Looking for a romantic getaway? USA Today says you ought to consider St. Paul.
The capital city, called "the smaller, quieter and, many say, the more sophisticated of the Twin Cities" by USA Today's 10Best online travel site (www.10best.com), is one of 20 cities being considered for "Best Romantic North American Getaway" by online voters.
And so far, it's winning.
As of Tuesday night, St. Paul was running ahead of Santa Fe, N.M.; Naples, Fla.; Savannah, Ga., and Victoria, British Columbia, in the online competition.
Adam Johnson, vice president of marketing and communication for Visit St. Paul, said the convention bureau received an e-mail last week from 10Best saying an "expert panel" had selected St. Paul as a contender. "The irony to it is this isn't a romantic getaway this week; it's more year-round," he said. "Negative 15 [degrees] doesn't scream romance."
According to 10Best, while St. Paul is not "an obvious choice as a romantic getaway, couples love it for its diverse romantic offerings, like leisurely paddle-wheeler rides along the Mississippi, beer tastings, or ice skating." It added that "St. Paul also has a thriving performing arts scene."
Visit St. Paul quoted general manager David Miller of the St. Paul Hotel as affirming the city as "very romantic. … From the outdoor ice rink to strolling through the parks full of thousands of lights, how can you not find romance around every corner?"
Other cities nominated for the honor include Charleston, S.C.; Honolulu; New Orleans; New York; San Francisco, and Sedona, Ariz.
