Romantic Southern Getaways
Are you a sporty couple? A fancy couple? A beach couple? Whatever your preferences, the South has something for the two of you to enjoy. Head to the mountains to find some scrumptious local eateries and cozy accommodations. Toss some excitement into the mix with a trip to a lively Louisiana destination. Beach it up or take your chances at a casino in a waterfront city. Take some time to enjoy your romantic partner at these gorgeous Southern getaways.
Blue Ridge Mountain Romance in Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia is a location rich in culture and hidden from the pains of most major cities as it is nestled along the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. There is no finer place for a couple to visit for a romantic getaway. Let's take a look at a few of our favorite hot spots of Roanoke.
You will note the rich foliage, with beautiful trees that stretch as far as the eye can see over the mountain ranges, leaving you breathless. Make sure to book Hotel Roanoke for your stay, where you can enjoy a fabulous meal in one of the hotel restaurants, or stroll across the Market Square Walkway to Downtown Roanoke for shopping, dining, and museums.
If the two of you can pull yourselves away from the lovely hotel, there is much to explore! Downtown Roanoke has a number of wonderful cultural gems and romantic offerings. The Taubman Museum of Art, beautiful in its construction, holds one of the most extensive collections on American contemporary art specific to artists of the south.
A few blocks over, the shop chocolatepaper offers the ultimate indulgence for a delectable journey with each bite of the finest chocolates and truffles. There are two restaurants Bleu Magazine recommends that you must visit on your trip. If you would like to be located in an atmosphere of breathtaking views and beautiful sunsets while tasting the chef's special Pollo Saltimbucca or Scallops with Sun Dried Tomatoes, visit Carlos Brazilian International Cuisine, located atop Southwest Roanoke. Visit Shula's 347 Grill for savory treats like Premium Black Angus Beef steaks cooked to perfection, arriving tender and juicy.
Throughout the month of February, Virginia's Blue Ridge has a number of special events tailored to couples. The Roanoke Symphony will be performing on Valentine's Day weekend, along with a Broadway production of Hairspray and a special wine and art event at Fincastle Vineyard and Winery. Lodging packages throughout Virginia's Blue Ridge make it easy to jump start a romantic weekend away. Couples can choose from luxury suites with amazing views to quaint and quiet rooms tucked away in the mountains or stay downtown and find everything you need in walking distance. Champagne, chocolate and roses galore adorn these lodging offers which are sure to set the mood upon arrival.
hotelroanokebyhilton.com
downtownroanoke.org
chocolatepaperroanoke.com
carlosbrazilian.com
347grille.com
Start New Sparks in New Orleans
Whether your romance is a blazing fire or a forever burning ember, a few days in New Orleans are sure to get some more sparks flying! While walking hand in hand in the French Quarter or Garden District, sipping cocktails in the city that invented them, there is so much to love - then, add dancing cheek to cheek, shopping together for treasures, sharing cultural experiences and discovering art. You are sure to fall in love all over again.
Is there anything more romantic than a gondola ride on the bayou under ancient, moss-draped live oaks? CNN didn’t name New Orleans one of the world’s most romantic cities for nothing. City Park has plenty of great options for a date. For a sweet photo op, pose before the Love sculpture in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in the park, next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Speaking of artwork, owning a piece made by a New Orleans artist or a unique antique is the perfect way to commemorate your trip. The French Market and Julia Street are home to many wonderful antique shops and art galleries. Magazine Street and Bayou Road offer a little bit of everything.
Dining under the stars or a canopy of trees screams romance. There are several options in New Orleans to dine al fresco, but some favorites include Vyoone’s, Cafe Amelie, and Cafe Degas. From cozy wine bars to white tablecloth establishments, a nice glass or bottle helps set the scene for your date night. Enjoy tastings together at Second Vine Wine, Pluck Wine Bar, Saint-Germain, or Ole' Orleans Wines and Spirits.
Equipped with unique luxury amenities, buzz worthy bars and restaurants, and stunning architecture, nothing sets the tone for romance like a stay at one of New Orleans’ boutique hotels. From the Arts District’s luxurious and critically acclaimed Maison De La Luz, to Uptown’s hotel The Chloe, or the conveniently located and stylishly designed Eliza Jane Hotel, there are tons of stylish options all across the city. Looking for something extra luxe? The recently opened Four Seasons New Orleans should fit the bill for making your partner feel like royalty.
frenchquarter.com
neworleanscitypark.org
noma.org
frenchmarket.org
magazinestreet.com
bayouroad.com
cafeamelie.com
cafedegas.com
secondvinewine.shop
pluckwines.com
saintgermainnola.com
oleorleans.com
maisondelaluz.com
thechloenola.com
theelizajane.com
fourseasons.com/neworleans
Beautiful Days in Biloxi
On the warm Gulf front beaches of Mississippi, you will find the bustling city of Biloxi. Known primarily for its casinos, this waterfront destination glitters in the nighttime, creating a very romantic atmosphere for you and your special someone. During the daytime, there’s so much for you to do together: from exploring the sandy beaches, to thrilling watersports, to shopping, and more. This is the perfect spot for the couple who likes to do it all!
The beaches are incredibly pleasant, even in this time of year that northerners think of as “cold.” Escape to the Gulf front beaches, where the sand is warmed by the bright sun and the water is refreshing as you take a stroll along the coast. Want to amp things up a bit? Try a watersports experience like jet skiing or parasailing. Parasail Adventures is a family owned and operated Parasail company with a perfect safety record. Experience the thrill of flying over the beautiful beaches from the sky! Life's A Beach Rentals offers jet skis, wave runners, umbrellas, chairs and aqua cycles - with locations throughout Biloxi, making it easy to pick up anywhere you are.
When you want to explore, it really depends on what the two of you like to do together! Are you guys into arts and culture? Well, luckily for you, there are plenty of experiences to enjoy. There are actually several art museums to check out, from the Ohr-O'Keefe Museum of Art that is completely dedicated to the “mad potter of Biloxi”! Even the architecture of the building looks like a crazy piece of pottery. This far south, you should know how important Mardi Gras is to local culture - and you can gain that understanding at the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum, packed with photos, displays, and new and exciting exhibitions every season. Want to bring some Biloxi beauty home with you? Visit local art galleries like the quirky Pink Rooster, or fragile refinement embodied at Hillyer House.
A very romantic experience actually comes from the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum, which is in and of itself a super fun attraction. The museum has recaptured a piece of history with an authentic replica of a Biloxi oyster schooner sailing experience. For a truly unique way of enjoying the Mississippi Gulf Coast, step on board and join a professional captain and crew for a beautiful sail along the Biloxi Beachfront. See the coastline and islands during a tranquil sail and watch for dolphins! You can also charter the schooner for any kind of special event.
Of course, you cannot forget about the casinos - each offering a different experience, atmosphere, and route to relaxation. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Biloxi is an upscale, rock ’n’ roll themed hotel with stylish, contemporary rooms and suites. Check out their specialty suites that are perfectly decorated and incredibly fun. Amenities also include seven eateries, plus bars with DJs and live music, a 24/7 gym and a spa. There’s also an outdoor pool with a seasonal swim up bar, and a casino with 50 table games and 1,300 slot machines.
parasailbiloxi.com
lifesabeachrentals.com
georgeohr.org
coastalmardigras.com
pinkrooster.net
hillyerhouse.com
maritimemuseum.org
hrhcbiloxi.com
