Southern Byways

While New Orleans, La., Savannah, Ga., and Charleston, S.C., are perhaps the most well-known romantic destinations in the South, there are many other destinations that can get your and your significant other’s heart “pitter-pattering.”

This Valentine’s Day forego the usual dinner-and-flowers combo (it’s overdone, anyway), and head out for a quick three- (or four-) night getaway. Make it a cozy (and fun) trip for two with these suggestions:

• Natchez, Mississippi: Captivating. If you could only use one word to describe Natchez that’s the first one to come to mind. Located in the southwestern part of the sate, near the Louisiana boarder and on the east bank of the Mississippi River, it holds the distinction of the oldest settlement along the river (New Orleans is two years younger). Prior to the Civil War, Natchez was home to about 500 millionaires, second only to New York City. Today, more than 500 period structures still stand, many of them listed as National Historic Landmarks. In 2003, the National Historic Trust for Preservation named the city as one of America’s Dozen Distinction Destinations.

The town is also home to the Natchez Trace (“the Trace), a 440-mile path that connects Natchez to Nashville, Tenn., with a slight dip into northwest Alabama. The trail was first used by Natchez Indians. In 1996, the Trace became part of the National Scenic Byway and is one of the most visit sites.

Valentine’s in Natchez wouldn’t be complete without staying at Monmouth Plantation. The 26-acre property was recognized by Glamour magazine as “one of the top ten most romantic places in the USA.”

• Beaches of South Walton: Located along Florida’s Panhandle is Scenic Highway 30-A. On this 18-mile stretch, you won’t find airbrush tee shirt shops or seashell souvenir shops, but will come across some of the Panhandle’s natural beauty within its four state parks, 21 miles of greenway trails, and 17 rare coastal dune lakes. However, the main attractions are the 11 distinctly different beach communities. With idyllic names, such was WaterColor, Seagrove and Blue Mountain – you’ll realize that this is not your typical tourist destination, but someplace special.

With the shimmering Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop, this is a destination made for couples. With everything close by, it is easy to place a progressive dinner, just make sure you watch the sunset at Bud & Alley’s in Seaside (yes, as in the community that “The Truman Show” was filmed in.) When it comes to cozy accommodations, consider staying in a bed and breakfast. For instance, there is the new Vera Bradley inn, Inn by the Sea, located in Seaside, or the funky (and relaxing) Hibiscus Coffee & Guest House in Grayton Beach.

• Jekyll Island, Ga: Good things come in small packages, right? This is true when you are talking about Jekyll Island. Don’t let its size fool you. Yes, it may be the smallest of Georgia’s barrier islands, but it is quite large when it comes to stature. You see, this was once the wintering destination for such heavyweights as William Rockefeller and Joseph Pulitzer. Intrigued by the history, or frightened that you can’t afford the destination? Don’t worry, because today you don’t need their last name or their bankrolls to enjoy this destination.

Take a stroll along the 10-miles of beach, or try horseback riding along the coastline. You can also join a guided nature walk, or tour the historic district.

When the evening comes, enjoy seafood and more at any of the dining spots on the island. Accommodations vary as well and includes the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel.

• Asheville, N.C.: In the late 1800s, world traveler George W. Vanderbilt, grandson of Cornelius Vanderbilt, fell in love with the beautiful and majestic mountains of Western North Carolina. He purchased 125,000 acres of land to create a 250-room mansion, modeled after a 16th century chateau. It would become known as the Biltmore Estate.

  Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and is one of the top 10 destinations in the region. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, more motorists exit and enter the Blue Ridge Parkway here than at any other point along the road’s 470 miles.

  With more than 150 funky and eclectic boutiques, shops, art galleries and antiques, more than 50 diverse restaurants and a plethora of entertainment venues, there really is something for everyone in the ”Paris of the South-” including accommodations. This Valentine’s, why not spend it in one of the city’s charming bed and breakfasts. If you are looking for something a little different, consider renting a mountain cabin.

• Charlottesville, Virginia: Thomas Jefferson may be known for drafting the Declaration of Independence and serving as our country’s third president, but unbeknown to many, he was quite the viticulturist. One can say he had an important part in establishing Virginia’s wine country.

No doubt about it, today Charlottesville offers the best of both worlds: history and wine. Not only is it home to Jefferson’s home, Monticello, but also (the) Monticello Wine Trail, featuring 21 wineries. You can combine both experiences to create a Valentine’s experience that you won’t forget. Spend a day sipping wines and the next day exploring and learning about the area’s history through a personalized tour.

A number of bed and breakfasts are nearby the wine trail, such as Foxfield Inn, Inn at Monticello and Inn at Sugar Hollow.

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