Erika Spence: Business in the Park

I think my 3-year-old has been looking forward to Valentine’s Day since the New Year. I thank the retail decorators for making the holidays disappear overnight and for displaying decorations, cards, candy and other items for a one-day holiday that, at the time, was more than six weeks away. I keep reminding him that Valentine’s Day is not here yet, and trying to explain that this isn’t something that we count down to – there is no chocolate-filled advent calendar for the romantic holiday. However, there are many opportunities to celebrate the season of love.

An event or two

First up, the Park Avenue Merchants Association and Winter Park Chamber of Commerce invite you to sip, shop and stroll with your sweetheart on Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. Sip, Shop & Stroll events are a unique way to experience the variety of shops and restaurants in the Park Avenue area, discover new merchants, taste seasonal menus and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts. Tickets are $25 and include a food and drink sample at 20 different locations. Reservations are strongly encouraged and are available at ExperienceParkAvenue.com

Also, for the fourth consecutive year, the Park Avenue Merchants Association will present a free Valentine Concert in Central Park. The afternoon of music and romance features Central Florida’s beloved Michael Andrew and Swingerhead on the Central Park Stage from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9. Come early, bring a picnic blanket and stay afterward for dinner on the Avenue at one of our event supporters. Some suggestions include: 310 Park South, Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, Cocina 214, Pannullo’s Italian Restaurant and Paris Bistro.

Be mine

While finger-painted creations might be what I can expect from my son as he prepares for a Valentine celebration, here are some other ways to say, “Be Mine,” this Valentine’s Day.

Whether you’re visiting the area for one of the pre-Valentine’s Day events, or perhaps the Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, be sure to shop local to pick up a little something sweet for your sweetie. Of course, chocolates are in good supply at our favorite chocolatiers and dessert confectioners; Peterbrooke Chocolatier, Kilwin’s Chocolates and Winter Park Chocolate all have something special to offer. Check out Sassafras Sweet Shoppe or Rocket Fizz for a retro treat that can help you relive a childhood memory or satisfy a candy crush.

The wise ones say that diamonds are a girl’s best friends. Shop local with jewelers at Simmons, Bay Hill or Be on Park and discover some stunning jewelry. Or check out accessories from Through the Looking Glass and Ten Thousand Villages. Park Avenue is packed with gifts that are sure to please.

And while glitz and glam are always a big hit, the way to a man’s heart is still through his stomach. A romantic dinner for two can be found around town. From The Ravenous Pig to Luma on Park, our local restaurateurs aim to please this Valentine’s Day weekend. Reservations are sure to fill up quickly as the holiday falls on Friday evening, so call ahead and ask about Valentine specials.

Show some love for local charities

And finally, this month the Rotary Club of Winter Park presents the annual Chili for Charity event on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. From 5:30 to 8 p.m. guests can sample a variety of chili creations, all with a Winter Park attitude, from local restaurants, caterers and even submissions from local businesses. Event highlights include live music, live auction and prizes for the chili entrants. Net proceeds will be distributed to Winter Park charities through the Rotary Club’s foundation later this year. Tickets and information can be found online at chiliforcharity.org or search for the event on Facebook.

Erika Spence is the senior director of marketing and communications at the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce.