Got Valentine's Plans?

But if a car isn't in the cards, what's best for Valentine's Day? We asked CarShop locations around the country for romantic suggestions within a short drive of their stores.

Chester Springs, PA
If you're the romantic outdoor type, how about ice skating? Philadelphia actually has several outdoor rinks — including a cute rink on Dilworth Plaza in the shadow of the city's spectacular City Hall — but the Blue Cross RiverRink on Columbus Boulevard is our favorite: it's a little more spacious and easier to drive to, plus it has cozy outdoor fire pits, little private cabins, and an open—air lodge with spiked hot beverages. If you want to make a Philly weekend out of it, look into the Visit Philly Overnight Hotel Package, which includes discounts to museums and attractions and free hotel parking.

101 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
Blue Cross RiverRink

Cranberry, PA
Usually, to get a great city skyline view, you take a boring elevator in a tall building. In Pittsburgh, you go up the side of Mt. Washington on either the Duquesne or Monongahela Inclines — and the journey is half the fun. The inclines are charmingly historic, climbing the mountain at a leisurely 6 mph on railroad tracks that go about 30 degrees straight up. We'd suggest parking near the bottom — the covered parking garage at Station Square is an easy walk for the Mon incline — then strolling Grandview Avenue (which connects the two inclines — they're less than a mile apart) when you get to the top. If you're looking for a romantic bite or a cocktail, try Altius, LeMont, or Vue 412, all on Grandview — but book ahead! Station Square also has an equally romantic restaurant, The Grand Concourse, converted from an old railroad station. Ask if you can be seated in the River Room. 

Station Square, Pittsburgh
Monongahela Incline 
Good Food Pittsburgh

South Brunswick, NJ
A soak in a hot tub in a garden might not sound like a winter thing to do, but Alchemy Mind & Body in Princeton begs to differ. Their Private Saltwater Hot Tubs are located in the spa garden, and a one—hour Garden Pass for two includes access to the communal dry/steam sauna as well. You come early to shower, get into your bathing suits, and after that, it's pure relaxation. If you want to add a massage or facial, they'll be happy to oblige afterwards. And after that, the romantic restaurants and inns of Princeton are just minutes away. 

4451 State Highway 27
Princeton, NJ
Alchemy Mind & Body

Scottsdale, AZ
What could be nicer than the warmth of Scottsdale, AZ at this time of year. How about a hot—air balloon ride? Rainbow Ryders in Phoenix offers a private sunrise balloon ride — just the two of you and the pilot — over the Sonoran Desert, an experience so romantic it has been voted one of the top places to propose in the world. Flight time is 45 minutes to an hour, though the total time for the adventure is 3—3.5 hours. 

715 East Covey Lane
Phoenix, AZ
Rainbow Ryders

Hatfield, PA
Want a great place to visit with your personal king or queen? Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA is just as unexpected and fun as they are: a storybook stone mansion modeled after a 13th century castle, with Gothic doorways and 44 rooms, each in a different shape. And because it was built without any blueprints, you'll find surprises like sudden stairways and dead ends. If you like quirky places, you'll be crazy in love. 

525 E. Court Street
Doylestown, PA
Fonthill Castle