Great Falls Park ( Washington, DC )

Great Falls Park, an 800-acre park located along the Potomac River, is one of the most spectacular natural landmarks in the Washington DC metropolitan area. The natural beauty of Great Falls Park and its close proximity to downtown Washington, DC make this park popular with local residents and tourists who are visiting the area.

Great Falls Park offers a variety of activities including hiking, picnicking, kayaking, rock climbing, bicycling, and horseback riding. You can view the falls from several observation areas. The falls cascade into 20 foot waterfalls displaying the steepest fall line rapids of any eastern river. On the Virginia side, Overlook 2 and the Patowmack Canal Trail are wheelchair accessible. Follow the River Trail, beginning just downstream of the falls, and you will see spectacular views of the Mather Gorge. Above the Great Falls Park Visitor Center, you can follow the upper Canal Trail and view the head of the falls and the Aqueduct Dam. See a trail map to help you plan your hike.

Great Falls Park is maintained by the National Park Service. Ranger Talks are offered Saturdays and Sundays at 12:30 p. m. and 3:30 p. m. at the Ranger Program Area near Overlook 3.

Location

Great Falls Park is accessible from both sides of the Potomac River. The Virginia park is located at 9200 Old Dominion Drive, McLean, Virginia.
The Maryland side is a part of the C & O Canal National Historic Park and is located off of Falls Road in Potomac. There is not access between the two sides of the Potomac River.

Park Hours

Great Falls Park is open from 7 a.m. until dark every day except December 25th. The Visitor Center is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily, with extended hours during the spring and summer.

Price

There is a $5.00 per vehicle entrance fee and a $3.00 fee for visitors entering the park on foot, horseback, bicycle, or motorcycle.

Official Website

www.nps.gov/grfa

Venice - Hotel Cipriani and Palazzo Vendramin (Italy)

After touching down at Venice Marco Polo Airport, a five-minute cab ride brings you to the dock, where you board a natty motorboat that speeds off down a watery highway (the driving is every bit as daredevil as its land-based Italian counterpart) leading to a city where Renaissance palaces rise up from green depths and the streets are narrow canals. Arriving by motorboat is de regueur for Cipriani guests, as the hotel is on the Giudecca, an island in the lagoon. Brown-and-white striped poles like candy sticks mark the posh little dock of the 'Cip', as it is affectionately known, where guests alight to be greeted by charming gentlemen in theatrical capes.

Completed in 1958 by Giuseppe Cipriani, restaurateur extraordinaire and founder of the legendary Harry's Bar, the hotel now exudes an air of knowing luxury: you won't find any designer-led fads here. Giuseppe Cipriani's dream was to build a hotel within easy reach of St Mark's Square, yet far enough away to guarantee peace and privacy. The Giudecca provided just that, and as a consequence has attracted everyone from Orson Welles to Andy Warhol, becoming the chosen residence for many a film star during the Venice Film Festival, including Nicole Kidman.

Area Attractions

Accademia 900 MetersBridge Of Sighs 800 MetersCa D*OroCampanileDoge*S Palace 800 MetersGrand Canal 900 MetersGuggenheim Museum 800 MetersLa Biennale 1200 MetersLido 2 MilesMarco Polo HomeMurano Glass FactoryPiazza San MarcoRialto Bridge 1800 MetersSt Mark*S Square 700 MetersSan GiorgioSan Marco

Driving Directions

From Venice Marco Polo Airport *** Take Taxi From Station Located Outside The Airport Building For Direct Transfer To Hotel. Travel Time Is Approx. 30 Minutes.
From Piazzale Roma Car Park *** Venice Can Be Reached By Car-however Guests Must Park Their Cars At The Automobile Garage At Piazzale Roma Which Is About 15 Kilometers From The Hotel. Take Taxi Boat From Piazzale Roma Or By Public Line Boats. With An Hours Advance Notice The Hotel Is Able To Provide Assistance Parking And Retrieving Cars From A Selected Car Park. Suggested Garage Mattiazzo.
From Railway Station *** Taxi Boat Is Located In Front Of The Railway Station For Direct Transfer To The Hotel. Approximately 15 Minutes By Taxi Boat Or Take Public Service Line 1 Through The Grand Canal Or Line 42 Through Canale Della Giudecca To The San Marco Stop.

BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO

May, June and September.

CEREMONIES

Couples must wed in the Register Office (Palazzo Cavalli) or a church before heading back to the hotel for a blessing (optional) and reception.

PRE-WEDDING RESIDENCY

None required, but it is advisable to allow at least two or three days to make all the final arrangements.

Mexico "Romantic Place" to Holiday

Mexico has been tipped as a "romantic" place for lovebirds to take a break by one expert this week.

According to holiday publication Luxury Travel magazine, Los Cabos and Baja California are best for couples seeking adventure, while Oaxaca and Chiapas are up-and-coming.

Magazine editor Alyson Cook said: "I think Mexico is seen as a romantic destination for the UK luxury market."

She added: "People want adventure and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, so they will go to 'newer' destinations like Oaxaca, Querétaro and Chiapas."

Mexico has a population of 106.5 million people, its capital is Mexico City, and its official language is Spanish.

The Lonely Planet Travel guide describes the nation as "a traveller's paradise", which is brimming with different landscapes from warm beaches to snow-capped volcanoes.

It adds that Mexico's charm emanates from its mix of old and new teamed with the country's wealth of culture.

Romantic Place Between Dallas And Fort Worth

An award-winning French country luxury inn and spa located in historic north central Arlington. This Victorian-style home with its inviting wrap-around porch offers 7 private rooms and 4 separate cottages and features elaborate landscaped grounds accented by gazebos, gardens and fountains. The property has a full-service salon and spa on-site.

The main house and rooms are decorated in original 20-century Victorian antiques and varied artwork; cottages differ with an upscale Southwestern look complete with fireplace, leather couch, king size bed and double jacuzzi.

One of the only bed and breakfast luxury inns in DFW; one of the few DFW retreats with wedding and spa/salon facilities on-site; a destination and day spa combined; offers custom, chef-prepared menus for guests.

Each European dressed room is named after a legendary musical composer; house has a grand entrance with a spiral staircase; on second floor, a library rests underneath a sky-reaching cupola; each room has a private bath; a pool and pavilion are provided on-site for guests, corporate events and weddings.

Beethoven room features fireplace; detached carriage house has two private rooms with balconies overlooking courtyard and gardens.

Room prices range $125-150 per day; cottages range $150-200 per day

Strauss (inside house); cottages

Weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, corporate retreats/meetings, holiday outings

Tea on Tuesdays; The Gathering on Wednesdays; Fifth Night on Fridays

Couple retreats; birthdays; holidays; anniversaries; summertime fun co-ops with entertainment district; murder mysteries; golf retreats; wine tastings; socials

Built in 2000 across the street, the Sanford Spa & Salon offers an oasis-like setting for guests or locals with a full range of luxurious pampering for both women and men, including massage therapy, stone therapy, salon services, full body wraps, facials, pedicures, foot reflexology, age protection, microdermabrasion and much more; specials are also offered for bridal parties, pregnancies and mother’s day outs; prices for full/half day packages range from $135-400; a la carte pricing varies

Named “Best Wedding Services” for prestigious 2004 Book of Lists by Arrington’s Inn Traveler; approved as Member of Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America; Member of Historic & Hospitality Association

The Sanford House
506 N. Center St.
817.861.2129 / 817.277.0115 (Spa)
www.thesanfordhouse.com

d Boutiqque Payogan - Ubud ( Bali, Indonesia )

The Resort
Located among the lush green hills of Ubud overlooking the Oos river valley, the 15-hectare resort captures the tranquility and the serenity of the region. d'Boutiqque Payogan Ubud Bali (formerly The Payogan Resort & Spa Ubud Bali) blessed with two rivers is a creation of authentic of indigenous design, with distinct differences in applying traditional Balinese architecture.Grand in style but maintaining privacy and seclusion, the one and two room villas are spread out across the resort on different levels of the two riverbanks that run through the resort.

Service & Facilities
All villas are individually designed and feature natural alang-alang roofing, built in such a way that they fully integrate with the surrounding landscape of the Oos river valley.
As the resort also owns the opposite riverbank, unobstructed views from any of the villas are guaranteed, creating an all-embracing sense of peace and harmony with nature. Designed as a walled Balinese Village, the villas courtyards with lotus ponds and water works are entered through a Balinese gate.

Swimming Pool

d'Boutiqque Payogan Ubud Bali Resort & Spa offers recreational and cultural activities including swimming.

During the summer months, the swimming pool at d'Boutiqque Payogan Ubud Bali, will be offering our guests the facilities of a state-of-the-art gymnasium, pool, contemporary steam and sauna room, and the best view of Ubud valley in the backdrop.

Spa And Health Treatment

Extensive wellness and health body treatments. Available for in-house and outside guests.

The Payogan Spa will offer a complete wellness centre using Ayurvedic healing, hair & beauty salon and several treatment rooms and pavilions. Special prepared healthy diet foods and drink will also be available.

In addition to the Spa, The Payogan will also provide a Massage-Bale that offers traditional body and foot massage. The Massage Bale is adjacent to the main swimming pool.

Others

Built on 15 hectares of hillside land with two waterway valleys

Free Shuttle Service to Ubud Area
Medical Service
Laundry and Valet Services
In-resort transport service
Airport transfer
Jogging track
Gift shop
Fine art gallery
Limousine service
Private stereo sound system in the villa (VCD/CD and cassette)
Wide selection of VCD/CD & cassettes are available for guest to borrow
Telephone with International Direct Dial
Flat Screen Colour TV with satellite channels.

Top 10 Romantic Destinations In Asia Pacific

Malaysia: The coastal sheen, the pictorial landscape teamed with the comfortable climate of Malaysia makes it one of the places to feel the thump of “being in love”. The swaying forests, the shoreline mangroves, the oak forests at the mountaintop make Malaysia the destination for the lovers. Take a walk hand in hand under the shade of verdures, eat the mouthwatering coastal cuisines with your special someone, visit the rain forest and explore the tropical water with the best scuba diving – visit Malaysia with your sweet heart and feel the beat of romance in the most thrilling way.

Bangkok: Feel the monsoon rain drops with your beloved in Thailand and rekindle your romance with the regal splendor of Bangkok where the term effervesce gains a logical interpretation. Bangkok the capital city of Thailand with its charm, color, magic and fullness is the place to celebrate your love. Nothing can be more romantic than to take a boat ride amidst the canals of the city. Let the silence speak a lot as you walk through the serene temple compounds with your special someone. Let the magical delight of the Thai food pamper your palate this time--- Visit Bangkok with your beloved and once again fall in love with just the idea of being in love.

Maldives: say bye to the mundane routine life and dissolve with your love to the ‘never- never land’ of green and olive. Visit Maldives to rekindle your romantic days and fall in love with the green and blue of the place. Maldives with its coral islands, fishing environ, scuba diving and snorkeling will definitely make your vacation a true memoir to treasure or long.

Tokyo: Consider visiting Tokyo this time with your beloved and enjoy the romantic vacation with the city’s historical attractions, beauty, culture and romance. Rediscover the perfect holiday mood as you elope to the capital city of Japan -- one of the most romantic destinations of sheer color.

Taipei: Experience the ethnicity, tradition, folklore and rich history of China whilst staying at Taipei with your beloved. Explore authentic Chinese food, appreciate the artistic splendor and let the awesome scenic beauty to entice you as you plan out your romantic vacation at Taipei with your special someone.

Bali: Bali with its pristine treasures, lustrous backdrop is somewhat like a breathing painting. With lofty greens, with its soaring volcanoes, wide stretched rice fields, Bali is the place to feel the magic of love again. Enjoy a warm day at the sunny beaches, plan out a day long hiking with her or just explore the serene splendor of the warm waters make your fancies into reality whilst staying at Bali with your love.

Singapore: feel the magic of the ‘’ Garden City’’. Book your ticket for Singapore and enjoy a completely romantic vacation with your special someone. With lush green manicured parks, historical architecture, museums, quaint temples, chic pubs, elegant eateries, plush shopping malls, sumptuous cuisine Singapore is one of the most vibrant and clean city to be with your beloved.

Gangwon: Visit Gangwon that is one of the most colorful destinations in Korea and make your fancies to turn into reality. Established as a county, the rich ethnicity and culture of Gangwon will surely entice you during your stay. Discover Gangwon with the first glitter of the morning sun and rekindle your emotion. The place as it has been reckoned as the haven of rest, leisure and sport has everything to make your romantic stay lot dreamier.

Hong Kong: Hong Kong with its shimmer and glamour is the place to be with your special someone. The city with its incredible manifestation of lights, with its swaying skyscrapers, with its elegant shops and malls and with its entertainment complexes not only promises a romantic getaway but also guarantees a quixotic escape to a land of beauty, dream, color and magic.

Romantic Alaska Cruise ( alaska )

One of the best ways to see the great Alaskan wilderness, and certainly one of the most rugged and remote coastlines anywhere is on an Alaska cruise. The landscape, glaciers, fresh air and open ocean are exhilarating and memorable.

Alaska Cruise Tips: Season & Best Time to Sail
Alaska cruise ships sail out of Vancouver and Seattle from May to September every year. And the two best months to visit Alaska are probably May and September, when the ships are a little quieter, and likely when you’ll get a better deal on your cruise too. The weather in the Pacific Northwest and on the route up the coast is mild, but bring some layers for cool evenings and glacier viewing .

Best Months for Whale Watching in Alaska: The summer can bring lots of sightings of humpbacks. The best month for Orca viewing in Alaska is probably June or July.

Best Deals on an Alaska Cruise: Cruise prices can vary by $100's at different travel agencies, so CruiseCompete makes it quick and easy to shop around. Select the cruise you want, and let independent agents compete to offer you the best deal.

Most Alaska cruises are 7 days in length. There are a few 11 and 14 day sailings which include more ports of call and more glacier touring. Basically, there are 2 different kinds of cruises available:

Inside Passage: roundtrip departure from Vancouver, usually 1 week. You sail up the inside passage through the islands offshore from British Columbia and Alaska. Stops will probably include Ketchikan, Sitka, Skagway and Juneau. You’ll spend about 2 days at sea, and another glacier viewing.

Gulf of Alaska Cruise (or Glacier Route Cruise): You sail one-way northbound from Vancouver or one-way south from Seward, Alaska. You’ll see extra ice on this sailing in College fjord and/or Hubbard Glacier, plus an additional port or two.

What cruise lines sail from Seattle to Alaska? They include Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norweigan and Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Alaska Cruise Lines and Ships

Alaska cruise lines and ships info:

Carnival Cruise Lines - Carnival Spirit. Popular with first-time cruisers and families.

Celebrity Cruises - Mercury, Infinity and Summiy. A more upscale, sophisticated cruise line.

Holland America Line – Ships: Volendam, Zaandam, Statendam, Ryandam and Veendam. A premium line with lots of room and deluxe features like bathtubs in most rooms.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Norwegian Sun. Casual atmosphere, family friendly.

Princess Cruises - Sun Princess, Dawn Princess, Coral Princess and Island Princess. Lots of activities, large ships, efficient & friendly staff.

Radisson Seven Seas – each cabin has a balcony and bath. First class cruise experience.

Royal Caribbean International - Serenade of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Vision of the Seas. Casual, middle-of-the-road cruising popular with just about everyone.

Silversea – luxury small-ship cruise line with many extras.

Woodstock Inn & Resort

The Woodstock Inn offers several dining options. The elegant setting of the Dining Room is perfect for a romantic getaway or a special celebration. The Dining Room boasts a AAA Four Diamond rating and offers an innovative menu of classic American and New England cuisine. Candlelight and soft music create quite a romantic setting. Reservations are required (802-457-1100).

Richardson’s Tavern is another good choice, featuring live music presented by Woodstock’s local musicians. The tavern is decorated with rich paneling which creates classic old-world atmosphere.

If you want a casual meal, visit the Eagle Cafe, open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is a family favorite with a menu of soups, salads, sandwiches and children's dishes.

List of Romantic Restaurant

With the right person, even a cheeseburger and a Coke can supply the fare for an evening of romantic dining. But when you have a special occasion and want to eat at an exceptional restaurant, here are some of the best in the USA that guarantee top-quality food, excellent service, and a romantic dining ambiance. The following recently were named as 4- and 5-star restaurants by the Mobil Travel Guide.

ROMANTIC DINING IN ARIZONA
Acacia, Scottsdale
Golden Swan, Scottsdale
Mary Elaine’s, Scottsdale
The Ventana Room, Tucson

ROMANTIC DINING IN CALIFORNIA
The French Laundry, Yountville
Gary Danko, San Francisco
The Dining Room, San Francisco
Aqua, San Francisco
Aqua, Dana Point
Auberge du Soleil, St. Helena
The Belvedere, Beverly Hills
Bastide, Los Angeles
Campton Place Dining Room, San Francisco
Diaghilev, West Hollywood
The Dining Room, Laguna Beach
Erna’s Elderberry House, Oakhurst
Fifth Floor, San Francisco
Fleur De Lys, San Francisco
The Restaurant at Hotel Bel-Air, Los Angeles
La Folie, San Francisco
Laurel, San Diego
L’Orangerie, Los Angeles
Masa’s, San Francisco
Melisse, Santa Monica
Patina, Los Angeles
Sierra Mar Restaurant, Big Sur
Terra, St. Helena
The Village Pub, Woodside

ROMANTIC DINING IN COLORADO
Flagstaff House Restaurant, Boulder
Kevin Taylor Restaurant, Denver
Mirabelle at Beaver Creek, Vail
Montagna, Aspen
Penrose Room, Colorado Springs

ROMANTIC DINING IN CONNECTICUT
Thomas Henkelmann, Greenwich

ROMANTIC DINING IN DC
Citronelle, Washington
Gerard’s Place, Washington

ROMANTIC DINING IN FLORIDA
Azul, Miami
Blue Door, Miami Beach
Café Boulud, Palm Beach
The Dining Room, Naples
The Grill, Manalapan
The Grill, Amelia Island
La Palme d’Or, Coral Gables
L’Escalier at the Florentine, Palm Beach
Matthew’s, Jacksonville
Norman’s, Coral Gables
Norman’s, Orlando
The Restaurant, Palm Beach
Vernona Restaurant, Sarasota
Victoria and Albert’s, Lake Buena Vista
Wish, Miami Beach

ROMANTIC DINING IN GEORGIA
The Dining Room, Atlanta
Seeger’s, Atlanta
Bacchanalia, Atlanta
Park 75 at the Four Seasons, Atlanta

ROMANTIC DINING IN HAWAII
Gerard’s, Lahaina, Maui
La Mer, Honolulu, Oahu
Chef Mavro, Honolulu, Oahu
Spago, Wailea, Maui

ROMANTIC DINING IN ILLINOIS
Charlie Trotter’s, Chicago
Trio, Evanston
Ambria, Chicago
Crofton on Wells, Chicago
Everest, Chicago
Les Nomades, Chicago
The Dining Room, Chicago
Seasons, Chicago
Spring, Chicago
Tru, Chicago

ROMANTIC DINING IN LOUISIANA
Bayona, New Orleans
Emeril’s Delmonico, New Orleans
Emeril’s Restaurant, New Orleans
The Grill Room, New Orleans
La Provence, Lacombe

ROMANTIC DINING IN MAINE
The White Barn Inn Restaurant, Kennebunkport

ROMANTIC DINING IN MASSACHUSETTS
Aujourd’hui, Boston
The Dining Room, Boston
Hamersley’s Bistro, Boston
L’Espalier, Boston
No. 9 Park, Boston
Rialto, Cambridge

ROMANTIC DINING IN MICHIGAN
The Lark, West Bloomfield
Tapawingo, Charlevoix

ROMANTIC DINING IN MISSOURI
American, Kansas City
Tony’s, St. Louis

ROMANTIC DINING IN NEVADA
Aqua, Las Vegas
Aureole, Las Vegas
Bradley Ogden, Las Vegas
Picasso, Las Vegas
Renoir, Las Vegas

ROMANTIC DINING IN NEW MEXICO
Geronimo, Santa Fe

ROMANTIC DINING IN NEW YORK
Alain Ducasse, New York
Jean Georges, New York
Masa, New York
Atelier, New York
Aureole, New York
Bouley, New York
Daniel, New York
Danube, New York
The Four Seasons Restaurant, New York
Gotham Bar and Grill, New York
Gramercy Tavern, New York
Kai, New York
La Grenouille, New York (closed)
Le Bernardin, New York
Le Cirque 2000, New York (closed)
March, New York
Picholine, New York
RM, New York
Sugiyama, New York

ROMANTIC DINING IN NORTH CAROLINA
Carolina Crossroads, Chapel Hill
The Fearrington House Restaurant, Pittsboro

ROMANTIC DINING IN OHIO
Maisonette, Cincinnati (closed)

ROMANTIC DINING IN PENNSYLVANIA
Le Bec-Fin, Philadelphia
Mobil Four-Star Restaurants
Brasserie Perrier, Philadelphia
Lacroix at the Rittenhouse, Philadelphia

ROMANTIC DINING IN RHODE ISLAND
Mill’s Tavern, Providence

ROMANTIC DINING IN SOUTH CAROLINA
Dining Room at the Woodlands, Summerville
Charleston Grill, Charleston
Peninsula Grill, Charleston

ROMANTIC DINING IN TENNESSEE
Chez Philippe, Memphis
The Wild Boar, Nashville

ROMANTIC DINING IN TEXAS
Abacus, Dallas
Café at the Four Seasons, Austin
The French Room, Dallas
Le Reve, San Antonio
Quattro, Houston
Restaurant at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

ROMANTIC DINING IN UTAH
Riverhorse Café, Park City

ROMANTIC DINING IN VIRGINIA
The Inn at Little Washington, Washington
Maestro, McLean

ROMANTIC DINING IN WASHINGTON
Brasa, Seattle
The Georgian, Seattle
The Herbfarm, Woodinville
Rover’s, Seattle

ROMANTIC DINING IN WEST VIRGINIA
The Tavern Room, White Sulphur Springs