USA TODAY International Edition
10BEST: Valentine’s Day trips for one
If you’re single, you might not have thought about taking a trip for Valentine’s Day. But cupid’s holiday is the perfect time for a solo travel adventure, says Patricia Schultz, author of the newly revised 1,000 Places to See in the United States and Cana
WICKANINNISH INN TOFINO, CANADA It might seem odd, but the blustery winter months happen to be a great time to visit this Vancouver Island lodge on the Pacific coast. It’s storm- watching season when guests can sit in cozy rooms by big fireplaces and gaze out as waves and gale- force winds batter the shore. “This place is gorgeous. It’s just one of my favorite inns anywhere,” Schultz says. “It’s a quintessential Pacific Northwest experience from beginning to end.” wickinn. com
ASHEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA Schultz first visited this Appalachian Mountain city to see George Vanderbilt’s home, the Biltmore, the nation’s largest residence, built with 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. “There are two- hour private tours that are crash courses in Biltmore and Vanderbilt lore.” Yet she also loves Asheville itself, “It’s a fun hippie- hipster- artist city,” she says. “Every time I leave Asheville, I think ‘ I could live here.’ ” exploreasheville. com
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK WYOMING AND MONTANA Winter is an ideal time to visit the nation’s first national park, which offers magical views of canyons, geysers and bison in a snowcovered landscape. “You have an incredible sensation of being alone in the park. It’s truly a winter wonderland,” Schultz says. “I get goosebumps just describing it.” Nps. gov/ yell
TEXAS HILL COUNTRY Sip wine till your heart’s content in Texas’ scenic Hill Country, where dozens of wineries will be uncorking bottles during this month’s Wine Lovers Celebration. Or take a hike through the Wild West landscape. Base your trip in Fredericksburg, where Main Street is lined with inviting shops, galleries and eateries. “There are as many small inns and B& Bs as there are good restaurants,” Schultz says. texaswinetrail. com
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY CALIFORNIA Schultz says a road trip can make a great solo travel experience. “You let your mind take over, and there’s a lot of bonding with yourself.” This famed coastal route is perfect for winter since there’s no snow and ice. Favorite stops include Big Sur, Hearst Castle and nearby wine regions. “I call it America’s dream drive.” visitbigsurcalifornia.com
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON For museum lovers, there’s no better destination than Washington, where the Smithsonian’s many galleries and exhibits all are free and open daily. “You have a panoply of possibilities. I don’t know if there’s any other city in the world that offers as much variety and diversity.” Schultz, a former D. C. resident, was particularly impressed by a recent visit to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. “It’s magnificent. A feather in the Smithsonian’s hat.” si. edu
SHAKER VILLAGE OF PLEASANT HILL HARRODSBURG, KY. This restored 19th- century utopian community offers a tranquil escape in Kentucky’s bluegrass country. Visitors can stay in buildings filled with reproduction Shaker furniture. “I love the combination of history and natural beauty,” says Schultz. “This is an immersion.” shakervillageky. org
NORTHERN LIGHTS CHURCHILL, CANADA Schultz suggests joining a group trip to experience the mysterious Northern Lights in this scruffy subarctic settlement on the edge of Hudson Bay. While best known for the fall polar bear migration, it also is a superb place to see the aurora borealis. She traveled with Natural Habitat Adventures, which uses climate- controlled pods with theater- style seats for comfortable viewing. everythingchurchill. com/
MISSISSIPPI RIVER PLANTATIONS LOUISIANA While Schultz loves New Orleans, she suggests heading out of town on a plantation pilgrimage. “Most are an easy drive away and many are on the National Register of Historic Places. It really is an eye( and head-) opening experience,” she says. Favorites include Houmas, Oak Alley, and Whitney, which offers a stark recounting of slavery. “It is my most vibrant memory of a recent visit to New Orleans.” whitneyplantation. com
MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE NEW PALTZ, N. Y. Just two hours from New York, this rambling historic Hudson River Valley getaway is the perfect place to escape the city. “It’s kind of like an oasis. There are miles of pathways, walkways and marked hiking trails. You can really feel alone with nature within minutes from a very comfortable room, restaurant and spa,” Schultz says. mohonk. com