Best Bets for Love: Where to go This Valentine’s Day
Your guide to Cupid's holiday in Colorado
Occasionally, someone messages me with questions about a romantic getaway in Colorado. I love fielding these questions. Recently, I received one from a reader who is eloping this month and wanted my input as they were also bringing along the dog.
Valentine’s Day is coming up and this year, it's on a Friday, so you can bet that lodging will book up. Where is the most romantic place to visit this Valentine’s Day? Let me enlighten you.
Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs
My most recent question not only involved bringing along a fur friend on their elopement but they were interested in a hot springs destination. That actually gave me the idea for this article.
We have a lot of hot springs in Colorado, and they run the gamut from remote and rugged to posh and spa-like.
Avalanche Ranch Cabin
One of the most romantic hot springs destinations is Avalanche Ranch Cabins & Hot Springs and, they're pet-friendly. Guests can choose to stay in one of their historic cabins or a shepherds wagon or a tiny house.
The springs are tucked into the mountains just south of Carbondale and near the Crystal River. We stayed in March and everything was minty green. The other super romantic property near here is Redstone Castle. Soak at the springs, stay in a castle. Just know that pets are not allowed at the castle.
I went to the Ice Castles when they were located in Breckenridge and I saw not one but two couples get engaged there. To say that the ice castles are romantic is an understatement. Featuring thousands of icicles and LED-lit ice sculptures, the ideal time to go as an amorous couple is at night.
If you’d like to stay in Dillon, try the Hampton Inn & Suites. It’s close to shopping at the Outlets at Silverthorne and has outstanding views of the mountains. Be sure to request a room with a view.
No town does Valentine’s Day like Loveland, Colorado. Just 45 minutes north of Denver and with awe-inspiring views of Long’s Peak, this town embraces love. There are 30 heart sculptures located around the city and you can find them all during a self-guided driving tour.
There are two Love Lock Sculptures; one is located at the Visitors Center and the other is downtown at The Foundry through Valentine’s Day. After the holiday it will be moved to a park at Lake Loveland. Buy a lock at the Visitors Center and “lock your love” to one of the sculptures.
Loveland Sweetheart Festival runs February 14-15 and welcomes lovers and families to the Sweetheart City. There will be a Palace of Sweets, a Tunnel of Love, a group wedding, live music and more. This is where serious sweethearts will be this Valentine’s Day.
