Destination V-Day: Cities with romantic names

By Aimee Markwardt

You won’t see many people complaining about a Valentine’s Day excursion to Paris, Rome or the more traditional (dare we say cliche?) romantic cities.

But if you’re a creative type looking for a unique spin on a V-Day vaca, consider a tour of the most romantically named cities.

From Loveland, Colo., to Loveland Ski Resort in, well, Colorado, to Loveland, Iowa, seeking out regions with love-inspired names will bring you places you might otherwise never experience.

And due to their names, many of these locations have special traditions for the holiday. For example, in Loveland, Colo., hundreds of people buy messages on large wooden hearts that are then hung on lampposts throughout town. Imagine surprising your loved one with a trip to the “sweetheart city,” where a personalized message (or proposal?) awaits her on the post overlooking Lake Loveland.

Fun facts:
Did you know there are at least 13 different U.S. cities named Valentine? Not to mention Valentines Beach in New York and Valentine Creek in Maryland. There are an additional five cities named Romance, and six more named Love.

Here are some other Valentines’ Day travel ideas: 

1. Rent a cabin at the Loveland Ski Resort.

2. If you’re feeling spontaneous, why not visit the Lover’s Leap trailhead in El Dorado County, Calif.? There’s quite a view here, so make sure you pack a camera. As the legend goes, the name of this area comes from two Native American lovers who leaped to their death from the summit of this mountain. We do not condone incorporating any dramatic mountain plunges into your itinerary, but the sentiment is tragically romantic.

3. If you’re planning on giving one, why not do it in the charming village of Diamond, Illinois?

4. If you believe love is more than just a word, check out the top cities to get lucky in love. Last February, Yahoo Travel named the top 10 Best Cities for Dating. The criteria: Plenty of singles, great restaurants and potential date locations, such as entertainment venues or outdoor recreation options. Rounding up the lead: Austin, Texas. Bring your lover here and take advantage of the many ways to do a great date.

Tip: Score a free visitors guide to Austin — or if you can’t wait, view it online. Make sure you check out Austin’s 30-plus vineyards, thriving arts scene and exciting music venues.

While you’re there, book a stay at the Lake Austin Spa Resort. Although it may not have “Romeo” or “Love” in the name, the name of this resort sounds like a love song to those in the know. Lake Austin has received plenty of awards from prestigious magazines and is widely considered one of the best spas in the world.

Wherever you are planning on going, make sure you get the best deal (so you have plenty of money leftover to scatter rose petals on the bed, of course). One place to check is Priceline.com to save 50 percent off last-minute deals on flights flights, cars, hotels and packages — plus 6 percent cash back. There are many other travel deals and coupons online, too.

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More Valentine’s tips and advice from ShopAtHome.com