by Gina Rullo, Gazette Staff Writer
Part of the excitement of
Valentine’s Day is taking the person you
love to a romantic locale. Romantic tourism
continues to be big business, according to
Conde Nast. While much of the romantic
retreats that take place are
honeymoon-related, there are some couples
who want to share their love in a romantic
spot other times of the year, like
Valentine’s Day. If budget is no obstacle,
then it is easy to jet off to Paris or Rome,
two of the world’s most romantic locales.
Many find, however, that they will need to
settle on a romantic location much closer to
home for reasons of practicality.
But just because you’re spending the big day
in your own backyard, that does not mean it
will diminish the mood of the event. The
following is a listing of tourist-friendly
and romantic places in select areas across
North America.
• Los Angeles, California: The City of
Angels boasts stars and memory-makers
galore. For a unique perspective on the
area, take to the skies in a Zeppelin Air
Tour. This is the only airship in the United
States licensed for commercial passenger
transport. Aim for the sunset tour, which is
supposed to be the most romantic.
• Washington, D.C.: Take a cruise along the
Potomac River on The Spirit of Washington
dinner cruise ship. Enjoy the sights of the
city while feasting on a delicious meal.
• Columbus, Ohio: Tour the Franklin Park
Conservatory and Botanical Garden amid
twinkling lights and evening entertainment.
In 2011, the conservatory offered chocolate
and wine tastings for Valentine’s Day. Check
local listings to find out about plans for
2012.
• Scottsdale, Arizona: Did you ever imagine
you could take a gondola ride in the middle
of the dessert? At the Hyatt Regency Resort
at Gainey Ranch, individuals can take
romantic rides on the waterways at the
resort via gondola and then go on to enjoy a
magical dinner.
• Galena, Illinois: Travel to this charming,
historic town on the Mississippi River if
you’re from the greater Chicago or Cedar
Rapids area. The majority of the buildings
in this town are on the National Register of
Historic Places, and there are plenty of
mansions to explore.
• Toronto, Canada: Toronto is affectionately
known as the entertainment capital of
Canada, boasting many renowned restaurants
and theaters. For those planning to spend
V-Day in Toronto, you may want to include a
stay at the Hotel Le Germain, which is known
as much for its style as its service.
• Cape May, New Jersey: Hammontonians
looking to escape the bustle of life might
consider an excursion to Cape May, the
southern-most point in New Jersey. The town
is known as the Oldest Seashore Resort, and
in the off-season there’s bound to be an
empty beach to stroll. Whale-watching tours,
bed-and-breakfasts and nearby wineries make
this place an ideal romantic escape.
• San Antonio, Texas: The Riverwalk is one
of Texas’ most popular tourist attractions.
There are breathtaking views there and
plenty of excellent shopping. Find a myriad
of restaurants in which to enjoy a romantic
meal.
• Montreal, Canada: Considering French is
the primary language spoken in this city in
the Quebec province, Montreal may be the
best way for North Americans to experience a
touch of Europe without traveling overseas.
A visit to the majestic Notre-Dame Basilica
of Montreal is magical in itself. Take a
stroll through the cobbled streets of Old
Montreal and pop into a cafe for delicious
crepes.
It’s easy to experience a touch of romance
close to home. For Canadians traveling into
the United States and vice versa, be sure to
have a current passport necessary for border
crossings.
