Top 5 Places to Visit with a Special Someone

Lately more and more of my friends are celebrating their ten year anniversaries and asking where they should go. I guess this means I am getting old, even though I often still think I’m only 21. Considering I’ve been married for almost 14 years and I didn’t get married at a troubling age, it looks as if I am indeed growing more mature. On the upside, it means that most of us are at a place where we can travel more. More travel is always a good thing!  I’ve put together a list of some of the best places I would personally recommend my friends go. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a week away, there is something for everyone on this list.

1. Sienna, Italy: A medieval city sitting on a hilltop overlooking the Tuscan countryside and only 45 minutes from Florence. Simply breathtaking and everything you imagine when dreaming of Italy. Enjoy meandering through narrow streets adorned with colorful flowers, roof top views, ancient iron rings to tether horses, and imagine what it was like to live here 750 years ago when the city was a major trade center. Automobiles are prohibited in the city center so pedestrians rule the streets.

Two of my biggest regrets on our trip to Italy were accidentally deleting all of my pictures from the  Tuscan half of our vacation (still makes me sick to think about it), and only taking a day trip to Sienna. This magical city deserves at least an overnight stay. I can only imagine the magic of this city in the early evening.

Il Campo is the city center and in my opinion the best square in Italy. Enjoy a drink and a snack at one of the many café’s lining the square or simply sit in the middle and soak in the sights. Be sure to visit the Duomo, dating back to 1215 and built as a shrine to the Virgin Mary. The church is a myriad of striped green and white on the outside and in typical Renaissance fashion, decked out with intricate carvings, arches, paintings, and statues by both Michelangelo and Bernini. Religious or not, this cathedral is a site to see and definitely gives you the feeling of something greater than yourself. You can buy a combo ticket to visit the cathedral, Duomo Museum, and the crypts. Once you’ve seen the city center and cathedral area, be sure to get off the beaten path and lose yourself in one of the many winding stone streets.

2.Charleston, SC: Also known as the “Holy City” (and home for me), this low country city is steeped in rich history dating back to 1670. The preserved architecture and historical landmarks paint a picture of a bygone era. There is something for everyone here; gorgeous water views, parks, history, beaches, boating, fishing, shopping, and amazing food. To see some of Charleston’s amazing views click here. For the history buff, tour Fort Sumter where the first shots of the Civil War were fired. There are several homes open to the public and the architecture is simply stunning. Walk the Battery and see some of the most affluent homes on the peninsula. Waterfront Park features the Pineapple Fountain and is a lovely place to relax in the grass and just take in the sites.  There are countless churches and cemeteries scattered throughout the city. My favorite is the Unitarian Church Cemetery located on Archdale St. The cemetery appears overgrown, but the sidewalks are all kept while wildflowers and plants are left to grow freely amongst the headstones providing a beautiful eeriness.

Probably my favorite thing about Charleston is the food scene. Many world renowned chefs have opened restaurants here and do not disappoint. Many restaurants source locally grown ingredients and are part of the sustainable seafood initiative serving locally caught seafood. Stay away from the tourist traps and seek out good fresh food! One of my favorite restaurants is Trattoria Lucca. It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of the downtown Elliotsborough neighborhood and features Italian cuisine. The menu changes nightly depending on what is fresh that day. Make a reservation at this romantic little spot, share a bottle of wine, and settle in for a delicious meal.  For mouth watering steak visit Hall’s Chophouse.  Sean Brock’s Husk features a new spin on Southern food serving all locally grown ingredients with a daily evolving menu and his other restaurant, Minero, is a casual Mexican eatery. The tacos and margaritas are to die for. Before leaving Charleston be sure to try brunch somewhere. Both Hall’s and Husk serve Sunday brunch. The Grocery is another favorite. The list of restaurants could go on and on.

Come visit Charleston. I guarantee you’ll love it!

3.Walt Disney World: I know you may think I have lost it since this is a list of adult vacations but hear me out. Disney isn’t just for kids. There are a lot of adult activities.

Start by staying in a AAA four diamond resort such as the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Get pampered at Senses, a Disney Spa. Practice your golf game or take lessons at one of four golf courses. Lounge by the pool in a private cabana. Rent a boat for a day. Dine in one of Disney’s many Signature Dining options such as Artists Point, California Grill, Citricos, Flying Fish Café, Hollywood Brown Derby, Il Mulino, Jiko the Cooking Place, Morimoto Asia, Narcoossee’s, Victoria and Albert’s or the Yachtsman, just to name a few. Many of these restaurants also offer a special chef’s table experience and wine pairings.

photo credit: Disney Travel Professionals

Outside of the parks, there are countless entertainment options. Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney) has undergone a major renovation and there are new restaurants, lounges,  stores, and entertainment options opening constantly. Catch a movie at AMC theatres, the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba, Splitsville Luxery Bowling Lanes, Raglan Road for beer and live music, House of Blues, just to name a few. Visit Jellyrolls a dueling piano bar at Disney’s Boardwalk. There are many lounges from casual to upscale.

If you are ready to celebrate being married by bringing out the kid in you, grab your honey and head to the four theme parks. Magic Kingdom, where fantasy becomes reality,  is my favorite park. Although this is the most “kid centered” park, I love it and all the rides, even the kiddie rides. Seeing the castle still thrills me every time.  Head to Hollywood Studios and celebrate the movies and the Golden Era of Hollywood with thrilling attractions like Aerosmith’s Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror. See all new attractions featuring Star Wars. The Animal Kingdom houses over 300 species of animals and is one of the largest animal parks in the world. Check out the animals, enjoy thrilling rides, and the new “Rivers of Light” nighttime spectacular opening sometime in late spring. Last, you must plan to go to EPCOT. It is separated into two sections. I am going to focus on the World Showcase which features the cultures and cuisine of 11 different countries. Walking around the World Showcase is a unique experience as you drift from one country to the next. In true Disney fashion, no detail has been ignored and you will feel as though you really are travelling to foreign lands. There are a plethora of restaurants, shows, attractions, and adult beverages to sample throughout. Read my blog about “Drinking Around the World” here.

I will leave you with these words from Walt…

“That’s the real trouble with the World, too many people grow up…Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, and dreams are forever”.

4.Cruising: Board a floating resort and set sail to just about anywhere your heart desires. Ranging from 2-14 days, a wide number of ports, and destinations throughout the world, cruising offers many options for all types of travelers. There are a wide range of cruise lines specializing in meeting different needs.

Cruising allows you to board the ship and travel to several destinations without the hassle of flying or driving to each destination. You’re literally onboard a floating resort. The fun and relaxation begins the moment you step aboard. Cruises are well known for the plethora of food choices and all day culinary adventures. Many cruise lines have now adopted even more dining options with additional restaurant and private dining choices. Entertainment options are aplenty as well. Relax on deck by one of many pools while looking out over endless ocean and blue skies. Casinos, nightly shows, lounges and dancing are sure to keep you busy. Many ships now even offer amenities such as ice skating, rock climbing walls, bowling alleys, and roller coasters.

Probably the most popular are cruises sailing to exotic locations throughout the Caribbean. Sailing from the East Coast, shorter itineraries will sail to the Bahamas and usually the cruise lines private island. Longer itineraries will head to the Eastern or Western Caribbean featuring ports of call in locations such as Curacao, Aruba, the Cayman Islands, Belize, Mexico, and the US Virgin Islands just to name a few. You can also cruise to Europe getting to explore ports of call in multiple countries, Hawaii, Australia, and the Panama Canal. Looking for adventure and a little something different? Discover the natural wonders of Alaska. Visit quaint seaside towns, harbor views, and a front row ticket to some of Mother Nature’s best work. If an intimate experience is more your speed, consider a European River Cruise. These smaller luxury ships travel the main Rivers of Europe featuring scenic views as you travel from city to city. Cruising truly offers something for everyone and is a wonderful way to travel.

5. St.Lucia: A volcanic island in the Caribbean, St. Lucia is more mountainous than most Caribbean islands. Throughout history the island has gone back and forth between French and British rule, with both countries now influencing the culture. The official language is English with most of the population speaking St. Lucian Creole French. Many resorts are built into the mountainsides providing sweeping ocean views and private open air villas.

I’ve had several close friends both honeymoon and go back to St. Lucia for special vacations. Three couples have all stayed at the same resort, Ti Kaye Resort & Spa. I’ve never been myself, but I’ve heard nothing but rave reviews. Here is how their website describes the resort:

“Ti Kaye Resort & Spa is located on the secluded Anse Cochon cove on the legendary island of Saint Lucia – perfectly nestled along the cliff side overlooking the serene waters, which hungrily lap the silver sand on the secluded beach below. The resort is often described as inspired by nature; each cottage purposely built into the landscape, drawing from the beauty of its lush natural surroundings. Equipped with modern amenities and some unusual quirks, guests are invited to unplug and indulge in the purposely built outdoor shower, dip in their personal pool or simply relax in the double hammock while watching the sunset from their balcony. Enjoyment of the postcard perfect views and all Ti Kaye has to offer while relaxing in your cottage, affords total privacy by design.”

photo credit: Ti Kaye Resort & Spa

If you are looking for a picturesque and low key destination, St. Lucia is the place for you. It’s a perfect island paradise where you can lazily relax in a hammock or head out into the water to explore.

There are spectacular destinations and adventures all over the world and this list isn’t even the tip of the iceberg. But if I had to narrow it down and provide my personal friends a list of places to visit this would be it. There are places near and far, weekend getaways to weeklong trips, ancient cities to tropical paradises, there is something for every taste and budget. I love to talk travel and share personal experiences. If I’ve never visited, I love research and planning itineraries for new and exciting places. I hope this list inspires you to plan a special vacation with a loved one.

Adventure awaits,

Angelina

www.AngelinaBrown.com