Leisure

Get Out of Dodge

This Is Where You Spend Valentine’s Day

Some give chocolate and roses on February 14 and call it a day. Others rent a lighthouse on the Cape or a castle in Connecticut. Free advice: be in the “others” camp this Valentine’s Day. These fine destinations should help.

THE INN

Fireplaces, Jacuzzis and... Gerald Ford

Who You’re Impressing: Someone with a weakness for the word “Inn.”
How You’re Impressing: With a room at this century-old lodging on Stowe’s Main Street. Good fact: several suites have fireside jacuzzis. Better fact: Gerald Ford once stayed here on assignment during his modeling career. Best fact: Gerald Ford had a modeling career.

THE BOAT

Looks Like You’re Sleeping on a Yacht

Who You’re Impressing: The nautically inclined.
How You’re Impressing: By commandeering this 1966, fireplace-equipped Pearson yacht docked in Stamford Harbor. Purely for sleeping purposes, of course. It’s like sleeping in a waterbed, only you’re on a yacht and not in a waterbed.

THE LIGHTHOUSE

A Reason to Hit the Cape in February

Who You’re Impressing: The ocean lover.
How You’re Impressing: With temporary possession of a genuine, ex–US Coast Guard lighthouse (and attached keeper’s house) on the Cape. You: “But does it provide amazing views of the Atlantic? Us: “It provides amazing views of the Atlantic.”

THE PENTHOUSE

This Mansion Wants You to Sleep in It

Who You’re Impressing: Someone who expects the top floor of... something.
How You’re Impressing: By taking control of a 750-square-foot penthouse suite inside a 19th-century Victorian mansion in the middle of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. New Hampshire is for lovers and all that.

THE CASTLE

Of Course We Saved the Castle for Last

Who You’re Impressing: The Downton Abbey enthusiast.
How You’re Impressing: Well... it’s a castle. The medieval-Europe-looking kind with a tower and a gargoyle and everything. Only it’s in Connecticut. Also, one of the three themed bedrooms upstairs is dubbed the Romeo and Juliet Room. Do with that what you will.