Boystown's Villa Toscana makes for a great getaway within the city.
Want to show your honey an unforgettable Valentine's Day but don't have the cash to make that big-budget trip to Europe a reality? We understand your pocketbook pains. That's why we've put together a quick and easy guide to Midwest—and even Chicago—getaways. The hotel staff may not be speaking in another tongue, but they'll still know the language of love. And that's what this Hallmark holiday is about, really.
No such thing as cabin fever in Door County, Wisconsin
At The Cottage Retreat (in Door County's mini-town, Egg Harbor), you won't feel guilty about staying in—especially with the Winter 2009 "Romance with Nature" getaway packages. Stay at the Elise or Elena cottages for $400/weekends (normally $500) or $300/midweek ($360 value), and you'll also receive ten $10 coupons for shopping at local businesses. Built on a 14-acre plot of property, these fraternal twin cottages nestled in nature have hearty fireplaces, relaxing whirlpools, full kitchens and radiant floor heating. And did we mention the shoreline's close proximity?
Escape into nature in Saugatuck, Michigan
Lounge in a log cabin or jump back in time to the late 19th century at the Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast. Warm your body by the fireplace, dip into the jacuzzi, leave the premises for cross-country skiing or hiking along nearby trails or simmer down with a one-hour private massage ($70). If you stay for two or more days, Sherwood hooks you up with a gourmet feast. But if you want to go all out, try a Sweetheart Special, which stocks you with fancy wine, champagne, fruit, cheese and roses.
Get the full package in Lake Geneva
Okay, you want to relax, shop and hit the slopes this Valentine's Day weekend. That's doable at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, especially if you go with the Grand Romance Package ($214 per person) which includes a one-night accommodation in a deluxe guest room, $115 dining credit, two soft Grand Geneva robes (for keeps), and flowers, champagne and truffles at turndown service. If you're ready to get out of the bedroom, hit the nearby Grand Geneva slopes. With 18 downhill ski trails, a snowboard terrain park, 10 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and snow shoe options, you'll definitely get a workout in before returning to that state of pure relaxation.
Get away without leaving Chicago
At the Doubletree Hotel on our city's Magnificent Mile, couples can take advantage of the "Cupid's Toast" package. A two-night stay starts at $359, and includes all the lovey-dovey comforts of a cabin in the woods minus the drive through snow-covered streets. You'll get sweetened up with signature chocolate chip cookies, a bit o' the bubbly, a book of toasts (that you can take home), free parking and an optional late checkout—not to mention a great view of downtown.
The Gay Getaway
Saugatuck-style
For a relaxing and stimulating time, hit up the Dunes Resort in Saugatuck, the Midwest's favorite and largest gay and lesbian getaway mecca. Since 1981, owners Mike Jones, Danny Esterline and Greg Trzybinski has offered a hoppin' out-of-town vacation for Midwesterners. Set on more than 20 acres, the Dunes offers everything from two-bedroom fireplace cottages and one-bedroom kitchen suites to studios—and even a one-bedroom Jacuzzi suite. On Valentine's Day evening, Resident DJ Mark Vallese pumps the heat up with his fresh beats.
Chicago-centric
Wanna wake up where the girls are? Conveniently located in Edgewater, just moments from lesbo-tastic Andersonville, bed and breakfast spot House 5863 offers comfortable double-occupancy rooms complete with free wireless Internet and a plasma-screen television. Looking to relax? House 5863 can arrange in-room spa treatments, including massages, pedicures, manicures and facials. After you rest, go out on the town to meet the ladies by making stops at In Fine Spirits, Women & Children First, T's, Star Gaze, La Cocina de Frida and the hippie-infused Kopi Cafe.
Keep the party close at Boystown's The Villa Toscana, a Victorian-style bed and breakfast moments away from party-central spots like Sidetrack, Roscoe's Tavern, Circuit, or Bucks Saloon. Whether you wake up hungover or not, you'll get a fresh continental breakfast in the morning.
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