It’s love month! February is here and that means Valentine’s Day! The last few years, most have cooked at home or skipped the holiday altogether so this year, why not take a romantic winter vacay!
Perhaps a long weekend at any of these will do the trick! Some may be driving distance or even a short flight away and worth checking out this year with your Valentine! It’s not too late to plan the perfect getaway and date!
In no particular order:
Santa Barbara, CA – One of the more affluent areas in the state, Santa Barbara is a city of great food, great lifestyle and a load of luxurious activities to enjoy. From great historical attractions to excellent golf courses — for pairs, of course, this oceanside city is walkable, romantic, and exudes an elegance and sophistication that you’ll find throughout the area. Head to nearby wineries for a real taste of California living. Where to dine – Watch my Santa Barbara Episode
Aspen, CO – Snuggle close on a ski lift while ooh-ing and awe-ing at the stunning mountain vistas or warm together in a hot tub overlooking snow-capped mountains and darkening skies. Aspen is a luxe vacation that offers great shopping, amazing restaurants, and a bit of blood-pumping excitement on the town’s many great ski slopes. Where to dine – Pyramid Bistro
Maui, HI – Ranked high on Travel and Leisure most romantic getaways nearly every year, Maui is just about as romantic as you can get. Explore the island by day, indulge in a spa package at any of the islands’s numerous luxury resorts in the afternoon, and go stargazing at night (or visit Kaanapali Beach to watch bioluminescent sea life glow in the dark waters). Its exotic jungles and stunningly gorgeous beaches cap off what will be the perfect vacation spot to rekindle any romance. Where to dine – Fairmont Kea Lani Resort & Spa
Savannah, GA – Draped in Spanish moss and Old World Southern congeniality, Savannah is a lovely city that delights in its charm and mystery. Walk the city easily and see stunning historic homes and gardens galore — stopping at some of the great parks and wine shops along the way.In the evening, tour the Riverwalk for lively music and fine dining as you sip your wine and look over the water. Its nearby islands will be a great tour come morning. Where to dine – Watch my Savannah Episode
New York City, NY – With so much going on at all hours of the day and night, it’s hard not to find romance in New York. In Central Park alone, lovers can ice skate hand in hand during the winter, dine at some of the best restaurants in the world, take in a show and retire to a fabulous, romantic hotel. For city life lovers, no city is more romantic than the big apple. Where to dine – Watch my New York Episode
Key West, FL – Hemingway sure knew what he was doing during his time in Florida’s Key West, a city that is greatly joyous in its love of romance, good food and even better drink. Online reader surveys from travel’s best magazine continually rank Key West one of the top romantic spots for escape. Watch the sunset and keep your eyes peeled for the ‘green flash’ as the sun sets over the water. Go scuba diving together or just take in the sun by the beach — beer or wine in hand of course. Where to dine – Square One
Sedona, AZ – Sedona is regularly described as one of America’s most beautiful places. Nowhere else will you find a landscape as dramatically colorful. The towering red rocks and jagged sandstone buttes matched against an almost always blue sky have beckoned to professional and budding artists for years. Additionally, Sedona is a very spiritual place which breeds romance! Where to dine – Check out my Sedona post
New Orleans, LA – Numerous gardens, flower-lined streets and an excellent foodie scene make fifth place New Orleans a memorable destination for couples on vacation. After dark, New Orleans comes alive with one of the sexiest night life scenes in the South. Take in the sites of the most European looking cities in the US while immersing yourself in great southern and cajun culture! Where to dine – Check out my New Orleans post
Napa Valley/Sonoma County, CA – A visit to the Northern California wine country is guaranteed to add a little kick to any relationship. In the heart of Sonoma, just four blocks from the historic plaza, is a renovated garden spot that would give Eden a run for its money. Interspersed among the vibrant flowers, mature trees, fountains, and sculptures, there is the main draw, wine! Splurge and reserve hers & his massages and then dine at some of the world’s best eateries. Plus, you’re a short drive from another romantic city, San Francisco! Where to dine – Check out my Napa post and my Sonoma post
Jackson Hole, WY – Active couples whose idea of romance involves immersion in the glory of Mother Nature love Jackson, Wyoming for its proximity to some of the nation’s most spectacular national parks. In and around the town of Jackson, couples find spas, art galleries, excellent restaurants and a hopping nightlife. Plus, it’s always fun to cuddle by the fireplace after a long day of skiing! Where to dine – Lotus Cafe