Romance is just down the road

Superior Shores: Two Harbors, Minn.
For romance within a short drive of the Twin Cities, it's hard to top a moonlit night along the shores of Lake Superior. Even in frosty February, a lakeshore walk along a stony shore followed by an evening soak in a steaming, bubbling hot tub overlooking Superior would make anyone feel all warm and tingly.

Superior Shores in Two Harbors, with its reasonable midwinter rates for rooms and Jacuzzi suites and even condos, has to be near the top of my list as an area romantic escape. Whether you want to hike through nearby woods, snowmobile along area trails or just cozy up on a sofa with your sweetie, activities abound. The resort even offers special prices on romantic getaway packages, including dinner, wine and a welcome basket.

Of course, you could just hang the "Do Not Disturb" on the door and disappear for the weekend.

JAMES WALSH

Angleworm Trail: Ely, Minn
We're not a flowers-and-candlelight couple. (Tried it, didn't like it.) So my husband and I don't book a room for romance. Instead, we get outdoors.

We usually head north -- Duluth, Grand Marais, even into Ontario. But for our September anniversary trip, we always end up in Ely. With its old-style downtown packed with outfitters, kitschy gift shops and restaurants such as the Chocolate Moose, Ely has postcard charm. Even better, the town is surrounded by quaint cabins on pristine lakes, which are in turn surrounded by Minnesota wilderness.

A lovely but little known hike is on the Angleworm Trail. As trails go, it's not all that long (14 miles), but most of it hugs one of three not-so-romantically named lakes (Home, Whiskey Jack and the lowly Angleworm). It's plenty rugged, with dips through stands of red and white pines and climbs to scenic overlooks. And its nine campsites mean you can usually get a good one, especially if you go in spring or fall.

CONNIE NELSON

Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek: Duluth
Most of those great mansions of Duluth's East End were still single-family homes when I was a kid. But what modern family needs a house with six bedrooms? Over time, many were converted to apartments, and a few of the more gorgeous ones became bed-and-breakfast inns.

The Firelight Inn on Oregon Creek is spectacular. It did not always carry such a winsome name; I remember it merely as the Barnum House, the historic home of grain entrepreneur George G. Barnum. He built the house in 1910 -- a spacious brick structure with beamed ceilings, a wraparound glassed-in porch, and eight fireplaces. It sits at the end of a quiet, leafy block that dead-ends at a creek. This year marks the house's 100th anniversary, and the inn owners plan monthly events and specials.

Their breakfasts are lavish and delivered to your room, they have a massage therapist and Jacuzzis, they even make their own flower-petal soap. But the big draw? That porch. That quiet. Those trees. And that creek.

LAURIE HERTZEL

Canoe Bay Resort is that ideal romantic spot where wilderness meets luxury. The resort has only 23 units on its 280 woodsy acres, so you feel secluded as you gaze out on the lake from a nicely situated bench among the oaks. The well-spaced stone-and-wood cottages and rooms add to the air of privacy. Tables for two dot the hushed dining room, where pork loin comes with an apricot glaze and baby roasted beets brighten greens.

The resort is one of a few Relais & Chateaux properties in the United States and the only one in the Midwest; the designation is given to hotels and restaurants appreciated for their charm, prestige and high culinary standards.

Here's a real charmer: Cell phone reception is spotty -- and what a boon that is to modern-day romance.

KERRI WESTENBERG

St. James Hotel: Red Wing, Minn.
With its antiques, Amish quilts and other stylish appointments, the St. James Hotel oozes Old World charm. But in the warmer months, especially along the equally enticing Main Street out front, something is missing: peace and quiet.

To up the throwback-osity factor, consider heading down there via rail. Amtrak's daily route leaves St. Paul at 7:50 a.m., and the return ride departs Red Wing at 8:52 p.m. In the interim, a little time in the lap of luxury never hurt anyone.