Around the country there are active and former farms offering bed and breakfast accommodations and farm activities. Take your loved one to a farm sanctuary (one is located in upstate New York, another in California) to spend some time getting to know rescued animals. These places offer low-cost room and board and the opportunity to visit closely with cows, pigs, sheep, and other wounded or ill animals saved from slaughter. Not into animals? Many places offer nature hikes, wine tasting and historical tours with your stay.
Take your partner to one of America's small cities this Valentine's Day and get to know an unfamiliar corner of the United States without breaking the bank. Consider Charleston, South Carolina, Newport, Rhode Island, or Lawrence, Kansas. It might be a good idea to visit a small city in your region of the country in order to get the most time out of the weekend. One of the appealing aspects of this approach to a Valentine's Day trip is that small cities tend to specialize in one thing, and do that one thing well --- Napa and wine, Charleston and southern cooking, Louisville, Kentucky, and bourbon --- so it is easy to design a weekend around a particular interest or activity.
Sure, Hawaii might be a popular Valentine's Day destination, but what about Block Island, or Whidbey Island in Washington state? Ever been to the Outer Banks of North Carolina? Consider exploring one of these less-famous island areas Valentine's Day. Since February is the low season for most island resort areas, prices on hotels and inns should be reasonable. If you are looking for a relaxing way to pass the winter weekend with your loved one, an island getaway is hard to beat in terms of quiet times and ocean views.
Here's a thought: pack some snacks, a road map, and some good music, and head off on the open road for a few days. Decide on a maximum number of miles to drive each day (to avoid going too far) and stop wherever looks good. This Valentine's Day, consider throwing all plans to the wind and just exploring where you are, and more importantly whom you are with.
