EDENTON, N.C. — I caught up with a couple from Maryland who had made a stop in Norfolk on their sailboat. As they walked hand in hand, I thought I'd ask them if they had plans for Valentine's Day.
Married for 22 years, Randy and Nancy McGuire have got this Valentine’s thing dialed in.
“The first year we were together, I made her a handmade Valentine’s card. Now I’m stuck doing it for the rest of my life!" said Randy.
I asked Nancy if she had thought of Valentine's Day yet, and her answer made me laugh.
"No, I don't have to," said Nancy.
"It's my job," said Randy.
Well, if it's *your* job to come up with a Valentine’s plan, how about a trip to the South’s prettiest small town, according to Forbes magazine: Edenton, N.C.
“Edenton is getting a lot of publicity right now it's been this romantic sleeper that all of a sudden is waking up," according to Susan Martin Cyr.
And the highest-rated place to stay in the town, according to Tripadvisor, is her bed and breakfast: the Inner Banks Inn.
“The Inn has been [named] one of the 10 most romantic inns in the state of North Carolina," said Cyr.
This 250-year-old restored bed and breakfast is ready for all you lovers out there, with four different types of rooms and suites on nearly three acres.
“Charcuterie upon check-in, that’s complimentary. We have champagne, we have chocolate, chocolate-dipped strawberries,” shared Cyr.
Rooms start at $198 a night and you can add on things for an additional cost, like rose petals for your jacuzzi bath, a five-course dinner, and breakfast in bed.
“Everything is made homemade fresh from scratch that morning," said Cyr. “It will be some type of homemade baked good, some type of fresh fruit or parfait, and then we’ll have an entree such as french toast or eggs benedict.”
And when you’re ready to check out this quaint, seaside town, there’s lots to see, including some of North Carolina’s oldest homes and the oldest operating courthouse in the state built in 1767.
“The water views are beautiful. We have west-facing sunsets in our town and it's lined with historic buildings. We have a plethora of green spaces," described Cyr.
And if you and your sweetie want a staycation that has a Golden Age of Hollywood feel, how about the Cavalier Hotel at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront?
Built in 1926, the Cavalier was the playground for stars like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra, as well as several Presidents, like Roosevelt, Truman and Kennedy.
Rooms start around $232 a night and you can add on roses, champagne and spa services at an extra cost.
General manager Lars Friedriszik tells me they’re also hosting a 'Galentine’s' event this year for the ladies.
“[It's] Taylor Swift-themed this year. Live entertainment, pink bubbles, champagne-based cocktails and some sweet treats," Friedriszik shared.
We've been to the Inner Banks. Now, down to the Outer Banks, and love is definitely in the air at The Inn on Pamlico Sound.
Located on the water, the folks there are offering a four-course feast on Feb. 14 and Feb. 17. The price is $125 and includes wine or champagne and a long stemmed rose.
They are also offering all-inclusive overnight stays. Pricing does vary, so contact The Inn on Pamlico Sound directly or check out their website here.
