Romantic Travel: Plan the Ideal Getaway.

Blow it this Valentine’s Day?  Got it covered. Make up for slacking on February 14th with a grand gesture... everyone wants to be swept away on a romantic travel escapade.  Relax, explore, and connect with a special person.  Go ahead and hop on a plane or jump in the car, let the adventure begin with a romantic travel plan in 2014.   

The itch to leave town is always heightened after the holidays have come and gone and before the majority of the country sees temperatures that stay steady at mild.  Of course, there are numerous places in this world to travel with lists-upon-lists of romantic cities and hotels to source for selecting the perfect destination. Europe is always high-seeded on such lists, with cities that define romance. From France’s Champagne countryside to Paris, Spain, and Italy (5 Italian cities spanning across the top 10 in this list), the slower lifestyle and varying landscapes in Europe are ideal for all.  The food… unbelievable.  

Love is in the air in Charleston, SC. Photo Credit: Jennifer Bearden

Depending upon the interests of a couple there are fantastic ways to make the vacation memorable and stay stateside.   Begin to feel the breeze or ski the slope, there is a place for fun waiting for every type of couple to delve into the romance that started it all. Narrowed down to a top 5 here is a list of romantic cities in the United States. Some boast European flair others have the beaches people yearn for in the lion that is March, either way referencing the selections below is the first step toward getting away with a main squeeze. Another perk, these cities all have impeccable dining.  Click the city and state for a link providing information for planning a romantic getaway in each destination.  

O’ahu, Hawaii For obvious regions as the beautiful beaches, adventures, and a paradise life- complete with flowers behind the ear and lei’s draped around necks.  

Charleston, SC Romantic cobblestone streets reminiscent of Europe with nearby beaches and a historic gas light district for exceptional evening dining.  

Aspen, CO The adventure in the mountains with amazing ski resorts, romantic cabins and resorts, and a downtown fit to canoodle in.  

Sonoma, CA Wine country, luxury, and landscape with pure beauty, sustain romance for the couple selecting Napa/Sonoma region. The vino is a particularly ideal souvenir, open a bottle a month after returning and remember highlights from the trip.

Destin, FL The Sunshine State’s 24 mile Emerald Coast is the ideal beach and boat trip with gorgeous emerald coves, white sand beaches, and bountiful water activities. Try paddle boarding together, experiencing a new activity together is a proven method to connect.

Emerald Coast. Photo Credit: National Geographic Travel

Here’s to romantic getaways, or even just daydreaming of them! Where is the most romantic city in the US you have traveled to with your sweetheart?  

Mud and Gelato

One of the better ways to celebrate Earth Day, is to be covered in mud! Mud runs with variables meant to test physical, mental, and social strength have become a fitness trend across the nation. The Citadel's 17th annual Bulldog Challenge this Saturday, April 20, 2013 is the ultimate endurance course featuring The Lowcountry's pluff mud or "life draining marsh" as it is referred to on the challenge official website. Pino Gelato is proud to be on board as a sponsor of The Bulldog Challenge hosted by The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Bulldog Challenge is self described as a grueling six mile (10k)endurance course that will push a competitor and their three team mates to the limit with obstacles encountered throughout meant to cause "friction" to those daring to compete. Previous course involvement has boasted a USMC rope climb, carrying 25 lb sand bags through pluff mud, and wrestling of giant truck tires. With The Citadel, known as The Military College of South Carolina, playing host to the event participants should expect the extreme (one obstacle is dubbed "The House of Pain") as far as difficulty. Luckily, the enrolled and truly brave, Citadel Marines and NROTC cadets are on course for encouragement along the way.


Bulldog Challenge competitors!

The Bulldog Challenge has grown in popularity with national awareness attracting 724 competitors to last year's event, this Saturday's event is likely to surpass that number according to The Citadel. The growing attendance and attention is welcomed with the clause of the race proceeds raising a donation to Semper Fi Society Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to a participating member of the society enrolled in NROTC and working toward a commission in the United States Marine Corps.

Ready to Scoop this Saturday!

Mud runs certainly engage contestants with Earth and are widely used as recreation to commemorate Earth Day. Beyond the climate of race day, even beyond the mud, is a celebration of community and encouragement played out with prizes given by numerous sponsors and donations. To sweeten the finish line Pino Gelato will be at The Bulldog Challenge with our gelato cart Scooping Happiness to participants as they breathe in relief after completing the grueling course.

Yes, join this military style mud run or perhaps spectator at this event whilst consuming gelato and engage in another activity in spirit of Earth Day, say by planting a small tree.

For more information or to register for The Bulldog Challenge visit: www.bulldogchallenge.com

For info on Earth Day, Monday, April 22, 2013 visit: www.Earthday.org/2013