Love is in the air. Now what? Looking for some ideas for Valentine's Day in Tampa Bay? There are 3 things to cover when taking your special person out on this day: Location, Venue and Food.

The location should be somewhere that has a romantic environment with multiple choices of venues. The venue should be the locale that encompasses the perfect foods, drinks and ambiance to set the mood for you both. The food should be chosen wisely, as there are many types that have been said to set the mood.

The beauty of living in Florida is having the beach nearby. We all know that Florida can get a bit cool this time of year, but the beach can still be made very romantic coupled with sweaters, a blanket and a bottle of champagne. I suggest taking your loved one to the beach before sunset, snuggle up and share a glass of bubbly. Clearwater Beach is a great option, but also very touristy… It is worth the trip to head to Anna Maria Island or Treasure Island. These spots have the perfect venues to stop by if you are looking for dinner walking distance from the beach.

Your venue could be near the location that you chose, or you could plan to have a little less champagne than your loved one in order to drive back to town for dinner. If Tampa is your spot, I suggest Ocean Prime, Bern’s Steakhouse, Capital Grille, The View at CK’s, P.F. Chang’s or The Melting Pot. In Brandon, I recommend GrillSmith, Cheesecake Factory, Stonewood Grill, or The Rack. New Tampa patrons, try Wasabi, GrillSmith, Yamato, or Cantina Laredo. All of these venues have the perfect menu for you and your Valentine. Make sure to make reservations and plan ahead with hotel bookings if you are travelling or want a romantic evening at a plush resort. Some fine recommendations in Tampa are The Renaissance, Grand Suites at Busch Gardens or the Don Cesar in Clearwater. For other options check out Tampa Bay Hotels.

Finally, the food… Fruits like strawberries, raspberries and pineapple are highly recommended to get the loving mood started. When looking at the menu, search for foods that contain avocado, honey, nutmeg, celery, even garlic and chili! All of these have had studies shown to boost endorphins for a romantic mood.

Remember, a date is only as good as how it ends. Beyond the chocolate dessert at the restaurant, make sure to close the night out with a special surprise your loved one is sure not to expect. Whether it be rose petals leading up to their doorstep at home, or a personal gift of a scrapbook or video made of the memories you both have shared, your creativity should come into play here. Everyone has had dinner and drinks, but what will you catch her or him off guard with when the night is coming to an end?

Good luck on this special day, and cheers to both you and your Valentine!