St. Paul Leading 'Romantic Getaway' Poll
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) -- When it comes to the most romantic cities in the world, which ones comes to mind? Probably Paris, maybe Venice, perhaps even somewhere like Buenos Aires.
How about adding Pig's Eye to that list?
Scoff if you must, but Minnesota's capital is currently one of the finalists in USA Today's "Best Romantic North American Getaway" poll. And right now, St. Paul is in first place over Santa Fe, New Mexico and Naples, Florida.
USA Today travel editors called the city, "the smaller, quieter and the more sophisticated of the Twin Cities."
The poll's authors added the city has diverse romantic offerings like paddlewheel rides on the Mississippi, beer tastings, ice skating and a thriving arts scene.
The definition of romance is open to interpretation, but in general, it has to do with "a feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love."
St. Paul is full of beautiful historical buildings and neighborhoods with quaint places to have some one-on-one time with someone you adore.
From Rice Park in downtown St. Paul to the banks of the Mississippi River, there are plenty of places to be romantic.
Lisa Huber is a marketing manager for Visit St. Paul.
"Some people are showing a bit of surprise over this. But St. Paul is so romantic, with the history in the
city and the architecture, and the St. Paul Hotel we are sitting in. There is really so much that adds to the
romance in St. Paul," Huber said.
The St. Paul Hotel is home to couples looking for weekend getaways, or a fancy meal or drink at the Grill.
Another favorite is W. A. Frost on Selby Avenue with its lower-level lounge and private, candlelit alcoves.
Michelle Dickison is a bartender and server at Frost.
"We have tons of people come in celebrating anniversaries, engagements, first dates, a very special place to be with someone, quiet, great music," Dickison said.
Some of the most romantic places in St. Paul are well-known. But what about some of the city's best kept secrets?
The Covington Inn is a floating bed and breakfast -- a houseboat on the Mississippi River, with four guest suites, all with fireplaces.
Liz Miller is the owner and manager.
"It is a world away in the heart of the city, we say. Because once you sit out here esp, in the summer, out on the deck, watching the river boats and the twinkling lights of the city, there is nothing like it," Miller said.
And just because other cities may be more lively, that doesn't make them more romantic.
"Have you ever heard you date the girl from Minneapolis
and marry the girl from St. Paul?," asked Huber.
Some of the other places that are in the running for the title include heavy-hitters like New York City, San Francisco, New Orleans, and Honolulu, Hawaii.
The online voting started on Dec. 30.
Voting goes until Jan. 27 here.
There's no prize, just bragging rights.
