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Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What are the South’s most romantic cities?
Getting away for Valentine's Day? Tell us where!
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and love birds who like to travel are in luck this year. The planets have aligned, as February 14 falls on a Saturday and travel deals abound in our struggling economy. That makes it easy and inexpensive to canoodle with the one you love in a place far from home.
But how do you plan a last-minute romantic getaway that tells your special someone they’re number one on your list? Romantic as it may be, a whirlwind trip to Paris - even with great travel incentives - isn’t possible for most of us on such short notice.
A weekend away in our neck of the woods, however, is definitely do-able; and we live in one of the most romantic regions in the U.S. You may not gaze into each other’s eyes over a petit noir at a sidewalk café along the Seine, but the South has a variety of alluring destinations.
Having grown up in the 1970s and 80s, I vividly remember the state of Virginia’s tourism slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.” Old Dominion has breathtaking vistas and natural beauty to inspire couples. One of my favorite areas is the region around Charlottesville. The college town, home to the University of Virginia, offers interesting spots to dine and shop. Even in winter, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home and the many vineyards dotting the countryside provide a picturesque backdrop for romantic outings. For more information on things to see and do in Charlottesville, click here; or check out the state Department of Tourism to find other V-Day destinations in Virginia.
With their Spanish moss and classic architecture, cities like Savannah, New Orleans and Charleston define the term “romantic southern getaway”. In fact, Savannah recently made Travel and Leisure’s list of 50 best romantic getaways in 2009. (It’s not as classic in the traditional southern sense, but Miami Beach also made the top 50 worldwide romantic destinations this year.)
You can also find love in smaller towns, like Natchez, Miss., Oxford, Miss. and countless other scenic burgs, where the town square is a romantic reminder of days gone by.
Finally, love birds can still flock to the mountains to embrace the winter weather in places like Asheville, NC or fly south together to escape to sunny Fort Lauderdale and other Florida locales. Hotels, inns and bed and breakfasts throughout the region are offering special Valentine’s Day getaways.
If you’re staying closer to home next weekend, check out this AJC guide to help you celebrate a sweet Valentine’s Day in the Atlanta area.
Are you traveling for Valentine’s Day and where? What is the South’s most romantic city? What’s our most romantic small town? Tell us your most romantic getaway ideas. What do you value most in a Valentine’s destination- scenery, fine dining, luxury, or cultural activities — or will any place where the two of you can be alone together do?
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