We'd like to welcome guest blogger Brian Borgia for his first monthly column on romance in Monterey County! Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. You want -- need -- to do something special for the one you love. You could go out and buy some flowers from the guy on the corner. Or grab a box of chocolates on your way out of the grocery store. Perhaps bringing home a $1 movie rental and a bag of microwave popcorn will be the right move? Maybe not. The Monterey Peninsula is a great place to visit over the Valentine’s Day weekend. Although the “day” is on a Monday, don’t you deserve two three-day weekends this month? Just think about sleeping in on a Monday morning and celebrating a day of love with your significant other in one of the most beautiful places in the country. Now, what can you do that is fun, exciting and romantic while you’re here in town? Prelude, by Vicki and Chuck Rogers Some of my favorite Monterey County activities include:

• Valentine’s Passport: What a rough day. Taste some great wines, visit scenic wineries in the rustic beauty that is the River Road Wine Trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch while gazing out at the vineyards. Fall in love all over again - with wine.
• Outdoor Adventures: There is something about the combination of fresh air, scenic vistas and exercise that bond a couple together. Rent a tandem kayak or bike through Adventures by the Sea, take a private hiking tour to a Big Sur waterfall with Big Sur Hiking Guides, or take a sunset ride to the beach on horseback through the Monterey Bay Equestrian Center.
• Rest and Romance. You found the perfect hotel, inn or B&B but you really want to make this getaway special. My company Romantic Room Designs can decorate your hotel room with rose petals, candles, flowers and romantic gifts for an ultra-romantic experience.
• Waves of Romance. Take a cruise on the Monterey Bay with Monterey Bay Sailing or for a really unique experience, spend an overnight on one of their vessels as it’s docked on the bay.
• Ahhh the Spa: What better way to relax than with a couples massage at any of the Peninsula’s fine day spa’s including the oceanfront Vista Blue Spa with outdoor hot tubs and fireplace. There’s no reason to rush home (remember your 3-day weekend?)
• Dinner for two: There is no shortage of romantic, intimate restaurants with award-winning cuisine including Marinus, Aubergine, and Anton & Michel. Dinner is not just going out to eat -- it’s an event! Follow up dinner with a little live music and dancing at Cibo Ristorante or stretch your own vocal cords at the Mission Ranch Restaurant.

Don’t forget about Valentine’s Day this year. Who wants to go to work on a Monday anyway? Surprise that special person in your life with a trip to the Monterey Peninsula. If you haven't booked your visit yet, there are some great romantic deals being offered through www.seemonterey.com. So save some money while having some fun and enhancing your relationship. About Brian Borgia Brian Borgia has been the “king of romance” since college, when he constructed a fake beach on the balcony of his apartment to impress a date. Brian and his wife Heidi founded Romantic Room Designs in 2006, and now create romantic settings and experiences for couples visiting the area. Learn more about their business and book your own romantic experience at romanticroomdesigns.com.