My sweetheart and I yearned for a getaway, a respite from the last vestiges of winter. Besides, Valentine's Day was fast approaching, and an early-spring romantic rendezvous appealed to us both.

But where to go? What was the perfect destination? Well, we didn't find one ideal spot--we found three. You don't have to be as greedy as we were. Just pick one, and your sweetheart will love you for it. Cupid's honor.

The Governor's House Inn
Charleston, South Carolina, with its devotion to charm and grace, offered us a perfect destination for a Valentine celebration. And my sweetie and I discovered a flawless urban hideaway at The Governor's House Inn.

Located in the historic district within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and The Battery, the 1760s bed-and-breakfast on Broad Street provided the wished-for refuge. Our elegantly furnished room featured a private veranda easily accessible through triple-hung windows. "What a view," I said. "What's for dinner?" he asked.

We ambled on down to East Bay Street to High Cotton, where we dined on blue cheese grits, buttermilk fried oysters, and rabbit and quail while we drank in the rich contralto of a jazz singer who gave Billie Holiday a run for her money with "Sentimental Journey." The Charleston Praline Soufflé proved an incredible ending to a memorable meal.

Our room's fireplace took the February chill from the night air, and we slept like royalty in the four-poster canopy bed. Morning brought South Carolina sunshine and apricot muffins and energy to explore. Hand in hand, we took in the antiques shops and art galleries on King Street, The Market, and the funky shops on East Bay.

Emboldened by the level streets, we discovered we really hadn't forgotten how to ride bicycles. Then we returned to the sanctuary of our room, bearing souvenirs of our visit--Charleston peanuts, a framed print, a sweetgrass basket, and more warm memories of our Valentine's venture.