This time, be the one who kisses. Treat your honey to an outing like no other. Here are eight romantic places and things to do in Colorado. We hope you’ll pick one and make some memories.
Evergreen
Highland Haven Creekside Inn
Remember when you carved your sweetheart’s initials on a tree? Surprise her with your names and date engraved on a stepping-stone along the inn’s Lovers’ Lane. Stay in a private cottage with a flickering fireplace, four-poster bed, private hot tub and tray of winter whites — chocolate, roses and wine — in this enchanted-forest setting next to bubbling Bear Creek. 303-6743577; highlandhaven.com
At night, no lights of any kind are allowed at the pools, so shadowy figures move under just a glimmer of moonlight.
Steamboat
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
By day, it’s a winter oasis in the woods. By night the mineral springs become The Mists of Avalon — a sensuous soak for adults 18 and older who want to enjoy the steamy space au natural. No lights of any kind are allowed at the pools, so shadowy figures move under just a glimmer of moonlight. Stay overnight in a rustic cabin on the hill for the most memorable romantic evening. 970-879-0740; steamboat.com/plan-vacation/activities
Longmont
Mile-Hi Skydiving Center
For an amorous adventure, take a passionate plunge from a plane. Soaring through the sky with their sweethearts brings men to their knees with proposals. (Something in the air?) First-time couples jump in tandem with instructors, but share the floating experience together. 303-759-3483; mile-hi-skydiving.com
On the outside, Soupçon is a 1916 log cabin. Inside, sconces on light walls cast a warm glow to diners at only nine tables topped with white linen and flowers.
Glenwood Springs
Hotel Colorado
Historic hotels are inherently romantic, and who can resist this playground of the west’s most illustrious guests like The Unsinkable Molly Brown and bear-hunting President Teddy Roosevelt? Stay overnight in a real Victorian room in the 1893 resort — the birthplace of the lovable Teddy Bear. Ask for the Romance Package. 800-544-3998; hotelcolorado.com
Crested Butte
Soupçon
Enter this intimate bistro from the secluded alley in downtown Crested Butte. On the outside, it’s a 1916 log cabin. Inside, sconces on light walls cast a warm glow to diners at only nine tables topped with white linen and flowers. You’ll want to follow your gourmet meal with a starry-eyed stroll down Elk Avenue in the quaint little town. 970-349-5448; soupconrestaurant.com
Denver
Downtown Carriage Rides
It’s the quintessential romantic ride: snuggling with your honey under a blanket in a Cinderella carriage drawn by magnificent draft horses. As you leisurely clip-clop along the streets, you’ll get a different perspective of the sights and lights of downtown Denver. Customize your tour with carriage drivers you find along the 16th Street Mall. No need for reservations; prices start around $65. 303-875-6528; royaltycarriages.com
The cozy ambiance at the Highland Haven is a great way to let romance take hold.
Keystone
Keystone Lodge & Spa
For the most sensuous sensations with your sweetie, indulge in the “Suite Surrender,” a unique couples treatment at the newly renovated spa. First, relax with side-by-side massages. Next, share a scented soak in the two-person infinity-edge tub that pours from the ceiling and shines colored lights on the water, followed by Champagne and chocolate. The session lasts 75 glorious minutes. 866-455-7625; www.keystoneresort.com/plan-a-vacation/lodging/lodging-details.aspx?Code=KEYSTONE-LODGE-HOTEL
Leadville
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse
Everyone looks good with rosy cheeks under the dreamy light of dusk, especially when the sun is setting behind Mount Massive and Mount Elbert, the state’s highest peak. Against this stunning backdrop, ski or snowshoe an easy mile through the tranquil woods to a fabulous four-course gourmet dinner served in a candlelit yurt. 719-486-8114; tennesseepass.com
Colorado native Claudia Carbone is an award-winning ski and travel journalist and the author of the book “Women Ski.” She writes for local, national and international publications.
If You Go
Highland Haven Creekside Inn
4395 Independence Trail Evergreen, CO 80437
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
44200 County Road 36 Steamboat Spgs, CO 80487
Mile-Hi Skydiving Center
229 Airport Road # 34G Longmont, CO 80503
| (303) 759-3483 |
Hotel Colorado
526 Pine Street Glenwood Springs, Colorado 81601
Soupçon
127 Elk Ave # A Crested Butte, CO 81224
Keystone Lodge & Spa
22101 US Hwy 6Keystone, CO 80435
(970) 496-3000
Tennessee Pass Cookhouse
The Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, Cookhouse, and Sleep Yurts is located at the base of Ski Cooper, just nine miles NW of historic Leadville, Colorado.
A family member of mine always goes to steamboat springs for a nice romantic get away from their four children, although I don’t know exactly where their spot is I know they go every year!