Love is a Song – Austin, Texas Friday, May 8 2009

You don’t have to be in Austin for long to realize it’s a great city for romance. Of course, most of that love you feel is the residents’ emotions for the city itself. Austin inspires proud loyalty in its locals thanks to its vibrant culture and energy – something you’re going to love as well. 

A dam is used to turn the Colorado River into Lady Bird Lake, and it runs through Austin’s downtown, allowing the already pretty skyline to cast an even more gorgeous reflection. With this and two other lakes, this city in the middle of Texas has over 400 miles of shoreline.

Austin officially uses the slogan, “Live music capital of the world.” This fact alone is enough to make it an exciting choice for couples. There are 200 official live music venues in the city, plus any number of self-created ones on curbsides and parking lots on any given day.

You’ll find the normal accommodations in Austin you can find in any larger city. For luxury, you might want to try the luxurious boutique hotel, Mansions at Judges’ Hill or the century-old Driskill Hotel for breathtaking, antique ambience. The Hyatt Regency is classic excellence you can always count on, and the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort and Spa includes a golf course and lazy river as just two of its dramatic perks.

Laguna Gloria is the Austin Museum of Art, a lavish and unique experience in art and culture. The Zilker Botanical Garden offers a breathtaking oasis for romance, and downtown Austin is rich with the exciting nightlife you crave.

Austin is a great retreat for honeymoons and romantic getaways. It’s an exciting city to explore, and thanks to its affectionate relationship with its residents – it’s already a city filled with love.

Photo Credit: Kumar Appaiah on Flickr

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Chicago Romance Thursday, May 7 2009

I just featured Chicago on the blog when I showcased the Great Lakes region, but this city had to make the Romantic City list as well, especially since it’s the only one from the Midwest. So today I’ll highlight two romantic attractions in it. First up is Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Just look at how gorgeous it is after sunset with its breathtaking light and water display. This is the perfect place for an automatic romantic ambience – that is, if you go when the weather is warm enough. Strolling hand in hand or just sitting together by the fountain is romantic enough, but for another bit of classic romance, consider a horse-drawn carriage ride. They’re offered even late at night, and you can find carriage stands nearby. (Photo by rpongsaj on Flickr).

This is another romantic stop for any Chicago tour, although this one is significantly more pricey than taking in quiet refreshment by a fountain. It’s called the Signature Lounge, located in the John Hancock Center, and as you can sort of see just beyond the bar and tables here – the view is breathtaking. You can sit at a tall tabl facing the floor-to-ceiling, glass windows while you talk. And I doubt you’ll find any more fantastic place to take in the Chicago skyline and lakeshore as you take in the sweet company of each other. (Photo by WukieGrl on Flickr).

Chicago is full of treasures like this, making it so deserving of our list this week. Come back tomorrow for one more perfect city for romance.

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Sunset in Toronto Wednesday, May 6 2009

That’s the name of this gorgeous photo by Ian Muttoo on Flickr, or – specifically – Toronto Sunset. And this is definitely the perfect time of year to add Toronto to your honeymoon considerations, because Canada can be breathtaking in the summer. With temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, you can visit here to escape the heat and humidity not everyone appreciates for a full three to four months. Plus, Toronto is filled with the perfect attractions for a couple in love.

First of all, not to be too cliche, but from basically any hotel in the city you can depart on any given day for a tour of Niagra Falls. And, trust us, this beauty of nature became a cliche for a reason. These falls are powerful, exciting, and simply breathtaking, and many people agree they’re even more beautiful on the Canada side than our own. This is definitely an attraction you should include in any romantic trip to Toronto.

Another classic Toronto thrill is the CN Tower restaurant which rotates at a height above the city perfect for a breathtaking view. At a rate of one rotation per seventy minutes or so, you should get the full effect if you take long enough to enjoy the glamorous meal.

Toronto has its very own Broadway district, so you won’t lack for high-culture entertainment with live plays and musicals. The shopping in Toronto is also world class. The Eaton Centre is a multi-level, glass enclosed showcase of shops, boutiques, restaurants, cinemas and even its own hotel. For even more designer options and eclectic boutiques, you’ll love the area of Yorkville as well.

Toronto’s waterfront is a great place for recreation and provides the backdrop for several other popular Toronto attractions. The Toronto Zoo is a treasured landmark filled with award-winning exhibits and playful animals in their natural environments. The Toronto Islands are a beautiful place to explore and offer brilliant views of the city’s skyline. And Toronto is rich with other cultural greats like the world-class Royal Ontario Museum, one of the top ten museums in the world, and its oldest museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario. 

This barely begins the list of amazing attractions in this city. But hopefully you can see: You won’t lack for activities, excitement, or ambience in the beautiful Canadian treasure of Toronto.

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Romantic San Francisco Tuesday, May 5 2009

The site of the Golden Gate Bridge awash in city lights after sunset is proof enough that the city of San Francisco has something to offer the couple in search of a little romantic to their atmosphere. Further inside this City by the Bay you’ll be even more convinced. Its eclectic neighborhoods, beautiful views, and exciting nightlife have something for every couple’s personality.

Let’s start with the accommodations. Sure, there’s classic luxury like the Mandarin Oriental or award-winning Hotel Monaco. But maybe you’re not the classic luxury type. No problem. San Francisco has every kind of ambience for your stay – from Victorian to quaint and charming to – yep – even budget-friendly. Consider a Bed & Breakfast for an intimate sort of charm – less noise, fewer guests, and a morning meal to start your day off in the most delicious way.

You’ll need some energy to take in all that San Francisco has to offer. Exploring the neighborhoods in this city is an event in and of itself and perfect for the couple who doesn’t need much more than scenery to complete the adventure of their new commitment. The shopping will especially thrill you with everything from designer boutiques to handcrafted specialty shops.

Crissy Field is a great outdoor choice for the bay area with its sandy beaches and walkways by the water. There is a breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco skyline here as well. Of course, why choose a city for your honeymoon if not for the varied restaurants and exiting nightlife. San Francisco has everything from glamorous restaurants to quiet cafes and clubs for just about any taste. 

The weather in San Francisco will draw you almost year-round, so it’s the perfect choice whether you marry in summer, winter, fall, or spring. After visiting once, San Francisco could become a part of your history for a lifetime. After all, there is so much to do here and so many things to discover, one honeymoon simply won’t be enough.

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New York City for Couples Monday, May 4 2009

You’ll notice a new link at the side of our blog today. It’s where you can learn all about the world’s top ten honeymoon destinations. Prepare to dream of Europe, the Caribbean, and beyond – because these locales will mesmerize you with their sheer romantic charm. 

When it comes to honeymoons, many people think secluded. They think international – far outside of the normal grind. Or they think beaches – far away from the cold! But there are several beautiful cities in the US and nearby that have quite a bit to offer swooning lovebirds during the happiest season of their lives. And this week, we’ll feature some of those. 

First up, the city on the tip of so many tongues when it comes to desired attractions: New York City. This city has something for everyone and is sure to please the romantic couple as well. If you’ve seen An Affair to Remember or the Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan flick in tribute to it, Sleepless in Seattle, then you have surely imagined a romantic rendezvous on top of the Empire State Building. For that matter, Nora Ephron films are stuffed full of romantic New York City attractions. So while we’re on the subject, you should definitely try the chic, delightful bistro from You’ve Got Mail, Cafe Lola. 

Now if it’s the height and the view that take you to the Empire State Building, you should definitely consider Top of the Rock in Rockefeller Center as well. Its view is equally breathtaking, and the line can be much easier to deal with. Rockefeller Center, while we’re at it, is certainly a lovely place for romance, especially during the holidays with its famous lighted tree. For a romantic getaway along these lines, consider shopping at the famous 34th Street Macy’s with its gorgeous holiday window displays that are truly works of art. 

For art year-round, of course, the Met is your ticket for the kind of romance that can only be created hand in hand, surrounded by the great artistic pieces that have inspired us through the ages. Not far away, you’ll find one of the most romantic spots in the city in the beautiful, expansive Central Park. Its walkways, sculptures, lakes, and bridges were custom-made for a stroll, a picnic, or a simple tete a tete with the one you love. Central Park is definitely the place to go when you have nothing more to want than space and time to be together. 

Besides its plethora of great, romantic attractions, New York City has the accommodations for perfect honeymoons as well. From luxurious hotels to more humbly-budgeted choices, you’ll find just the place to rest your head after a day in the City with your love.

Photo Credit: hdport on Flickr

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Gondolas in Vegas? Friday, May 1 2009

Thanks to my post earlier this week on Mon Ami Gabi, you know that you can go to Paris without ever leaving Las Vegas. Today: Italy. In Las Vegas, you can actually find yourself on the streets – and canals – of beautiful Venice.

The Venetian is one of the most beautiful resorts in Las Vegas. Every detail is marked with luxury – just the atmosphere you want for a romantic retreat. The suites are glamorous – the beautiful design and furnishings will take your breath away from the moment you arrive.

And weddings! The chapels in the Venetian are as beautiful and luxurious as the rest, while overlooking the pool deck and lush garden. They can accommodate your wedding perfectly with room for an intimate circle of friends and family, or they can be combined for the big chapel wedding of your dreams.

If you prefer an outdoor setting, you cannot get more enchanting than the Venetian’s Ponte al di Piazza bridge. It overlooks the grand canal, a portion of the entire canal system throughout the Venetian resort. True to the theme of Venice itself, you can ride through these breathtaking waters in a romantic gondola. It’s relaxing, it’s Old World, and it’s full of fabulous Venetian charm.

Next time you think Las Vegas – think Venice, and set yourself up for the luxurious stay of a lifetime, including the most romantic I Do.

Photo Credit: Beyond Forgetting on Flickr

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The Phantom in Vegas Thursday, Apr 30 2009

Whether you choose Las Vegas for destination weddings, honeymoons, or just a romantic getaway, and you’re looking for entertainment to fit the mood, this is the one.

The Phantom of the Opera is beloved around the world ever since its premier in London in 1986. Even those who haven’t seen it will recognize the famous music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and many more became familiar with the story and the haunting songs when it was made into a film.

In Las Vegas, though, you can see the show like never before. It takes place at the beautiful Venetian resort in a theater custom-designed for the Phantom of the Opera alone. You’ll be transported back in time and into the luxurious opera house in the story from the moment you step foot in the doors. The show has been lengthened by its original creators. It showcases every song from the original production plus special effects and enhancements only possible with modern technology in this theater specially made for the performance.

You cannot top the romance of this resort, the custom-made theater, and this hauntingly beautiful story. Phantom of the Opera should certainly be on your agenda for any romantic getaway to Las Vegas.

Photo Credit: sjsharktank on Flickr

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All You Need is Love Wednesday, Apr 29 2009

Besides the ever popular casinos in which you can lose more money than you spent on the wedding – if you are so inclined – another thing for which Las Vegas is very popular is its live performances. Stage shows in Vegas are just another way this city promises to deliver. And it’s not all comedy, tigers, and the Osmonds either. There are plenty of Las Vegas shows perfect for romanic travel. We’ll highlight two of them this week, starting with today’s feature: Cirque Du Soleil’s Beatles’ inspired performance: Love.

Cirque Du Soleil is one of the most unique entertainment venues in the world. Its brilliant costumes, acrobatics, and artistry have been thrilling and mystifying audiences since its inception. Any one of their performances provides an experience like no other. In Love, over sixty international artists join together at the Mirage in Las Vegas for a celebration of the music written and made famous by The Beatles. This meeting of two wonderful entertainment leaders grew out of a friendship between the late George Harrison and the founder of Cirque Du Soleil. The result is a marriage between a brilliant artistic venue and some of the greatest music of all time.

The show takes place at the beautiful Mirage theater in Las Vegas. It’s a panoramic experience that will excite your senses with profound visuals, world-class entertainment, and the passionate music from a beloved rock group. Cirque Du Soleil’s Love is the perfect entertainment choice for couples.

Photo Credit: JoeDuck on Flickr

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the Bellagio Tuesday, Apr 28 2009

The Bellagio resort is possibly the most famous landmark in Las Vegas, and it is the perfect place to convince your friends and family that a Las Vegas wedding can far exceed its stereotype.

Not only is the setting breathtaking – after all, the Bellagio is home to the gorgeous fountains with sound and light displays that create one of the prettiest sites in the city – the accommodations at the Bellagio are luxurious, rich with amenities, and full-service. This resort can take care of every single detail of your wedding beyond, you know, choosing the groom. The flowers, the chapel, the photography – they can even do your hair and makeup for a style in keeping with the glamorous surroundings. 

Las Vegas is a great place to honeymoon as well as wed with its summer temperatures, exciting nightlife, shows, and casinos – one of which you’ll have full access to in the Bellagio itself.

Though just one of many wonderful resorts in Las Vegas, the Bellagio can effortlessly transform a destination wedding into the ceremony and reception of your dreams. It’s a beautiful hotel and a Las Vegas treasure.

Photo Credit: http2007 on Flickr

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Mon Ami Gabi Monday, Apr 27 2009

This week I’m highlighting romantic attractions from the city of weddings and honeymoons itself: Las Vegas. 

I know you’ve thought of this city at least once in your wedding planning even if the thought was inspired by the look your father gets when talking about the wedding budget, which leads you to fantasize about a ladder, a fast vehicle, and the promise to get back in that dress for a reception later to make it up to your mother.

The thing is, Las Vegas has a lot more to offer than hasty elopements. There are plenty of romantic attractions here perfect even for glamorous weddings. Once you’ve done a little research, you may still want to wed or honeymoon here. Only with the attractions on this agenda, the new plan won’t exactly be saving money. 

Consider the first attraction, fittingly situated at the Paris hotel where you can also view the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower – at least, a perfectly proportioned, smaller version of the Paris landmark. And to complement that European experience, you’ll want to share a meal here, at the gorgeous French bistro-style restaurant, Mon Ami Gabi.

The name is French for, “My friend Gabi,” and refers to its renowned chef, Gabino Sotelino. This charming restaurant helps you experience the ambience and the delicious cuisine of an actual French restaurant, complete with al fresco dining.

And ambience aside, the food you’ll remember for a lifetime – classic steak with pommes frites, roasted chicken, and crisp baguettes. This restaurant won’t fit neatly into a tiny budget, but it’s worth the splurge. Every romantic couple should be able to say, “Remember that little French cafe?” After dining at Mon Ami Gabi in Las Vegas, overlooking the gorgeous Bellagio fountains, you’ll have a wonderfully romantic story to follow that question.

Photo Credit: leduardo on Flickr

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