Tips & Trips

By Sheila Callahan | January 28, 2005

VALENTINE SPECIALS

Inns and B&Bs around the country are offering Valentine's Day specials for a weekend of romance.

ESPERANZA MANSION, overlooking Keuka Lake in New York State's Finger Lakes region, was completed in 1838. Over the years, the property has served as a link in the Underground Railroad and a county poorhouse as well as a vineyard, farm, and winery. Now a national historic landmark, Esperanza Mansion has nine guestrooms within the original house, all named after varieties of grapes grown in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Valentine's Day packages, available February 1-14, include dinner and breakfast for two and start at $214 for a double room. 866-927-4400, www.esperanzamansion.com.

THE INN AT GLENORA WINE CELLARS, also in the Finger Lakes, includes a winery on the property with views of Seneca Lake. "Winter Wine and Dine Packages" (available Friday-Saturday, through April) offer guests a complimentary cheese board and champagne, dinner for two at Veraisons, the inn's restaurant, and daily breakfast. Rates begin at $225 for one night and $310 for two nights. 800-243-5513.www.glenora.com.

Even closer to home, MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, the Victorian resort 90 minutes from New York City, is offering a Valentine's themed weekend on February 11 and 12 called "The Art of Chocolate." Highlights include chocolate tastings, demonstrations, classes, and a sampling of Sam Adams Chocolate Bock. The inn's spa will offer a "chocolate and roses" facial ($85). Rates for "Couples Chocolate Weekend" begin at $235 a person, a night, including meals. The resort is offering additional "Romantic Getaway Packages" on February 13 and 14, with rates starting at $159 a person, a night. 800-772-6646, www.mohonk.com.

SAN FRANCISCO'S HUNTINGTON HOTEL & NOB HILL SPA is also offering a chocolate-themed getaway, just in time for Valentine's Day. Guests staying in the "Scharffen Berger" suite, which is adorned in Scharffen Berger artwork and ca-cao-bean displays, receive Scharffen Berger hot cocoa and chocolate covered strawberries upon checkin, and handcrafted Scharffen Berger truffles at turn-down. The package also includes a complimentary tour of the Scharffen Berger factory, a coupon for confections at the California-based company's San Francisco store, and a bottle of champagne. Guests can also get a 50-minute Scharffen Berger Chocolate Scrub body treatment at the Nob Hill Spa ($115). Additionally, the on-site Big 4 restaurant will introduce a warm flourless Scharffen Berger "chocolate meltdown" cake. A one-night stay in the Scharffen Berger Suite costs $750 and includes an 80-minute in-suite couple's massage. 800-227-4683, www.huntingtonhotel.com.

Those craving sun and sand may prefer the PALM ISLAND RESORT, in Cape Haze, Fla. The resort, accessible only by boat, features one- to three-bedroom villas on a private white-sand beach - perfect for relaxation, water sports, tennis, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Valentine's rates, available February 10-15, include a two-night stay in a one-bedroom villa for $125 a person a night (additional nights, $50 a person). 800-824-5412, www.palmisland.com.