Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Cupid is refilling his quiver and sharpening his arrows and the scent of romance is in the air. Paul McCartney has even released a new love song. Personally I'm not too keen on the commercialisation of love but if the romantic in you is looking to declare your undying love on February 14, then we want to know where the perfect place is to do it. In the meantime here are a few suggestions.
On the Water:
Perhaps your love is on the epic scale of Cleopatra and Marc Antony, who enjoyed some pretty spectacular river cruising in their time. While Brisbane can't quite give you the exotic mystery of the Nile we do have our own Brisbane River and the delights of Moreton Bay to serve as a romantic backdrop for your Valentine's Day experience.
Brisbane Bay Tours offer evening cruises around Manly Harbour on a 10m catamaran. Choose from the Romantic Cruise ($60 per person) or the Dinner Cruise with Seafood dinner for $120 per person. Booking details on the website.
If you prefer the river to the sea then
Kookaburra River Queens Valentine's Day Dinner Cruise could be a good option at $99 per person.
Image: Brisbane Bay Tours
Rooftop Romance:
Maybe you're more the Tom Hanks (Sam Baldwin) and Meg Ryan (Annie Reed) types and prefer romance on a rooftop
Sleepless in Seattle style. Obviously the Empire State Building is out of the question, but Brisbane has some
stylish rooftop venues complete with romantic atmosphere and great views. If you want to combine starry skies ambience with a cinematic love story you can relive the eighties with the classic
Dirty Dancing at
Limes Hotel Rooftop Cinema on 14 February.
Cocktails:
Romeo and Juliet had a great love, as well as a penchant for swilling poisonous potions. Delete the suicide and tragic outcomes and spend your Valentine's Day imbibing delicious cocktails instead. Brisbane has some great cocktail venues including
Canvas Cocktail and Wine Bar,
The Emporium Hotel Cocktail Bar or
Cloudland.
Romeo and Juliet by Ford Madox Brown. Image: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Romeo_and_juliet_brown.jpg
Music:
"
If music be the food of love, play on". Duke Orsino in Shakespeare's
Twelfth Night uttered these famous words. If music provides your romantic inspirations you may have a little trouble this Valentine's day. While my search didn't reveal too many romantic options, you could try the Swedish eighties duo
Roxette, who are performing at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre on Valentine's Day. Just make sure your love doesn't focus too much on the words of their megahit
It Must Have Been Love. The next line is "
but it's over now".
Dessert Restaurants:
It's been said that Napoleon was a huge chocolate lover and always took chocolate with him on his military campaigns. Perhaps it was a gift from Josephine, slipped into his saddle bags as a reminder of their love. If chocolate ranks highly on your couple's treats list then dessert restaurants may be the place for you to celebrate Valentine's Day. Try
Freestyle Tout,
Max Brenner Chocolate Cafe or
16th on Park Bistro and Dessert Cafe.
February is almost here. Love is in the air. Where's the best place to celebrate Valentine's Day in Brisbane?
