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Our favorite romantic movies and novels have the ability to whisk us away to these magical lands where two people just can’t bear to be without one another. You ask yourself "where in the world are these love-provoking locations and how do I get there?" Then you realize these places aren’t so far away and mysterious after all—Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan made sparks fly in New York City and Scarlett O’Hara was fighting for her happy ending near Atlanta. Turns out these fabled affairs occur in places you are well aware of and might have visited before. And even though these stories are fictional, the romance that can be found in these cities is very real.
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Verona, Italy: Romeo and Juliet
One of the most famous love stories of all time is still very much celebrated in Verona. Although Romeo and Juliet’s apologue ended tragically, their devotion to one another and unwavering connection is something any hopeless romantic could ever wish for. And while this tale may have been first told centuries ago, couples are finding plenty of places to get affectionate around the city today.
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Real Life Romance in Verona
Juliet’s balcony: Every year, hundreds of thousands of people flock to Juliet’s balcony at the house where the Cappello family used to reside. In the courtyard, you can take pictures with Juliet’s bronze statue, leave her aspirational letters, and just maybe some of the young lover’s passion will rub off on you and your other half.
Photo Courtesy of Arena di Verona
Real Life Romance in Verona
Opera at Roman Arena: Taking in a performance at this 2,000-year-old arena is a memorable experience, whether you like opera or not. Built in AD 30, it once held 30,000 spectators for its ancient games and shows. Now, it welcomes 15,000 people (for safety purposes) for moving operatic works and even concerts, with entertainers like Pink Flloyd, The Who, Paul McCartney, Whitney Houston, and Pearl Jam gracing the stage in more recent years.
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Atlanta, Georgia: Gone With the Wind
Margaret Mitchell’s book and 10-time Academy Award-winning film Gone With The Wind takes place in and around 19th century Atlanta and showcases the opulence and romanticism of the Civil War period—grandeous mansions, extravagant gowns and lavish parties. Today, most people know Atlanta as the home of the Braves, Coca-Cola and maybe even some real housewives, but the city does still offer some enchantment to couples.
Photo Courtesy of Atlanta Botanical Gardens
Real Life Romance in Atlanta
Atlanta Botanical Gardens: 30 acres of colorful flora and fauna never hurt to set the mood; especially from 40 feet in the air on the Canopy Walk, which extends 600 feet across the gardens. There’s also art, concerts and classes to enjoy together as love blooms among the thousands of fragrant flowers.
Photo Courtesy of Canoe Restaurant
Real Life Romance in Atlanta
Canoe Restaurant: Nestled along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, a candlelit table for two comes with views of the beautifully manicured grounds and peacefully flowing water. After dinner in the cleverly canoe-shaped restaurant, stroll through the pathways or have a nightcap at the River Bar under the stars.
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Seabrook Island/Charleston, South Carolina:The Notebook
I’m pretty sure every woman wanted to be Rachel McAdams’ character Allie, the recipient of undying love from Ryan Gosling’s Noah, in the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook. The stunning simplicity and natural beauty of the movie’s 1940s setting (in both Seabrook Island and Charleston) remains today—albeit its modern comforts—offering a gorgeous backdrop in which to fall in love; even if it’s not with Ryan.
Photo Courtesy of Discover Seabrook
Real Life Romance in Charleston/Seabrook Island
Seabrook Island Equestrian: This full service Equestrian Center is one of the few locations on the east coast to allow rides on the beach. Ocean waves crashing; a sun setting into the orange sky; exchanging adoring glances on horseback—not a bad way to spend some time with the one you cherish.
Photo Courtesy of Palmetto Carriage Works
Real Life Romance in Charleston/Seabrook Island
Charleston Private Tour Carriage Rides: For an intimate way to see this Southern city, hop in a carriage for a private tour, like those offered by Palmetto Carriage Works. A personal guide will take you two on an hour-long day or evening excursion to see the downtown district, mansions, churches, gardens and architecture of this historic town.
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New York City: Sleepless in Seattle
While the title would suggest a love connection elsewhere, NYC is where the magic happens in this popular rom-com. The Big Apple has played host to countless movies, due to its twinkling lights, larger-than-life personality and various neighborhoods offering charming and mysterious possibilities for people to find the one. If you’ve seen Sleepless in Seattle, or An Affair to Remember, for that matter, then you know where one of the most romantic spots is in the city...
Photo Courtesy of Empire State Building Company
Real Life Romance in NYC
Top of the Empire State Building: At almost a quarter mile up in the sky is the 102nd floor observatory where 360-degree views as far as 80 miles out (on a clear day) are waiting to impress. The climate-controlled indoor area is great for colder days, or head down to the 86th floor outdoor terrace for panoramas during warmer weather. Either way I’m sure the breeze from that high up will give couples an excuse to cuddle up closer.
Photo Courtesy of Loeb Boathouse
Real Life Romance in NYC
Loeb Boathouse Central Park: The Park offers lovers refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city, with cozy places to relax and take in nature. From April through November, 100 row boats are available for rent until nightfall to take out onto the lake with your loved one. If you’d rather leave the work up to someone else, allow Andres Garcia to take you out in a traditional Venetian gondola tour so all you have to worry about is enjoying each other’s company.
Photo Courtesy of Visit London
London, England: Pride and Prejudice
Just like New York, London has also set the stage for many a movie and novel courtship, including Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This might be one of the most revered love stories in English literature, and though 200 years old, still finds readers today intrigued and captivated by the themes of love, money, class and self-actualization. With so much history and diverse scenery, London contains lots of perfect places for pairs to profess their passion for one another.
Photo Courtesy of The Royal Parks
Real Life Romance in London
Richmond Park: Escape your hectic lives in the city for some wild animals, exotic plants and quiet time together. Walk hand-in-hand through Isabella Plantation where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant flowers, lush trees and several species of birds. If that’s not adventurous enough, be on the look-out for any of the 630 deer that roam the premises. Because they are wild, you are advised against touching, feeding or getting within 165 feet of them, so it’s quite the thrilling and memorable moment to be among them.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Duncan Harris
Real Life Romance in London
Parliament Hill: Pack a picnic and head up 322 feet above the city for views of the beautiful skyline, with Canary Wharf and St Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. The highest point of is called “Kite Hill,” as many visitors can be seen flying kites on the grassy knoll; but if that’s not your thing, simply sit back and share the scenery with your beloved.
