With Valentine’s day just around the corner, now is a good time to plan a special trip away with your special someone. Explore the East Coast of North America on a luxury Valentine’s tour.
One of our Simplexity Travel Managers can help make your trip an unforgettable experience by tailoring it to your specific desires and preferences, without you having to lift a finger.
The East Coast of USA changes vastly from state to state. From the bottom of warm and sunny Florida, up to the Deep South States of Georgia and South Carolina, to the political centre of Washington DC, then along to New England’s history-rich states. Running alongside the Atlantic Sea, the East Coast offers a wealth of different sights, sounds, tastes and experiences to make this Valentine’s one to remember.
Florida
You could start your journey in the Florida Keys, a string of tropical islands stretching for 120 miles off the coast of Florida’s southern mainland. Known as an ideal destination for scuba diving, fishing and boating, Florida Keys offers a wealth of aquatic recreations. If you’re more comfortable on dry land, then Key West city is full of interesting things to explore. For example, the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, onetime home of the world-famous author. Located in the heart of the Old Town Key West, this unique property offers 30min guided tours and is home to around 40-50 polydactyl (six-toed) cats! Ernest Hemingway was given a white six-toed cat named Show White by a ship’s captain and some of the cats who live on the museum grounds are descendants of that original cat.
Key West’s Mallory Square is a vibrant plaza on the Old Town’s waterfront with plenty of restaurants and shops, but the main point of interest is the Sunset Celebration. The Sunset Celebration is considered one of the main tourist attractions of the city where hundreds of tourists gather each night to see the breath-taking Floridian sunset. The Sunset Celebration is accompanied by arts and craft stalls, street food and performers making it a unique experience. What could be more romantic than watching the sunset over the sea with your loved one? The Sunset Celebration begins two hours before sundown, every day of the year.
Stay at the Casa Marina, a premier Key West resort built in 1920 and is a perfect example of classic Key West luxury. With a private beach, spacious rooms and ocean views, this hotel is a decadent option for two.
From Key West, you can take a short journey to Miami, close to beaches and with a Cuban flavour, Miami known as “The Capital of Latin America” has a unique and vibrant atmosphere. To get to Miami from Key West you could hire a small plane, take a short cruise, or take a bus tour. Speak to a Simplexity Travel Manager to plan your journey.
Georgia
Georgia’s coastal city of Savannah is separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River. Savannah is known for its immaculately kept parks like Forsyth Park, the largest park in the historic district of Savannah, Georgia and is well worth taking a stroll with your partner through the magnolia blossoms and oak trees covered with Spanish moss. Take the romance factor further with a sightseeing tour of the city by horse-drawn carriage. Carriage Tours of Savannah offer a 50-minute narrated tour as you are given an historic overview of this charming city.
Compliment your time in Savannah with a stay at the Mansion on Forsyth Park.
This opulent hotel’s plush rooms offer flat screen TVs with some rooms offering whirlpool tubs, giving you and your loved one a chance to unwind and enjoy each other’s company in style. The hotel’s restaurant and lounge produces Southern fare and craft cocktails, the perfect start to a romantic evening before heading out to one of the many restaurants in the nearby Historic District.
South Carolina
SC is known for its shoreline of subtropical beaches and marsh-like sea islands. A popular destination is Myrtle Beach, the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches.
Take a leisurely walk along the beachfront arcades, dine in a nearby restaurant and complete your day with a ride in the Sky Wheel, one of the USA’s tallest Ferris Wheels.
Coastal Charleston is a historic city, defined by pastel-coloured houses, cobbled streets and its French Quarter. Steeped in History, Charleston is home to the Magnolia Plantation, the city’s most visited. Open to the public since 1870 the plantation boasts one of “America’s most beautiful gardens” according to Travel & Leisure magazine.
Charleston’s City Market is one of the most vibrant and historic places of the South. As the cultural heart of the city since 1804, you’ll find unique handmade items, delicious locally produced foods as well as souvenirs to remember your time by.
Stay at Charleston’s The Spectator Hotel, named the number one city hotel in the Continental U.S. Steeped in the style and pizazz of the Roaring Twenties, The Spectator Hotel is located right in the heart of the Historic District, with lively jazz bars and mouth-watering restaurants close by.
North Carolina
NC has two national seashores, Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout which give refuge to wildlife and plenty of outdoor adventure opportunities for visitors to the region.
Take a boat to Edenton, one of America’s “prettiest towns” as recognised by Forbes.com or visit downtown for shopping and restaurants.
Stay at the Sanderling Resort, for a luxury oceanfront hotel experience. Just north of Duck, NC, The Sanderling Resort is a wonderfully romantic retreat. Spa renovations with in-room massages available make this an ideal place for you and your other half to romance away the hours.
Virginia
“Virginia is for lovers” according to the official state tourist website, making this state a must on your Valentine’s tour of the East Coast.
Head to Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for the much-famed aphrodisiac, oysters. Several Marquee Virginia year-round events and festivals give you a chance to taste some oysters like none other you’ve tried before.
Continue your loved-up tasting trail with a visit to one of Virginia’s 280 wineries. Wine trails allow aficionados to experience everything from Albarino to Viognier. Be sure to include an exclusive winemaker’s dinner or festival to your trail pursuit.
Stay at the premier Oceanair Resort Hotel on Virginia Beach Boardwalk for an ocean view experience draped in luxury. From the retro lobby to the chic indoor infinity pool, your stay here is guaranteed to have you at your most amorous. The rooms boast oversized bathrooms with jetted tubs for the ultimate Valentine’s experience.
Washington DC
The capital of the USA, DC is a must when going along the East Coast.
Steeped in history, both social and political, DC is famous for its imposing neoclassical monuments and buildings. The most obvious place to stop and see would be The White House. Home of the President of USA, The White House is an iconic landmark and world famous structure, with tours for visitors.
If you truly want to find hedonistic luxury in your place to stay, then look no further than The Hay-Adams. This historic hotel is situated on 16th Street, the 1920s building has panoramic views of the White House and nearby Lafayette Park. This boutique hotel has the distinct presence of a private mansion where guests can retreat, making this a romantic yet decadent choice for your Valentine’s trip.
New England
The whole of New England is something best experienced by road or helicopter as the scenery and landscapes are breath-taking and not to be missed. Hire a car or driver and follow New England’s coastline along Massachusetts, New Hampshire & Maine. Stop at any one of the numerous coastline villages for a real taste of New England life with varied restaurants, friendly locals and stunning views.
Stop off in Newburyport, Mass. for fine old houses, shops and restaurants. Go to the nearby Merrimac River for excellent river cruises and whale watching.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is known for its colonial houses and wonderfully sandy beaches, with over 400 miles of coastline. All this makes this a wonderful destination for an amorous adventure. Take advantage of RI’s famous sailing and go ‘sightsailing’ on a boat tour around Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay.
Newport Cliff Walk is one of the most popular attractions of RI along with its majestic mansions. A designated National Recreation Trail, Newport Cliff Walk is something to be enjoyed on a leisurely post-dinner walk as the sun goes down. Or for a bracing morning walk hand-in-hand with your special someone to take in the fresh air.
Stay at The Chanler in Newport for a first-class experience in a classic New England mansion. Built in 1873, The Chanler is situated on the banks of Easton Bay giving it a wistful elegance. Aside from the deliciously decadent rooms of the hotel, another great feature is the highly rated standalone restaurant of the hotel. Save time and trouble looking for a special place to dine by eating at The Chanler’s Spiced Pear restaurant. The menu boasts many impressive courses such as poached lobster, wild boar, caviar and venison, making this restaurant the place for a memorable feast.
The East Coast of the USA is long and vast, giving you a plethora of options for your Valentine’s tour. It can be as physical, adventurous or relaxing as you wish. Speak to a Simplexity Travel Manager to discuss your specific requirements and let them do the rest. With the peace of mind that your travel plans are all sorted you can truly enjoy your partner’s company.