Welcome to the first in a series of posts where we will explore some “sexy” places to visit and things to see and do. We’re focusing on the cities and suburban areas where our stores…and a lot of our fun-loving customers…reside. We’re starting with Cleveland, Ohio; the home of Ambiance stores, which are all well on their way to becoming the equally well-known and much loved Lover’s Lane stores!
Now, let us first define our terms. Being in a sexy place does not necessarily mean you are there to have sex. If the conditions are right, you are alone and safe, it feels right, well, then all bets are off. However, most of our choices are more romantic locations/destinations to get you in the proper mindset to find a more quiet, comfortable, and private place where you can enjoy the rewards of romance, shall we say?
After the nightmare that the COVID-19 pandemic has been, you and your beloved have certainly earned a great, romantic getaway. That’s why it’s worth identifying a couple places you enjoy sharing with your spouse or lover. Of course, part of the romance can be discovering new ones! We are here to make the mad love mystique as easy to locate for you as possible! So without further ado, here are some especially charming destinations or things to do that we’ve encountered ourselves or heard tell from others are definitely hot spots on their romance radar!
1) The Lakehouse Inn Resort:
You can’t get any closer to the Southern Shore of Lake Erie. Lovers can get up early to take in the sunrise with the waterfront waves lapping at your feet. During the day, you can stroll hand-in-hand through meticulously landscaped gardens or saunter over to The Spa at this Geneva-on-the-Lake resort that offers a full range of spa treatments and packages that leave you feeling relaxed and renewed. Then, after dinner at the delicious Crosswinds Grille, savor the stunning sunset before retiring for the evening.
2) Lakewood Park:
Sitting on the Solstice Steps at sunset presents a classic chance for romance. Spectacular sunsets over Lake Erie are quite common year-round. Or maybe you prefer sunrise over one of the Great Lakes. The choice is yours, depending on what time of day is most soothing and pleasing or gets you in the mood for magic. The curving sets of steps provide plenty of space and a variety of perspectives to reflect on the waves lapping below and the sailboats sailing along the shore.
3) Hinckley Reservation of the Cleveland MetroParks:
If you and your partner enjoy the great outdoors, you can’t go wrong at any of the remarkable Cleveland MetroParks that ring the city and are affectionately referred to as the Emerald Necklace. Hinckley has many attractions, including some sizable ledge rock formations in two separate areas: Worden’s Ledges, which feature some fascinating stone carvings from the 1940s, and the massive Whipp’s Ledges, the only park area in Northeast Ohio that allows rock climbing. The highlight, though, is Hinckley Lake, where the Boathouse rents single kayaks, tandem kayaks, pontoons and stand up paddleboards from Memorial Day to October (weather permitting).
4) Stan Hewett Hall & Gardens:
The famed Akron estate features a historic 65-room Tudor Revival Manor House, Gothic Revival Conservatory, Gate Lodge and approximately 70 acres of artistically landscaped grounds and formal gardens. Stan Hewett hosts a variety of seasonal and holiday events year-round and is equally beautiful at any time of year. Strolling through the fresh air and beautiful scenery of the gardens will refresh and rejuvenate you…in many ways!
5) Pick any Bed and Breakfast:
Seriously. Spend a little time surfing the B&B websites or ask a few traveler pals. In addition to possibly meeting fairly eccentric owners or fellow trekkers, you’ll find yourself savoring the ample pleasures of antique-appointed century homes or quaint luxury residences and tucking into a fabulous home-cooked meal after a long night of comfort and intimacy most likely in a four-poster bed overflowing with plush pillows! Three recommendations for places where you will enjoy historic elegance are Glidden House, The Inn at Honey Run, and Stone Gables Inn. There’s nothing like a unique change of scenery to rekindle the flames of passion!
6) Classical Music by Candlelight and Starlight:
A quick Google search will lead you to a long list of Open Air Concerts at a variety of lovely, endearing places throughout the spring, summer and fall. Whether it’s a Back to Beatles concert at The Cleveland History Center or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at The Great Lakes Science Center, the city offers numerous opportunities to treat your ears and your lover to a mellifluous experience under the stars.
7) The Murch Canopy Walk at the Holden Gardens:
Bounce through the forest along the elevated walkway and enjoy a birds-eye view of the lush natural setting surrounding you. The 500-foot path rises 65 feet above the forest floor, giving you and your companion thrilling, close-up views of the leaves and wildlife. Of course, Holden Arboretum tempts with its 3,600 acres of trails, gardens, and serenity.
8) Saturday Afternoon Strolling Historic Chagrin Falls:
Whether you walk along the leafy, shaded paths of the picturesque town, patronize the unique boutiques along Main Street, dine in one of many appetizing eateries, or linger lovingly by the waterfall that rushes through downtown, you are guaranteed to experience a quintessentially American amorous afternoon that will smoothly transition into a romantic evening.
9) Cleveland Museum of Natural History:
Peer into the past and feel safe that the dinosaur skeletons are only that, or use the telescopes and The Planetarium to peer at the wonder and romance of the stars. Then peer into your companion’s eyes. You’ll enjoy the magical, mystical connection.
10) Just Stay at Home:
According to Psychology Today, familiarity breeds enjoyment. “Familiar things–food, music, activities, surroundings, etc.–make us feel comfortable,” says Raj Raghunathan Ph.D. in a January 2012 article. “From an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense that familiarity breeds liking.” So get familiar. Breeding is optional. 😉
Eat your heart out, Cleveland couples, and have fun exploring places to help you rekindle the romance! Before any of these adventures, though, or as part of them, don’t forget to stop into your nearest Ambiance store to stock up on the latest looks in luscious lingerie, and all the bedroom essentials and adult novelties you could need to keep the fun lasting long into the night.
We know there are many more romantic spots on the North Coast that you have “explored.” We would love to hear from you, if you have any compelling locations that got your thoughts of tender romance going and your love juices flowing! A lot of customers ask us, so we like to keep our “sexiest places” files current!