Four Spots for Sweethearts

Take you honey away this Valentine's Day

Want to get away with your sweetie over the Valentine’s Day weekend? Not sure where to go? Here are four great suggestions for romantic weekend trips from east to west and points in between, starting on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

This beach vacation is a little different from most “fun in the sun” trips. First of all, it will be too chilly to take a dip in the water or sunbathe. But most couples will find the white sand beaches of Assateague Island alluring even in the winter. That’s because of the amazing herds of wild horses that roam the island at the Maryland/Virginia border. Nineteen miles of nearly untouched shore are set aside by the National Park System for beachcombers and hikers so they can experience the pristine beauty of the island as it has been for nearly two centuries. What could be more romantic than walking hand-in-hand along the beach at sunrise or sunset and catching a glimpse of wild horses roaming the sand and running in the surf with you? After a day of exploring the island, unless you’re up for a camping adventure, you can retire to a romantic, historic inn in the nearby fishing villages of the Chesapeake such as St. Michael’s. Small towns with big hospitality dot the area around the island and offer their own allure, such as museums, shopping, and restaurants serving regional fare such as blue crabs.

Our next trip starts down the coast a few hundred miles south in historic Charleston, S.C. Check into a bed and breakfast in the city, preferably near the market on the harbor or within walking distance of Rainbow Row, a street lined with huge and colorful historic homes. Most of the bed and breakfasts and inns of Charleston are incredibly romantic in their own right regardless of the charm of the city. Some have enchanting courtyard gardens, romantic breakfasts served on silver trays, spa tubs or friendly wine and cheese hours, and nearly all are found in historic buildings loaded with touches of the Old South. Take your sweetie strolling or bike riding around the city or along the harbor. Dine in quaint restaurants serving “Low Country” favorites or delectable seafood. Or, simply take in a view of the city’s famous cathedral spires through beautiful French doors leading to a private balcony. Charleston is often called the “Holy City” because of its abundance of beautiful churches and chapels.

Tennessee is another wonderful romantic place to spend a Valentine’s Day. Small towns such as Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg nestle in the Smoky Mountains and offer private mountaintop cabins for rent. Wake up each morning to the mist drifting across the mountains or possibly even to a soft, white, snowy covering on the ground. Plan to spend some of the day exploring your surroundings with walks, hikes and a little playing in the snow. But know the lodgings are the real attraction here. Some cabins have luxury amenities like spas or hot tubs for a romantic dip, but most simply offer spectacular views as you take in your morning coffee together or watch the sun set at night from your private deck. And nearly all have fireplaces near a cozy couch for cuddling. While it is not as well known, the Smoky Mountains come in second only to Las Vegas when it comes to hosting weddings (hint, hint). The amazing views and unspoiled natural surroundings are the perfect backdrop for romance.

For something completely different, head out west to ditch the cold weather and city headaches and hop a boat to Catalina Island off the coast of Southern California about 26 miles west of L.A. Book a room for two in Avalon, a picturesque little Spanish-influenced town on the island and feel as if you’re escaping across the channel from the real world into paradise. Although fun for families thanks to a multitude of activities, most agree Catalina Island is for lovers. Romantic escapes around the island make this retreat one to remember. Go horseback riding on the beach, take a kayak trip for two in the ocean, go sightseeing with a rented golf cart, go snorkeling or take a dive to soak up the most of the sun and sea. Or, simply pick out the ingredients for a picnic lunch at Avalon’s quaint and convenient town market and head for a secluded spot to celebrate Valentine’s Day in paradise.