Seeking Southern Romance Online Exclusive
By: Jacqueline Thompson Graves
Enjoy Sunday breakfast at Windows Restaurant with Lake Lanier Islands Resort's "Just in Time for Valentine's" Package. Photo courtesy of Lake Lanier Islands Resort.
My February article, Seeking Southern Romance, offered fabulous ideas for Valentine's romantic getaways. If you're looking for even more ways to spend time with your special someone, this Online Exclusive should do the trick.
The unique Chattanooga Choo-Choo in Chattanooga, Tennessee is built over an old terminal station. It is one of those places where you find yourself saying, "They just don't build them like this anymore." The hotel, previously a Holiday Inn, has been renamed after the train station made famous by Glenn Miller's recording. Although there is plenty to see and do in Chattanooga, you can spend a weekend at the hotel with its indoor pool and hot tub, tennis, onsite shopping plus formal gardens and indoor plantings. A horse-drawn carriage ride to Miller Park and back is a nice touch to your romantic stay. (Call 423-265-6544 for reservations and info.) Five restaurants on site cater to your dining needs or you can take the trolley tour and hop off for dinner at an area eatery.
Model railroad enthusiasts love the museum. Take your time and enjoy the miniature HO world portraying Chattanooga and the surrounding area with 3000 feet of track, over 1400 cars and structures plus 150 switches.
The hotel offers Valentine's guests a sweet retreat. I suggest a Jacuzzi King room ($379) or an actual Victorian train car ($329). Chilled Champagne and red roses greet you upon arrival in your room and you keep the Champagne flutes. Share dinner at the Station House restaurant and breakfast at the Gardens restaurant as part of the package. Want to make your own plans? Reserve a regular room, buy your own flowers and spend your savings on dinner downtown. There is a pricing plan for everyone at the Choo-Choo.
Click here for information and reservations: http://www.choochoo.com/guestpackages.php?dest=24 or call 1-800-TRACK29.
Barnsley Gardens has arranged a special weekend this year for couples celebrating Valentine's Day. Friday, February 11th kicks off with a wine reception and chair massages from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. The Rice House's chef Charles Vosburgh creates outstanding fare and his Valentine menu does not disappoint. I could eat the soup and be satisfied: Wild Mushroom with Mascarpone Dumplings. Your dinner plate holds Grilled Angus Rib Eye with Sauce Merlot or Roasted Black Crab Crusted Gulf Grouper Fillet with Salsify and Lemon-Caper Sauce. Talk about choices! A live band and dancing accompany dinner followed by a romantic carriage ride over to The Ruins for a Champagne toast underneath the stars.
Barnsley Gardens may be the only place with a Fairy Godmother on staff. She specializes in making dreams come true, working her magic to make requests, both large and small, materialize. If you are ready to pop the question or to celebrate your years together, she can help create a moment to remember. Contact her directly at fairy@barnsleyresort.com. Contact the resort for reservations or pricing at 1-877-773-2447 or visit the website at http://www.barnsleyresort.com.
Lake Lanier Islands wants you to experience a night of dancing to remember this Valentine's Day weekend. Don't know how to dance? That is not a problem because part of the package is dance lessons in the afternoon. Saturday evening enjoy a four course dinner followed by dancing to the sounds of Capitol City Xpress, a seventeen piece jazz band plus vocalist. Instructors from the earlier lesson will be on hand to help dance students perfect their steps. Sunday morning enjoy breakfast followed by Latin dance "bootcamp". Did I mention your weekend begins with chocolate covered strawberries and Champagne?
Reservations are required as only a handful of couples will get to take advantage of this opportunity. See details at http://www.lakelanierislands.com/specials.php?cat=27 or call 1-800-840-LAKE.
© 2011 Jacqueline Thompson Graves
What do you like to do outdoors? Drop me an email and share your favorite activity or place to go. greatoutdoors@upincumming.com
