Romantic Gateway - Chicago, USA

Chicago, the city where you can have a romantic outing with your near one, an ideal place for a lot of tourist attractions along with a variety of other activities one can enjoy.  In fact, Chicago is one of the most popular destinations for couples visiting the US of A. 

The first thing when you think of Chicago as your destination is the ‘Magnificent Mile’,  an ideal place to get you into that holiday spirit.  If you love shopping then Magnificent Mile is the best place on earth to be in.  This area comprises of a number of departmental stores, boutiques, restaurants and small galleries.  It is a shopper’s paradise and has been the most sought after tourist destination in Chicago.  Just stroll through the Mile gazing through various galleries and boutiques with their trendy fashion wear or shop for antiques or jewellery shops.  You name the product, the Mile has it for you. 

Along with the Magnificent Mile, there are various other activities in Chicago which one can indulge in for that romantic gateway.  

·        Osaka Garden – This is a garden which signifies the friendly relations between Japan and Chicago.  Nestled at the end of Jackson park, Osaka garden is a Japanese-style garden consisting of various lagoons, beautiful arched pathways, lush green trees and bushes and a serenity to match the surroundings.  Just sit at one of the benches in Osaka Garden for a while and you could experience the calm which soothes your mind and soul.  It even has a number of artifacts which are truly magnificent.

·        Balloon ride – For a truly romantic experience, try out the balloon ride of Chicago with your beloved.  Hot air ballooning is an exotic experience which Chicago offers to its tourists.  Ride high about the skyline of this great city and get beautiful picture perfect snaps to cherish for a long time.  The sunset views seen from this ride are an experience no tourist can afford to lose.  This tour is available at the Norge ski jump site.

·        Hancock Observatory – The Hancock observatory is an open-air skywalk on the 94^th floor of the John Hancock building which is situated near the Magnificent Mile.  Here you can have a 360-degree uninterrupted view of the city of Chicago along with a telescope narration of 16 of the best attractions the city has to offer.  A truly stunning tourist spot to experience.  After the tour, don’t forget to visit the ‘cheesecake factory’ located at the lower level of the building.

·        The Buckingham Fountain – Another romantic sight to visit is the Buckingham Fountain, the most spectacular tourist attraction in Chicago. Opened in 1927, this fountain is one of the largest in the world with a capacity of 1.5 million gallons of water, 134 water jets and 820 lights.  The splendid display of light shows in the evening is a major attraction among the tourists.  Just sit and experience the beauty of this place.

·        Latvian Folk Art Museum – If you are into arts and culture, this museum showcases the life and culture of the Latvian style of living.  It has an array of Latvian clothing and toys that are traditionally been used in Latvia.  It also has some very good Latvian ceramics.

·        Adler Planetarium – Founded by Max Adler, this planetarium and astronomy museum is the first planetarium in US of A.  It has two theaters – The  Sky Theater and the Star Rider Theater.  Along with these, there is the Astronomy museum which has a unique collection of astronomy instruments.  The Dane observatory has a huge telescope with a 20 inch mirror, which is the largest in Chicago area.

Along with these attractions, if you are an art lover, there are the Chicago Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art which consists of very good art collections.  Then there is the Shedd Aquarium which houses a large variety of Marine Life and is one of the largest Aquariums of the world.

Some Romantic places that can be visited along with the above activities are –

·        Ferris Wheel, Navy pier which is the best spot to enjoy an evening on the waterfront, enjoying the lake views and having dinner at the nearby restaurants.  If you are lucky, you can see some really good fireworks in the summer season.

·        The Signature Lounge, on the 96^th floor of the John Hancock Center offers a night view of the city which is one of the most stunning experiences, with you along with your partner sharing a dinner and champagne.

·        Then there are the Horse-drawn carriage Tour of Chicago where you can sit besides your beloved and take a Romantic trip of this city in a very cozy atmosphere.

·        The Appollo theatre is the best option if you are into plays and theaters. 

Staying in Chicago offers various options to make your Romantic Gateway Chicago a memorable one.  It has rooms for all budgets and accommodation is always easy to find in various hotels and small Inns. 

Experience Chicago once and you will come back again !!!

Romantic Gateway - Savannah, USA

If, going back into the past and enjoying a romantic evening with candles and riding in carriages is your idea of a Romantic Gateway, then Savannah is the place for you.

Savannah is located two hours from Charleston and on the banks of the Savannah River.  This beautiful city takes you back in the past with its historical buildings and environment along with the magnificent architecture dating back to the 18^th and 19^th century.  It has all the ingredients of a truly romantic gateway with delightful parks laden with flowers and fountains, carriage rides, trolleys and even haunted mansions.  It is as if we have been transported back into the past by some magical spell.  Savannah has an array of well-preserved historical properties as tourist attractions which are a treat to watch.  Savannah works at a very leisurely pace and the people here are very friendly and hospitable.

The most romantic feature of this town is a tour of the city riding in a traditional horse-driven carriage.  Sit along with your beloved one in the back of the cozy carriage as you are taken on a tour through the various tourist attractions in Savannah describing the history and architectural splendor of this magnificent city.

Another option to explore this city is through the old town trolley tours which are conducted tours along with guides who give a running commentary about the various attractions as you pass by. 

Savannah is said to be the most haunted city of America and ghost tours are organized as an evidence to this fact.  You can hear the locals say that almost 80% of the houses in Savannah are spooked.  So, how about staying with a ghost for company along with your partner.  Isn’t it a romantic as well as a haunting feeling? 

Some of the architectural attractions of Savannah include the Flannery O’Conner House (childhood home) which has been transformed into a visitor centre.  Then there is the Juliette Gordon home, the Girl scout founder.  The Savannah History Museum is yet another option to see the beautiful historic treasures of this city.

The Telfair museum of Art in fact, is the oldest Art museum found in this area which is rich in art and culture of Savannah.  This city also has a historical landmark in the form of Savannah’s Railroad, which is one of the most oldest repair and manufacturing facility in the US of A. It also has a museum which consists of various exhibits of locomotives and steam engines.

If you and your partner love shopping, Savannah has a lot to offer.  It has numerous shops filled with unique gift articles and mementos for those special occasions.  There are also very good boutique and art galleries to go through.  Most of these shops are located inside old fashioned buildings which gives you the feeling of shopping in a past era. 

This ancient-looking city comes to life with events such as the Savannah Film Fest and the St.Patrick’s Day Festival when huge crows converge on this quiet and charming city which is then overflowed with tourists.  People party all through the day and night and enjoy the feel of this place.

Another choice for a romantic gateway is the Savannah River boat Cruise which leads you through the calm and splendid river of Savannah. 

Staying at one of the hotels and Inns in Savannah is an experience in itself as you are transformed from the current world to a place in the past.  Staying in an old fashioned large room with antique furniture, royal carpets and chandeliers gives you the feeling of going back in times and living in a royal room.  This is an ideal setting for that romantic evening and nights you may have dreamed of.  Many couples come down to Savannah to get married and then enjoy their honeymoons in some of the best inns or hotels in Savannah for a ‘Royal’ treatment.

So, next time you are planning on something unique, visit Savannah for a total ‘out-of-this-world’ experience.

Romantic Gateway - Mykonos, Greece

MYKONOS, the playground of the rich and the famous.  The place where people from all over the world visit for staying in a atmosphere which is totally absorbing and enchanting, where every couple wants to enjoy the spirit of Greece and its traditional warmth.

Mykonos is a destination which is totally dependent on tourism.  It is a granite island located in the Aegean Sea south-east of Greece.  The town of Mykonos is set atop a big granite mountain and all the building are painted in white giving Mykonos its unique feature.  Mykonos, in fact, means ‘Mass of stones’ and is the name of the son of King of Delos.  It is a part of the Cyclades islands and is one of the most expensive islands of Greece which is visited by almost all the famous personalities from across the globe.

The town of Mykonos consists of number of small streets, shops and churches all painted white in color and having vibrant drapes.  The shops of Mykonos have an array of souvenirs and jewellery and as such are a shopper’s paradise.

Mykonos is the ideal Romantic Gateway for couples who like to enjoy beautiful places and the wild side of night entertainment.  Staying at one of the many hotels or having a room in Mykonos is a romantic experience itself.  Just laze about with your partner and observe the various activities that go on in front of you.  If your accommodation is on the outskirts of Mykonos, it is even more magnificent to observe the vast sea before you along with the beaches and the ever populated Mykonos Harbor with its various ships and boats.  Many of the hotels have their own swimming pools which add to the flavor of the romanticism. 

The sandy beaches of Mykonos along with their azure clear water make them one of the most scenic places on the European travel circuit.  These beaches are the happening places in the city where you find numerous activities going on along with a number of water sports, sunbathing, playing a game of volleyball or just strolling with your partner.  Nudism is accepted in Mykonos and if you prefer this, have a ball in this city of Greece.  The famous beaches of Mykonos can be named as Platys Gialos, super paradise, Elia beach, Houlakia ornos, Ftelia & Glios Stefano.  Each of these beaches is worth a visit.  Scuba diving, wind surfing, kayaking are among the few of the water sports that can be experienced in Mykonos.  The famous beach of Agios Loannis is a landmark spot for various movies. 

Another great attraction of Mykonos is its night life.  After sunset falls on the beaches of Mykonos and lights go up, a different side of this great town can be seen.  Mykonos wakes up to another kind of environment.  The small streets are filled with tourists, their hurried feets moving up to the nearest pubs, bars, nightclubs, discos and cafes.  The air is fill with the sound of hard music and DJ all around the world gather to deliver their best.  Nightlife in Mykonos is an experience that has to be experienced (not for couples who like solitude and a quite night).  This night life ranks among one of the best and wildest in Europe and people from all round the globe come to this little town to enjoy it.  So, when in Mykonos, don’t miss this exciting nightlife with your partner as you can just freak out the whole night visiting the various nightclubs or discos dancing and dining and having a night of your life. 

Along with these attractions Mykonos has a number of tourist attractions.  There are various architectural and historical sights in Mykonos.  The main among them are the historic windmills of Mykonos which gives us an insight into the rich agricultural history of Mykonos.  Most of these are non-operational and the Boris windmill is now turned into a museum.  Another site visiting is the church of Panagia Paraportiani which is very famous throughout Greece and has been built around the late 1400s.  Then there is the Armenistis lighthouse which was constructed in 1891 and is still operational.  Nearby is the village of Ano Mera which has the monastery of Panagia Tourliani and the all female Paleokastro Monastery along with remains of Gyzi castle. Besides with these attractions don’t miss the Town Hall of Mykonos which is a two-storied building which now houses the Municipality of Mykonos.

The official population of Mykonos is only 9,000 inhabitants but in peak season this population crosses a million a year due to the vast tourists that visit this wonderful and charming city.  Lastly, a word about Petros the Pelican.  He is the mascot of Mykonos.  He was found in 1954 and later became a family of the Mykonos people.  He died in 1986 but is now being reviewed by 3 more pelicans, one of them named after Petros. 

Mykonos is the perfect destination for a wild Romantic Gateway.

Romantic Gateway - VENICE

VENICE – ‘The City of Love’, the name spells romance.  It is in fact one of the most Romantic places in the world.  A perfect place to go for your honeymoon, where romance is in the air, in each and every part of Venice.  The ideal and ultimate Gateway for the most romantic place on earth.

When you hear about Venice, the first thing you picture in front of your eyes are the Gondolas.  These are the perfect transport for a romantic ride through the backwaters of Venice sitting next to your loved one and the oarsman behind you, the picture perfect romantic snap.  There are various spots where you can hire a gondola.  A ride costs you anything between $90 to $150, depending on the route and time taken.  The other options are the Grand Canal Boatride in a Vaporetto (water bus) which is $7 – 8, or a Traghetto for a 90 second ride (75 cents).  For a truly great experience through the Gondola, try this route – Start from Piazza San Marco – Grand Canal – under ‘Bridge of Sighs’ – Church of Chiesa di Santa Maria del Giglio at La Fenice Theatre.  Watch the play or ballet and then have a meal at the nearby trattorias or street hotels for a traditional Italian cuisine.

The views of Venice are the best that one can get of a romantic postcard, may it be riding in a vaporetto or feeding pigeons at Piazza San Marco.

Piazzo San Marco – This is the busiest place in Venice as well as one of the grandest square all over Europe.  People gather here all throughout the day and night, some take pictures of romantic Venice, while other feed the pigeons, some others just watch and relax absorbing the atmosphere.  It is also known as St.Mark’s square as it has the famous St.Mark’s cathedral near it.  Also there are the Doge’s Palace and the Companile along with several museums on Piazzo San Marco.

Grand Canal or Canalazzo – It is a two mile long waterway with magnificent views on both sides of the riverfront and has impressive palaces of past seafaring merchants.  One can take the vaporetto (water bus) ride day or night to see the real beauty of Grand Canal.

Murano Island – This island is famous for its glass work and glass artisans.  Here you will have a practical knowledge of how glass blowing is done.  There are various shops where you can buy glass mementoes made from these glass factories. 

Burano – is famous for laces and shops selling a variety of laces are found here.

·        If you and your partner are interested in religion and churches, Venice has a lot to offer along with St. Mark’s church.  There is the Basilica della salute and Basilica dei Frari among others. 

·        For the art lovers, the Guggenheim Museum which is located on the Grand Canal has an art collection of the 20^th Century.  Another museum ‘The Gallerie dell Accademia’ is situated nearby which has an incredible art collection of Venetian artists.

·        Speaking of art, don’t miss the Teatro La Fenice Theatre which is Venice’s famed opera house and hosts some exceptional ballet shows and popular plays.

Venice is a relatively safe place to walking around anytime of the day or even at night.  Try to go for a romantic stroll through the streets of Venice at night, hand-in-hand and see the brightly-lit city which often gives you a visualization of a dream city.  

Dinning in Venice is also a romantic experience with the street eateries giving you an assortment of Italian food, where you can laze out and watch the historical surroundings of Venice. 

The best time for a romantic outing to Venice is the summer season in the months of May and June.  Please note that from September to April, Venice has floods which may disturb your calendar. 

Romantic Gateway - Acapulco, Mexico

Mexico – The place where you can enjoy a vacation with that special touch of Romance each and every day of your stay.

Mexico has a lot to offer in terms of city life, beautiful destinations, beaches and the Mexican food.    Each and every city of Mexico has something new and unique to offer.

Acapulco - About 300 kms Southwest of Mexico city is the resort and sport city of Acapulco.  Acapulco is the most preferred destination of all tourists the world over for quiet a long time now. It is a beach holiday destination with a number of activities like water-skiing, snorkeling, para-sailing, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and sailing.  The beaches of Acapulco are beautiful and always crowded with tourists enjoying these water sports.  This is the spot you will enjoy if you want an action packed vacation with your partner.  Romance here is of the wild kind, if you enjoy one. 

The various activities in Acapulco can be summarized as -

Deep-Sea Fishing – If you are a fishing enthusiastic, Acapulco has one of the best in Deep-sea fishing for you to offer.  You can go for a fishing expedition hiring a boat in the deep sea.  Acapulco is a paradise for fishing lovers.  One can even catch enormous fishes like sailfish, mahi mahi, yellowfin tuna or marlin in Acapulco.  There are various companies where bookings are available for sportfishing trips.  The best time is during the months of July to December.

Watersports – Acapulco offers a wide variety of waterspouts where you can enjoy to your heart’s content.  They have just about everything in water sports, from water speed boats, parasailing, banana boat, water skiing and even kayaks.  Go with your partner to enjoy some of these.  Inflated tubes are available if you can’t swim.

Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling – Another attraction in Acapulco is scuba diving and snorkeling which is a must for every tourist visiting Acapulco.  The waters near Acapulco are rich in marine life and along with a vast array of different fishes and coral reefs near one can even find sea turtles Sea horses and whale sharks in these waters.  Some of the sites for diving are Playa Calota or Playa Caletilla, near the sunken ship Rio de la Platu, Quita snenos, plodra del Gallo and Isa de la Roqueta.    The jumping on the La Quebrade i.e. a daredevil jump from a cliff is the most attractive spot for diving and Scuba diving.

Isa La Roqueta – It is an island close to Acapulco and has the Aca Zoo which features a number of animals such as apes, giraffes and elephants along with various other species of animals.  There are various spots for snorkeling along the coastline of this island.

CiCi – CiCi or Centro Internacional Para Convivencia Infantil is a water park in Acapulco which has gained popularity in recent times.  It has a number of slides, wave pools and various other rides for the whole family to enjoy.  Keep a day off to visit this park where you can just freak out with your loved one.

Cruises – Acapulco has a number of local boat cruises which gives you an overview of the Acapulco coastline and neighboring islands.  For a truly romantic evening and nights go for a nigh cruise on one of these boats which have the famous Hawaiian Dancers to entertain you.

Delfines Paradise – This is a centre for training Dolphins and once can truly have a memorable day along with these fishes as they perform for you.

The other attractions in Acapulco are the Magic Marine World & the Centro Internacional de Convenciones Acapulco.  Some of the best beaches can be summarized as Caleta beach, Hornos beach and playa condesa.

Acapulco also has a number of Architectural and historical sites such as ‘The Calle de la paz’ (1971) and Zocalo plaza.  The Fortin Alvarez is a fort situated on the coast of Acapulco.

If you are tired of all these activities you can have a lazy time just sunbathing on one of the beaches in Acapulco. They are also the ideal spots for a romantic evening that you can cherish throughout the life.

The night life of Acapulco is just from another world with a wide range of night clubs, restaurants and bars which have just about everything for that wild night you want to enjoy with your partner, dancing, drinking and eating all throughout the night.

For accommodation, Acapulco offers a wide range of Hotels from 5-star categories to B&B cabins and one can book at one of them according to his budget.