How do you define romance? We all view it differently. There is no definitive. A guy's idea of romance might be watching his favorite team at Orioles Park with his arm around his favorite girl. A woman's idea of romance might be cozying up on a treatment table, readying for a couples massage with her man. And though there idea of romance may be diametrically opposed, the neat thing about Baltimore is that it offers those things and more to keep both parties happy and romance in the air.
The first ingredient to a romantic itinerary is checking in to a fabulous and luxurious hotel. And since we're pulling out all stops for this weekend getaway, we're parking ourselves at the Four Seasons Baltimore hotel.
The Four Seasons Baltimore prides itself on being a luxury resort where visitors really don't need to leave the premises to take care of their basic vacation needs. The hotel has a coffee shop, American tavern and Japanese pub all on its first floor. After your mid-afternoon check-in, take a stroll down to Wit and Wisdom for happy hour before your farm-to-table meal. A delicious dinner of refined comfort food, in a chic setting, will quickly set the tone for a weekend of wining and dining.
Stroll along the Inner Harbor or take a day cruise — Photo courtesy of T. Browne Smith
After you've had dessert, stroll along the promenade of Harbor East, hand-in-hand, gazing at the waterfront properties and the day cruises passing by. You might even decide to catch one of them if time allows. You'll need to hustle over to the Inner Harbor to get on an evening cruise and enjoy drifting on the waters of the Chesapeake together. After your night of either sailing on the water or walking along it, head to your ultra plush suite and enjoy all that the Four Seasons has to offer.
For Saturday morning, start your day off right at the Four Seasons with breakfast in bed and then a trip to the spa for a couples' massage. The technicians at the spa at the Four Seasons are skilled and passionate about what they do. Soothing music, a sleek decor, various aromatherapy scents and the overall ambiance of the spa will transport you to another time and space. After taking a spin in the spa's infinity pool, it's time to shower and get ready for a day out on the town.
Spend the early part of your afternoon strolling through Harbor East helping each other shop for a few trendy pieces to add to the wardrobe. As you walk along Aliceanna Street, you'll find popular retail store brands but you'll also stumble upon smaller chains like Urban Chic clothing store.
Warm honey donuts at Lebanese Taverna — Photo courtesy of T. Browne Smith
Once you've worked up an appetite, grab a table at Lebanese Taverna where you can enjoy a romantic Mediterranean meal with each other. Whatever you decide to have, be sure to end your meal with the honey-drenched Lebanese donuts. You'll be surprised by what warm soft sweet dough can do for the senses.
Explore the historic streets of Fells Point before you make your final stop for the evening. Many of the pubs have music, but they can also be noisy. If you'd prefer something more refined and away from the waterfront area, head over to the 13th Floor at the Belvedere Hotel. You can enjoy each other's company while basking in a panoramic view of the city.
