Couple Getaways - Z - Zoo

Believe it or not, the zoo can be romantic. Especially in the summertime. And especially at the Portland Zoo. Well, okay, I'm a bit bias because I've been going to the Portland zoo since I was three, but regardless, I'm constantly amazed at how well the animals are taken care of, and how much the zookeepers care about the animals. The exhibits are incredible. There are animals at the Portland zoo that you won't find at other zoos. Careful attention is given to the animals' needs and their habitats. The zoo is constantly expanding as they work hard to keep the animals happy in their environment.

At Christmas time the whole park is lit up, even the train. For Halloween they make it a bit spooky - fun spooky with the zoo boo train.

Trains run all throughout the day, but my absolute favorite is the cute little steam train. Peacocks strut around the tracks with their gorgeous fan of colors. There are often music shows and festivals during the summer, shows where you learn about eagles and hawks and owls. There's a long winding trail that is just breathtaking that takes you to the beavers, otters, and a scary crocodile.

One of my favorite exhibits is the rainforest where you'll find an array of exotic birds. The polar bear exhibit is huge and the bears are often in the water playing with toys. I don't know, they're so big they kind of scare me. Huge bodies, huge paws...*shivers*

I always get a laugh at the penguins. Other animals to see include giraffes, zebras, cranes, lions, tigers, and bears (oh my), antelope, a seriously cool mountain goat, all sorts of monkeys, elephants (Packy is Portland's very special elephant), wolves, bats, and well...let's just say many many more.

Despite it being a zoo, where of course there are a ton of kids running around, there are moments of peacefulness to be found. Hubby and I walk hand in hand and enjoy a picnic on the grass.














I hope you've enjoyed the A-Z challenge. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, but a special thank you goes out to Lynn Proctor and Savannah Chase. I've had a wonderful time learning about new places as well as reliving memories of the places I've been. In all honesty you can make any place a fun and romantic couple's getaway.

Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - Y - Yaquina Bay

Yaquina Bay State Park is located in Newport at the north end of Yaquina Bay near its outlet to the Pacific Ocean. Spruce and pine grow steadily there, but the real star is the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse.

Built in 1871, it was decommissioned in 1874. It was officially restored as a privately maintained aid to navigation on December 7, 1996. It's believed to be the oldest structure in Newport, and is the only existing Oregon lighthouse with the living quarters attached. It is also the only historic wooden Oregon lighthouse still standing.

Yaquina Bay is located off Highway 101, just southeast of the quaint town of Newport, Oregon. It's quite fun to take a couple hours out to go and tour the lighthouse. The tour guides dress in period clothing and are happy to tell you the history of Yaquina, as well as answer any questions that you have.

On the other side there is the famous Yaquina Head Lighthouse. The 93 foot tower, Oregon's tallest, is located on a narrow point of land jutting due west into the Pacific Ocean north of Newport, at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Winds and rain have buffeted this lighthouse since its beginning in 1872. It took approximately one year, and over 370,000 bricks to construct Oregon's tallest lighthouse.

If you have time or plan to stay the weekend, you may want to take time out to drive over the bridge and see the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It used to be where Keiko the whale was placed for rehabilitation. You'll find hours of fun and exploration there both indoors and outdoor.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - X - Xainza, Tibet

Nature lovers will enjoy passing through Xainza County in Tibet. There are many nature attractions to see including bodies of water and geologic formations. Even more thrilling is the Xainza Nature Reserve.

Located in Xainza County, Nakchu Prefecture, the reserve is the habitat for over 120 species of birds. It covers a total area of 40,000 square kilometers and is the highest and biggest among the seven nature reserves for black-necked cranes in China.

Its location provides a warmer climate for the birds to live. Runoff from the nearby Gangdise Mountain's glaciers and snowfall, and the annual rain volume of 300 millimeters are sources of moisture for the reserve. The surrounding lakes, with low mineralization water, and widely-distributed marshlands and grasslands, are also indispensable factors for the sustainability of a favorable inland wetland and water ecological system. It's considered to be the best living environment for black-necked cranes.

Xainza Nature Reserve was established in 1993 to protect black-necked cranes. Xainza Nature Reserve is favorable for aquatic organisms and aquatic birds to propagate and live.

Black-necked cranes are also called Tibetan Cranes, and are the only crane species living on highlands. The black-necked cranes are an endangered species. There are no more than 6,000 in the world.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - V - Verona

I'm hanging around Italy again because it's a place I long to visit. This time I'm hitting up Verona.

I don't know what it is about medieval/Renaissance/Elizabethan Era, but it's a time period I enjoy listening to the music, reading books about, and watching movies about. Such movies as Becoming Jane, Ever After, Romeo and Juliet (the 1968 version is my favorite), A Knight's Tale, King Arthur, Stage Beauty, Shakespeare in Love, Game of Thrones, Ladyhawke, Stardust, Lord of the Rings, and The Other Boelyn Girl to name a few, make me want to don the clothes and dance to the music. A very beautiful soundtrack to listen to is the Becoming Jane Soundtrack.

That era inspires me to write and be creative. So yes, I definitely want to go to Italy and spend a couple days in Umbria and then a couple days in the fair city of Verona. To walk the streets and take in the ambience.

Celebrated by Shakespeare, who made it famous as the romantic setting for the moving tale of Romeo and Juliet, Verona is a splendid, ancient corner of the Veneto region, nestling between the river Adige and Lake Garda, and intimately linked to their waters. With its wealth of Roman sites and streets of pink-hued medieval buildings, Verona has more in the way of sights than any other place in the Veneto except Venice itself.





All throughout April I've been posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you've enjoyed the destinations, and maybe a few have inspired you to put on your travel plans. It's almost at the end, but I do thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by.


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - U - Umbria

Just east of Tuscany, north of Rome and west of the Marches, you'll find a beautiful place that in my opinion would be very romantic indeed. It's a place called Umbria.

I have a great love of medieval castles and the architecture of old historic towns. So does hubby. If I went I'd probably choose sometime during the summer when they are putting on one of the many festivals where people are dressed in costume, putting on plays, and enjoying what Umbria has to offer.

Umbria’s wealth of fabulous medieval towns, mist-cloaked hills, deep valleys and artistic treasures make it a charmer. Its hilltop towns are medieval gems rich in art and architecture, while its wooded landscape comes into its own out of season, when it's mountain-crisp outside and fireside-warm indoors.

Umbria’s capital, Perugia, is the world’s most cosmopolitan medieval city. Encircled by walls, it's an upbeat university city with a lively nightlife and a foot-tapping jazz festival each summer. Elegant shops line its palatial Corso Vannucci, while a warren of winding streets tunnel beneath Etruscan arches.

Visit Assisi in the evening to stroll around the hilltop town bathed in golden light as day turns to dusk. Yes, I think this would be a very romantic spot to go. What do you think?






















All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - T - Toronto

There are many things to do in Canada's beautiful city of Toronto, and a ton of incredible places to eat. No matter your busy agenda, don't miss out on taking an elevator ride up the CN Tower. The view is incredible. There's also a fun little restaurant inside where you can get some fun souvenoirs. Another beautiful site is Casa Loma. I love the architecture of buildings, and castles are some of my favorite.

There are also plenty of shops, the Hockey Hall of Fame for hockey fans, theaters abound showing an assortment of both popular and brand new musicals and plays. At our lost stop there both The Lion King and Mama Mia were the big headliners.

Other attractions include the St. Lawrence Market - perfect to grab some picnic food, The Royal Ontario Museum, the Harbourfront, the Toronto Zoo, and Canada's Wonderland - a large amusement park attraction. There's so much to do in Toronto you really need a good week to enjoy.

Hubby and I enjoyed Toronto at night most of all. The weather was nice and we'd sit outside of a nice eatery with a drink (Bailey's on ice), talking and people watching.










All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - S - Sunriver

Since I was a little girl, I've been going to Sunriver every couple of years. The resort is located about fifteen miles from Bend, Oregon. My favorite time to go is in late September or early October, just as the autumn leaves show off all of their radiant color. The drive alone is pretty surreal.

There are so many fun activities to do there. They rent out bicycles and have some of the best trails I've seen. There are three outdoor pools, 1 indoor pool, plenty of tennis courts, golfing, horseback riding, you can walk everywhere, and the shops are quite fun to check out. You can go out on a raft, or look at the stars in the state-of-art Sunriver Observatory. Very romantic indeed. And if you prefer the colder weather, you're not far at all from Mount Bachelor.

I also have to mention that they serve delicious food at the restaurant. I recommend the creme brulee for dessert. Yum! Also, if you're going to Sunriver to spend some time with your special someone and need to bring the kids along, there are a ton of fun activities to keep them busy. All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - R - Rose Gardens

The Portland Rose Gardens is a soothing way to spend your day with your loved one, surrounded by acres of beauty. Five acres, to be exact.


Those five acres in Washington Park were set aside as a rose-growing test garden in 1917. During World War I, the Portland Rose Garden became a haven for varieties European growers feared would be destroyed during the bombing, and today it is the oldest official, continuously operated public rose test garden in the United States with more than 8,000 rose plants.


June is the busiest month at the gardens because of the Rose Festival, and in my opinion not the best month to go. While it does get warm in July, you'll find some quieter days during that month. If you're looking for a peaceful getaway for the day with your honey, I highly recommend a walk through the Rose Gardens.


All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - Q - Queen's Landing

Sometimes you and your significant other want to stay somewhere luxurious. You deserve to stay somewhere luxurious. If you're in the Niagara area, you'll find plenty of accommodations, but a true beauty is Queen's Landing.




Queen's Landing is a grand Georgian-style mansion with elegant decor, attentive service, and a breathtaking waterfront setting. You will find the romance of the water and an ideal blend of style and comfort. 144 elegant guestrooms, a lakefront villa and waterfront cottage, are individually decorated and feature fireplaces and whirlpool baths. When you stay at Queen's Landing - it's all about indulgence, romance, and serenity.

The dining experience is impeccable. Delight in French traditional cuisine in the beauty of the Tiara restaurant. The restaurant is heavenly, and the farm-fresh food will delight all your senses. No matter your preference, you'll find a tasty treat, and the experience alone is worth a stop in. There is also a more casual restaurant on the premises, perfect for a quick pick-me-up. I remember stopping in for the afternoon to cool off and had the most scrumptious creamsicle drink with a kick that I've ever had. Mmmmm.




It's such a quiet place to stay you can lose yourself in the many amenities offered, including a dip in the pool, or a spa treatment at the two local spas.


If you want to venture out with a picnic lunch, you're never far away from a truly pleasurable wine experience in the Niagara on the Lake region. Some of my favorites include: Chateau des Charmes Winery, Hillebrand Winery (try their Trius), Inniskillin Wines, Jackson-Triggs (delicious ice wine), Konzelmann Estate Winery (crisp and clean Chardonnay), Marynissen Estates Wines, and Pondview Estate Winery.

All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - P - Port Orford

Halfway between Bandon and Gold Beach along the Oregon Coast, you'll want to stop for a night or two at Port Orford. Couples will find spectacular seascapes and mountain hiking trails with panoramic vistas, eight art galleries, and an authentic Victorian mansion. For the outdoorsy couple, there's an assortment of ocean, lake and river fishing, boating and kayaking, and perfect windsailing conditions.

Port Orford is all about an unhurried atmosphere, and there are no stop lights.

Throughout this small town, there are gift shops, a motorcycle museum and your pick of restaurants where you can enjoy creative cuisine, a New York-style Italian trattoria, great diner food, seafood, steaks and what's being toted as the best fish and chips and chowder on the coast.

Other sights to see: Visit Battle Rock Historical Park, the Port Orford Lifeboat Station Museum, which features a restored Coast Guard Station, shipwreck memorabilia, and many artifacts from the years when the Coast Guard Station was providing services to ships off one of America’s most dangerous headlands.

And Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest and most westerly lighthouse in Oregon and, in the same park, the beautifully restored Victorian Hughes House Museum.





There's also the very cool Prehistoric Gardens

Also, while you're there, don’t miss the port of Port Orford. It is the only natural, open water port for 600 miles and only one of six “dolly” ports in the world.



All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - O - Ontario, Canada

Honestly, it could take me weeks to write about all of the amazing things for couples to do and places to see in Ontario Canada. Algonquin Park, Toronto, Balls Falls, the Botanical gardens, Fort Henry, Port Dover, wine touring, Shaw Theater and the lovely park that surrounds it with its swans and picturesque trails, Haliburton with its wolves and beautiful lake cabins, Waterloo, Niagara Falls and plenty of historic sites. Hikes, picnics, long walks through forests and around lakes - there's no shortage of romantic excursions.

I've been fortunate enough to have lived in Ontario for awhile and most weekends were for getting out to explore somewhere new. We found some out-of-the-way places, we camped around a lake for a week where it was so quiet and peaceful there was only the sound of the loons to carry us to sleep. Toronto is a good week's adventure all on its own and one I'll save for my T post.

Ontario is a great place to visit if you enjoy the outdoors. There are all sorts of parks, trails, and quaint towns to pass through. You will also find a variety of delicious eateries and fine dining restaurants. And let me tell you, going in the fall when all of the leaves are dressed in their beautiful colors - you want to be outside with hot cocoa or tea and your sweetie.

All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory

Couple Getaways - N - Niagara on the Lake

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a favorite stop when hubby and I are in Canada.



We had no idea how much we'd enjoy Niagara on the Lake. But it's a quiet respite after all the touristy and busy attractions of Niagara Falls. We prefer to stay in St. Catharines, which is only a short drive to NOTL. Our first time there, we stopped in for a twilight tasting at Hillebrande. Hands down their Trius vintage is one of the best wines ever. There are plenty of wineries to stop in, and believe me we enjoyed the lot of them. There are also several incredible restaurants, Hillebrande being one of them.


While there we also drove around the historic homes, took in The Mystery of Edwin Drood at the Royal George Theater, and enjoyed dessert at the Shaw Cafe.











All throughout April I'll be posting about Couple Getaways as part of the A-Z Challenge. I hope you'll stop by for the next destination! No passport necessary ;)


~Ann Cory