Last-minute local ideas for Valentine’s Day

From flowers to happy hours to meteor showers, we’ve got ideas to make your Valentine’s Day special.

Heart-shaped desserts from Mitchell's Coffee House

Don’t underestimate a coffee date — find these treats at Mitchell’s.

Table of Contents

There’s no dodging Cupid’s arrow — Valentine’s Day is here. Whether you’re celebrating your friendships or sugaring up your sweetheart, we’ve got last-minute Valentine’s Day ideas that will have you loving love.

🌵 Get fantastical with botanicals

If you’re quick, you might have your pick of bouquets using Floom, an online marketplace that partners with florists that deliver locally.

Or, get creative and nab a potted plant from these plant spots. Nothing says forever like a hardy succulent.

Or check out this roundup of where to buy plants.

      🥂 Do brunch

      If you didn’t manage to score reservations, try brunch instead:

      • Garden Bistro, 702 E. Orange St. | Tues.-Sat., 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Sunday 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. | Bistro | $$ | Enjoy your brunch with a scenic view of Lake Mirror.
      • Divicious Deli & Coffee Shop, 128 E. Main St. | Mon.-Sat., 7 a.m.-5 p.m. (closes at 4 p.m. on Saturday) | Delicatessen | $ | This spot offers pastries and breakfast sandwiches all day long — try the Western Omelet with ham, tomatoes, peppers, and onions.
      • Egg Station, 1625 Shepherd Rd. | Daily, 7 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (stays open until 7 p.m. on Friday) | Diner | $ | We recommend the Southern French Toast (made with biscuits) and a side of home fries if you’re feeling extra hungry.

      For more options, check out our brunch guide.

      🌟 Go stargazing

      It doesn’t get much more idyllic than bundling up and looking at the stars. Grab some blankets (and maybe a hot drink) and head to Lakeland Highlands Scrub (6998 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland) for early morning viewings of the stars away from man-made light.

      More from LALtoday
      Shaken or stirred? Either one works, as long as it’s zero-proof. Check out this list of alcohol-free cocktails — mocktails — in Swan City.
      Learn how artists Gillian Fazio and Katerina Santos plan to drench Lakeland in color through its first-ever mural festival, and how small businesses + muralists can get in on the artistic action.
      Prep for the convention with events, guests, and exhibitions we wouldn’t miss.
      With a Victorian vibe and shaved snow desserts, Vampire Penguin could become your newest downtown haunt.
      Whether you’re looking for your next leisure read, a book for the whole family, or a thrilling fictional novel, we’ve got a list of books written by local authors in Lakeland.
      We hear readers’ hopes for future Lakeland eateries all the time. Now, we’re compiling them all into a restaurant wishlist to see which foodie dreams come true.
      From improving quality of life to wins for local businesses, find out how Lakeland measured up in last year’s rankings.
      Avelo Airlines announced plans for two additional aircraft at its Lakeland International Airport base, as well as more flights on its schedule.
      Create the city you want to live in by applying to serve in these volunteer roles.
      Airbnb released its travel trends predictions for the year — here’s how you can take part, starting in Lakeland.