I lived in Sonoma County, California for a couple of years. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect backdrop for romance. My boyfriend at the time and I had our first date on the beach at Bodega Bay. We drank champagne and ate sandwiches made from a loaf of French bread, avocado and tomato. Bodega Bay was in regular rotation on our dating destinations. There was also the Russian River, where we would swim and canoe and go tubing and drink beers in the water. We would climb to the tops of all sorts of high hills and behold the beauty of wine country. A long day of hiking would be rewarded by stopping at any one of the myriad of wineries along the way home. My blog entries from 2004 would have made you swoon.
Alas, if only landscape were enough to sustain a relationship. My ship sailed back to C-U for a number of reasons and I met the rock star record store owner who I am proud to call my hubby. I got the love, but I also got the landlocked blues. So I wonder, how do I create a beautiful backdrop for romance in these flat corn and soybean fields?
The most romantic place that comes to mind right now is the Arboretum. I wish I could leave my desk and go frolic there now! The rows and rows of beautiful flowers that can be viewed from underneath a shady canopy of leaves… <sigh> Meadowbrook Park is lovely, but seems to be overrun with families (ugh) on the weekends. Allerton Park is just far enough away to be a less spontaneous destination, and requires bug spray (sexy!)
I could go on about romantic dinner date ideas, but I think I will leave that for another day. I’m interested in hearing if people can suggest nearby outdoor venues that conjure up amorous feelings? I’ve got the special somebody and the picnic basket, now I just need the destination(s)!