Vacations Blog

Pacific Park photo by Carrie Tracy

1.  Indulge your playful side and go on some rides at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier.  Open until midnight on Valentine’s Day.

2.  Take a gondola ride in Huntington Harbor.

Queen Mary by Sfoskett, Wikimedia

3.  Enjoy a special Valentine dinner at one of the restaurants on the Queen Mary in Long Beach Harbor.

4.  On a budget?  Grab a blanket, a bottle of Two Buck Chuck, and sit on the beach staring up at the stars with your beloved.  Loaf of bread not required.

5.  If you’re really lucky, have someone watch the kids overnight and make a weekend escape to a luxurious downtown Los Angeles hotel like the Biltmore, which is running two “specials” right now.  (Babysitter bribe might cost as much as the hotel, so this one is not for the budget conscious.)

Standard Hotel Rooftop Bar courtesy of standardhotels.com

6.  Don’t have enough time for that?  Skip out for the evening and have a drink at the rooftop poolside bar at the Standard Hotel in Hollywood.  Breathtaking views, beautiful people, crappy parking options.

7.  Do something different.  See a show at the Pasadena Playhouse .  “Stormy Weather” based on a biography of Lena Horne is now playing.  Tickets cost $63-$78 each.

8.  Get kinky.  Go shopping together at Frederick’s of Hollywood (locations all over Los Angeles) or The Pleasure Chest on Santa Monica Blvd.

9.  Or you can do what we will probably do.  Visit the local Blockbuster and just watch a regular movie before passing out on the couch after we wrestle the children into bed.  Happy Valentine’s Day.

10.  This list originally had only nine items but then I saw this post and figured I’d better include Disneyland.  Duh, happiest place on earth.

Seattle From West Seattle

 

A telephone ringing

Operator: Hello, Directory assistance

Santa Claus: Uh, yeah this is Santa Claus and I was wondering if you could help me with a potentially huge problem I have.

Operator: Santa Claus? Ok, buddy, I’m hanging up now.

Santa: No. Wait, wait.  I really am Santa Claus and I can prove it.

Operator: Ok, you have 5 seconds.  Impress me.

Santa: Uhh…ok, ok.  Remember how you asked me for The George Forman Grill last year? You wanted to lose a few pounds around the middle to impress that cute girl in the apartment next…

Operator: Ok, Ok. Enough said.  I’m starting that tomorrow.  So you are really Santa Claus huh?

Santa: I love doing that.  Yeah, the one and only real Santa.  That’s me.

Operator: Wow! How exactly can I help you Santa? Or should I call you Mr. Kringle?

Santa: Season’s over, so call me Nicki.  My problem is this.  Valentine’s Day is this weekend and I haven’t done anything at all for Mrs. Claus. I’m desperate!  I’m already in the doghouse for spending too many weekend nights hanging out at the pool hall with Dasher and Dancer.  Those guys are real hustlers.  Have you seen The Color of Money? Anyway, they nearly cleaned me out of all my spending money for the month. I need to find a place to take the Mrs. at the last minute, which will also be easy on the pocketbook.

Operator: Hmmmm….Well, I am based out of the Seattle area, which is a short flight down from the pole. I’m assuming you won’t get any reindeer this time of year.  And with Airfare deals at Alaska Airlines being some of the best in quite some time, you could bring her down here for the weekend.  There are loads of great romantic places you could potentially book at the last minute.

Santa: Ooooh, that’s a great idea.  I like it a lot.  Any specific places you had in mind?

W Hotel Room: Seattle

Operator: Well, if you are looking for a romantic evening in the city, I might be able to help you out.  I have a copy of ‘The Best Places to Kiss in the Northwest’  here on my shelf.  Let’s see, if you are looking for a downtown hotel for the evening you could try Alexis Hotel, which has an Aveda Spa and wine tastings, or the W Hotel with its “chocolate colored velvet drapes on soaring windows.”  There are also the Hotels Monaco, Andra, and Vintage Park which all get great reviews from the book…but all will most likely be out of your price range if you are really on a budget.

My Personal recommendation would be to stay just outside of downtown proper at the Villa Heidelberg, a quaint Victorian Bed and Breakfast in the western part of the city with rooms starting at $100 a night double occupancy.  It is romantic and best of all affordable.  It doesn’t take kids, but I’m guessing you and the Mrs. won’t be bringing any along.

Santa: No, we are a bit old for that.  That actually sounds real nice.  What about dinner options?

Icon Grill Seattle

Operator: If you stay at Villa Heidelberg, you are just up the hill from one of the most romantic Italian restaurants in Seattle La Rustica.  Or you could travel to downtown for dinner at The Icon Grill with all of its beautiful blown glass, which I can attest exudes romance. For other romantic options, there’s the Dahlia Lounge, Café Campagne, Chez Shea, or Andaluca.

Santa:  Wow, you are giving me some terrific ideas. Thanks.  How can I top it all off?

Operator: Well, I would suggest that before dinner you take Mrs. Claus over to Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint, otherwise known as Constellation Park to gaze over the Puget Sound and watch the sun set over the Majestic Olympic Mountains.  It’s simply magical.  The Park is along Beach Drive in West Seattle and just down the road from La Rustica.  It will be the perfect start to an amazing evening.

Santa:  I’m sold!  I am going to go book something right now.  I can’t thank you enough.  Man, tell me what can I do for you??  You name it.

Operator:  Awesome. Well, it would be nice to get a new iphone as a late Christmas gift.  Can you do that?

Santa:  Sure!  Consider it done.  I’ll send it special delivery with Rudolf tonight!

Operator:  Thanks Santa!! You are the Best.  Maybe I’ll see you in Seattle.

 Seattle photo by: joiseyshowaa (licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0); W Hotel photo from starwoodhotels.com; Icon Grill photo from Icongrill.com

Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year (February 14th for those of you living under an anti-Hallmark rock).  I believe that is a sign that the most perfect Valentine’s Day gift must be a romantic weekend away.

And where better to get away in February than the Sunshine State of Florida?

Of course, Florida is a big state, teeming with romantic beaches, secluded Bed N’ Breakfasts and luxurious spas that would make a perfect setting for any romantic surprise.  In the interest of making your life easier (and putting my favorite ideas in writing for my own husband), I’ve narrowed down the possibilities to Five of my favorite romantic weekend vacations in Central Florida (also known as in and around Orlando).

5. Seven Sisters Inn in Ocala, Florida.

Paris Apartment at Seven Sisters Inn

I’ll admit, Ocala, Florida is not the first place I would send someone for a romantic weekend.  But this infamous bed and breakfast is a rare treat – especially if you’re into ghost stories.  Known as “Florida’s most haunted Bed and Breakfast” (which suggests there is competition for the title), the Seven Sisters Inn has been featured on national “ghost hunting” television shows.  Past guests are encouraged to share their supernatural experiences in public journals, so even if nothing happens during you’re visit you should find plenty of ways to freak yourself out.

Why run away to a haunted bed and breakfast for Valentine’s Day?  Think clinging together during scary movies – times ten.

4. A Beach Retreat at Flagler Beach, Florida.

Again, most people would ask themselves why Flagler Beach?  It’s not quite Daytona Beach.  It’s not quite St. Augustine.  It’s just about half way in between and appears to offer absolutely nothing to tourists.

And that, my friends, is the appeal.

Dusk at Snack Jack

For about $100 per night, rent a private villa on the beach at the Island Cottage By The Sea.  Spend your days enjoying nothing but each other and the sound of the ocean.  The beaches here, while public, are quiet and uncrowded.  For a casual yet romantic dinner, you can eat indoors or out at Snack Jack’s and enjoy fresh seafood overlooking the water at sunset.

Of course, if you do decide you need more visual stimulation during the day than the ocean and boutique shopping can provide, you’re just a short drive up the coast to the infamous lighthouses of St. Augustine.

3. Be Grown Ups at Universal Studios Orlando and City Walk

Many people don’t think about amusement parks when they are planning a romantic weekend.  After all, places like Universal Studios were made for kids, right?

Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios becomes a completely different experience when you go without children.  And when you stay in one of the on site hotels, you’ll receive free fast passes for all of the rides – which means no kids and no waiting in lines! My favorite on site resort is the Loews Royal Pacific Resort, but you have three to choose from.

When you’re done screaming and giggling like kids on the roller coasters, spend the night at City Walk.  You have dozens of restaurants and clubs to choose from – from a Latin dance club to a popular piano bar.  Again, staying on site means convenient transportation to and from the restaurants and clubs, as well as well lit paths for a late night walk back to your hotel.

2. Shop Until You Drop at The Florida Mall in Orlando

Mall at Millenia in Orlando

Maybe you don’t think shopping is romantic.  Maybe the idea of sleeping in a mall doesn’t send chills down your spine and a smile across your face.  Maybe it’s a good thing you’re not married to me.

If your Valentine loves to shop, you can spend the entire weekend doing what she (or he) loves.  The luxurious Mall at Millenia and the cult favorite IKEA practically share a parking lot.  There are two upscale outlet malls within 10 minutes of one another (Prime Outlets and Premium Outlets – because we wouldn’t want to confuse the tourists with similar sounding names).  And you can finish the day and spend the night at The Florida Mall, a sprawling complex that houses a Sephora and it’s own hotel!

If your Valentine doesn’t love to shop, the two of you can read this and have a good laugh together at the crazy lady who considers a really good mall a romantic date.

1. The Spa at The Ritz Carlton Orlando, Grand Lakes

Yes, it’s The Ritz.  No, this won’t be a cheap weekend.

But it will absolutely be worth every single penny you spend if you decide to splurge on a trip to The Ritz Carlton Spa.

You can get pampered individually, or enjoy special spa treatments together like a couple’s massage.  Of course their treatments are first class, but my absolute favorite part about this place is what happens between the treatments.

The co-ed lounge area is heave on earth.  You’ll ooze out of there at the end of the day, more relaxed than either of you have been since you were old enough to understand the difference between a workday and a weekend.

It doesn’t get much more romantic than a night at The Ritz Carlton with a deep tissue massage, a soak in a jacuzzi, and a long, hot sweat in the steam room.

Of course, if you’re married to me, you already know this.  Right? Right?

Photos courtesy of Seven Sisters Inn, Joe Shlabotnik, and Britt Reints

Marsha’s post from yesterday got me to thinking about what others were planning for Valentine’s Day – I would love to say that I am hitting the road, pack on my back, to explore an exciting far-off destination. Turns out the best I can do is a date with my husband while my kids eat pizza with their favorite babysitter. Let’s see what my options might have been:

Erica at Blissful Travel pointed us over to Maybourne Hotel’s Truly Madly Deeply promotion. Luxury accommodations for Valentine’s Day, and looking at the deal, it goes through the end of February, so those of us slow on the uptake can book it as a post-holiday celebration. Valentine’s Day is amateur night* anyway, right?

Sheila from GoVisitHawaii tells us that we could have renewed our vows in Waikiki at the Outrigger Hotel. How romantic would that have been to renew our vows Hawaiian style? Maybe next year, sounds like sign ups begin in January.

Over at the Luxury Travel Blog, Paul highlights deals from One&Only, Sherman Travel, and Kimpton Hotels, including a romantic getaway to Venice. These would be the kind of gifts I like to give – the ones that benefit both the giver and receiver.

Sadly, I should have been reading Rick Seaney’s blog last month when he posted information about the Air France deals to Paris. What is more romantic than Paris?

Are you sensing a theme yet? All these would have been possible with a little planning! For those of you who are stuck for last minute ideas, Outdoorzy posted 5 gift ideas for the outdoorzy woman in your life, including a smashing pink bathrobe. And last (but not least) Viator has pulled together the ultimate list of gift ideas for the traveler. Its a beautiful post with very romantic suggestions for expressing your love for your partner, while traveling!

How are you celebrating tonight? If you are a planner, what’s on the agenda? If you prefer to fly by the seat of your pants, do you have an intended destination? Whatever you decide, we wish you a happy Valentine’s Day!

*Amateur Night – Valentine’s Night is the often the worst time to go out to dinner – the restaurants are packed, expectations are high, the food is sub-par (think warming tables) and they are eager to get you in and out, to make way for the next diners. Piece of advice, if you have not already made reservations, pick up a burrito (for two), grab your favorite movie (romantic or not) and a bottle of wine and spend the evening at home!

From guest blogger, Marsha Takeda-Morrison, of Sweatpantsmom.

My husband and I have never been known as ‘plan ahead’ kind of people. We’re usually the ones who breeze into town without hotel reservations and then try to explain to our kids that we’ll have to keep driving for another two hours because who knew there’d be a Tupperware convention hogging all the rooms?

So Valentine’s Day has always posed a problem – without reservations and some stealth planning skills you’re likely to be stuck spending the night in a truck stop off Highway 5. (I realize that may scream romance to some of you, but try and keep that to yourselves.)

Which is why we love the W Hotel. Reservations are recommended, but, its location in a residential area on the edge of Westwood Village means it isn’t as crowded as some other high-profile L.A. hotels. Still, it’s hip enough to attract the likes of Lindsay Lohan, Reese Witherspoon and Britney Spears, who, coincidentally was recently hospitalized at the UCLA Medical Center psych ward which is a short walk from the W. File that under ‘Fascinating Travel Trivia.’

Getting away for a romantic, kid-free weekend is rare, and I like the experience to be as adult as possible; no child-latches on the toilet and nothing resembling a chicken nugget on the room service menu. The W fits the bill – it’s sleek and modern, and the rooms definitely not kid-friendly; glass tables with sharp edges and even condoms for sale in the mini-bar. That’s right – I like my hotels begging for a visit from Child Protective Services.

The W has one of the most stylish bars in the city, Whiskey Blue which is owned by Rande Gerber (Mr. Cindy Crawford!) On our last visit my husband and I lounged here, sipping martinis and snacking on calamari in the late afternoon. When we returned from dinner the place was packed – it’s a big late-night hangout for the Hollywood scene. But we pushed right past the bouncers by flashing our room key – you don’t have to be Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie if you’ve got that little piece of plastic with the magnetic strip.

Although the W also boasts a first-class restaurant, there are three excellent establishments within walking distance: The Palamino, Napa Valley Grille and my favorite sushi bar, Tengu. Order the drink made with mint, cucumber and vodka and it’ll be your favorite place, too.

Breakfast at the W is served poolside and is incredible, but if you’re willing to drive for fifteen minutes you’ll arrive at one of the most popular breakfast spots in the city: Broadway Deli on the Third Street Promenade. I swear they have French Toast the size of a doormat. And excellent coffee, which for me is the perfect ending to a romantic weekend.

The best part? With Valentine’s Day only forty-eight hours away I still see plenty of rooms available on the W online site. But better hurry, before the Tupperware convention gets here.

What is your favorite last-minute Valentine’s plan? We promise if you share we won’t all try to make reservations!