Romantic Getaway Ideas for Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a romantic getaway
If you need help finding the perfect place to take your special someone, we've got some ideas. The six destinations below offer some of the most romantic scenery in the country—creating a beautiful backdrop for an ideal Valentine's Day getaway.
1. Southern Charm in Charleston
With its balmy February weather and handsome antebellum architecture, Charleston—a South Carolina seacoast city—sets the tone for a romantic escape from everyday life. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage through the cobblestone streets of Charleston's Historic District. Treat yourself to a sip of super-cold sweet tea or sample succulent shrimp at a local restaurant. As a delightful substitute for the traditional bouquet of flowers on Valentine's Day, wander hand-in-hand through the abundance of flowers at the Magnolia Plantation, which features popular varieties like azaleas and camellias. Top off your getaway with a stop at one of Charleston's beloved breweries or distilleries to taste craft lagers, ales or spirits.
2. Snuggle Up in Seattle
There's a good chance of February showers in Seattle. But rainy days are perfect for getting cozy and enjoying cappuccino from Seattle's famed coffee shops. For a more adventurous activity, take a trip to the top of the Space Needle and gaze out at the city’s twinkling lights. Want to surprise your significant other? Treat them to a fresh flower arrangement from Pike Place Market or a delicious meal with locally sourced ingredients. You'll also want to wear your walking shoes and bring an umbrella for a stroll through Olympic Sculpture Park. There, you can immerse yourselves in art and nature along Seattle's waterfront.
3. The Heart of Amish Country, Ohio
Colorful quilts, country cooking and delicious wine await in Ohio’s quaint Amish Country. Less than two hours from Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh, the peaceful countryside of Holmes County is the perfect place for you and your partner to reconnect. Choose your own Valentine's Day candy at the Coblentz Chocolate Company in Walnut Creek—you can even watch the confections being made. Savor an authentic Amish meal at the Boyd and Wurthmann Restaurant, a long-standing local favorite. Go slow as you explore villages with enchanting names like Charm, Wooster and Sugarcreek—you'll be sharing the road with horse-drawn buggies. Stop at the shops featuring handmade quilts, crafts, Amish furniture and fresh-baked pies.
4. Vows in the Valentine State
Celebrate your love in Arizona, nicknamed the “Valentine State” because it joined the Union on February 14th. If you're married, celebrate your own union at the vow renewal ceremony in the scenic Fountain Hills Park, just outside of Scottsdale. Sponsored by local businesses, the event is free, but online registraion is recommended if you plan to participate in the afternoon's sunset ceremony. The Phoenix area's temperate winter climate is a lovely reason to linger a few days longer. Call it a second honeymoon as you indulge in savory Southwestern cuisine, play golf, tour Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West and revel in the warmth before you return home, refreshed and renewed.
5. Chill Out at Lake Placid
If you and your partner love the chilly thrill of winter sports, Lake Placid in New York's Adirondack Mountains has the climate to delight you. Typically blessed with abundant snowfall in February, the area is a snowy mecca for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoeing enthusiasts. After the ski slopes and glistening trails, you'll have plenty of time to bond over hearty snacks and drinks at local bars and clubs. Lake Placid Pub and Brewery serves microbrews in glasses embellished with Adirondack chair icons, and the menu features robust appetizers and entrees. Visit the cute shops along Main Street to pick up a memento of this cool Valentine's Day getaway before you leave.
6. Sunsets Over San Diego
You'll be hard-pressed not to find the best romantic spot in San Diego to share with your Valentine, but you're bound to have fun trying. Perhaps you'll find it in the old-fashioned Wonderland Ocean Pub, watching shades of red sunset streak the sky over the Pacific. Or maybe you'll fall in love all over again when surrounded by Balboa Park's beauty. A stroll along the Embarcadero with a stop in Seaport Village might make the harbor your favorite choice. Finish your romantic trip with a visit to the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. If you want to splurge, have a cocktail or two at the 22-story Altitude Sky Lounge—a rooftop bar with expansive views across the entire seaside city.
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