Romantic places in North and South America for a weekend getaway

This is part two of a four-part series of romantic places around the world for a long weekend getaway. This installment focuses on romantic escapes in the Americas. North and South America offer a host of romantic destinations for you and your honey to get away for a couple’s long weekend.

Whether you are looking for a mountain retreat, a seaside escape or a city stay in North or South America you will find some top romantic destinations here. If an island retreat or an all-inclusive is more what you had in mind for a long weekend escape, look here.  Also, you won’t want to miss the variety of awesome romantic couples’ destinations for an extended weekend in Europe, as well as, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Top Romantic Destinations in North America

Banff, Canada: An Ideal Romantic Escape

Banff, Canada may be one of the most romantic destinations for a getaway in the north. First off, Banff has amazing lakes that you have to see to believe. While photos might make you think it must be photoshopped, they really are that beautiful!

Lake Louise is a spectacular lake that is not to be missed. Enjoy a kayak ride for two then grab lunch at the hotel overlooking the lake.

Make a stop to see Peyto Lake. You can view this lake from high above, looking down on it, and it is so beautiful. Take a moment to sit together mesmerized by this bright blue lake.

And you won’t want to miss Emerald Lake. This may be one of the most romantic places in Banff, particularly in the off-season and early morning when you can have it all to yourself. Get up bright and early to arrive before sunrise so you can watch the lake light up.
Snow arrives early in this lake region, sometimes as early as September. If you visit during the winter months it’s likely you will miss some of Banff’s celebrated lakes but a bit of snow makes it even more romantic. However, they close the road to Lake Moraine, one of Banff’s more famous lakes in the winter or during snow, so if you want to see it, be sure to go earlier in the year.

After a day full of lakes, head back to the quaint town to do some shopping and grab dinner at one of the many restaurants there.

Submitted by Sara of  Our Kind of Crazy

Plan a Romantic Long Weekend Getaway to New York City

New York City is the ultimate romantic destination for a long weekend escape in any season.
In summer, stroll through Central Park, row a boat around the lake, then have lunch for two at the Loeb Boathouse.  Wander around the Metropolitan Museum of Art – share a sangria on the rooftop terrace and enjoy the incredible views of Central Park or freshen up with a coffee in the medieval courtyard at the Cloisters uptown.

In winter, skate hand-in-hand at the Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, or Central Park, then shop for gifts for each other at the original Macy’s. Live out your Affair to Remember fantasies at the top of the Empire State Building. Go late afternoon to see daytime, twilight, and night views. Seeing the lights of Manhattan stretching out like a carpet below you is pure romance.

Take the subway or yellow cab to Brooklyn Heights and enjoy the views of Manhattan from the Brooklyn Heights promenade.  Stroll the streets of DUMBO and ride Jane’s Carousel together. Then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to downtown Manhattan for constant skyline views. Take a sailing cruise around New York Harbor for up-close views of the Statue of Liberty with a glass of champagne in hand. Snuggle together while watching a Broadway Show (you can get cheap tickets at one of the TKTS ticket booths), then finish your evening at the Aviary Bar on the 35^th floor of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel with classic views of Midtown Manhattan.

Wake up late for a leisurely brunch in one of the booths at Balthazar’s in Soho. Walk the High Line and cuddle together as you enjoy the sights along the way. Finish your extended romantic weekend by sampling one of New York’s fun food crazes before heading to the airport or train station. One thing is for sure – you will be back!

Submitted by James Ian of Travel Collecting

Try a Long Weekend Getaway in Winter to Ocean City, Maryland, USA

Ocean City is Maryland’s (not to be confused with Ocean City, NJ) beach resort located on the Atlantic Coast of the Delmarva Peninsula.  The city has been around since the late 1800s and is a prime summertime destination for families and high school seniors celebrating their graduation.

But in the off-season, Ocean City continues to be a treasure and this makes it a great romantic weekend escape. As the year moves into fall or approaches spring, you can find great prices for hotels that are open year-round.  Oceanfront rooms are widely available and very reasonably priced.

Waking up to a sunrise over the ocean is a reinvigorating site. Sitting on your oceanfront balcony with your significant other at night listening to the waves is romantic and peaceful.  The magical part about Ocean City in the off-season is walking hand in hand on the beach with few others around. You may pass the occasional couple or small family and you greet each other sharing the bliss of the entire beach to yourselves.

If you like to travel with your dog, they are allowed on the beach and boardwalk in the off-season and there are many hotels that accommodate pets.  The new La Quinta Inn on 23rd Street welcomes your dog. Another good option when your romantic escape includes your pooch is the Fenwick Inn on the bayside of the city. They have an excellent indoor pool and hot tub.

Valentine’s Day brings a lot of specials from hotels that are open through the cold season.
While many businesses close for the season, you are still able to find many great places to eat without the wait. BJ’s on the Water offers indoor bay view seating with great food.  In the afternoon they feed the ducks on the bay which is quite the sight. Harrison’s Harbor Watch offers ocean-view seating located at the top of Ocean City’s boardwalk and the inlet.

Ocean City in the off-season continues to be a favorite romantic spot for a quick getaway for those in the mid-Atlantic region.

Submitted by Jaime Thompson

And while you’re considering Maryland, another interesting place especially for outdoorsy types to get away with your love and your pup try the Upper Chesapeake Bay.

San Francisco, CA Makes a Perfect Long Weekend Getaway for Couples

San Francisco is perfect for a couples’ long weekend getaway. The scenic, hilly city is full of beautiful views, romantic spots, and love-themed artwork.

Twin Peaks is one of my favorite spots in San Francisco. It is one of the highest points in the city and offers amazing views of downtown San Francisco, specifically the Financial District. Couples love visiting there, especially at night to take in views of the city lights.

For amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, without actually being on it, be sure to check out Crissy Field. You can walk along the beach beside views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the beautiful hills of the Marin Headlands.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous Tony Bennett song, “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.” The song inspired many pieces of artwork across the city, including the “Hearts in San Francisco” series, as well as, Cupid’s Span.

“Hearts in San Francisco” is a series of over 200 heart sculptures with various different paintings on them. Each heart has unique artwork and the hearts are spread out all over the city. Searching for the “Hearts in San Francisco” makes for a fun date activity! They even make for an amazing photo op.

Cupid’s Span is a large, outdoor sculpture of a partial bow and arrow located along the Embarcadero. The piece was created by married artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen who were inspired by the city’s romantic reputation. On your way to Cupid’s Span, be sure to walk along the Embarcadero for beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay.

San Francisco definitely lives up to the hype surrounding its city of love status. There are so many romantic spots that are easily walkable and accessible via public transportation, you’re bound to enjoy your romantic weekend in the city.

Submitted by Constance of The Adventures of Panda Bear

Spanish Moss Draped Savannah, Georgia Makes for an Enchanting Romantic Getaway

Whether it’s the beautiful historic district, the riverside promenade, the gorgeous Spanish moss; Savannah has a romantic essence that makes a perfect getaway. The most famous photos of Savannah feature the Spanish Moss draping from trees around the old historic areas of the city. Taking a carriage ride along the old cobblestone streets, or a picnic under the trees in Forsyth Park is a perfect way to connect with your loved one during your couples’ long weekend getaway.

When the sun is set (or better yet beginning to set), grabbing dinner at one of the great restaurants along the river is a perfect cap for any evening. Particularly one with a terrace a beautiful view of the water.
You can spend the evening here as well with a beautiful stay at some of the most magnificent hotels imaginable with many dating back over a hundred years such as the Marshall House, Dresser Palmer House, or Hamilton-Turner Inn.

For those who wish to stay out late, you can even grab a nightcap at the dimly lit and cozy Planters Tavern. Here you can admire the old Georgian Mansion as well as get comfy among the romantic fireplaces and piano music.

Submitted by Anwar of  Beyond My Front Door

Try this itinerary for a  weekend in Valle de Guadalupe or the plan for a long weekend in Memphis. 

Spend a Romantic Long Weekend in Tucson Arizona, USA

A weekend at the Hacienda Del Sol Luxury Guest Ranch is more than your average hotel stay, with a spa, horseback riding, hiking, and more at this luxury resort, it’s an ideal destination for a long weekend away with your darling. I promise you won’t want to leave during your romantic long weekend away.

This luxury resort sits just outside the city of Tucson among the Saguaro cacti, nestled in the Catalina foothills.  The Spanish colonial-style building, built in the late 1920s was a college preparatory school for the daughters of the country’s wealthy families. Later, the ranch became a retreat for Hollywood’s elite including John Wayne, Clark Gable, and Howard Hughes. One of the casitas served as a rendezvous for Spencer Tracey and Catherine Hepburn back in the heyday of Tinseltown.

Since this is a guest ranch you really should plan for a horseback ride. Hacienda del Sol has their own stables and you can arrange for a ride there. Saddle up and take a ride among the Saguaro to check out the flora and fauna.

If horseback riding isn’t your thing, take a hike on this 34-acre property.
And if that’s still too adventurous or you just want to take it easy, explore the property’s open-air art gallery which features more than 40 large sculptures of various materials.

Of course, what would a stay at a luxury resort be without some spa treatments? I highly recommend the in-room couples’ massage. One of the best things about this is when your treatment has ended you won’t need to immediately hop up and get dressed. Linger with your sweetheart. Sip some wine or grab a shower in your room’s oversized shower.
Enjoy a meal at the resort’s two restaurants, The Grill and the Terraza Patio and Lounge. The Grill is the higher-end dining option but both are wonderful with an eclectic menu. Hacienda Del Sol has three Sommeliers on staff, as well as, offering a selection of over 700 labels and more than 6000 bottles.

If you are looking for a more secluded dining option, just off the main dining room sits a terrace built into the terrain known as Sandy’s Vista. It would be the perfect spot for a marriage proposal.

On Sunday, plan to indulge in the Grill’s award-winning Sunday Brunch. The Grill serves up a varied spread of meats and cheese, fresh pastries, succulent shrimp, sushi, made-to-order omelets, Prime Rib, and their Grill Benedict. You’ll want to try one of their special mimosas made from fresh fruit from the citrus trees on the property. And, of course, indulge in the great selection of desserts.

Also, plan to attend Mr. Bing’s Supper Club Experience. This is a Golden Age of Hollywood, Cabaret-style show in their Casa Luna Ballroom. It offers featured performers, dance numbers, magicians, and more, all emceed by the charming and illustrious Mister Bing.

Finally, Arizona has some absolutely spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Make some time during your stay to catch one with the one you love.

When you are looking for a warmer destination for a Valentine’s Day or winter getaway, head south to Disney for a playful destination to reconnect and rekindle. And while Disney may not be the first place that comes to mind for romance, don’t be so fast to rule it out. As the saying goes, “Couples Who Play Together Stay Together.”

Plan a Weekend of Romance in South America

Cartagena, Colombia: An Exotic Romantic Getaway

Cartagena, Colombia a city on the Caribbean coast is something straight out of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez love story (he was from Colombia so it makes sense!). Besides the pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and islands nearby…the real gem is the city’s historic center, a UNESCO world heritage site. Built when Colombia was a Spanish colony, its impressive fortress and colonial city are perfect for exploring and getting lost. Expect colonial architecture painted with bright and lively colors.

The city also has an African flavor as slaves were brought by the Spanish and distributed throughout South America. You will see women who sell fruit carrying their merchandise on baskets balanced on their heads.

Besides the mouth-watering and exotic fruit, a tourism influx has paved the way for an impressive culinary scene to develop. Excellent restaurants mix the regional flavors with fresh seafood to create masterpieces that will impress you.

If you like, music or dancing, you are in for a treat. The sounds of local music such as salsa, merengue, and cumbia will get you dancing or at least provide eye candy as you watch people impress you with their moves.

Cartagena, Colombia is the perfect place for a romantic long weekend getaway. It is easily reached with direct flights to Cartagena from many cities around the world.  You really have no excuse not to treat yourself to this romantic weekend escape with a Latin touch!

Submitted by Alejandro of Please Live Your Dream

Buenos Aires: The Perfect Backdrop for Your Couples’ Weekend Away

Buenos Aires has been called the “Paris of South America,” so what could be more romantic?  This cosmopolitan city has a remarkable Old-World quality with a rich tapestry of art, flavor, and history. Romantics that have a passion for the arts, you can’t miss with a long weekend escape in Buenos Aires.
This old city with European flair has an amazing colonial history, as well as fascinating recent history. And as you can imagine the architecture of the city reflects that.

In addition to colonial architecture, European settlers brought with them art, music, dance, and opera. All adding to the Parisian ambiance of the city.

While in this artsy city, you may want to take in an opera during your long weekend. Buenos Aires is home to Teatro Colon, one of the most famous opera houses in the world.

Not an opera buff, then try Avenida Corrientes, Argentina’s Broadway.  See a show at the Arteplex or the Metropolitan.

If you want to be part of the action and not just an observer, take a tango lesson. Once you have the basics, head to the Catedral milonga to test your skills.  The Milonga scene is the authentic world of Tango. These are not street performances.

This contemporary museum was the brainchild of Eduardo F. Costantini and contains his collections. Here you will find more than 400 works including some from Mexico’s Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo, Uruguay’s Joaquín Torres García, or the Argentines Antonio Berni and Xul Solar.

Once you had enough of the indoors, head to the Barracas neighborhood for some Street Art. Here you will find murals including one named The return of Quinquela, which holds the record of the longest work of street art. Also, worth a visit is the mosaic wall art of Lanín Street.

Plan a picnic lunch at United Nations Square where you will find the 20-meter tall stainless steel and aluminum Floralis Genérica. This massive metallic flower was designed by the famous Argentinean architect Eduardo Catalano and is a tribute to all flowers.

Head to the Puerto Madero area. This was the original port of Argentina. After the construction of a new port, this one fell into disrepair. However, recently, it has undergone revitalization. The original industrial buildings now house multi-use spaces with retail shops, restaurants, offices, and apartments residing under one roof.  This has become a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.

While there you can view what is surely Buenos Aries’s most recognizable structure, the Puente de la Mujer or the Bridge of the Woman. The bridge connects Puerto Madero with the affluent new city.

Don’t miss the night visits of the Palacio Barolo, built by the architect Mario Palanti. This grand building is inspired by the Divine Comedy of Dante and depicts the ascent from the inferno of hell to the paradise of heaven. From the observation deck known as the Eye of God, you have an astounding 360-degree view over Buenos Aires!

Finally, since Argentina is known for its cattle, take a day trip to San Antonio de Areco. Here you can spend time on a working estancia. This is the home of the Gauchos or the Argentinean cowboys. You’ll ride horses in the Pampa, share mate with the ranch hands and enjoy an authentic meal of Asado and the freshest ingredients available.

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