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Valentine’s Day: 14 Romantic Island Ideas for Your Loved One

By Nancy McRae

Thank goodness for Valentine’s Day! Of the 365 days in the year, it is one day devoted entirely to love, passion and romance — all worthy objects of celebration. Contrary to some husbands’ opinions that Valentines’ Day is just a Hallmark gimmick to sell cards (indeed, Valentine’s Day ranks second only to Christmas for number of cards purchased), the celebration of February 14th as a day of romance has its roots in ancient Rome.

Long before eHarmony and Match.com, unattached young women in Rome had their own foolproof way of connecting with the city’s bachelors. During the fertility festival of Lupercalia, which took place on February 14 and 15, teenaged girls would place their names in a big urn. Rome’s young men would each pick a name from the urn and become paired for the next year with their chosen women. Such serendipitous matches often resulted in marriage. Hmm, wonder if this would work on Coronado?

It took the early Catholic Church and Roman Emperor Claudius II to get from Lupercalia to St. Valentine. The Emperor noticed that it was too difficult to get Rome’s men to fight on distant borders when they really just wanted to be at home with their wives and families, so, ever-practical if slightly crazed, he outlawed marriage. Valentine, a third century priest, defied the Emperor and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered him imprisoned and put to death. According to one legend, Valentine fell in love with his jailer’s daughter. Before his death he wrote her an affectionate note signed “From your Valentine,” a phrase that has lived through the centuries.

The oldest known “official” Valentine in existence today was a poem written by Charles, Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture during the Battle of Agincourt. The letter, penned in 1415, expresses his love for his wife and torment at being separated from her. The popularity of Valentine’s Day grew in the 15th century, and today over one billion cards, millions of boxes of chocolates and countless dozens of red roses find their way to parents, teachers, spouses and sweethearts.

Coronado, with its naturally romantic setting, is a perfect place to begin or continue Valentine’s Day traditions. We’ve included ideas for every budget. The important thing is to carve out time on February 14 to let your Valentine know how much he or she is cherished. Break out of your routine and let the magic begin!

1 Take a gondola ride at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

Snuggle together under a cozy blanket as the gondolier navigates the calm canals of the Cays. Bring music that reminds you of your courting days. You may complement the delicious appetizers or dessert provided with your favorite champagne or wine. You’ll discover why gondolas make Venice and Coronado the cities of romance.

2 Go on a real date — the kind you went on when you were trying to make a good impression on each other.

Start with dinner at Bistro d’Asia or Tomaso’s. Follow that up with Lamb’s Players Theatre, and finish off the evening with coffee at Café 1134. Talk only about each other. Tell her she’s more beautiful than the day you first laid eyes on her. Tell him he’s still a hunk. How did your first date end? With a stolen kiss at the front door?

3 Be wild and adventurous!

Do something you’ve never done before — like having a fancy cocktail at the Babcock and Story bar and listening to the flamenco guitarist. We’re not suggesting you dance on tables, but maybe trying one new thing will lead to trying other new things....

4 Both too tired to go out? Can you manage to drive yourselves to the Coronado Island Marriott Resort?

Good. Then book massages for two at the spa, and when you’re good and relaxed, order up room service. There now, aren’t you feeling a little romantic after all? Check out their website at www.marriott.com for more
romance packages.

5 Try tradition with a twist.

Flowers from one of Coronado’s fine flower shops (the Coronado Flower Lady, Coronado Island Florist or Ye Olde Flower Shoppe), chocolates (from In Good Taste or Central Drug), and a card. To make sure you have his or her undivided attention, bestow these tokens of love during a pedicab ride around the bay.

6 Want to get away from it all on a luxury cruise, but can’t quite manage it? Play tourist in Coronado!

Turn off the cell phone, put on some sexy resort clothes and stroll hand-in-hand around the Ferry Landing, down Orange Avenue or through the Del. Browse in the shops and art galleries. Make an impulse purchase. Then celebrate with dessert at Tartine or Palm Court at The Del.

7 Rekindle the flames with some gorgeous lingerie.

Surprise her (or if your husband won’t take this hint, you can always surprise him!) with the classiest “pretty little nothings” this side of nirvana. Shop La Mer or the Armoire, and — be daring.

8 Popping the question? Or simply confirming your wisdom in having popped the question oh those many years ago?

Invite her for champagne at Il Fornaio or Chez Loma. While she’s powdering her sweet little nose in the Ladies Room, drop a sweet little ring from Houman or Del Coronado Jewels in her champagne glass. Tiny bubbles, big romance. You’re the man of her dreams.

9 Okay, you really are swamped with kids and your “to do” list.

Don’t despair. Get a babysitter (easier for the day than evening), pick up a “picnic in a box” from Miracle Mile deli, find your wedding pictures and head for your favorite cozy, romantic spot on the island (if you’re heading to the dunes on the beach, be sure your wedding pictures are protected from the sand). Relive all those precious memories and you’ll remember why you married each other in the first place.

10 Happy just being at home? You still need to make this day stand out from the rest. Hire a caterer and a musical quartet and invite some friends over for a “catered affair.”

Personalize each placecard at the dinner table with a love poem (books of poetry available at Bay Books), and give each guest a romantic topic to discuss as conversation makes its way around the dinner table. Anyone who talks about real estate prices or the stock market will be given a time out! By the end of the evening, you’ll have the happiest guests of any dinner party ever given.

11 If intimate evenings are more to your taste, book one of the four bayside suites, each with its own whirlpool tub, at Loews Coronado Bay Resort.

It’s amazing how many good conversations take place in a hot tub!

12 “Cuddle in Coronado” at the El Cordova Hotel.

Ask for the special Valentine rate on their one-bedroom suites; your stay includes a $50 gift certificate to use at The Brigantine or Miguel’s Cocina.

13 Don’t forget your sweet little cherubs — the true loves of your lives!

Take them for an afternoon of painting keepsakes at Awesome Artist.

14 Valentine’s Day would not be complete without a tribute to the most unconditional love
of all, Fido.

That slobbery, furry, four-legged creature edging onto your lap may not be romantic, but he’s is certainly deserving of a celebration of affection. Pollyanna’s Grooming and Wag’n Tails speak the doggie language of love.


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Reprinted with permission from Coronado Lifestyle, "the little magazine with the BIG impact."
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