If you want to take a romantic vacation to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year, now is the time to start planning.  Looking for some great vacation ideas to surprise your sweetheart with?  You’re in luck!

3 Ideas for Romantic Vacation Destinations

Romantic Thrill Seeking in Tampa

1. Tampa, Florida

Do you need a break from the pressures of being an adult?  Head to Tampa, Florida for a weekend of playing like big kids.  Spend your days riding the roller coasters at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and your nights bowling, dancing and dining in the Channelside district.  Take your date to the classiest pizza joint in town at Wood-Fired Pizza Wine Bar for gourmet pizza the locals are crazy about.

2. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

If peace and quiet is what you imagine for your perfect romantic weekend, then checkout this South Carolina beach town.  You can book a room at a luxurious resort or rent a vacation house that you never leave except to go for long bike rides down the beach.  You can also enjoy world class golf here – but we only recommend it if you both love the sport.

3. Sedona, Arizona

There’s peace and quiet, and then there’s pampering yourself into goo.  Pack your bags and your slippers for a retreat to Sedona and the Enchantment Resort, one of the country’s best destination spas.  If you can stretch your weekend from 3 to 4 nights, you can receive your fourth night free.

Oak Creek Rapids

The holidays are wrapped up, the New Year is upon us, and I’ve started to think about the next weekend getaway that my husband and I are going to indulge in. After reading an article in a recent Arizona Highways magazine, I have decided upon a visit to the village of Oak Creek, a two hour drive from our home in the suburbs of Phoenix, Arizona.

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Near the Blue Ridge Reservoir in the Coconino National Forest.

Arizona may not be the immediate destination that comes to mind when thinking of places to observe the magnificently changing colors of fall foliage. Keep in mind, though, that elevations change dramatically in Arizona’s mountain ranges, and great fall scenery is just a short day trip away from the Phoenix metropolitan area. Fall foliage season generally peaks from the end of September through the beginning of October, so to assist in your planning, call the Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-354-4595 to find out where things are really popping.

The Coconino National Forest encompasses areas of Flagstaff, Camp Verde, Clarkdale, Sedona, Williams and Winslow. Elevations range from 2,600′ to 12,633′, covering nearly two million acres. The best drives for fall foliage scenery include the Lake Mary-Long Valley Road, Oak Creek Canyon (be sure to check out hiking along the West Fork), and the Mogollon Rim Road. Stop by The Arboretum at Flagstaff for some great views of the San Francisco peaks.

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The Made in the Shade Beer Festival, Flagstaff.

Flagstaff Arizona’s annual Made in the Shade beer festival is being held this year on June 26th from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at the Coconino County Fairgrounds (Fort Tuthill County Park – exit 337 off of I-17). General Admission is $40.00 in advance, $50.00 at the gate.

What does that admission fee buy you? More than 100 different craft and microbrewed beers, cool summer weather (low to mid-80′s, as opposed to the 110 degree heat of the Phoenix area), free parking, lots of food choices, live entertainment, and souvenirs. My husband and I go every year and always have a fantastic time. We always come away a bit sunburned, though, so make sure you lather up on sunblock and wear a hat with a brim. Pace yourself with the beverages, because even though the sample sizes are small (just a few ounces each), they add up over a four hour period of time! You’re supplied with plenty of sample tickets to really work up a good buzz. So be responsible and assign a designated driver.

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