I have a confession to make. I am a hopeless romantic. There are very few things that I love more than a good love story, especially the ones that can make me cry. Love stories don’t have to end with “and they lived happily ever after.” I guess that’s why I find the story of Boldt Castle so fascinating. And, since tomorrow is Valentine’s Day, I want to share it with you.

George C. Boldt, a young immigrant from Prussia, immigrated to America at the age of thirteen. His first job was as a busboy in a busy hotel restaurant. After a failed attempt at ranching out west, he moved back to the East coast and returned to the hotel business. He met and fell in love Louise Kehrer while working as a steward at her father’s Clover Club in Philadelphia in 1876. George was twenty-six, and Louise was just fifteen. Their son, George Jr., was born in 1879, and their daughter, Louise Clover, in 1885.

Soon, George was the manager of the Waldorf Astoria, and the owner of a couple of smaller hotels. His booming success allowed him to purchase Hart Island, part of the Thousand Islands of northern New York. The Boldts had a beautiful summerhouse built there, and reshaped the island into a heart shape, changing the spelling of the name to Heart Island. The family spent several happy summers there.

In 1900, George ordered the construction of a castle where the family’s summer home was located. It was to be a Valentine’s Day surprise for his wife, as a testament of his love for her. In January of 1904, with the castle almost complete, tragedy struck. Louise Boldt died. It was both sudden and very unexpected. In his grief, George halted the construction of the castle. He would never set foot on Heart Island again.

For years, the castle sat neglected, left to the whim of vandals and northern NY weather. Finally, in 1977, the property was bought by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority. $15 million dollars, and several years later, the castle was reopened as a tourist attraction. Renovations are still ongoing, though, and probably will be for a long time.

Whenever I visit Heart Island, I can’t help but be swept away by the sheer scale of this place. Sure, the Boldt family was incredibly well off, allowing them to afford a castle this size, but the kind of love shared between George and Louise was obviously something very special and rare. And the castle has become just what George dreamed of- a lasting testament of the love he felt for his wife.

Want to visit this beautiful castle for yourself? I highly recommend it. They are open May-October, but the best time to visit is in the mid-to-late spring. This is when all the flowers are in bloom, and it’s not as crowded as it will be during the summer months. The island is accessible by boat, and there are several ferries, from both Canada and New York, that go to the island numerous times a day. For more information, check out the Boldt Castle website.

Where is the most romantic place that you’ve ever visited?

1. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

Embrace nature and each other from the cliffs of Big Sur at this romantic getaway. With a rustic, comfortable level of luxury, you can enjoy the dramatic ocean views or the Ventana mountains. You can fully embrace both nature and luxury while being one with the environment. The Post Ranch Inn has won numerous awards including ones for Green Lodging.

2. Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, California

This romantic getaway spot is in one of the world’s greatest wine regions and what is more romantic than wine? How about being on a hillside amongst an olive grove? With private terraces overlooking the valley, rooms have stone fireplaces and hot tubs. The onsite restaurant can provide the perfect romantic dinner.

3. Wheatleigh Hotel, Lenox, Massachusetts

Dating back to 1893, this hotel is situated on 22 acres in the Massachusetts countryside. Each room is like it’s own museum with antiques and unique furnishings. It has been restored from once being a private Italian inspired villa. For the ultimate experience, we recommend the Treehouse Suite with it’s spiral staircase and views.

4. The Setai, Miami Beach, Florida

Can you have romance on South Beach? Passion and sexy attitudes abound all over Miami Beach but you can retreat to your own paradise at The Setai. Your in room spa tub and champagne can set the mood in this Art Deco landmark. Private day beds let you enjoy the beach or three different pools each set at a different temperature. Surely, one of them will be perfect for you and your partner.

5. Four Seasons Resort Lanai at The Lodge at Koele, Lana’i City, Hawaii

Hawaii has romance all over the islands and Four Seasons Resorts are at such a level that they all are romantic in different ways. But combine these two with your own quiet piece of paradise and you have The Lodge at Koele. Peace and tranquility are in excess here, from your suite to the surrounding highlands.

6. Amangani, Jackson, Wyoming

Eastern Zen meets the western mountains in the form of the snow-capped Teton range. If you brave the cold outside, it gives you all the more reason to come back inside to your warm and cozy room with a fireplace and amazing views.

7. Salish Lodge and Spa, Snoqualmie, Washington

Just thirty minutes from Seattle, you can escape the city and surround yourself in nature at this romantic mountain retreat. You can hike trails and listen to the silence of the trees or the roar of whitewater going over granite cliffs and down 300 feet into a canyon at the Snoqualmie Falls. Whether it’s your wedding night or you’re just getting away from the city, you’ll enjoy the fireplaces and oversized whirlpool tubs in every room. The staff is happy to do some extra romantic touches upon request.

One of the biggest reasons why couples choose to marry away is cost. With the average wedding costing $20,000, destination weddings seem like the way to go for price-conscious couples. Think about it: you’re already at your honeymoon spot!

Destination weddings make for great weddding photos! Photo by whoALSE

So, what is the perfect location for your destination wedding? Well, this is where your imagination kicks in. Traditionally, destination weddings took place on beaches, but recent trends show couples going to ski resorts, or on safari to tie the knot. Here are some tips you may want to consider when choosing your destination: Where do you really want to go on honeymoon?

Some people are not fascinated by the beach. I know–it’s weird. Some people may already live by the beach, and want a totally different change of scenery. If that’s you, consider going to the mountains, or the Grand Canyon, or even Italy. You are in complete control of your location. If you want, you can even get married at Disney World (they do have a marriage package)!

Where can your family afford? This one is tricky. You want to celebrate your marriage, but you also want to choose a place where your loved ones can come to be with you. The best way to do this is decide how important it is that your loved ones attend, and if you’re willing to pay for their trip if they cannot.

Depending on your location, and the time of year, you can get fantastic airline deals to the destination of your choice. Even if you decide to buy the tickets for a select few loved ones, you may still be way below the $20,000 it takes for the traditional wedding. Don’t get yourself in a bind, though. Make sure you can afford it before committing to pay.

Rent a house for the entire wedding party If you’re paying for your loved ones to come, instead of getting expensive hotel rooms, think about renting a house or bungalow. This option may cut down on privacy with your new spouse, but it will add to the atmosphere of a family vacation. Besides, you have the rest of your life to be alone with each other.

Think about traveling off-season. Instead of going with the crowd, when prices are soaring, think about going to a destination out of season. For example, go to Aspen in the spring or the beach in the fall. This is a great trick to getting personalized service from the now-quiet hotels and restaurants in your location, and getting the most bang for your buck.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a bed and breakfast that does not take pride in itself, and its ability to provide a comfortable and peaceful getaway. I’ve found that most bed and breakfasts offer an enjoyable visit, but these are the specific ones I’d stay in with my significant other.

1. Ballastone Inn, Savannah, GA

This award-winning B&B, in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, is all you would want in a romantic destination– old southern charm and modern conveniences such as 24 hour service. A mansion built in 1838; Ballastone consists of 4 stories and 16 bedrooms. Rates start from $199. Be sure to check out Paula Deen’s restaurant, The Lady and Sons, while in town.

2. Swann House, Washington, DC.

The rooms in this B&B are absolutely magnificent, ranging in theme from African safari to Asian fusion. The Swann House is consistently voted best B&B in Washington, DC. You can partake of amenities like massages, or champagne and strawberries. Rates start from $175. (http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/dd274/pearlofafrika/3-3.jpg)

3. Village Inn & Pub, St. Simons Island, GA

Georgia has a lot of great B&Bs, and this one cannot be overlooked. This 1930s B&B features 28 rooms with tranquil patio views. Of special interest is the private three-story beach-front home with views of dolphins at play. This home can be rented by contacting Village Inn directly. Rates start from $150.

4. Pomegranate House and Cottages, Granbury, TX

Considered on of the top 12 B&Bs in the world, the idyllic Pomegranate House is sure to remind you of simpler times. This house is shaded by a 300 year old oak tree that is also the focal point of the outdoor courtyard. Speaking of outdoors, sit out on the country veranda to enjoy breakfast in the morning, or cuddle together on the outdoor swing hanging off the oak tree. Rates start from $95.

5. Queen Anne Bed and Breakfast, Natchitoches, LA

If you’re a history buff, you might like to know that Natchitoches is the oldest city in Louisiana, and a wonderful place to explore on a weekend excursion with your honey. The Queen Anne is also an award-winning B&B that combines luxury amenities like bedside chocolate candies, Jacuzzi tubs for two, and high thread count sheets with down-home Louisianan comfort, like ceiling fans and tea. Rates start from $145.