You don't have to wait for Valentine's Day, a birthday, or your anniversary to plan a romantic getaway with your sweetheart. Any time you feel the need is the perfect time to find a peaceful spot with beautiful scenery to spend time together and reconnect.
Getaway in the mountains
Dream of mountain wildernesses? Northwest of Truckee is the historic town of Sierra City, nestled protectively at the base of the Sierra Buttes along the North Yuba River in the midst of the Tahoe National Forest. Can you say, "Serenity?"
Book your stay in one of the guest rooms or cottages at Herrington's Sierra Pines Resort, where the Yuba River roams through. Spend your days wandering the private walking trails along the river, or sitting on your balcony with a glass of wine, a book of verse, and your lover, to paraphrase FitzGerald.
Of course, if your idea of romance includes more strenuous activities, explore the village of Sierra City's historic buildings, or take your pick of fishing, hiking, boating, rafting, mountain biking, skiing, kayaking, snowmobiling, or bird watching.
Great Room Tip: Ask for a river view to enjoy the sights and sounds of the river and the waterfall.
Getaway to the farm
Have you ever thought about staying on a farm for any reason, let alone a romantic escape? Probably not, but you might want to think again.
The Apple Farm in Mendocino County's Anderson Valley offers appealing cottages sitting smack dab in the middle of an apple orchard. On this family farm with acreage along the Navarro River, you'll discover peaceful quietude and undisturbed country living at its best.
Unwind and relax, enjoy the roaming farm animals, join a cooking class, or shop the honor-system farm stand for fresh and homemade apple products like juice and cider (both soft and hard), chutneys, jams and jellies.
Your choices farther afield: explore Boonville and its quirky ways, winery hop and taste, visit the redwood groves in Hendy Woods State Park, or drive on over to the Mendocino coast.
Getaway to the ocean
Is your romantic dream to have an ocean view? Plan a getaway to Lucia Lodge along the Big Sur coast, book one of the original cabins built by the Harlan family in the 1930's - before Highway 1 was even built - and you will not be disappointed.
Lucia Lodge clings to the ocean cliffs along a secluded stretch of Highway 1, and is run today by the 5th generation of Harlans. The original, stand-alone cabins have the most spectacular views of the ocean while still keeping with their historic roots.
Enjoy the large public deck adjoining the restaurant, the picnic areas, whales passing by and sea otters playing out in the ocean beneath you, watch the sun go down over the ocean, and fall asleep to the sounds of the breaking waves.
If you get bored with that, there's the whole of Big Sur to explore: Big Sur Village, Nepenthe and the Phoenix Shop, and Point Sur Lightstation to name a few.
Whatever meets your definition of a romantic getaway, one of these is sure to please.
