10 Romantic Places to spend Valentine’s Day

It’s time that those of us who boycott Valentine’s Day suck it up. It’s just not cool to be too-cool for love. Why not just take the opportunity to treat ourselves (ahem, significant others) to something nice – or see it as an excuse to travel together!?

Here are the places I’d be happy to find myself on Valentine’s Day, built from nostalgia for places I’ve been, and places I dream to be.

5 Practical Places:

A Weekend in Montreal –

Sultry dining at Au Pied du Cuchon

Anyone located in New England can make a trip to this romantic city for quite less than one might think.  A train from New York takes a full day, but adds some romance in itself – buses, though not as romantic, are easily found from most cities.  Flights can be found for under $200 round trip, and the cozy bed and breakfasts like University Bed and Breakfast or  Anne ma soeur Anne Hotel Studio can make you a good deal.  Save some cash though for a coma-inducing fois gras themed dinner at Au Pied du Cuchon. (I can think of a few ways to work up your appetite…)

Get some more ideas in our tripwolf Guides section.

A couple’s massage at Stoweflake – Stowe, Vermont -

The best spa and resort in Vermont, maybe New England, the Stoweflake offers a special Valentine’s Day package – for $299 per night you can get a room with a fireplace, a 3-course dinner for two, chocolate strawberries and 20% off your couple’s massage – find more info here.

A Night at the Museum – New York City -

The American Museum of Natural History has planned a romantic evenings for couples in the Hayden Planetarium.  From 6:30-8 p.m. enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres, chocolate-covered strawberries and the music of the Josh Rutner Quartet under the starry night sky in the warm and intimate setting. Admission is $75 (it’s open bar!)

A beverage on the top of the MoMA -

Dinner at The Modern would be idyllic, but I’d settle for just a drink overlooking the cold, snowy city, from the warm Bar Room.  I’d also suggest an after-drink gelato at il laboratorio del gelato.

Dinner at Marlo & Sons, Brooklyn -

One of my favorite dining experiences in Brooklyn, Marlo & Sons celebrates everything local – including fare from the rooftop CSA’s popping up in the city (when the season allows).  It’s also just a funky atmosphere – funky to me means romantic.  I guess I love big wooden tables and cured meats hanging from the ceiling. 

…and 5 for the Dreamers:

Jake’s, Treasure Beach, Jamaica -

I’m not afraid to dream big. If you’ve got a bigger Valentine’s Day budget, there might be no better place to relax with your honey than Jake’s in Jamaica. Treasure Beach is a quiet community south of Negril and Jake’s offers everything you could ever want – fresh seafood, private cabins and spa on-site without the pompous feel of large-scale resorts. It would be a wonderful place to renew your vows.

Would you say yes again?

Aperitivo in Firenze – Negroni, Altrarno, Florence -

This little bar is located in Altrarno, very close to the river.  Aperitivo, a drink including buffet, is only 8 Euro.  It can get quite crowded, but you could call it casual-romance. (Ya know, aside from the flight to Europe…)

A hot proposal, Mi Jardin es Su Jardin, Boquete, Panama –

Gorgeous in February, Mi Jardin es Su Jardin is a free public garden in Boquete, Panama. If you happen to be looking for a place to propose to your travel-loving lover, this would be my number one spot.  Boquete itself is a quaint, cozy town nestled in the highlands of northern Panama.

Imagine the two of you...

Moulin Rouge – Paris -

Celebrate Saint Valentine’s Day in the sexiest city in the world, Paris, of course.  It will be a night full of glamor, red carpets, multi-lingual attendants and feathered attire.  Get your tickets now – included dinner and a show.

Feathers and feast.

A sunset sail in Key Largo, Florida -

How about a snorkel hand in hand with your sweetie?  Key Largo has always rung romantic in my mind – “Key Largo, Montego, baby, why don’t we go…” but really, why don’t we?  Reef Roamer offers a Valentine’s Day special sunset cruise – drink champagne and rum punch while you watch the sun set from the bow.

Key Largo, FL

Where do you dream to be wined and dined?  If you’re planning a Valentine’s destination vacation, tell us about it!