The countdown to V-Day: You don’t have to travel far to find romance
Every lovers’ season finds Boulder and surrounding communities throbbing for spring, and filled with diverse delights to pit your heartstrings against your purse-strings. Especially this year (dare we utter the dirty word “economy?”), it’s important to remember that you can’t have one without the other.
Of course, any red-and-white-themed Christmas gifts can be creatively re-packaged for the Valentine’s holiday, especially for those folks who are not quite at the bottom of your heart.
But for deeper giving and sharing, fire more than flirtatious glance at these three Boulder County destinations:
The Historic Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St., Boulder, 303-440-2884
Let’s begin our fantasy at the Boulderado, old enough to have hosted many fairy tales of its own since it became a local icon of hospitality in 1909.
The 2009 Boulder International Film Festival package, priced from $224, includes two tickets to the Film Festival’s evening gala, Friday, Feb. 13, and a one-night’s traditional queen accommodation.
There’s also the Bed and Breakfast package, the Ski Escape package and the Special Occasion Dinner package, which include a royal stay, valet parking and treats and meals by Q’s Restaurant. For lovers wont to swoon, reserve your perfect getaway starting at $199.
St. Julien Hotel and Spa, 900 Walnut St., Boulder, 720-406-7394
In the mood for modernity? Boulder’s downtown St. Julien Hotel and Spa is eagerly anticipatory, offering a Sweetheart Saturday Afternoon Tea on Feb. 14. Cost is $19.95 for adults and $9.95 for children; group rates are also available for special gatherings with family, friends and coworkers.
For something a little more substantial, you may like to court Cupid with a five-course dinner at Jill’s Restaurant. A prix fixe of $60 per person (and $25 for optional wine pairing) buys leisure time for you and your partner to enjoy such delicacies as spiced mascarpone, Chateaubriand for two and chocolate fondue. Then dance the night away to the music of Quemando! in the ballroom, or slip by the spa for a 75-minute Roses Couples massage, complete with champagne and rose petals to help you relax.
Niwot Inn, Second Ave., Niwot, 303-652-8452
For those amorous adventurers who want to get out of town — but not get too far — visit the rustic elegance of Niwot Inn, just 10 minutes north of Boulder off The Diagonal. Niwot Inn’s Valentine’s package consists of a one-night stay in a Western-style room. (Some feature cozy fireplaces.)
Spoil yourselves with organic wine and chocolates, roses and beeswax candles. This $199 stay includes a continental breakfast, topped off with mimosas to celebrate Valentine’s Day morning.
A short walk through Niwot’s historic and charming business district may leave you hungry to try local and organic dinner selections at nearby Colterra Restaurant, or imported specialties at Treppeda’s Ristorante. The staff at the Niwot Inn will be happy to help you complete your perfect day.
Vive l’amour!
– By Christine Kortals
