When it comes to romance, Fort Myers and surrounding area offers all the ingredients for a perfect Valentine’s Day getaway, and year-round romance. A few to include in your plans:

Vow Renewals at Lovers Key State Park

This special event fills up fast. The popular vow renewals return for the 11th year on February 14. Couples may select from two time slots, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., for the renewal ceremony at the gazebo on the beach. Each couple will receive a picnic basket that includes champagne and desserts. Cost is US$150 per couple. Reservations are required and there is a 50-couple limit for each time slot.

Norman Love Confections (Fort Myers and Estero) 

Make your valentine swoon with the sweet gesture of hand-crafted chocolates featured in Norman Love Confections’ 2022 Valentine’s Day Collection. The limited-edition collection features 10 heart-shaped dark, white and milk chocolates, including Raspberry Rose, Berry Smoothie, Passion Orange, Pinot Noir, Grandma’s Chocolate Cake, Grand Orange, Tahitian Vanilla, Coffee Latte, Red Hot Cinnamon, and Caramelia.

Adventures in Paradise

Sunset Dolphin Cruise: The Valentine's Day Sunset Dolphin Cruise includes complimentary soft drinks, bottled water and a special treat. Listen to tropical music as you cruise the tranquil waters along the coastline of Sanibel. Experience of birds flocking to their evening roost, watch dolphins play in the wake, sightsee, and enjoy narration by a knowledgeable captain. February 14 at 5:15 p.m.

Valentine Getaway at the Luminary Hotel & Co (Fort Myers)

Available February 10-14, enjoy a romantic escape at Luminary Hotel & Co. that includes overnight accommodations, a welcome bottle of bubbly and a petite box of Norman Love chocolates. Plus, breakfast for two at Ella Mae’s Diner and complimentary valet parking.

Wildlife Sunset Cruise with Captiva Cruises

Relax and enjoy wildlife in Pine Island Sound as the sun sets over the Gulf of Mexico. The 90-minute cruise leaves from McCarthy's Marina at 5 p.m. Check website for price information. February  14 and other dates.

AND SPEAKING OF SUNSETS… in an area famous for them, there is a great location wherever you are in the Fort Myers region. A few favourite spots include:

• Tarpon Lodge, Pine Island Sound
• Riverside Park, Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee River
• Northshore Park, North Fort Myers, Caloosahatchee River
• Mucky Duck, Captiva Island, Gulf of Mexico
• Dog Beach, Bonita Springs, outside Lovers Key State Park
• Bunche Beach, Fort Myers, San Carlos Bay

Attractions News

Celebrate Thomas Edison’s 175th birthday, Fort Myers: The public is invited to celebrate Thomas Edison's 175th birthday at 10 a.m. February 11 at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates. The party is a free public event and includes birthday cake. For more information, visit edisonfordwinterestates.org.

STEMLab opens at Miromar Outlets, Estero: STEMLab, a new and imaginative space located at Miromar Outlets in Estero, celebrates its grand opening at 6 p.m. February 17 with science shows, activities, refreshments and prizes Inspired by the IMAG History & Science Center of Fort Myers, STEMLab is fun for kids of all ages with hands-on activities and interactive exhibits including SOS Explorer (Science on a Sphere), Google Earth Wall, Animated Augmented-Reality Sandbox, DrawAlive Studio, Hurricane Simulator, and more. theimag.org.

Celebrity birders to headline ‘Ding’ Darling 2022 free lecture series: The 18th annual “Ding” Darling Lecture Series will bring seven authors and wildlife and art experts to Sanibel Island, February 4-March 25, including highly acclaimed birding guide gurus David Allen Sibley and Richard Crossley. Lectures will cover topics from bald eagles to ornitherapy and nature art. Five of the lectures this year are again scheduled at the Community House on Sanibel Island. The venue for the other two will be later determined. For a flyer and schedule of lectures, visit dingdarlingsociety.org.

Explore Manatee Park: Visitors are invited to a free tour of the Manatee Park butterfly garden and habitats at 9 a.m. Sundays through March 27. Visitors will enjoy walking the ADA accessible paths through the restored native plant habitats and butterfly gardens. A volunteer naturalist will lead the tour. Manatee Park is a non-captive refuge for the threatened Florida manatee. Optimum viewing is now through March. Free tour with paid parking. leegov.com.

TripAdvisor’s 2022 Traveler’s Choice ‘Best of the Best’ Awards

Fort Myers Beach (pictured above) has been named TripAdvisor’s #5 ‘Best of the Best’ Trending Destination in the U.S. in this year’s awards. What they said: “Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Fort Myers offers its own great beaches as well as being surrounded by some 100 barrier and coastal islands to explore.” Read more here.