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DEL.ICIO.USWhat 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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By Tamiko
February 4, 2009 10:00 AM | Link to this
I’m thinking cabins in the smokies!! Gatlinburg is always a warm welcome with the firplace burning and hot tub on the huge deck. They also provide grills to cook steaks and some cabins have pool tables and plasmas! I think it’s abt a 4hr drive from Atlanta.
By Kat
February 4, 2009 11:02 AM | Link to this
Savannah…. you can’t beat that place!
By Don't Bother Me When I'm with My S.O.
February 4, 2009 12:10 PM | Link to this
The most romantic Southern cities are the ones WITHOUT panhandlers.
Therefore, Atlanta is automatically excluded from contention.
By Arrogantly Shabby
February 4, 2009 12:54 PM | Link to this
No doubt, the two of us walking on the beach and hanging out in Pawley’s Island, SC is the most romantic. It is away from what is staged as, romantic. Not commercialized and peaceful. As for non-southern cities, my ultimate pick is Big Sur, Ca. It is a real piece of heaven and a great place for a picnic, a glass of wine, a walk and a quick kiss. In Atlanta, on the back of our deck overlooking part of Sope Creek. Lots of nature and trees, our grill and rolling creek water to be so close to the city.
By AtlGamecock
February 4, 2009 1:50 PM | Link to this
The City of Steeples no doubt…Charleston, S.C….My wife and I return at least twice a year for some romantic R and R plus a quick run out to Mt. Pleasant for fresh shrimp to fill the freezer !!! Glad I remembered; need to call Kilwin’s for dark chocolate raspberry jellies for the wife for V Day…Incredible…The jellies and the city…
By JP
February 4, 2009 2:48 PM | Link to this
Savannah or New Orleans, hands down. Charleston is nice but doesn’t feel “lived in.”
By U2BONO
February 4, 2009 2:59 PM | Link to this
Don’t Bother Me When I’m with My S.O. MUST BE A PANHANDLER ATLANTA Virginia TENNESSEE MOUNTAINS
By Cournel Sanders
February 4, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this
You can’t forget Gainsville, GA. It has some of the freshest Poultry and Mexican food. Hall County is a paradise.
By VH
February 4, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this
While it’s not exactly southern anymore, (Old Town) Alexandria, Virginia is very romantic… especially along the waterfront and down by Mount Vernon.
By Kristin Symes
February 4, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this
Baltimore is offering some great Valentine’s Day deals. We have a promotion that just started called, “Get a Room” where you can buy one night and get one free in Baltimore. There are a ton of great V-Day-inspired menus all over town as well as some great activities that you and your honey can take part in. Check it out: www.baltimore.org/romance
By Pillsbury Doughboy
February 4, 2009 8:28 PM | Link to this
If panhandlers exclude a city from the Romantic list, then take off Savannah and Charleston as well. Also, who says Charleston isn’t lived in? I live there!!!
By CaptainHerb
February 4, 2009 10:34 PM | Link to this
If you’re in the mood for love, check out these North Carolina cities and towns: Morehead City, Cherryville, Love Valley, Maiden, Maggie Valley and Mount Holly.
By Corgigurl
February 5, 2009 8:20 AM | Link to this
I am surprising my s/o with a long weekend to St. Marys and Cumberland Island. No crowds, cute B&Bs and lots of quality time with no distractions.
By Mike
February 5, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this
We are going to Chattanooga. Beautiful drive thru the mountains and then a river cruise!
By T
February 5, 2009 9:56 AM | Link to this
Alexandria, Va. along the river in old town. Very romantic.
By Keith
February 5, 2009 10:08 AM | Link to this
We lived in Alexandria, Va. for several years and it is a romantic spot. Don’t know if the Chart House restaurant is still right there on the river front, but that was always a nice spot for a romantic dinner. There are (or at least were years ago) many other great restaurants down there too. I miss strolls through the cobbled streets in the “old” part of Old Town and Hard Times Chili on a cold winter’s night. Next getaway may have to be a return to our Alexandria stomping grounds. Hmmmm…
By basking in blue ridge
February 5, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this
If you haven’t made the short drive to Blue Ridge Georgia, then you are really missing out. For a luxurious getaway, check out www.escapetoblueridge.com. From elegant bedrooms to jacuzzis with fabulous mountain views, you will never have to leave the cabin. Call the folks at Escape and they will help coordinate having a chef come to you to cook that fabulous Valentines dinner. If you thought you couldn’t afford to travel this season, LOOK AGAIN.
By kalalu
February 11, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this
I think Dahlonega is pretty romantic, but that’s because it holds special meaning to me. The college where I met my husband and the town square where we got engaged, not to mention the vineyards just slightly north of the town. Wonderful place!