Romantic Experiences Abound Across the Mid-Atlantic

(Mid-Atlantic Region, January 25, 2019) – Love is in the air in the Mid-Atlantic! Travelers to the region discover unique getaways and activities that are perfect for couples, from romantic date nights and intimate getaways to perfect gifts for that special person, the Mid-Atlantic provides visitors with memorial travel experiences for every relationship. Members of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) have compiled a list of some of the most romantic places to visit and experience with that special someone. If you are interested in learning more about a specific destination, contact the individual destination marketing organization listed below.

DELAWARE

Delaware’s Quaint Villages
Escape to a slower pace of life in Delaware’s Quaint Villages for Valentine’s Day. Indulge in wine tastings at Harvest Ridge Winery or stroll along downtown historic Milford along the Riverwalk. Rest comfortably with luxury amenities, while enjoying casino fun and great local cuisine at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino! Delaware’s Quaint Villages (Kent County, DE), Danielle Jonigan, VisitDelawareVillages.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Visit Maryland
Celebrate love along Maryland’s Scenic Byways. On the eastern portion of the Historic National Road, stroll along Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor, savor Chesapeake-inspired cuisine and local beer in Frederick, enjoy the local boutique shops in Boonsboro, and take in the sights and sounds of the Hagerstown Cultural Trail. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
Annapolis is filled with romance. The Chesapeake Bay offers opportunities for waterfront dining and wine tastings or a two-hour cruise aboard a 74′ wooden schooner. In town, guests enjoy a pampered stay at a Historic hotel or bed and breakfast and public art, street festivals, boutique shopping, and more. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected]

Baltimore
With love in the air and chilly weather on the rise, spend your time in Charm City! Baltimore’s boutique hotels like the Sagamore Pendry and Hotel Revival make for the perfect couple’s getaway. Enjoy getting cozy dining fireside at Baltimore favorites like Rye Street Tavern and Woodberry Kitchen. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert County
Just an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C, the Twin Beaches await! Explore galleries, shops and restaurants overlooking the Chesapeake Bay. Create your own fun art at Wine & Design then head to Solomons Island to create your own meal and a specialty drink under the guidance of a gourmet chef. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Frederick
A few hours at The Boulder Yard is a date you won’t soon forget! A full range of climbing opportunities are available for beginners and for the most experienced athletes. Spend a few hours scaling the walls and then relax with your loved one over dinner in Downtown Frederick. Visit Frederick, Melissa Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected]

Hagerstown – Washington County
Washington County is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. Stay at the Inn Boonsboro, owned by New York Times best-selling romance novelist Nora Roberts. Take in the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s Love Note concert, dinner and a tasting at a local winery or brewery. Visit Hagerstown and Washington County, MD, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, [email protected]

Harford County
Harford County is home to the perfect date. Spend a weekend in beautiful, waterfront Havre de Grace. Dine at Lagom or MacGregor’s. Enjoy a relaxing stroll together on the promenade boardwalk. Catch a breathtaking performance at the Opera House. Rest easy in your choice of five bed and breakfast accommodations. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Howard County
Whether you’re celebrating with your best friends, family, or significant other, Howard County has just what you need for a romantic weekend getaway! Enjoy a relaxing spa treatment, a lavish dinner on the lake, or a show at one of the renowned theatres. Visit Howard County, Crystal Abrom, VisitHowardCounty.com, [email protected]

Queen Anne’s County
Find your way to Queen Anne’s County’s award-winning restaurants and hotels that illuminate the waterfront backdrop. Whether you’re walking together on a trail, connecting in a cozy coffee shop, or enjoying local breweries and dock bars, Queen Anne’s County provides the setting for romance and relaxing date nights and get-a-ways. Queen Anne’s County Office of Tourism, Ashley Chenault, VisitQueenAnnes.com, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
From wine pairings to cocoa spa treatments, lovers in Pennsylvania will adore Chocolate-Covered February in Hershey. There’s even more luxury and romance to be had at our premier resorts including Omni Bedford Springs Resort’s mineral spa, the Lodge at Glendorn’s cabin escapes, and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort’s endless winter activities. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Natalie Buyny, VisitPA.com, [email protected]

Butler County
Head over to the charming town of Saxonburg and take the Burgh Bits and Bites Food Tour, which combines the unique history of the town with a walking and tasting tour. Afterward, rest your head at The Mainstay at Saxonburg, a cozy B&B located on Main Street. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected]

Central Pennsylvania
An eye-catching opportunity for couples is a hot air balloon ride with “The Sky’s The Limit Ballooning” that offers year-round rides and beautiful views of Happy Valley. After a high-flying trip, sign up for a Chef’s Table at the Carnegie Inn & Spa, a AAA Four-Diamond Award-winning property. Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, Andy Rupert, VisitPennState.org, [email protected]

Endless Mountains
Enjoy a movie with a special someone at the Dietrich Theatre. This classic date-night destination offers annual Film Festivals, screenings of classic films and first-run features. Its location in downtown Tunkhannock, close to restaurants and wineries, makes this a fun date destination! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]

Franklin County
Enjoy a taste of local wineries, breweries, and delicious chocolates. Get a glimpse of the county’s scenic views and relax at the Inn at Ragged Edge, a charming and romantic bed and breakfast. End your weekend with a visit to the Copper Kettle, known for their delicious prime rib. Franklin County Visitors Bureau, Lauren E. Cappuccio, ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com, [email protected]

Gettysburg
Visit Gettysburg with that special someone for a romantic getaway. Spend time sampling the area’s craft beverages or getting a couple’s massage. End the day with a romantic, candle-lit dinner in a historic tavern before settling in for the night at a charming B&B in the Adams County countryside. Destination Gettysburg, Rachel Wright, DestinationGettysburg.com, [email protected]

Greater Johnstown/Cambria County
Asiago’s Tuscan Italian restaurant, perched high atop the city of Johnstown, is a romantic date hot spot. The front offers gorgeous views of the city through glass windows or dine outdoors on their deck. Take a ride on the world’s steepest vehicular inclined plane located directly adjacent to the restaurant. Greater Johnstown/ Cambria County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Olivia Bragdon, VisitJohnstownPA.com, [email protected]

Hershey & Harrisburg
Couples (and those with cabin fever) can visit the Hershey & Harrisburg Region to partake in over 90 chocolate-inspired events offered during the annual Chocolate-Covered February’s celebration. Register for demos on cooking, baking, and bartending with chocolate, plus chocolate & wine pairings, sweet spa treatments, special menus, and more. Visit Hershey & Harrisburg, Rick Dunlap, VisitHersheyHarrisburg.org, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley
Get ready for romance in Lehigh Valley. Escape to a quaint, countryside bed & breakfast for a relaxing winter getaway. Spend your days exploring the 20+ wineries dotted throughout the region or touring the seven historic covered bridges. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kaitie Burger, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected]

Philadelphia
The City of Brotherly Love caters to lovers around Valentine’s Day with events at restaurants, attractions, and other swoon-worthy spots. The Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package is perfect for exploring all the offerings and includes free overnight parking onsite and other perks (up to $218 value). VISIT PHILADELPHIA, Daniel Davis, VisitPhilly.com, [email protected]

Pittsburgh
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a green oasis situated in Pittsburgh’s lively Oakland neighborhood. Make your way over to Schenley Park to experience the historic glasshouse and vibrant botanical gardens. Indulge your senses with breathtaking seasonal flower shows and exhibits, innovative sustainable architecture, green rooftops, art collections and more. VisitPITTSBURGH, Kristin Wenger, VisitPittsburgh.com, [email protected]

Pocono Mountains
Once dubbed the “Honeymoon Capital of the World,” the Pocono Mountains region holds romantic getaways of all types. More traditional, adults-only resorts are still popular and hold an ultimate opportunity for romance. Destination spas, cozy B&Bs, and modern downtown hotels are also adored by visiting couples. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Kelly Shannon, PoconoMountains.com, [email protected]

Potter County – Tioga County
Counting the stars is a romantic activity that poets have written about; there is no better place to do this than Cherry Springs Park in Potter County! Home of the popular “Dark Skies” program, visitors come from around the world to share in the magic of this natural phenomenon. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Alexandria
Named one of the most romantic destinations in the U.S. by Amazon.com, Alexandria, Virginia, located just outside of Washington, D.C., is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. Stroll down cobblestone streets under a canopy of twinkling lights and cozy up and enjoy fireside fare in historic buildings. Visit Alexandria, Leah Spellman, VisitAlexandriaVa.com, [email protected]

Fairfax County
Whisk your date off to Virginia wine country or plan a musical picnic under the stars at Wolf Trap. Mix it up with date night culinary classes at the Workhouse Arts Center. Visit Fairfax, Ali Morris, FXVA.com, [email protected]

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania County
Book a cozy cottage at Stevenson Ridge or one of the many B&Bs in the Fredericksburg area and include the romance package to have flowers, chocolate, and/or wine delivered. George Washington’s mom will have birthday cake/punch to share on George’s Birthday at Mary Washington House to honor her son. Fredericksburg Regional Tourism, Debbie Aylor, VisitFred.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg
Check into a romantic luxury cottage at By the Side of the Road Getaway Lodging. This perfect couple’s retreat in the Shenandoah Valley offers spacious cabins with a fireplace and Jacuzzi tub. The abundance of outdoor recreation and farm-to-table dining options will have you healthy and craving more! Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services, Brenda Black, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com,[email protected]

Prince William County
Cozy up for a romantic getaway in D.C.’s Countryside, where you can sip on craft cocktails and Virginia wines while savoring incredible food, history and unforgettable experiences waiting there for you and yours. Plan a long weekend exploring small towns, eating at quaint fireside bistros and getting reconnected. Prince William County Office of Tourism, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com,[email protected]

Richmond
The James River is the perfect backdrop for any date night. Stroll across the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge for views of the rapids and the Richmond skyline. Head to Mise en Place in Shockoe Slip for a pasta-making class. End the evening with dessert and cocktails at Shyndigz. Richmond Region Tourism, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVa.com, [email protected]

Shenandoah County
Book a romantic flight over the Shenandoah Valley with ValleyBallooning.com. From above, experience the peace of floating through the air at sunrise or sunset while enjoying the idyllic scenes of farmland, the winding river, and the beauty of the mountains. What a great setting to make an important proposal! Shenandoah County Tourism, Jenna
French, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected]

Winchester- Frederick County
The Pembroke Springs Retreat Japanese-style bed and breakfast rests in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley just outside of Winchester, VA and an hour from D.C. This all-inclusive romantic getaway features traditional Japanese spring-fed baths, on-site hiking trails, and amazing Japanese fusion meals, transforming your date night into a blissful weekend escape! Winchester-Frederick County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Justin Kerns, VisitWinchesterVA.com, [email protected]

WEST VIRGINIA

Hampshire County
As the oldest city in West Virginia, Romney provides the ideal location to find that perfect Valentines gift. Anderson’s Corner offers handcrafted jewelry and crafts. At B Belle’s Boutique, besides clothing, pick up the chocolate handiwork of European-trained local Eric Hott. Visit Dillons for the wide variety of specialty candles. Hampshire County CVB, DebbiSu Cassidy, CometoHampshire.com, [email protected]

About Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries. The Alliance promotes common threads and offers story ideas to journalists about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit www.matpra.org.