My Wife And I Love These Nearby Cities For A Romantic Getaway

Flowers and a nice dinner are fine for Valentine’s Day. You might like jewelry and a spa day even more. But why settle for "fine" when you can have "WOW" on Valentine's Day? How about a romantic getaway for two? And you don't even have to travel that far from home.

U.S. News & World Report is out with its rankings of the Best Romantic Getaways for 2024 and the Best Cheap Couples Getaways for 2024. The lists include serene beach spots, dramatic mountain destinations, and vibrant urban locales. My wife, Sara, and I have visited several of them, some of which are just a few hours' drive from Charlotte.

Coming in at #5 on the Best Romantic Getaways list for 2024 is charming Charleston, South Carolina. Sara and I have visited Charleston many times and even celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary there. To me, the city is a combination of the Old World and colonial America. I think a horse-drawn carriage or bicycle is the best way to get around town, but Charleston is also very walkable. You'll definitely want to take in the dramatic waterfront along the Battery. Plus, the world-class restaurants and proximity to beaches are hard to beat.

A little further down the Best Romantic Getaways list is Savannah, Georgia. Festooned with Spanish moss, Savannah sits on its namesake river. You'll enjoy seeing the busy boat traffic as you amble past the shops, restaurants, and bars along River Street. Sara and I were particularly enthralled by the historic homes sitting around the squares that are dotted throughout the city. If you're craving some beach time, Tybee Island is just a short drive from downtown. We also found Savannah to be a bit easier on the wallet than Charleston. That's probably why Savannah is #2 on U.S. News' list of the Best Cheap Couples Getaways.

Staying with budget-friendliness in mind, Asheville, North Carolina also landed on the Best Cheap Couples Getaways list. Sara took me there for my birthday a few years ago and we had a fantastic weekend. The small mountain city just a little over two hours west of Charlotte has plenty of reasonable bed-and-breakfasts and other lower-priced accommodations. If you don't feel like dealing with the possibility of snow, you might want to wait until some time after Valentine's Day for your romantic getaway. Spring, summer, and especially fall are great times to visit and enjoy the nearby Biltmore House, Blue Ridge Parkway, and countless options for outdoor adventure.

I would add another nearby city that U.S. News & World Report doesn't have on either list. Greenville, South Carolina is less than two hours from Charlotte by car, making it an easily accessible weekend romantic getaway destination. The quaint, compact downtown is easy to walk and offers plenty of choices for shopping and dining. In fact, for a city its size, I think the restaurants are on par with those you'll find in much larger metropolitan areas. Falls Park on the Reedy is a great place for a leisurely stroll. If you're into biking, be sure to explore the scenic Swamp Rabbit Trail, which stretches nearly 20 miles from Greenville Technical College to the town of Travelers Rest.

There can be a lot of pressure and expectations around Valentine’s Day. A great Valentine's Day can be great for a relationship: if handled well, it can take a budding relationship to the next level. Or it can reignite a relationship that is years, or even decades, old.

On the other hand, a poorly executed Valentine's Day can have significant drawbacks, casting a shadow on a relationship. Failing to invest time in planning a meaningful day or falling short of expectations can lead to feelings of disappointment and resentment.

Driver Research reveals that Valentine's Day is celebrated by as many as 52% of consumers. Approximately 224 million roses are grown exclusively for the holiday, and about 3 out of every 10 Americans end up accumulating credit card debt due to their Valentine's Day spending.

Some people set unrealistic expectations for Valentine’s Day, setting themselves up for potential disappointment. But it's important to realize the day is about celebrating love, not showing off.

Another common pitfall is assuming their partners can read their minds about what they want on Valentine’s Day. It’s better to be clear about your wishes to avoid disappointments.

While gifts are always appreciated, it's important to remember that the value lies in the thought and effort behind the gift, not the price tag. Social media can exacerbate this pressure, with people flaunting extravagant gifts and experiences. Every relationship is unique, and there's no need to compare your Valentine’s Day with others.

Additionally, love shouldn't be confined to a single day a year. Consistently expressing love and appreciation throughout the year can alleviate stress associated with Valentine’s Day. Simple, spontaneous gestures, such as leaving a heartfelt note or a surprise gift, can go a long way in making someone feel loved and appreciated.

If you've had a not-so-great Valentine’s Day, learn from it and avoid these common mistakes next time. Take a look at some of the common Valentine’s Day mistakes to steer clear of for a smoother and more enjoyable celebration.

Having no plans, even with good intentions, can make you seem inconsiderate and unmotivated. While it's tempting to resort to last-minute convenience-store flowers or a generic box of chocolates, your partner likely knows you're more creative. Avoid scrambling to find the perfect last-minute Valentine's Day gifts. Instead, have a plan in place, making your partner feel valued with the thought you put into it ahead of time.

Valentine's Day is a peak time for restaurants, spas, and getaways, so avoid waiting until the eleventh hour to snag your spot. Many places fill up weeks or even months before the big day. According to Taste of Home, it's wise to plan and secure a reservation five to six weeks in advance. Mark it on your calendar to avoid any slip-ups. If you realize you forgot, try calling around to see if any restaurants have last-minute openings, or opt for a cozy romantic dinner at home.

Surprises are great, but when you gift your partner chocolate and roses and they surprise you with a trip to Hawaii or a new car, it can be a bit awkward. Although it's uncommon to have such a huge difference in gift budgets, having a quick chat before Valentine's Day can be beneficial. Set some guidelines. Maybe agree on a small budget, like under $20, or consider pooling funds for a more extravagant joint experience.

People often make the mistake of organizing Valentine's Day based on their preferences rather than considering what their partner likes. Avoid overlooking your partner's wishes or desires for the day. If your significant other prefers a cozy night at home over a fancy dinner, make sure your plans align with their preferences.

Even if you're not a big fan of Valentine's Day, your partner might be a total romantic, so don't act like it's just any regular day. You don't have to pull off a huge, fancy gesture every time, but completely ignoring it can be hurtful. Making a little effort shows you care. Complaining about the day doesn't help either. Some people see Valentine’s Day as a bit commercial, but pointing that out or making excuses to ignore it might disappoint your partner. Griping about putting effort into the day can quickly spoil anything special you decide to do for them.