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   Romantic Escapes by Ann D. Wallace Whether your idea of a romantic vacation is simply a quiet place for rest and relaxation or a destination filled with adventure, history and culture, look no further than our three affordable and accessible getaways. The San Juan Islands (shown above), located off the coast of Washington state, are the ideal setting for those seeking spectacular views and unparalleled natural beauty. Deep in the heart of Texas, festive San Antonio is culturally diverse and rich with colorful history. While Niagara Falls, which straddles the border between upstate New York and southernmost Canada, is best known as the iconic former “honeymoon haven” of generations past.  One of the Pacific Northwest’s hidden treasures, the San Juans are a picturesque cluster of islands located in the northwestern part of Washington state, bordering Vancouver. Originally part of the San Juan Archipelago, the islands are split into two groups dictated by nationalsovereignty: the San Juans are part of Washington state on the U.S. side, while the Gulf Islands are part of the Canadian province of British Columbia. The islands are actually the remaining mountaintops of a receding continent much older than the American mainland. The hilly terrain is in parts lush with vegetation, while other areas are barren and dry. The coastlines are a mix of sandy and rocky beaches, shallow and deep harbors, and placid and reef-studded waters. There are more than 450 islands in the entire archipelago at high tide, but fewer than one-sixth are inhabited. Only six islands are accessible by public ferry. The Washington State Ferries system serves the four islands with the most visitors: Lopez, Shaw, Orcas and San Juan. The islands benefit from plentiful sunshine and half the rainfall of Seattle, making the beauty of nature and the wild outdoors easily accessible year-round. Part of the charm that attracts tourists and residents to the San Juans is that each island has a character of its own, both in terms of geography and of the lifestyle of the people who live here. Creative artists of all kinds are drawn to the area’s spectacular sunrises, sunsets and exquisite scenery. Outdoor activities include everything from hiking, bicycling and sea kayaking to boating, whale watching and bird watching. In fact, the islands have the largest concentration of nesting bald eagles in the state. Lime Kiln Point State Park, also known as Whale Watch Park, is located on the west side of San Juan Island. Orca whales frequent the shoreline during spring, summer and early fall. The Lime Kiln Lighthouse, which was maintained by lighthouse keepers from 1919 to 1962, is open for tours during the summer months. SAN ANTONIO  No visit to San Antonio would be complete without a leisurely boat ride along the Riverwalk, the hub of the city. A shopping, dining, and theater district, the Riverwalk plays host to numerous cultural events and festivals. Many of the restaurants here specialize in Southwest cuisine and offer outdoor seating; this is the perfect place to linger over spicy salsa with crispy tortilla chips and a potent margarita. Shopping is a successful blend of small shops offering folkloric trinkets and upscale boutiques featuring designer apparel. La Villita is a unique arts and crafts community with shops, working artists and restaurants. The Old San Antonio Exhibit (located in Bolivar Hall) houses a collection of art objects and artifacts relevant to the city’s history. Market Square is alive with activity from early morning until late at night. Visitors can browse through the 32 shops at El Mercado, an area patterned after an authentic Mexican market. Market Square is the scene of many Hispanic festivals where visitors can enjoy Mexican dancers performing to the lively sounds of mariachi music. In addition, there are 80 specialty shops in Farmers Market Plaza. The most famous of San Antonio’s old missions is The Alamo, site of the bloody battle for Texas independence in which famed pioneer Davy Crockett lost his life. The historic building has been restored to house a museum and shrine. Other missions heralding the religious influence of the Spanish are located throughout the city, and bus as well as individually guided tours are available. Two other sights not to be missed are the Marion Koogler McNay Art Museum featuring 19th and 20th century European and American artworks; and the Alameda Theater, one of the last great movie palaces dedicated to Spanish language films and the performing arts. NIAGARA FALLS  The New York side, in stark contrast, boasts many lovely walking parks and gardens. The notable landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead created the design for Reservation State Park. The most famous attraction on both sides is the ferryboat ride, The Maid of the Mist. Visitors, clothed in rain gear, brave the Falls to its biggest wave-crashing point at the spillover of Horseshoe Falls. Local lore states that people who stand near the waterfalls often feel noticeably happier and lighter on their feet because of the ions generated by millions of gallons of water tumbling down over the boulders, sending each visitor into a state of euphoric bliss. • Click here to read more articles • Ann Wallace is a freelance writer and photographer residing in Winter Park, Florida. Her work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Billboard, CD Street and Orlando Magazine among other publications. She has interviewed celebrities, activists and politicians while raising four daughters. |
