Welcome back to the STAYCATION SERIES – a blog series that gives you tips and ideas to plan a winter getaway that won’t break the bank but will get you away from home to refresh and recharge. In our previous piece, we shared how to have an amazing family staycation.
This week, with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, see our tips for a couple’s getaway. Feel free to use it as a guide to make your Valentine the happiest they’ve ever been.
We promise we’ll say they were all your ideas. 😁
Ok, leave the kids at grandma’s house and let’s do this!
What to Pack
When packing for a couple’s getaway the sky is the limit. Decide what kind of time you want to have and plan accordingly. Things that will always be a hit: some chilled wine, chocolates, flowers, snacks and perhaps a few candles to set the mood. If it’s a Valentine getaway, a few gag gifts for giggles will also keep things playful and fun.
Your love will very much appreciate one thing in particular, the thoughtfulness of planning an itinerary of things to do on your time away.
Which brings us to…
What to Do
Here is where you get to shine!
You know your partner best. If relaxing in the hot tub at the hotel, watching movies and sleeping in are their speed, then you are all set at this point, but it can’t hurt to have a short list of options.
In Red Deer, get bundled up and go for a hand-in-hand skate, visit the Gasoline Alley Farmers’ Market, or take in one of the many events happening during your visit.
Staying at one of our Hinton hotels? They are the perfect jumping off point for a short trek to Jasper.
In Jasper, do a little skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin, drop in to the Jasper Planetarium to learn about the night sky, and meander down the main drag to do some shopping.
Prefer to stick around Hinton or have time for both? Hinton has an abundance of delightful activities for your itinerary, as well. Check out the Hinton Nordic Centre for skiing and skating or see a film or live music at the Performing Arts Theatre Hinton.
Where to Eat
A couple’s getaway would not be complete without great food (what kind of getaway would???) and there is a ton to choose from.
In Red Deer, we have a few places for you to consider. For a dining experience that delivers on both exceptional food and live music events, Bo’s Bar and Stage is our pick. Boulevard Restaurant + Lounge in our very own Holiday Inn and Suites Red Deer South is serving up an eclectic menu of fine Albertan staples as well as Asian-inspired dishes.
Finally, keep it casual with diner-fare at Burger Boy where you’ll also drink in the nostalgia of the “classic” diner.
We make it extra easy in Jasper, having featured dining options in two previous blogs – you’re welcome! Our selections for lunch and dinner in Jasper are right here. Breakfast spots are listed right here. As for Hinton, not far from the town-proper is the spectacular Folding Mountain Brewery where craft beer and an escalated casual menu enjoyed overlooking the mountains simply can’t be beat.
Remember, if you’re staying at any of our Holiday Inn Express locations or our Staybridge, get ready for an impressive breakfast, included each day of your stay!
Your couples getaway is exactly that, YOURS! To make it truly customized, go straight to the source for experiences that you’ll like best by clicking below:
Oh, and one piece of advice, no matter what you do… nothing says “I love you” like making an effort! Enjoy!
Are you in or around Red Deer, Hinton, Jasper or Edson? Perfect!
Book your STAYCATION at one of our hotels right here.
Next up in two weeks, tips for a STAYCATION with the girls!
