Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Lots of travelers are thinking about a romantic getaway. Here are a few ideas from past travel destinations featured on BellaOnline’s Southcentral U.S.A. Travel Site.

If you’re looking for something totally unique, check out Eureka Springs Treehouses. Doesn’t that name say it all? And speaking of great names, how about Arsenic and Old Lace? Bed and Breakfast Inn, that is. You can stay in the Library Room, the Monet Room or, if a suite is what you prefer, choose the Tree-Top Suite. You’ll love their full breakfast, plus cookies when you need to nibble.

If you want something tried and true, consider the Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast Inn, which was named the "The Most Romantic Inn in America 2007-2008" and has been featured in O Magazine. This inn is acclaimed for its gourmet breakfasts, served in the dining room, on the veranda or in your suite.

If you favor Natchez, Mississippi, travel the Natchez Trace Parkway, walk the riverbank and then have a cozy dinner along the way. Maybe you would prefer a room with a balcony view of the Mississippi River. Then, stay overnight in the historic atmosphere of the Natchez Eola Hotel just a step away from historic downtown or a horse-drawn carriage ride away from the city’s antebellum homes.

If you love state parks, then this top pick just might be the perfect romantic getaway for you. Beavers Bend State Park set in what is nicknamed the “Little Smokies” in southern Oklahoma offers accommodations for all tastes. For those who like the rustic feel of a cabin, you’ll find almost 50 air conditioned cabins overlooking the Mountain Fork River, with fully-equipped kitchens and linens provided. Many have fireplaces, making them a cozy winter getaway for an anniversary or other special occasion. The Lakeview Lodge offers a gorgeous view of Broken Bow Lake and a more traditional lodging experience with cable TV and a complimentary continental breakfast.

If a more urban setting suites your taste, consider the Bluff View Inn which is part of the Bluff View Art District in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This historic district is known for its dedication to the culinary arts. Whether it’s bread, pasta, coffee or chocolate treats you’re seeking, you’ll find it here.

How about a B&B in Paris? Paris, Tennessee, of course. At the Veranda Bed and Breakfast in Paris, you can wake up early and have coffee or tea at 6:00 a.m. and the savor a full breakfast by candlelight at 8:30 a.m. Sounds a bit like something you might enjoy in the other Paris, doesn’t it?

The Southcentral United States offers thousands of little bed and breakfast inns, state park getaways and beautiful old hotels. As you travel through the area, take time to stop and check out some of these great places. You might just discover another romantic find to add to your list of Valentine’s Day destinations.