Getaway Guide To A Valentine Weekend
It was Frank who defined romance and the essence of a "valentine" as someone who made him smile with his heart. The song of course was, "My Funny Valentine" and if you have to ask, "Frank who?" you're not quite ready for a valentine getaway to romantic places. But if you still get a thrill during a mid-February stroll along a riverside, watching the sun come up over the ski slopes while holding hands, sipping cocktails by candlelight and dining on what might be an extravagance on any other night, then follow along to these valentine weekend hideaways. – Jay Lloyd
From cocktail lounge to couples showers, Hotel Fauchere exudes romance. It's Pocono Mountain location on the banks of the Delaware River provides the exhilaration of skiing by day, casual sipping and kinoodling in the evening, followed by elegant dining. Our room had a broad view of the gardens and a heated towel rack outside the double shower room (far larger than a stall). You literally sink into the beds, and the Hudson Valley art work speaks of a pristine past. As for that couples sipping, the Bar Louis is the room that launches a memorable evening and the clink of a nightcap toast.
What could be more romantic than the taste of France. The whole package can be found for a special valentine weekend, just 90 miles to the north amidst the theater, skyline, fashion and glamour of New York. Among our favorite winter stops here is the Lucerne Hotel with its own taste of France in the casual Nice Matin restaurant. From mussels in a delicate broth to the robust flavor of Moroccan seasoned lamb and the colorful presentation of a creme brulee you can spend an evening at the table and bar, without venturing into the upper west side setting. By day, you'll be close to Central Park and one of New York's most romantic pastimes, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.
A romantic (some say, "haunted") Inn is as close to home for a valentine getaway as New Hope. The picturesque 18th century stone building is nestled in the heart of town, just a block from the Bucks County Playhouse and the street that holds a collection of unique shops and restaurants. Period furnishings distinguish each room at the Inn. A cozy tavern and dining rooms provide the setting for casual cocktails and memorable meals. I've never said, "no" to osso bucco, and yes, oysters are on the menu. As part of your weekend, take in the musical, "A Taste of Things to Come" at the playhouse, stroll along the Delaware River or just shop for that ideal momento of a special getaway.
Crystal Lake in Northeast Pennsylvania is the setting for two favorite wintertime Inns that offer a romantic backdrop, lakeside views, cross-country skiing and warming firesides. I recently wrote about the Crystal Lake Hotel www.crystal-lake-hotel.com/ and the Fern Hall Inn www.fernhallinn.com/ as weekend hideaways while skiing at nearby Elk Mountain. But the dining and pristine countryside creates a destination of their own. For intimate dining at the Crystal Lake Hotel, Mary and I always call ahead for a table by the fire in the cozy, 4-table nook of the lounge. At Fern Hall, the fireplace warmed dining room exudes elegance and a romance touched menu that balances familiar food with artistic preparation. Stay at one, make sure to dine at both.
It's a Schlep, but worth it. If you're both winter sports buffs and want to see another side of Pennsylvania with ruggedly pristine mountain vistas, skiing, skating and snowshoe trekking, head for the Alleghany Mountains and Seven Springs. The gem here for valentine dining and fine wine sipping is Helen's. You'll be enveloped by a rustic environment with a decidedly modern flavor. The piano bar with a view of the slopes sets the tone for a romantic evening at the fireside in a 1930's chalet that is steeped in Pennsylvania skiing history. The menu has been crafted to blend traditionally prepared land and sea entrees with trending greens and exotic additions. Overnights can be a choice of hotel accommodations, just an elevator ride away from dancing the night away or a cozy cottage on the mountain with ski-in, ski out access to the slopes.
Make some valentine memories.
