most romantic cities | u.s. destinations
Hello, fellow travelers! If you read yesterday's blog, you know that I'm sharing some of my favorite romantic destinations, just in time for Valentine's Day. However, instead of needing your passport, you just need a car or a quick domestic flight for these romantic U.S. destinations.
u.s. destinations
albuquerque + santa fe, new mexico
Don't get all obsessed with "Breaking Bad." It's not all meth trailers and craziness. Albuquerque has an absolutely beautiful setting. While it's pretty barren as far as greenery goes, there is a certain beauty to the sun rising and setting over the Sandia Mountains. The Man Friend and I stayed in a now-defunct bed and breakfast that was housed in a 200 year old hacienda. The rooms were complete with adobe fireplaces, a jetted tub, and a quick walk to the jacuzzi. There are plenty of B&B's in the area, including Adobe and Roses and Sarabande. Take a quick and inexpensive ride up to Santa Fe to explore the artsy and interesting downtown area.
central coast california
There is nothing more romantic that driving along the California coast line. The Man Friend went to school in Central Coast California. In fact, most of our delicious wine is shipped directly from there. Fly into Los Angeles and stop over for a night in Santa Barbara (be sure to take a stroll on the beach). Plan a few days wine tasting in Paso Robles which is, in my humble opinion, one of the best and most under appreciated wine regions in the world. If you're into weird and quirky, the Madonna Inn can't be missed. Travel "the 1" up the coast to San Francisco, being sure to stop at any available options. The view of the coastline is phenomenal. It made me love my Man Friend even more, because he did most of the driving through the winding roads...and managed to only make me carsick once.
willamette valley, oregon
The Man Friend and I traveled to Oregon to celebrate a friend's milestone birthday 2 years ago and absolutely fell in love with Oregon. The Willamette (pronounced "will-am-met" by locals, not "willa-met") Valley was simply breathtaking. It's a perfect combination of hills, greenery, flowers, and quirk. The restaurants focus on fresh ingredients and the wine is pretty decent. However, don't expect much variety for the locally grown stuff...it's pretty much Pinot Noir and Riesling! The sun doesn't shine often enough to make other varietals grow well. However, getting up early to take a walk together on a cool, foggy morning through the vineyards and forest was absolutely perfect. There was also a bakery at the bottom of the hill...the promise of hot coffee and fresh pastries is enough to get me motivated.
new orleans, louisiana
You didn't think I was going to leave my favorite off of here, did you? New Orleans has the old-world feel to it. The Man Friend and I come here at least once a year to get our fix, because there ain't no city like our city. This place was the first vacation we went on together. It was where we realized that we loved each other. It was where we got married. When I think of New Orleans, I think of him. Whether it's a fun new dive bar or a cozy courtyard restaurant, I have more fun with that man than anyone else in the world.
When we're both feeling out of sorts and a little lost, we plan a trip back "home". A walk through the French Quarter under the flickering gas lamps, while a lone saxophonist plays softly for tips...it's enough to make everything right in the world.
ENOUGH SAP FROM ME! Happy Valentine's to you all!
“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.”
