Get Lost, Get Found

We know, we know — December isn’t the only time of year you should be generous, cleaning isn’t reserved for spring and, above all, there are 11 other months just as worthy of a romantic getaway as cold and colorless February.

Still, a glass of wine in front of a crackling fire just doesn’t have quite the same effect in, say, June. Not to mention, the excitement of slipping away with your sweetie for a few days is a nice distraction from counting down the days until spring.

Even so, don’t count on the allure of Valentine’s Day to do your dirty work for you.

“Romance means something different to everyone,” says Kathy Dawson, a Cleveland-based relationship coach. “If you’re going to have a successful and meaningful getaway together, you need to get a sense of how each person defines it.”

In her workshops, Dawson gives couples a list of five points to ponder before they decide how and where to spend their weekend away, including completing the sentence “The most romantic place in the world is...”

“Even if your partner answers ‘Florence’ but your budget says otherwise, it still gives you a theme,” says Dawson.

If a trip around the globe isn’t in the plans this year, we can help. We’ve scouted out three urban and two rural Ohio retreats, guaranteed to be the perfect setting for your love story to unfold. Get caught up in the bustle of city streets or steal away together to a remote cabin in the woods; whatever you choose, read on for the best of both worlds — no passport required.