Galveston Island is the place to be in February. The long, hard winter is going to have to give way to letting the good times roll. Alas, because we’re all trying to recover from 2009 –we’re all worried about treating a loved one or yourself without breaking the bank. Never fear – the Parrot is here!

Step 1: Sunday Morning – Valentine’s Day

Start your romantic day absolutely free! Rather than doing your morning jog around the block, take your loved one on a romantic walk through beautifully landscaped MOODY GARDENS. Now that you’ve done your heart healthy due diligence in a really romantic way, it’s time to present your beloved with a fabulous Valentine’s Day bouquet custom crafted by LARRY JANTZEN OF THE GALVESTON FLOWER COMPANY.

Step 2: Sweet and Cheap Treats Downtown:

After a romantic bite and a quick Facebook check at the TREMONT CAFE it’s time to hold hands and walk over to the Strand. THE NESTLE TOLL HOUSE CAFÉ is new and tasty addition to the Strand Area. As the name implies the goodies here runneth over. Your loved one and family members will be thrilled with a delicious decorated cookie cake, brownies, muffins and a range of other luscious treats. Wraps and sandwiches are available for a quick lunch. Additionally, festive baskets are available for both Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras festivities.

Moving right along, THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY is sure to impress with its lavish assortment of premium chocolates and specialty products. Ask Mona Shaw, to show you their rich chocolate dipped strawberries or ask for an old fashioned caramel dipped apple. The good folks at the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY have cleverly figured out that slicing it for sharing it is just plain fun.

While you’re snacking, if that special person is a lady who loves fashion and jewelry then drop into HEAD TO FOOTISES. Springtime means “new outfit” time and they’ve got a lovely collection of high fashion clothing at some down to earth prices.

Of course, you need variety on a holiday, so wander over to Postoffice Street. ‘HA’ BA’S is a great fun shopping that the locals love. They feature fun fashions at affordable prices. FULLEN HARBORSIDE JEWELRY features high quality jewelry with unique styles that highlight the island’s rich history.

There’s a new kid on the block. Linda Ford has started her own jewelry line made of “eco-smart’ sea glass. Ask at the new “Eibands” . It’s a unique new art form created from “untouched and unpolished” glass from a number of U.S. Coastal communities.

Keep wandering, there’s plenty of time left to explore downtown Galveston. Drop by the new deck area of MOD COFFEE AND TEA HOUSE or a quick espresso and take a moment to enjoy the Galveston’s own little “urban hotspot”. Heck, you can even run into the GALVESTON PACK AND SHIP across the street and pick up a “Spa or Amazon” Gift Card to stuff in your loved one’s “goodie bag”. Won’t they be happy when they enjoy some “me time” at the SPA AT THE GALVEZ, SPA AT THE SAN LUIS OR THE SPA AT MOODY GARDENS.

Step 3: Romantic Eateries!!

Because of the Gulf of Mexico, Galveston Island is legendary for romance and romantic dining. This is a perfect time to drop into LUIGI’S RISTORANTE ITALIANO and reserve his special “Wine Nook” for the lunch or dinner. MARIO’S SEAFOOD AND ITALIAN RESTAURANT on the Seawall of course takes advantage of an Italian culinary tradition that screams “love” while looking out onto the Gulf of Mexico. Why not let JON PAUL at the STEAK HOUSE AT THE SAN LUIS RESORT guide you to a cozy candle lite dinner combined with a lavish gourmet meal. BERNARDO’S AT HOTEL GALVEZ is wonderful if you really want to “put on the Ritz” while enjoying the unique fusion menu they’ve developed in honor of their namesake “Bernardo de Galvez”. On the bay side OLYMPIA GRILL, WILLIE G’S and FISHERMAN’S WHARF offer the freshest seafood combined with spectacular bay views.

Casual and Hip: Beverages and Music

Of course, there are plenty of folks who are single, or just looking on Valentine’s Day! No need to worry, the Island has a host great “meet and greet” spots for the young and hip. For example, you all know how popular “THE SPOT” ON THE SEAWALL has become. But did you know about “DRIP”? DRIP is located on the same campus, but has a more “trendy feel”. It also has a vast outdoor – indoor deck. If that doesn’t make sense to you – good! You’re going to have to drop over to DRIP and give DENNIS BYRD a “shout-out” in order to find out.

THE GALVESTON RESTAURANT GROUP has a trio of trendy, yet affordable spots downtown. For example you can grab a cocktail at the full bar at SALTWATER GRILL and you really upgrade your evening by adding some of the tastiest finger food in town – some big lump crab drumsticks. THE GUMBO BAR features a large varietal beer selection and of course their totally fresh, down-home style gumbo. Moreover SKY BAR SUSHI BAR AND GRILL features not only unique beverages but a Sushi Happy Hour that provides some of best sushi on the Gulf Coast at prices that put the big city to shame.

Final Step: The Piece de Résistance
So after all of this walking, strolling, handholding, snacking and dining what can you do to top off your romantic evening? If you’ve done your homework, you shopped earlier at CINDIE’S for some “special gifts”.

Nuff said!

Marsha Wilson Rappaport is a local author and free lance writer who is playing catch up and will get to Willie G’s and DiBella’s next!

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