Taking your honey to a romantic restaurant is always a nice way to spend an evening. A fun and very romantic food to share with that special someone is fondue. Even though you cook your own food with fondue, you will find it is fun, intimate, and very romantic. You can do this at home with the proper kitchen equipment or you can go to a restaurant that specializes in fondue dinners called The Melting Pot.

The Melting Pot has been around for about 30 years and although it started in Florida, there are now over 130 Melting Pot restaurants in 37 states so there is a good chance a restaurant is near you or wherever you may be traveling to. The Melting Pot provides everything you need for a great fondue dinner and in a very romantic setting. The candlelit tables are intimate and inviting. But the conversation you’ll share with your loved one over fondue is priceless. We have enjoyed many memorable moments over the years at over ten different Melting Pot locations.

There are several different ways that you can eat fondue at the Melting Pot but it typically starts off with a cheese fondue. There are several to choose from but our favorites are the Wisconsin Trio, the Fiesta (if you are in a spicy mood), or there are some great featured fondues that change from time to time. The server will prepare your cheese fondue for you and bring you bread, vegetables, and apples for dipping. The Melting Pot also has a wide array of wines, mixed drinks, and beer to enjoy with your meal.

The second course is a salad. There are several great salads but our favorite is the California Salad. It is especially great if you add the Garlic and Wine Seasoning provided at the table. I will tell you that if you choose the Mushroom salad, you should really like Mushroooms because they dominate the salad.

Next comes the entrée portion of the meal and they provide you with several different options. Your server will walk through all of the cooking styles and different items to cook in your fondue. There are a lot of choices, but don’t worry, we have never had a bad one. You cook different types of steak, chicken, seafood, and vegetables in a broth based or oil based and then dip them into several different types of sauces. One of the great things about fondue, is that you get to experiment quite a bit. You can try the different sauces with each of the different foods to mix things up. My wife especially loves the mushrooms with in the green goddess sauce and I have to admit that I am a big fan as well!

As a finale, they bring you out the chocolate fondue and there are some very decadent and delicious options for you. We have tried several of the different fondues and we have truly enjoyed every one of them. They bring you strawberries, bananas, and marshmallows to dip in the chocolate and brownies and cakes for drizzling the chocolate over. It is truly a great ending for a scrumptious meal!

The Melting Pot is truly a great way to spend an evening with that special someone. I will warn you that eating at the Melting Pot is an event and takes a lot of time to eat, so plan accordingly.

If you don’t have a Melting Pot nearby or if you want to save some money, you can have your own fondue dinner at home. Whether you want to have a romantic dinner for two, or a fun evening out with some close friends, the Melting Pot is a great choice. If you would like to purchase a fondue set for that special someone as a gift or be able to have your own fondue dinners at home, click on the links below.

Trudeau 26-pc. Cast Iron Fondue Set


Rival 3-qt. Electric Fondue


The Fondue Bible

When most people think of Vail or Beaver Creek they think of world class skiing.  However, you will find that Vail has a lot to offer couples looking for a romantic getaway anytime of year.

Romance is in the air you breathe whether you are taking moonlight walks underneath the stars in the mountains of Vail or roasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate with your loved ones in the square at Beaver Creek.  Being in Vail and Beaver Creek for a romantic retreat is a moment in time you’ll treasure forever.

One of our favorite places to stay in Vail is the Vail Mountain Resort and Spa Marriott.  Many rooms have a crackling fireplace and a view of the splendid mountains.  There concierge is superb especially Adam Friedman.  He gave us great recommendations for romantic excursions.  There are great hiking trails within walking distance from the resort.

My husband and I recently celebrated our 11^th anniversary in Vail and truly had an anniversary to remember.  To begin the day we had a scrumptious hot breakfast buffet at the Marriott, which was included in the price of our stay.  Later that afternoon for a romantic retreat we took a scenic drive to Beaver Creek Resort, a neighboring community.  In the middle of the square you can find an ice skating ring where couples can feel like kids again by strapping on those ice skating shoes and sharing laughter and memories that will last a lifetime.  To warm up afterwards you don’t have to go far.  There are several gas fireplaces with huge comfortable chairs to relax in while reminiscing with hot chocolate from the many cafes in the square.  Take a stroll around the square and you’re sure to find that special gift in the many quaint shops around. 

For a romantic dinner take a shuttle to Splendido at the Chateau.  Chef David Walford will tease your palette with fine contemporary American cuisine with French and Italian influences.  If you go in the Fall time they have great specials.  The ambience is exquisite from the moment you walk in with a grand piano, and a magnificent wood burning fireplace.  It reminds me of a chateau you would find in France.  The décor of the restaurant is made for romance from the white table clothes, candlelight, spectacular view of the mountains, and waitstaff that anticipate every need you might want.  Did I mention you can stay here?  How romantic would that be? 

After a romantic dinner you should take a shuttle ride to the Ritz Carlton lodge.  Enjoy an evening cocktail at Spago’s, a Wolfgang Puck restaurant. But for romance take your cocktail outside to the wood burning fire pit outside and cuddle up with your loved one for an evening under the stars roasting marshmallows.  Take a stroll around the grounds under a full moon.  It’s very romantic.  If you can afford to stay here, this is a very romantic atmosphere.  It’s very different from a normal Ritz Carlton.  The superb service and elegance is still there, but if you love the outdoors you’ll love the Ritz, It’s designed as a rustic lodge with beautiful fireplaces in every room.  You will definitely not be roughing it here, but you’ll still get that loving nature ambience. And for pet lovers, you can take The Ritz Carlton dog on your hiking trips with you.   

When we returned to the Marriott, our evening of perfection ended on a high note when we returned to our room to find chilled champagne and strawberries dipped in chocolate from our concierge! 

If you would like to go to Vail and aren’t able to stay at one of the places we mentioned above, you can click on the links below to help investigate other lodging options including hotels or vacation home rental properties.

Hotels near Vail, Colorado.

For help with planning your entire Vail or Beaver Creek vacation including airfare, you can click on the link below.

When people think of Manhattan, they think of skyscrapers, subways, taxi cabs, and just the rush-rush atmosphere.   However, if you know where to look there are some great places that would make a romantic getaway.

There are many, many great restaurants in New York City which some are busy but some can be very romantic.  My wife and I think that One if By Land  is one of the most romantic restaurants we have ever been to.  The food is terrific, the service is great, but the atmosphere is what makes it special.  You almost feel like you are stepping back in time with fireplaces, soft piano music, beautiful chandeliers, candlelit tables, and a unique decor that makes you feel like you are walking into the restaurant 200 years ago.  Some other romantic restaurants in Manhattan include Le Jardin Bistro , Chanterelle, and Café Des Artistes.  Make sure to make reservations in advance for any of these restaurants.

Taking a carriage ride around Central Park is one of the most romantic things couples can do.  And you can do this year round.  Of course the winter time is truly memorable with all the beautiful snow surrounding you.  This is a great way to start off your Christmas vacation to get you in the spirit of what Christmas is all about.

Manhattan is most romantic at Christmas time.  Going to see the tree at Rockefeller Center is a must do for any couple looking for some romance.  You probably have seen it on TV many times, but seeing it person is a sight to behold.  If you can ice skate (and even if you can’t) going ice skating as a couple at the rink under the tree is hard to beat for a once in a lifetime romantic experience.

Walking down 5^th avenue and looking at all of the windows decorated so beautifully for Christmas is a great experience for any couple.  The people are extra friendly and courteous this time of year.  If you are the couple who thinks doing things that make you feel young is romantic, I would highly suggest going to FAO Schwartz, which is the world’s largest toy store.  A visit to Macy’s at Herald’s square to see Santa will make you swear that you just saw Old Saint Nick himself!

Another great element of a romantic getaway in New York City is all of the choices for performing arts.  There are many Broadway plays, and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. 

There are a great many nice hotels throughout Manhattan for all different tastes and near different attractions.  Here are some websites to help you plan your travel and hotels in New York City.

New York Getaways, Fun Weekends in the Big City: 3-Day Getaways From $635

Click Here for the Best New York Hotel Deals!

Manhattan is full of things to do that are really interesting but aren’t necessarily romantic but it is easy to get overwhelmed with all of the choices and getting from place to place.  Here are some tours that you can take that can help you get you around and give you some interesting narration along the way.  

If you want to journey on your own time here are some programs that can save you time and money.