As the setting for the modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale, Twilight, the Olympic Peninsula knows a thing or two about creating romance. Couples considering destinations for their upcoming nuptials will have no trouble finding the perfect venue on the peninsula.
Southwest Idaho has a vacation for every couple from nature enthusiasts to cultural urbanites and those in between. Whether couples are searching for a wedding venue or weekend getaway destination, they’ll have plenty of choices here.
Urban: Couples who appreciate the sights and sounds of the city will find romance all around in Boise. Dancers will be dazzled by pas de deux by Ballet Idaho and modern interpretations from the Trey McIntyre Project. If inspired by a performance couples can learn Lindy hops to Argentine tangos at studios like Heirloom Dance Studio or freestyle in a downtown club. Foodies can experience Basque and Spanish cuisine and wine at the Basque Market while art lovers explore the Boise Art Museum and downtown galleries. At night sophisticated hotels like The Grove and Owyhee Plaza are prepared to pamper.
Nature: For couples looking for tranquility and natural beauty, possibilities abound in the state parks and national forests of Southwest Idaho. 
The Payette National Forest has tens of thousands of acres to explore by ski or snow-shoe in winter or on foot during warmer months. For a bit of adrenaline there’s rafting in Hell’s Canyon, kayaking at newly opened Kelly’s Whitewater Park, backcountry skiing near Cascade and McCall, and mountain biking the Greenbelt. For a bit of romance beneath the stars Bruneau Dunes State Park and Observatory offers amazing views into our night sky. Accommodations are varied in the area from small elegant hotels such as Ashley Inn near Cascade and cabins and campsites including new options on the 1,000 acre peninsula of Ponderosa State Park.
For a blend of both worlds there’s outdoor theatre at Starlight Mountain Theater, a growing wine region with tasting rooms to be explored, and much more. Getting here is easy with major airlines regularly flying to Boise’s national airport. www.visitsouthwestidaho.org
Bar Harbor, Maine greets the day with the country’s first sunrise and welcomes the night beneath a blanket of stars and visions of the Milky Way. Between sky and star gazing, couples can rekindle their romance in the air, on land, or at sea.
For a romantic spring adventure try a sunset bi-plane or glider tour over Acadia National Park. Acadia Air Tours takes individuals and couples over the Maine coast and surrounding islands, Acadia, and the region’s historic lighthouses.
Couples searching for romance and adventure will find both in the Old West style of Sheridan, Wyoming. Nestled beneath the Big Horn Mountains, this historic town offers couples a blend of wild western history with modern adventure. Here are a few of the possibilities for couples.
Juneau, Alaska’s beautiful capital city, is an inspiring destination for the couple seeking adventure. Enjoy all of the legendary glaciers, wildlife and wilderness experiences that make this a unique vacation. A quick 2-hour flight from Seattle on Alaska Airlines transports you to the middle of the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest and just beneath the 1500-square-mile Juneau Icefield, which creates an environment unparalleled in beauty and adventure.
Sheridan, Wyoming was recently honored to be named the #1 Small Town for Cowboy Charm by Western Horseman Magazine. This historic town was plotted in the early 1880s and remains an authentic cowboy destination.
This spectacular, brand new women’s only culture and cooking tour offers 8 memorable days of learning about Poland’s fascinating culinary and cultural scene plus a myriad of cultural and outdoor adventures. This tour is one of many that is being offered in 2012 to help commemorate the 30th anniversary of AdventureWomen, Inc., the leader in adventure travel for women worldwide, since 1982. This girlfriend getaway includes hands-on and demonstration-style Polish cooking lessons, highlighting delicious regional cuisine including freshly made meals and breads, plus wine, beer, and vodka tastings. Other highlights include excursions into the famous cities and towns in Poland, hiking in Eastern Europe’s Tatra Mountains, and visits to UNESCO World Heritage sites to experience the art and architecture of the region. Other highlights include visits to local markets and agritourism farms in the countryside, opportunities to learn crafts from local markets, elegant accommodations at two luxurious 4-star hotel-spas in Zakopane and Krakow, optional tour extensions, and much more. Dates: September 5-18th, 2012. Cost: $3,895 from Krakow, Poland ($800 deposit).
One of the most anticipated annual events in Juneau, Alaska is the Wearable Art Extravaganza. 
Put on by the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council and now in its 12th year, the show was originally inspired by the Montana World of Wearable Art, begun in Wellington, New Zealand in 1987, and now the top wearable art show in the world. The 2012 “Fusion” theme allows artists to create works that have an explosive energy on stage through the collision of two or more elements, offering many unlimited creative interpretations — artistic, scientific, musical, collaborative, even culinary. This is a fashion show of extravagant dresses and costumes made from the most ingenious materials, it pushes the envelope of many of the artists’ creative thinking and abilities. If it can be worn, anything goes! The event takes place February 11-12, 2012 at Juneau’s Centennial Hall. Tickets are now on sale at the Juneau Arts & Humanities Council, (907) 586-2728 or info@jahc.org. For more information: http://jahc.org/wearable-art/.
Flying in to Kosrae
Kosrae, Micronesia Through March 2012 Escape the Cold Special at Kosrae Village
Enjoy the serene, romantic beauty of your oceanside cottage at Kosrae Village, Micronesia’s premier Ecolodge & Dive Resort and, Explore the outstanding adventures Kosrae Island has to offer at a price that works for you. www.kosraevillage.com
Scarlet Macaw during Migration
Hopkins, Belize February and March Scarlet Macaw Migrations
Seasonally, during February and March, Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort guests have the opportunity to witness migrating Scarlet Maccaws outside of the village of Red Bank in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Here participants hike through the rainforest and have the opportunity to view and hear some of the 500 species of birds found in Belize. Colorful parrots, toucans and white eagles inhabit these beautiful hills. Guests may decide to take a quick dip in the river or just quietly relax on the riverbank to observe the many bird species in the area. www.hamanasi.com
Boise may best be known for biking trails and superior spuds, but the Treasure Valley is hiding much more for the inquisitive visitor. 
Zip Idaho provides a birds-eye view of the Payette River Valley. A 7 zip line tour starts at 5000 ft elevation with 4 cables traveling through a canopy of Ponderosa Pines. Watch for wildlife; turkeys, bear, deer, and elk frequent the forest floor below. After a trip through the tree tops is “Wild Turkey,” the longest zip line in the state. At 1700 ft and speeds of up to 40mph possible, this one’s sure to get the blood pumping. The tour ends with a dual zip line where participants can race 100 ft above a field of wildflowers.
