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Twelve romantic weekends in the West
Desert scenery and gorgeous shorelines offer wonderful backdrops for romance.
February 10, 2003: 12:27 PM EST
By Amy Wilson, Money Magazine Staff Writer

BIG SUR, Calif. (Money Magazine) - The floors creak, the doors lock only from the inside, and the walls are paper thin -- so whispering is the norm. If this doesn't sound appealing, it's because the strange beauty of Big Sur California's Deetjen Inn so defies description.

Once the shared domain of the Hollywood elite and the boho-artist set, Big Sur remains a place where glamour and earthiness mix seamlessly -- and Deetjen's, you might say, is their love child. Built among the redwoods of a small canyon in the early 1930s, this eclectic assortment of rustic cabins, each unique and heated by a wood-burning stove or fireplace, quickly became a stopover for those willing to brave old Highway 1 (which used to be far more treacherous).

More romantic getaways
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Four romantic getaways in the Midwest
Five romantic getaways in the South
Twelve romantic week-ends in the West
Five great off-season getaways

Never have I stayed in a place so charming and lovely -- but pinpointing the reasons is challenging. Was it the handmade quilt, soft from years of use, that made my stay so special? Or the morning light breaking through redwoods into what, by the second day, felt like home? Perhaps it was the mushroom soup we were served in the tiny dining room, made with mushrooms that had been foraged that morning. Or maybe it was just the profound quiet: Deetjen's has no phones, TVs or radios in its guest rooms, and cell phones don't work in the canyon. There are two pay phones that you're free to use -- but why would you want to?

Here are some more suggestions for romantic trips that can be easily done in a single weekend (depending on where you live). For space reasons, the prices we include aren't exhaustive but do give a sense of what a typical room for two will cost each night in high season; call for specifics as well as seasonal and package rates. And finally, while Valentine's Day comes only once in 12 months, romance is a year-round thing -- as are these destinations.

Willamette Valley, Oregon

Why: A burgeoning wine scene (think Napa Valley 20 years ago) where it's still possible to sit with the winemakers while sampling the fruits of their labor and admiring the pastoral views

What you have to do: Try the valley's reputable Pinot Noir. Both Rex Hill Vineyards and Panther Creek Cellars offer tastings -- or buy a bottle and go for a picnic alongside one of the valley's many covered bridges.

Where to stay: Built in 1912, Springbrook Hazelnut Farm Bed and Breakfast (800-793-8528) is an Arts and Crafts-era mansion with formal gardens and a working hazelnut orchard. Ask for the secluded Rose Cottage, which is surrounded by an heirloom rose garden ($95 for a standard room; $195 for the cottage).

Getting there: A scenic half-hour drive south of Portland

Mendocino, Calif.

Why: The entire town (which is perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific) is on the National Register of Historic Places thanks to its exquisitely preserved Victorian architecture. Plus: some of the country's largest redwoods

What you have to do: Make a reservation at the cozy Cafe Beaujolais (707-937-5614). Housed in an 1893 Victorian farmhouse, this Mendocino institution began using local organic produce, artisanal cheeses and boutique wines long before doing so was in vogue. But take your aperitif at the Mendocino Hotel. The lobby bar, dating back to 1878, has a rugged grandness that seems to demand you have a strong drink.

Where to stay: Cypress Cove ($250; 800-942-6300), a mile outside town, is the perfect alternative to the typical B&B Victoriana. Choose between two coolly Modernist oceanfront suites, each with a wood-burning fireplace, private deck, floor-to-ceiling windows and kitchenette.

Getting there: A 3-hour drive from San Francisco

Yosemite National Park, Calif.

Why: The awesome scenery, including giant sequoias, glacial lakes, vast meadows, waterfalls and, of course, legendary Half Dome

What you have to do: Avoid the crowds. The majority of tourist activity takes place in the summer months and is concentrated in Yosemite Valley, which comprises just 6 percent of the park. Set out on a trail and you're guaranteed some seclusion -- especially in the spring or fall.

Where to stay: The Ahwahnee Hotel ($359; 559-252-4848), located within Yosemite, is a worthy destination in and of itself. Built in 1927, it's one of the most opulent lodges in all the Americas, with fireplaces large enough to walk in and a dining room where Ansel Adams took his morning meal.

Getting there: A 6-hour drive from L.A.; 4 hours from San Francisco

Santa Barbara, Calif.

Why: The opulent Spanish-Mediterranean atmosphere and architecture has long made it a haven for the rich and beautiful -- yet Santa Barbara maintains a warm, genuine openness to visitors.

What you have to do: Have a drink on the terrace of the Biltmore Hotel's fabulous La Sala lounge. And schedule time at Lotusland (805-969-9990). Open to the public by appointment only, the 37-acre former estate is a botanical wonderland; its pool, for example, is a lotus-filled water garden.

Where to stay: Play Hollywood hideout and stay at the exclusive San Ysidro Ranch ($399; 800-368-6788).

Getting there: A 1-hour drive north from L.A.

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Why: The Ten Thousand Waves Japanese Health Spa, fashioned after a Japanese hot spring, or onsen

What you have to do: Before slipping into one of the private outdoor hot tubs, opt for some spa treatments -- like a Japanese Nightingale Facial or an invigorating Thai massage.

Where to stay: Ten Thousand Waves ($210; 505-982-9304)

Getting there: Fly via Denver; from Santa Fe, the spa is just four miles north.

San Antonio, Tex.

Why: The vibrant night life, featuring unbeatable Tex-Mex food and live music, along the city's brilliantly redeveloped waterfront

What you have to do: Stroll the charming River Walk, with its arched stone bridges, water buses, restaurants and shops. Plus, visit the Alamo.

Where to stay: The Spanish-colonial-style La Mansion del Rio, overlooking the River Walk ($230; 800-292-7300)

Getting there: Direct flights from Dallas, Cincinnati, Memphis, Atlanta, St. Louis and Kansas City, Mo.

Sedona, Arizona

Why: The southwest version of peace and quiet, with awesome vistas of red-rock canyons, cedar forests and nary another soul--or sound

What you have to do: Nothing, really, except relax. Maybe get a massage or read a book by the pool. And if you really want some outdoor activity, hike or ride horses through the canyons.

Where to stay: One of the adobe casitas at the Enchantment Resort ($375; 800-826-4180)

Getting there: A two-hour drive from Phoenix; less than an hour from Flagstaff

Moab, Utah

Why: Simply put, the scenery: towering red-rock buttes and mesas and the winding Colorado River

What you have to do: Hike or bike in the nearby Arches National Park, kayak or raft the Colorado or just soak in the view.

Where to stay: Sorrel River Ranch ($229; 877-359-2715), which features a spa and the River Grill restaurant

Getting there: A 3-hour drive from Salt Lake City; or a 1-hour drive from the airport in Grand Junction, Colo.

Park City, Utah

Why: Three world-class ski resorts within five miles, each an easy drive from Salt Lake City International Airport

What you have to do: Take a sleigh ride for a five-course dinner by a fire in a traditional Mongolian yurt, or round tent (435-615-9878). Or declare your love at 80-plus miles per hour at the Olympic Bobsled Track (435-658-4200).

Where to stay: The New Claim Condominium Suites (888-870-7529), where a two-bedroom apartment with fireplace and kitchen rents for about $300 during the winter months

Getting there: A 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City

Ouray and Ridgway, Colo.

Why: A.k.a. the Switzerland of the U.S. At 7,000 feet, the rugged mountain beauty is truly awe-inspiring. These two towns are eight miles apart and linked by the San Juan Skyway, which has been called the most beautiful drive in America.

What you have to do: Get wet--that is, in one of the many outdoor springs that are nestled among the staggering vertical peaks of the San Juan Mountains. At night, watch an explosion of stars fill the sky as you're steamed by Mother Nature.

Where to stay: Orvis Hot Springs ($75; 970-626-5324) in Ridgway has earned a loyal following for its no-frills rooms and shockingly beautiful outdoor bathing pools. Clothing is optional--but there are private tubs. And you can soak without staying over. For more upscale digs, try the historic Wiesbaden Spa ($150; 970-325-4347) in Ouray, known for cozy, European-style elegance.

Getting there: A two-hour drive from the Grand Junction airport

Dubois, Wyo.

Why: Serious dude-ranching at the Bitterroot Ranch (800-545-0019), a family-owned dude ranch that treats guests and horses humanely; no Western costumes or forced square dancing. Beginners are welcome and nurtured accordingly.

What you have to do: "Connect with your horse and see this beautiful world through their eyes," proclaims the irresistible owner, Bayard Fox. Daily rides take you through sagebrush plains and rocky gorges. A sleeping-bag snuggle on an overnight camping trip Isn't bad either.

Where to stay: One of the 12 cabins built along a trout-filled stream. Each has a private bath, and most have a room with a fireplace ($695 per person for a half-week package).

Getting there: A two-hour drive from the Jackson Hole airport  Top of page




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Most stock quote data provided by BATS. Market indices are shown in real time, except for the DJIA, which is delayed by two minutes. All times are ET. Disclaimer. Morningstar: © 2018 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Factset: FactSet Research Systems Inc. 2018. All rights reserved. Chicago Mercantile Association: Certain market data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. All rights reserved. Dow Jones: The Dow Jones branded indices are proprietary to and are calculated, distributed and marketed by DJI Opco, a subsidiary of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and have been licensed for use to S&P Opco, LLC and CNN. Standard & Poor's and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC and Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. All content of the Dow Jones branded indices © S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC 2018 and/or its affiliates.