USA Travel Guide

I’ve been playing favesies with the coasts the last few days, but wouldn’t you rather celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Heartland (come on, Hallmark, you know you want a piece of this). So this morning we’re heading way inland to the oft enlightening and always surprising Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Valentine’s Day Packages in Tulsa, Oklahoma
A southwestern city with uptown ambitions, we like Tulsa, Oklahoma a lot. Like nowhere else in the state (that we’ve found, at least), art, culture and fine dining come together in Tulsa and give the whole scene an unexpected cosmopolitan flavor. Stay right, and you can live it and love it yourself.

The Mayo Hotel
Why not a little boutique luxury to celebrate this Valentine’s Day in Tulsa. The Mayo Hotel first opened all the way back in 1925, at which time it was the place for the affluent socialite crowd. More than 80 years later, the Mayo has been beautifully restored to its historic glory. A wonderful stay any time, a downright fabulous choice for Valentine’s Day. The package:

Valentine’s Day at The Mayo Hotel
Celebrate Tulsa, Oklahoma Valentine’s Day:

• Luxury accommodations
• Dozen red roses
• Champagne
• Complimentary Valet Parking
• Optional: Add a $100 dining credit to Trula

Learn more about the The Mayo Hotel Valentine’s Day package.

Hilton Tulsa Southern Hills
Sure, you can read up on things to do for Valentine’s Day in Tulsa, OK, or you can just let the Hilton Tulsa Southern Hills take care of everything for you. The always-inviting and newly renovated Hilton Tulsa Hotel has got your whole night planned:

Valentine’s Day – Package Two
I don’t know why this is number two. It’s far cooler than number one.

• Overnight accommodations
• Tickets to see Kris Kristofferson at the Mabee Center
• Shuttle to concert, VIP entry to the Mabee Center
• Dinner for two at Legends Grill
• Full American breakfast for two at Legends Grill

Valentine’s Day – Package One
Because hey, Kris Kristofferson isn’t for everybody:

• Special Valentine’s dinner for two at Legends Grill
• Red rose for ladies upon arrival
• Full American breakfast for two in Legends Grill

Learn more about these Valentine’s Day packages at Hilton Tulsa here.

Have a fantastic Valentine’s Day!

Tulsa not convenient? Well, maybe one of our other selections is. Head to the Valentine’s Day Getaways & Packages portal to see all of our coverage.

See this morning’s post for all the fancy jib-jab I’m so well known for. Truth is, New York City is such a large destination we just had to come back with a couple more suggestions. Enjoy.

Valentine’s Day Hotels – New York City
We’ve got a stop at an affordable boutique destination in Manhattan’s financial district, then we’re hopping across the Hudson for Valentine’s Day in New Jersey (if you can believe it!).

Hotel Reserve
The boutique Hotel Reserve offers upscale sensibility for not too much money, not to mention brilliant views of downtown. New York City Valentine’s Day destinations nearby include Battery Park, SoHo and Central Park. Of course, they’ve got the package, too:

A Little Romance at Reserve
Gotta love the classics:

• Deluxe king room
• Breakfast for two at Federal Café (on-site)
• Bottle of champagne in room
• Chocolates in room

Learn about this Valentine’s Day package at Hotel Reserve.

Crowne Plaza Englewood Hotel
Englewood, New Jersey is actually closer to some things to do in Manhattan the most hotels in Manhattan. Take the quick drive over George Washington Bridge and New York City is yours for the taking. The package:

Romance Package
Clean, comfortable rooms complement your night:

• Overnight accommodations
• A bottle of champagne
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Full American breakfast for two at Carlyle’s Restaurant

Learn about Valentine’s Day in New Jersey.

We’ll be back soon with more Valentine’s Day picks. In the meantime, head over to our Valentine’s Day Getaways portal to see all of our coverage.

For iconic American romance, Manhattan is pretty hard to top. Sharing your first Broadway Show, ice skating at Rockefeller Center, carriage rides in Central Park, maybe even buying that perfect Valentine’s Day gift on Fifth Avenue … and the restaurants. Oh, man, the restaurants!

Valentine’s Day Packages in New York City
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in New York City with a fabulous meal and a fabulous stay. With hundreds of hotels and thousands of restaurants fit for every possible budget, the sky’s the limit, but we do have a suggestion:

Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan
Situated on Broadway and just steps from Times Square, the Crowne Plaza reaches well above brand to become one of the best hotels in Times Square. Thanks to their Romantic Escape package, it’s also one of the best New York City Valentine’s Day hotels.

Romantic Escape Package
Classic accoutrements in this classic city:

• Overnight accommodations
• 1 bottle of sparkling wine per stay
• 1 bouquet of flowers per stay
• 1 box of Godiva truffles per stay

Learn about New York City Valentine’s Day.

Whether you stay at the hotel or not, you might consider eating there. On-site fine dining restaurant Brasserie 1605 is hosting an exclusive Valentine’s Day prix fixe dinner. Personally, I was sold at “Tarragon Basted Lobster Tail”, but by all means view the menu.

You’ll want to get your reservations soon. Have a remarkable Valentine’s Day in New York City!

Want more Valentine’s Day packages and hotels? Head to our Valentine’s Day Getaways and Packages portal.

Hard to believe the 2010 BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival is almost upon us. Feels like we’re still reeling from last year’s smorgasbord of Lowcountry opulence. Magnificent meals, tasty tidbits, luscious libations, celebrity sightings, it’s not quite the same as your local “Taste of…”

The Charleston Food + Wine Festival has fast become a major foodie event on America’s culinary calendar. Attendees come from all over the nation, as do award-winning and celebrity chefs of both local and global acclaim.

What’s so different about Charleston? For one thing, the festival, like the city itself, caters very well both up and down. Food festival mainstays like cooking demonstrations and general tasting tents are joined by high-end extravagances like private dinners in the home of an acclaimed chef.

Add on a tremendous wine program and the whole 3-day event takes on a gourmand sensibility. You don’t just go to get stuffed – you go to celebrate food and eating.

As before, the 2010 Charleston Food + Wine Festival is built around the Culinary Village at Marion Square. Here you’ll find endless delights under the Grand Tasting Tents, celebrity cooking demos, book signings, cooking competitions, charity auctions, live music and a chance to meet any number of incredible chefs.

The festival has always touted big guests, and this year they’re rolling out a platter of Top Chef favorites: Brian Malarkey, Eli Kirshtein, Kevin Gillespie and Richard Blaise. Also on the docket are the Food Network’s Tyler Florence and all-round super chef Daniel Boulud. (Eating at his namesake restaurant in NYC is on my bucket list. Yes, even travel writers have bucket lists).

On the luxury end of the Festival, you can purchase tickets for the Red, White and Lowcountry SpiritLine Cruise, a relaxing cruise of Charleston Harbor flavored with delicious wine pairings. The Bubbles and Sweets Soiree makes a good Saturday night party, a good follow-up, in fact, to the Craft Beer Dinner. Events can sell out quickly and early, so look into the schedule and buy up soon.

The 2010 BB&T Charleston Food + Wine Festival will be hosted March 4-7, 2010, primarily at Marion Square but really all around Charleston. Learn more and buy tickets here.

Save on Your Tickets – A Charleston Food + Wine Festival Hotel
One of our favorite Charleston hotels, the Mills House, is offering two package options featuring luxury accommodations (the rooms really are wonderful), breakfast each day, and tickets to the Charleston Food + Wine Festival.

• Wine & Food Connoisseur Package – the higher-end package includes tasting tent tickets and tickets to Saturday’s Bubbles & Sweets party (hard to come by).
• Wine & Food Gourmet Package – this more affordable package sticks to the general festival tickets, but try not to have a fabulous time!

View the Charleston Food + Wine Festival hotel packages here.

Have a delicious time!

When I do Valentine’s Day on the beach, you know I’m running behind for the day. It’s just so easy! Blazing sunsets, a calm surf, you and your loved one walking hand in hand. Beachfront Valentine’s is the proverbial fish in a barrel. Which doesn’t make it at all a bad idea…

Valentine’s Day Packages in Hollywood, Florida
Hollywood Beach is one of our favorite pieces of coastline in Florida. The sand is soft, the sights are serene, and it never seems to get so crowded as to ruin your fun. We definitely recommend a hotel near Hollywood Beach.

Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach Hotel
From the poolside Tiki lounge to the near-instant beach access, the Crowne Plaza has that upscale, destination getaway kind of feel that will make your Valentine’s Day memories truly last. They back it up with a good package:

“Find Cupid at Crowne Plaza” Package
Champagne and cocktail coupons? What kind of Valentine’s Day is this?

• Accommodations
• Bottle of champagne
• Chocolates to share
• Coupons for two (2) cocktails per stay

Learn more about their Valentine’s Day hotel specials.

Anti-Valentine’s Day in Hollywood, Florida
Do your prospects have you feelin’ down come February 14^th? Don’t let them! Forget this Hallmark holiday and the sappy crap that goes with and just enjoy yourself. The Crowne Plaza Hollywood Beach also offers a couple “anti-Valentine’s Day” packages:

Ultimate Girlfriends Getaway Package

• Deluxe ocean view accommodations
• Champagne upon arrival
• Two daily drink coupons
• Breakfast daily in hotel restaurants (for two)

Shop ‘Til you Drop Package

• Deluxe overnight accommodations
• “First Class Shopping Savings” Discount Book from Aventura Mall
• 2 cups of Starbucks coffee
• Complimentary high-speed Internet

Learn about these packages here (toward the bottom).

That’s a lot of packages, but we’ve got lots more on our ever-growing on our Valentine’s Day Getaways & Packages portal. Find the location, hotel or package that’s right for you.

Not even back on the grind a month and already some school districts have recess in their eyes. Here in Texas we don’t have that. You’ve got your winter break, your spring break and that’s it! This whole “February Recess” that some states do is downright scandalous.

Massachusetts has a February Recess coming up, and families looking for a little mini-vaykay (or staykay) are looking toward the epicenter of family entertainment: Boston, Massachusetts. Here are some Boston staycation ideas and packages for February Recess in 2010.

New England Aquarium
One of the best and certainly most attended aquariums in the nation, Bostonians and other area residents are lucky to have the New England Aquarium on their doorstep. On the world stage, the aquarium is known for its incredible contributions to conservation and the overall vision of modern aquaria, but as guests what you’ll really love is the more than 20,000 fascinating sea creatures that call the NEA home. Don’t miss our favorite, the “temporary since 2004″ Amazing Jellies exhibit. Why? Because jellyfish are awesome!

Info: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA, 02110, open daily, Web site
Hotel: Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill
Package: Staycation Aquarium Package

• Overnight accommodations
• 2 adult and 2 child passes to the New England Aquarium
• Kids under 12 eat free with dining adult

Learn more about this New England Aquarium package.

Boston Museum of Science
Another world-renowned institution in this historic city. Like the New England Aquarium, the Boston Museum of Science has a global reputation for the quality of its exhibits and a history tracing back to the beginning of modern science museums. More importantly, they always have something new to see. The current exhibit, running through the end of February Recess in fact, is “Harry Potter: The Exhibition“. Advanced reservations recommended.

Info: 1 Science Park, Boston, MA, 02114, open daily, Web site
Hotel: Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill
Package: Boston Museum Value Package

• Overnight accommodations
• 4 general admission tickets to Boston Museum of Science
• Kids under 12 eat free with dining adult

Learn more about the Boston Museum of Science package.

You can learn more about the hotel itself using the links above, or you can check out a first hand account by MomGenerations blogger Audrey McClelland. She actually made a video about her stay at the Holiday Inn Boston at Beacon Hill. Check it out.

Enjoy your Boston staycation!

Chicago can be a little chilly come mid-February, I think I once called it life-sucking, but that’s all the more reason to bring along your sweetheart to keep you warm. Truth is we love Valentine’s Day in Chicago. You can go super-fancy with it, some of the nation’s best restaurants are in town, or you can be a contrarian romantic with a deep dish date at Gino’s.

Valentine’s Day Packages in Chicago, Illinois
The Magnificent Mile is typically considered the go-to destination for the upscale Chicago vacation, whether you’re talking hotels, dining or retail. Fact is, we’ve got a favorite spot just off the Mile that will treat you to a luxury stay without all the, you know, monetary sacrifice.

The Silversmith Hotel & Suites
A Jeweler’s Row icon and champion of old guard hospitality, The Silversmith fits the Valentine’s Day hotel bill just right by not being too expensive but still delivering a memorable, boutique experience. From the moment you enter the lobby, you feel like you’ve done more than just found a hotel – you feel like you’ve gotten away.

Sweet Heart Chicago
The hotel’s Valentine’s Day package focuses on an enchanting night:

• Luxury suite with whirlpool tub
• Chilled champagne and fresh strawberries
• Long stem roses
• Breakfast in bed for two

Learn more about Valentine’s Day packages at the Silversmith Hotel.

Got something less windy in mind? From San Diego to Nashville, our coverage is ever growing. Hunt down more Valentine’s Day packages and hotels here.

We usually play up San Diego as a top family destination (which it is), but you couples have just as much to love. A sunset walk on the beach, dinner at some restaurant you saw on the Food Network, a balcony room overlooking the bay – you can put together the perfect night pretty easily.

(And remember, you can find more Valentine’s Day hotels here.)

Valentine’s Day Packages in San Diego, California
Whether rekindling the fire or lighting one anew, make your Valentine’s Day in San Diego, California all the spark-ier with these hotels and packages.

Holiday Inn San Diego Hotel on the Bay
There’s lots to love about this hotel, but the thing I can’t stress enough is the sublime location. It’s situated on North Harbor Drive right on the Bay – from a high-level balcony you can see forever. Just seconds to the coast, minutes to the Midway Museum and the Gaslamp Quarter, effortless from the Airport, really just perfect. Plus, they have a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse on-site, if you’re willing to have a manly Valentine’s Day dinner (I’d get reservations early).

Romantic Escape Package
A few classics plus one of those balconies we we’re just talking about:

• Accommodations with furnished balcony
• One bottle of sparkling white wine
• One bouquet of flowers
• One box of chocolates

Learn about this Valentine’s Day package here.

Doubletree Hotel San Diego Downtown
Another high-rise hotel, the Doubletree is located downtown, convenient to many of the most famous San Diego attractions and several stellar restaurants. The refined, upscale sensibility of Doubletree is perfect for Valentine’s Day, and a nice package to go with only makes it sweeter.

Sweet Romance Getaway
This is a year-round package, but we’ll try not to hold that against it:

• Deluxe accommodations
• Sparkling wine
• Full breakfast in the morning
• Early check-in, late check-out (by request only)

Learn about this Valentine’s Day package here.

San Diego not really convenient for you? Don’t worry! Our coverage continues to grow. View all of our stories at the Valentine’s Day Getaways and Packages portal.

Ah, country music. Between the beer, trains and pick-up trucks, country music has managed to produce some of the world’s great love songs. “Always on my Mind”, “Don’t Take the Girl”, “I Love the Way you Love Me”, “The Dance”, “I Will Always Love You” (that’s right, Dolly did it first). It’s a genre with heart, and what better place to celebrate a country music Valentine’s Day than Nashville, Tennessee?

(Of course, you may celebrate Valentine’s Day however you like in Nashville, too.)

Valentine’s Day Packages in Nashville, Tennessee
Visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, catch an evening show on the General Jackson Showboat and then turn in for a romantic night at our recommended hotel:

Holiday Inn Nashville Opryland Airport
Close proximity to downtown, the Hall of Fame and of course the airport make this a convenient choice of Valentine’s Day hotels in Nashville. Their two packages also make it a smart one.

“Heart to Heart” Nashville Package
An upgraded room and succulent strawberries make this Valentine’s Day special a sweet treat:

• Executive-level King bedroom accommodations
• Bottle of champagne, upon arrival
• Strawberries
• Breakfast coupons for two
• Late check-out

Romantic Escape Package
Strawberries are nice, but aren’t chocolates really what you crave? In that case:

• Overnight deluxe accommodations
• One bottle of sparkling white wine
• Bouquet of flowers
• Box of chocolates

Learn more about these Valentine’s Day specials in Nashville here.

Our Valentine’s Day coverage is just getting started. Stop by our directory for links to all of our stories, and check back often for more Valentine’s Day travel suggestions.

I guess our first post was a bit of a fake-out, but this time we’re doing D.C. for real. For all of our Valentine’s Day coverage, head here.

However we may feel at times about the people who work in its most famous buildings, Washington D.C. really is a romantic dream come true. The stunning Roman architecture, the world-class dining, the history – there’s plenty of romance to find for those looking, and that’s why Valentine’s Day in Washington D.C. is always  a good idea.

Valentine’s Day Packages in Washington D.C.
We’re sending you to a historic hotel on the edge of Capitol Hill, just a moment’s walk from some of the most scenic beauty in the city.

Phoenix Park Hotel
An icon in itself, the history of the Phoenix Park hotel stretches back to 1922 when it was frequented by tourists, diplomats and congressmen just as it is today. Phoenix Park’s luxury rooms are finished in grand detail, from authentic Irish linens to glittering chandeliers. They’re also offering a Washington D.C. Valentine’s Day deal:

Date Night Package
It’s nice to see such a full-featured package:

• Deluxe accommodations for 2
• Bottle of wine
• Fruit and cheese tray for 2
• $50 credit for dinner in the Dubliner (on-site)
• American breakfast for 2
• Free parking
• Free Internet
• Late check-out (3:00 p.m.)

Learn more about this Valentine’s Day packages here.

Again, you can find all of our past coverage on the growing Valentine’s Day Getaways Portal.