NASHVILLE (Money Magazine) - Songs of cheatin' hearts, D-I-V-O-R-C-E and looking for love in all the wrong places -- for my money, there are few things more romantic than a dark, boozy Nashville music hall. And I say this as a man who owns not a single CD by Garth Brooks or any of the other radio-ready, big-name country acts.

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

Nashville's true soul is in its songwriters, who work in obscurity for the big record and publishing companies. Almost every night, you can find them on small stages all over town trying out new material or showing off old hits. Once you've heard these carefully crafted pop songs straight from the source -- stripped down to voice, acoustic guitar and maybe piano -- you'll realize that if Irving Berlin or Johnny Mercer were alive, they'd probably be writing their love songs for Wynonna and Reba.

The city's most famous writers' venue is the Bluebird Cafe, in a strip mall just off Hillsboro Road. Or check out the more laid-back Douglas Corner Cafe, where on a good night you might see 10 of country's best songwriters gathered together with their guitars around a washtub full of ice-cold beer, telling tales that will make you pray you never fall out of love.

Why: It's where 350 years of history meets southern hospitality. You'll find antebellum mansions, a bustling port, moss-draped live oaks, cobblestone streets, world-class southern cuisine and perfectly preserved historic sites.

What you have to do: At 5:45 p.m., grab a bottle of wine, hail a vis-a-vis (one-horse carriage) and ride through the storied district. By six, you'll be deep in the Charleston experience just in time to hear every church bell in town announce nightfall.

Where to stay: Constructed in 1844, the Planters Inn ($250; 800-845-7082) is the only luxury boutique hotel located right on the venerable city market.

Getting there: Fly direct to Charleston Airport.

Why: JFK Jr. got hitched here -- it's that romantic. The Golden Isles are part of an easily accessible chain of barrier islands off the Georgia coast. From tony golf resorts to unspoiled private beaches, they offer something for everyone.

What you have to do: Visit Little St. Simons Island, a privately owned 10,000-acre natural paradise, which has been virtually unchanged for centuries. Day-trippers are welcome.

Where to stay: The Lodge on Little St. Simons (888-733-5774) has just five cottages that can accommodate no more than 30 guests at one time. It offers a three-day package, including accommodations and meals, for about $1,275 for two people. The Lodge on Sea Island ($400; 866-465-3563) is a luxury resort with three excellent golf courses, including one by renowned architect Tom Fazio.

Getting there: You can reach all the islands by bridge from Brunswick (which is an hour's drive from Savannah) except for Little St. Simons, which requires a ferry. And flights from Atlanta go to Brunswick and St. Simons and Jekyll Islands.

Why: Old-world-style spa pampering. Back in the day, Hot Springs was the opulent winter resort for the Vanderbilt crowd. The buildings on Bathhouse Row are a tribute to Classical Revival architecture. The natural mineral waters that the spas were built around are said to have healing properties.

What you have to do: Visit Buckstaff Baths (501-623-2308) to "take the waters" in impeccable spa facilities that have been in continuous service since 1912. Enjoy the soothing rub, sitz bath, loofah massage and steambox. It is luxurious kitsch -- you'll feel like a cross between Andrew Carnegie and Lucille Ball.

Where to stay: The Arlington Hotel ($120; 800-643-1502) is a full-service spa hotel close to the Hot Springs Country Club. The 1902 Majestic Hotel (800-643-1504) offers similar spa services at similar rates.

Getting there: An hour-long drive from Little Rock, or fly direct to Hot Springs Airport from Dallas on Mesa Airlines

Why: Sexy and sophisticated night life that tumbles along a sparkling beachfront. Candy-colored Art Deco architecture provides a signature backdrop for lush tropical beauty with rich Latino flair.

What you have to do: See and be seen. Rent a convertible and loop up Collins Avenue and down Ocean Drive for the ultimate in cruising and viewing. Then stop at Joe's Stone Crab (305-673-0365; open October through May) for the world-famous crab claws.

Where to stay: The impossibly cool Delano Hotel ($450; 800-555-5001) is Ian Schrager's opulent vision. Whether or not you stay there, by all means have a drink in America's first indoor-outdoor lobby. A few blocks back from the beach you'll find better rates at classic boutique hotels. Consider the Hotel Chelsea ($125; 305-534-4069), a Deco gem.

Getting there: A quick 15 miles from Miami International