Barnsley Gardens Resort in northern Georgia, originally built as an opulent estate in the 19th century and now transformed into a world-class resort with golf, spa, sporting clay shooting grounds, is a truly romantic destination with tons of history and charm. But what makes it unique is that it facilitates some of the most amazing romance scenarios. The resort’s “Fairy Godmother” handles extra-special requests for anniversaries, birthdays, and marriage proposals.

Barnsley Gardens Resort's resident Fairy Godmother

With hundreds of proposals under her wings, the Barnsley Gardens Fairy Godmother is an expert at working with individuals to make each proposal special and unique; she helps plan an average of six proposals a month and this past September assisted in a whopping 15 engagements. Barnsley Gardens Resort’s Fairy Godmother can design something as simple as a rose-petal strewn bed or bathtub to a marriage proposal in the landscaped ruins of a 19th-century estate on the grounds. Examples of the elaborate proposal set-ups include:

Dock of Owner’s Cottage set-up: A torch-lined path spirals downward from the house to a dock, where a swing for two is adorned with fluffy pillows and covered in a satiny blanket. The couple enjoys the view from the tea-light illuminated dock and Read More »

The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa, a lovely hotel on Central Florida’s Treasure Coast, is offering a romantic Valentine getaway for threesomes. That’s a Valentine’s Day weekend special called Pooch n’ Smooch for couples traveling with a pet (or pets). Package incudes:-

Vero Beach Hotel & Oliver

•Pampered Pooch Picnic at the Dog Park with a basket that includes a picnic blanket, two wine spritzers, organic treats for mom and dad, dog treats, ball, water and a collapsible dog bowl, and a clean-up bag.
•Turn down amenity of Champagne and homemade doggie treats from local pet boutique, Hearth & Hound.
•$5 donation to Indian River County Humane Society.

If you want to make your pet feel extra-special, package upgrades include a couple’s photo shoot with your pet on the beach, and/or two Kimpton bathrobes and a dog bed.

The Vero Beach Hotel & Spa is a Kimpton Hotel, which makes it a pet-friendly hotel (see Kimpton’s pet policy). Oliver, the hotel’s pet director, will be at hand to ensure that you and your pet(s) enjoy a comfortable stay.

Use promo code POOCH if you’re booking online, or call 1-866-602-VERO and request the Pooch n’ Smooch package.

Photos courtesy Vero Beach Hotel & Spa/Kimptom Hotels

Info: 3500 Ocean Drive Vero Beach, FL  32963; (772) 231-5666; www.verobeachhotelandspa.com/

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hotelpreston.com

Looking for some Valentine’s Day fun in Tennessee? I hope so, because Hotel Preston, the art-themed boutique hotel in Nashville, is running a several Valentine’s Day promotions, including “Cupid Gone Wild,” “Ooey Gooey Night Out,” and “Seven Deadly Sins,” complete with all seven deadly sins.

Here’s how “Seven Deadly Sins” is gonna play out:

• Lust – Sexy adult amenities
• Gluttony – A bottle of Seven Deadly Zins Wine
• Greed – A whole Hotel Preston signature cake
• Sloth – Late check-out & Do Not Disturb sign
• Wrath – Early check-in
• Envy – Two keepsake bath robes
• Pride – Luxury bath kit & vanity mirror

I love that “Wrath” means “early check-in.” How on Earth does that work? Must be like: “I’m so angry, I’m gonna get there at like 2pm!!”

Whatevs, though. Still sounds like a killer package to me.

The amenities for “Cupid Gone Wild” include chilled champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries, sexy body dust, bubble bath … I’ve never heard of such a good excuse to hit Nashville. No really, I’m sure the Opry is great, but this Valentine’s Day deal is like, made of awesome.

I’m really glad that the body dust is gonna be sexy. I hate regular body dust.

Lastly, “Ooey Gooey Night Out” includes deluxe accommodations, luxurious linens, and a pillow menu. A pillow menu. (???) Also, a bottle of local wine or sparkling cider (please make it three) and “death by chocolate room service.” But don’t go out. Relax with an in-room movie of your choice and take advantage of the “surprise romance toys!” There’s also in-room massage and yoga for an additional fee.

The prices start at $149. Hotel Preston. Send this to my boyfriend. Kthx.

Yosemite in winter

Yosemite in the winter is simply beautiful. Many people come here to camp and hike during the warmer weather months, but there is something magical about this grand national park in the colder months.

Snowy meadows, frozen peaks and the quiet can be incredibly conducive to romance or just a great way to recharge your batteries. Whatever you decide, there are many ways to enjoy the Yosemite Valley.

Our stay at The Ahwahnee in January was overall so relaxing and a wonderful time. We had thought about waiting until February and enjoying a Valentine’s escape to Napa, but decided instead to experience Yosemite in snow.

The Ahwahnee Hotel is a splurge compared to other lodging options in or near the park, but worth it if you can swing it.  The architecture and magnificent façade are amazing to see, especially for the first time. There is a grandeur about this stately hotel. No wonder presidents and royalty have stayed here.

Snowy peaks above

Did you know that The Ahwahnee was specifically designed to highlight its natural surroundings, which feature Yosemite Falls, Half Dome and Glacier Point? This beautiful hotel has the warmth of a mountain ski lodge but on a grander scale. The interior rooms have Native American motifs and accents with natural wood furnishings.

View from Ahwahnee Hotel ground floor

This AAA Four Diamond hotel has 123 handsomely appointed guest rooms, including 99 hotel rooms, parlors and suites and 24 cottages. We stayed in the main building in a guest room and found that we ate most of our meals in the grand dining room.

With the chilly air and icy roads, I quite enjoyed staying indoors and staring out the enormous windows at the fabulous views, with a warm drink and book. However Badger Pass is not too far if you prefer to go skiing and the hotel can help with arrangements.

Inside the main dining room

Other types of lodging around Yosemite National Park are available during the winter and summer months but you will need to check ahead of time to see what roads are open, besides availability – I suggest you check directly with Yosemite National Park.  Booking directly with the park may also save you money or get you one of their seasonal packages or other sweet bargains.

Discover your inner Ansel Adams and no matter when you go or where you stay, don’t forget to take your camera!!

Photo credits to sfcphotography