Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaways
Submitted by SharpMan Editorial Team on Tuesday 12th October 2010- Surprise Weekends
- "When is a Getaway a Bad Idea?"
The Appeal of the Romantic Getaway
If you’ve been keeping up with our SharpDating tips, you know how much women love it when you make an effort on their behalf. Be it an unexpected gift, a delicious meal, or simply changing her oil, you win points when you go out of your way to please your SharpWoman.
But romantically ambitious SharpMen may wonder: which gesture wins you the biggest points of all?
That would be the Romantic Getaway, my friend. It’s by far the top secret desire of all the women we polled, so what better time to spoil her with this gift than Valentines’ Day? Whisk her away to some secluded, relaxing, or luxurious spot, and you’ll literally hear your point-count escalating like the background noise at a casino.
For those of you who don’t find the appeal of the romantic getaway self-explanatory, here’s the gist: they’re fun, fun, fun. What can better inspire closeness and intimacy than a quick trip for just the two of you? Imagine the possibilities. Check out our tips and suggestions:
Surprise Weekends and "When is a Getaway a Bad Idea?"
The Surprise Getaway.
For those SharpMen among you who think you’re the first to conceive of a weekend getaway where your date (a) doesn’t know where she’s going or (b) doesn’t know that she’s going, take note: Your plan has been tried and botched many times. When making a plan of this type, be especially sure that your Valentine is the type of woman who would appreciate this surprise.
Is she the sort that needs to check the stove 5,000 times before leaving the house? Does she require at least two days to fully consider her packing needs? Springing a mystery weekend, climate or activity on a woman like this could ruin the best-laid plans.
Instead, SharpDating recommends a properly noticed getaway weekend that allows your SharpWoman to plan appropriately and enjoy a few weeks of pleasant anticipation. After all, she’s been nagging you about it forever. Go ahead and take the initiative before she suggests it.
Bad Idea Weekends.
No matter how great you click with a new SharpWoman, sometimes it’s just too soon to go away together for the weekend. The stress of traveling, spending too many hours together too soon, and the discomfort of private, uh, bathroom time can take the air out of the early-romance balloon faster than you can say "we’re going!" If you don’t know your new girlfriend very well, are still fueling the courtship fires or if the two of you haven’t shared a bedroom before (and don’t plan to get two rooms for your getaway), perhaps your weekend plans should be scaled down to a Valentine’s Day Great Date. Check out SharpDating Jill’s Top V-Day Itineraries — designed to create romance on any budget.
Planning Your Getaway
The great thing about a romantic getaway is that doesn’t have to break your budget. Most weekends away can be planned locally — eliminating the cost of a flight — with lodging chosen to accommodate your budget. If pricey resort-town dinners aren’t within your means, a local grocery store, a warm blanket and a great view work just as well. Remember, romance is an attitude, not a price-point.
With all of the V-Day itineraries suggested below, you’ll have to locate and book accommodations with a romance-meter level appropriate to this weekend. Beware: many places that have been named "inn," "lodge" or "bed and breakfast" do not necessarily provide what you may be looking for. Before booking a room, check out Finding the Perfect Bed & Breakfast for search tips and invaluable questions to help you identify lodging that won’t disappoint.
Weekend Getaways Itineraries
Check out these regional picks for short-term getaways
Napa Valley, California Wine Country
If the beautiful rolling hills and lush scenery of Napa Valley wine country don’t charm her, the posh hotels, gourmet restaurants, and quaint small towns will. Check out the art nouveau Beringer mansion in St. Helena, the Franciscan mission in Sonoma, and the unique Steamboat Gothic architecture of Calistoga, a town that is also noted for its numerous chichi spas and hot mineral springs. Sonoma County is your destination if you like outdoorsy activities like hiking and boating.
Then, of course, there’s the wine — the main point of traveling to Napa Valley. The noble grape provides a great deal of pleasure in itself, and there are hundreds of wineries and delectable wine tastings to prove that point. Check into the numerous tours available. Check out http://www.visitcalifornia.com/Inside-Scoops/Napa-All-Aboard-Wine-Train/.
Louisiana Plantation Country
Step back in time with a trip to Louisiana plantation country, one of the coolest places on the entire planet. What more could you want: the best food in the world, historic surroundings, lush vegetation, friendly people, fun times, and one of the most unique cultures in the country — the Cajuns. If you’ve never been, it’s about time you experienced what you’ve only heard about.
Fly to New Orleans and tour the French Quarter, where you’re able to walk the streets viewing sights from historic to decadent while slurping a delicious daiquiri. From there it’s a short jaunt to Acadiana, the beautiful plantation country bounded by the Atchafalaya Basin and Lake Maurepas where towering, moss-draped oaks lead you to the massive columns of pre-Civil War plantation homes, many with original furnishings. Fascinating tours demonstrate how the fortunate — and not so fortunate — lived 200 years ago. The wealth of Old South architecture is astonishing, and many of these homes also serve as bed and breakfasts — one the most romantic ways to spend a weekend.
And don’t miss my sentimental favorite: nineteenth-century Grace Episcopal Church in St. Francisville. Check out http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/stfhd.htm or http://www.crt.state.la.us/hp/nationalregister/nhl/parish63/scans/630050... for more info.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is one of the Southwest’s premier tourism spots, and for good reason. Two hours north of Phoenix, in the midst of red rock country, it offers a mild climate and breathtaking views. In fact, Highway 89A through Oak Creek has been named as one of the most beautiful drives in America by Rand-McNally.
While a bit touristy, this small town offers a wide variety of amenities, from art galleries to fine restaurants, unique shops and outdoor activities. Some of the best hiking areas in the country can be found here. Sedona is also one of the top Southwest art centers. Take a jeep tour around the red rock monoliths, go on a hot air balloon ride, and check out Tlaquepaque, a Mexican-style arts and crafts village.
If you decide you want to visit the majestic Grand Canyon while you’re there, it’s only a two-and-a-half-hour drive north. Check out http://www.arizonaguide.com/ for more info.
Aspen, Colorado
If winter sports are your SharpWoman’s love, try Aspen, which offers some of the best skiing out there. Thanks to snowmaking equipment, the snow’s always fabulous, even when weather conditions aren’t perfect (which doesn’t happen often).
There are a number of great resorts in Aspen, which offer slopes for every level, from beginning to extreme. Skiing’s not your only option, either —snowboarding, snowmobiling, sledding, snowshoeing, hot springs, sleigh rides, and sightseeing tours will keep you busy in between runs. And after the resorts close, you’ll visit fine restaurants and fun nightclubs to suit just about every taste. Plus, you’ll get to snuggle together by the fire.
The most convenient thing about an Aspen trip is the universal resort card, which allows you to purchase everything from lift tickets to room rentals to dining, all on one account.
Is Aspen too rich for you blood? Try Vail, Colorado, a slightly less glitzy version, with amazing back-bowl skiing, incredible food and plenty of entertainment. Alternatively, hit some of the smaller resort towns for fewer crowd and a more relaxed weekend. Check out http://www.colorado.com/ for more info.
Oregon Coastline
Known as America’s most beautiful coastline, and with good reason, the breathtaking Oregon coast attracts millions of visitors every year. Try a weekend tour down Highway 101, one of the top scenic highways in the nation. Except for a few loops, it runs the Pacific Ocean for its entire length, making for fascinating — and romantic — views.
Start in Astoria, the oldest American settlement west of the Mississippi, where the Columbia River dramatically meets the Pacific. Then stop at Seaside, a quaint resort town where you’ll see sandy beaches with rocky headlands, tide pools, and one of the world’s largest monoliths, Haystack Rock. Seaside is also the end of the Lewis and Clark trail, and you’ll find a number of historical sites in the vicinity. If you’ve got time, you can also check out the Aquarium and the Historical Museum.
From there Highway 101 climbs into the mountains and through Oswald West State Park. You’ll then make your way through the gorgeous Cape Perpetua and Sea Lions Caves, and down into the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Along the way you’ll run into artist colonies, shops, restaurants, and charming lodgings perfect for a Valentine’s Day trek. Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon_Coast or http://visittheoregoncoast.com/2010/11/18/highway-101-oregons-lighthouse... for more info.
Northern New England — Bar Harbor, Maine
There are very few things as romantic as a New England bed and breakfast getaway. While most people tend to head north to watch the changing of the leaves in fall, winter brings a less crowded, more affordable winter wonderland with tobogganing, cold-weather hiking and romantic private dinners.
Due to the chilly weather, most bed and breakfasts close their doors after the fall tourist season ends. Those that remain open slash their prices and offer additional perks for those brave souls willing to make the trip. Even the most modest of SharpMan budgets will be able to book the fanciest "suites" at many of these cozy lodging places. Best yet, unlike other times of the year, you’ll find fewer two-night minimums in winter, allowing SharpMen to spilt nights between several inns — a sort of bed and breakfast "taste test."
To find the best bed and breakfast for you and your SharpWoman, don’t miss our second run of Finding the Perfect Bed & Breakfast — a must-read for picking a bed and breakfast winner.
What town should you hit? Maine offers countless charming towns along the coast. For a relatively quick trip, try Camden, Maine (http://www.visitmaine.com/region/midcoast/camden_rockport_lincolnville/) — great inns, restaurants and wintertime outdoor activities. Those willing to spend a few extra hours in the car will be rewarded for making it to Bar Harbor, Maine (http://www.barharborinfo.com/) — unbelievably romantic bed and breakfasts, food and amazing hiking and driving tours in the adjacent Acadia National Park.
For more information about visiting towns in northern New England, check out the state of Maine’s visitor’s site (http://www.visitmaine.com/), the state of Vermont’s visitor’s site (http://www.vermontvacation.com/ ) or the state of New Hampshire’s visitor’s site (http://www.visitnh.gov/).
Virginia Foothills
Try the Route 231 Driving Tour starting in Madison, Virginia, a U.S. Top 10 Scenic Byway. Visit Montpelier, the lifelong home of president James Madison and his wife Dolly, now a museum featuring original furnishings, clothing, jewelry, and correspondence from the "father of the Constitution." It’s a fascinating look back in time.
From there head to the Naked Mountain Winery in Markham, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are a number of wineries to visit in the area and we don’t know if this one’s any better than the others, but we just can’t pass up that name — especially on a Valentine’s trip. Remember, Virginia is for lovers.
Along the way you’ll also run into great shopping and antiques, art galleries, Civil War sites, and tons of outdoor activity options, like the beautiful (and primitive) Sky Meadows State Park. Check out http://www.virginia.org/ or http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/sky.shtml for more info.
Longer Getaways
If you can take a longer Valentine’s trip, and have a larger budget, consider our picks for romantic destinations across the pond:
Maui, Hawaii
In Hawaii it’s always a beach day, with temperatures ranging from 60-90 year-round. One of the friendliest, most beautiful places on earth, Hawaii offers majestic mountains thrust up by volcanic activity, coral reefs and seemingly endless miles of pristine white sand beach. Check out the numerous historical sites, art galleries, trendy clubs and tony restaurants, many offering delicious regional cuisine.
We suggest starting your search with the island of Maui because it offers a wide range of accommodations, along with secluded areas that show Hawaii the way it used to be. Enjoy Haleakala National Park, with its 10,000 foot dormant volcano nature walk, and the famous Seven Pools at Oheo Gulch. Take a horseback or bike ride through the lush scenery, then go swimming or snorkeling.
For more adventurous souls and bigger budgets, consider island hopping to Kauai or Molokai for a more intimate Hawaiian experience.
And don’t forget to take in a hula performance! Check out http://www.gohawaii.com/maui for more info.
Acapulco, Mexico
The ideal holiday resort, Acapulco’s main draws are its miles of beaches, warm blue water, and year-round temperatures in the 80s. Less a bastion of high culture than a hedonistic resort town, Acapulco offers swimming (along with any other water sport you want), sunning, shopping and, after the sun goes down, the legendary nightlife boasting some of the best (well, most lively and fun) discos in the world.
Its heyday as a glitterati favorite is past, so you won’t find yourself running into any movie stars. Yet Acapulco remains a top destination for those who want nothing more than to lie on a towel all day, sip a margarita and rise only to check out the sumptuous restaurants and flashy nightclubs.
Sure there are quieter, more pristine towns in Mexico, but for a nice mix of high-quality beach and a wide assortment of diversions, think Acapulco. If your SharpWoman needs to relax and get away from it all, this is your choice.
Check out http://www.visitmexico.com/en-i0/acapulco for more info.
Venice, Italy
For those of you who want to go all the way, this has got to be the top romantic destination of all time, and will totally blow her away. Known as the most beautiful city in the world, exotic Venice is literally built on water and boasts a history of over 1,000 years. If you’ve only ever seen it in pictures, nothing can prepare you for the surreal, dreamlike splendor of the real thing.
As you might expect of a city located on marshes and lagoons, walking, taking a gondola (the characteristic Venetian boat) and riding the vaporetti (water bus) are your main transportation options. Check out the extraordinary Basilica di San Marco and the Palazzo Ducale, along with the golden mosaics of the Byzantine churches and palaces along the Grand Canal.
In addition, major Renaissance artists like Giorgione, Tintoretto, and Titian also called Venice home in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and their astounding work is still found throughout the city today. Check out http://www.italia.it/en/discover-italy/veneto/venice.html for more info.
This article last updated on Wednesday 8th February 2012