers and imported prosciutto. And to really impress the lady, make sure you bring a nice bottle of wine – we suggest a Nero D’Avola to spice things up a bit!
After renting the boat, take a scenic cruise out to one of our fabulous state parks: Fort Desoto or Egmont Key. Drop an anchor at one of these lovelies and take your picnic (and your date) ashore. Each island offers white, sandy beaches for some sun-bathing and miles of paths for hiking.
Restaurant Hopping on Sarasota Bay
Take a whole day to experience the wonderful “dine by boat” culture we have here in the Sarasota area. Get a rental boat from Cannons Marina, and then head a little north for your first stop – Mar Vista Dockside Restaurant and Pub. We suggest ordering up the Raw Oysters (since they are said to be an aphrodisiac…today’s the day, right?) Next, head south on Sarasota Bay to the Dry Dock Grill to try the best grouper sandwich around! Keep heading a bit more south to the Old Salty Dog restaurant with some succulent Stone Crab Claws and a tasty frozen cocktail. Head back north and your day with a bit of fine dining at Pattigeorge’s. We can’t resist the Miso Glazed Sea Bass that is surrounded by luscious Lobster Consomme. Finish off this fantastic Valentine’s Day with some of their Tiramisu – the perfect sweet to share with your sweetie.
Sunset Cruise
Sometimes, keeping it simple is the best. We love the idea of just taking your date out on the boat to watch the sunset, drink a little wine and enjoying being together. To really impress her, sprinkle the boat with rose petals and bring along some chocolate. We recommend stopping by The Chocolate Bark Company in Sarasota for some dark chocolate sprinked with sea salt (perfect for being out on the salt water, eh?). Choose the Dark Chocolate Almond Grey Sea Salt Bark or the Dark Chocolate Caramel Sea Salt Bark. If you’d like Strawberries dipped in chocolate, head to Richey’s Chocolates in Bradenton for their homemade version of this Valentine’s classic.
As the stars come out and you are enjoying your dark chocolate morsels, also enjoy the beauty of being out on the water at night with your sweetie…we’ll let what happens next be up to you!