Wanderlust Sunday: 8 Most Romantic Places
This Wanderlust Sunday is dedicated to romance — after all, it's Valentine's Day. I mentioned earlier in the week that Rufus and I had gone to the ostrich races on our sweethearts getaway last year, but we've been lucky to see lots of other swoon-worthy places together — here's my list of the eight, for infinity, I consider most romantic.
What about you? Feel free to comment on the romantic places you most love. Happy Heart Day.
What about you? Feel free to comment on the romantic places you most love. Happy Heart Day.
| Bell Rock Trail Sedona, AZ  If you've followed this column for any length of time, you know that I think Sedona, AZ is just plain magical. There are lots of special spots there to soak up the sun and spirit with your sweetie. This particular photo was taken along the trail at Bell Rock. A couple of acoustic guitarists had climbed a nearby rock, and their impromptu concert echoed through this part of the valley. We were standing alone on this little natural stage, which seemed to me was God's invitation to dance. When a couple of hikers came by Rufus told them: "She's letting her inner Goddess out." |
| Sunset Cliffs (Ocean Beach) San Diego, CA  There's no question that San Diego is a romantic city that has plenty of swoon-worthy spots. Sunset Cliffs, just south of Ocean Beach is my personal favorite place to snuggle and watch the surf. There's something about being along the Pacific — the last zone of the continental US to see the day's sun — that makes people gather to appreciate it. This spot sees its share of romance-seeking sunset visitors every day of the year. |
| Martha's Vineyard Oak Bluffs, MA  Martha's Vineyard offers romance on the Atlantic — it's an island off the Massachusetts coast. This is New England charm at it's finest. Walk the seashore, visit lighthouses and wine and dine overlooking the harbor — having clam chowder there is a must. Our visit to the island was a day trip — we took the ferry in and out of beautiful New Bedford, MA. But one of the things I remember most fondly was the architecture. Quaint cottages that look like they could be made from gingerbread line the area of Oak Bluffs. |
| Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Paris Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV  Las Vegas makes many lists of places considered romantic, and you can see brides and grooms making their way to ceremonies through the resorts on any given Saturday night to prove it. Romance is not the first thing the mention of Las Vegas brings to mind for Rufus and me, but we take it for granted because we live here. There are countless special date-worthy restaurants in town, and the one I choose to highlight is the one in Paris Las Vegas' Eiffel Tower. The food is something to write home about, and it offers one of the prettiest nighttime views of the city, in my opinion. |
| Cathedral Gorge State Park Panaca, NV  I was happy to stumble across Nevada's Cathedral Gorge State Park featured as one of Bendo13's picks for the most beautiful spots in the Western United States — Even as a Nevada resident, I don't see a lot of references to this place. It's because this wonderland pretty remote and isolated — a best-kept romantic secret. Rufus and I visited this place for our private Lyrid Meteor Shower-watching party last spring. We wanted to camp out in the desert in the darkest spot we could find. What a surprise that this place was so much fun to see in the daylight. If you're interested, here's the post it inspired about how The Heart Lights the Dark. |
| Old Quebec Quebec City, QC  I'd love to be fluent in French, but it's not necessary to speak it in Old Quebec if you don't really know how. "Bon jour," I said to the restaurant hostess who greeted us in French. And with two syllables of my accent she said, "Oh hello. Would you like to sit inside or on the patio?" Old Quebec is a walled-off historic area of cosmopolitan Quebec City. It's alive with great restaurants, shopping and public art. We stayed in a charming bed and breakfast, though I don't remember what it was called. It was one of many in this district — Here's a good guide. |
| Deception Pass State Park Whidbey Island, WA  Romance is spontaneous, which is what lands this beautiful spot on my list. We were headed from the Olympic Peninsula inland, and got off the ferry from Port Townsend on Whidbey Island. We hadn't heard of it, or included it in our travel plan. We stopped for most-excellent salmon burgers at a casual waterfront cafe in Oak Harbor and caught this sunset at Deception Pass State Park. Is there anything more romantic than finding yourself in exactly the right place at the right time? We abandoned our original plan to keep driving, and stayed there for the night. |
| Grand Teton National Park Jackson, WY  You know what Grand Teton means, right? In French, it translates to "Big Teat." The legend that this majestic peak was so named by French-Canadians on the original expedition is somewhat controversial. Some historians think that's a coincidence. I'm just immature enough to believe it. The part of the name that can't be disputed is "Grand" - if you've seen it, you know there's no question why this magical place is described like that. We visited in the fall when there was no snow yet. No matter what time of year you visit, prepare to fall in love. |
Of those, I have been to Grand Tetons. Purely Majestic!
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Indeed! Someday I'd like to see the place in all its winter glory, but summertime weather when we were there was perfect. Thanks for stopping by and happy travels!
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I want to go to every one of these places! Sedona had been on my wish list for a long time. Don't know what I'm waiting for!
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You will NOT be disappointed! Thanks for stopping by. Happy travels.
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