Romantic Getaways in Nevada

Although Nevada is most easily associated with the glitzy neon light of the Las Vegas strip, its desert environment can make for an equally captivating experience. Nevada has in fact a nice mixture of big city attractions along with lots of peaceful and serene nature areas where you can spend a blissful romantic vacation.

Las Vegas

Very few places are more romantic than Lake Las Vegas, where you can take your sweetie on a moonlit dinner cruise on the gondolas -- there are even champagne and chocolate packages available in case you want things really grand. For something romantic and adventurous, treat yourself and your honey to the Rasul Ceremony for Two at Venetian's. If you visit in the colder months, nothing says "romance" like a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow at the Mount Charleston Lodge. You can also rent one of the cabins and cozy up with your sweetie by the fireplace.

Again there are plenty of shows for couples who want a little romance Beatles fans can't go wrong with "LOVE Cirque du Soleil" at the Mirage. French for the dream, “Le Rêve” at Wynn depicts a colorful aquatic wonderland of beautiful and mystifying characters that perform in, on and around a 68-and-a-half-foot pool.For couples who want an extra-special experience the show offers champagne circle seating featuring chocolate dipped strawberries, chocolate truffles and a complimentary bottle of champagne. Now that’s something to celebrate. Couples who want to see something different, edgy and with a whole lot of sex appeal will have plenty to enjoy at “Zumanity, The Sensual Side of Cirque du Soleil” at New York-New York.

Las Vegas is known all over the globe for its grand casinos, lavish hotels and spectacular entertainment shows. However even if you are not a gaming person there is still lots to do in this entertainment capital of the world. A visit to ‘Siegfried & Roy’s Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat’ at the Mirage is a fantastic experience for couples who dig wildlife. Here you can watch white tigers cavorting in pools and dolphins splashing in tanks. Again if you are wandering through the Forum, wait for the hour when its ceiling and several mechanized statues come alive as part of an advertisement for a ride called “The Race for Atlantis”. There are still many other ways to have a good time in Las Vegas without spending a dime on gambling. You could for instance watch the Masquerade Show in the Sky at the Rio where dancers, stilt-walkers, musicians and acrobats present a thrilling performance. Among other practically free attractions in Las Vegas is the water show at Buccaneer Bay where the British Navy battles pirates as well as downtown Fremont Street light and sound show.

However if you and your partner are keen to sample the glitzy attractions of Las Vegas, the Strip is the place to head for where most of Las Vegas’ iconic casino resorts are located.  Some of the biggest names on the Las  Vegas Strip are Wynn’s, Fontainebleau, Riviera, the Palazzo, Casino Royale, The Venetian, Imperial Palace, Flamingo, Bill’s Gambling Hall and Saloon, Bellagio, Planet Hollywood, New York-New York, Four Seasons, Tropicana and Mandalay Bay towards the south. Once you have made a pack at the casinos, it is time to start spending and Las Vegas offers you a plethora of swanky shopping malls which store some of the most expensive labels from around the world. As expected most of these are located on the Strip but in recent years the redevelopment of Downtown areas like the Fremont Street has also led to many shopping destinations around here. Las Vegas is also known for several upscale restaurants which offer a range of dining experiences from exclusive coffee shops and delis to fine dining venues. Some of the most expensive dining places where you can splurge on a romantic dinner with your sweetheart are Tao’s, Mix, Rumjungle, Mon Ami Gabi, the SW Steakhouse and Joe’s Seafood Prime Steak at the Caesar’s Palace.

Red Rock National Conservation Area

Created naturally over millions of years, the dramatic and epic landscape of the Red Rock National Conservation Area is breathtaking, and a must-visit for couples who like to bond in the midst of nature's most impressive wonders. Pack a picnic and take a leisurely hike with your partner around the area -- as the evening approaches, find an elevated spot to watch one of Nevada's gloriously colorful sunsets. Horseback riding trails are also available, and if you really love the area there are facilities for camping too.

Take a ride on Highway 50

One of the most exciting ways to discover the vast landscape of the Wild West is to travel by road. However if that road happens to be the Highway 50 through Nevada in United States, the experience becomes all the more memorable since it is known as the loneliest road in the country. The 287 miles of Highway 50 pose an interesting challenge to any motorist for it means driving through deserted villages and dreary gas stations but for couples looking for an unusual experience, it may be just the idea to get set the adrenalin pumping. In the beginning of twentieth century however this used to be a very busy since it was one of the earliest roads to run from coast to coast. But a series of misfortunes like fires and mining slumps turned many of the places along the Highway 50 into ghost towns. Driving through the Highway 50 can be a surreal experience as abandoned buildings, old churches and near-empty bars pass along. The Nevada Commission on Tourism in fact rewards its travelers with a certificate which declares, “I survived Highway 50”. However to attain this, you would have to stop in the towns of Fern, Ely, Eureka, Fallon and Austin to get their Official Highway 50 Survival Guide validated and stamped by locals. Along The Highway 50 you can take a break at Ely to take in the sights and sounds of this place.

Reno

Although Reno, Nevada is known for its gambling, the city has more to offer couples looking for a romantic getaway than you may think. For starters explore the city by taking a horse-drawn carriage; then head downtown to people-watch or explore the stretch along East Fourth Street down to South Virginia Street --- all hot spots frequented by Reno locals for jazz clubs, bars and nightlife. A trip to the Cheese Board and Wine Seller along the way will allow for a wine and cheese sampling plus a personal box packaged to go and you can even choose to stay back for dinner. Set your romance soaring by taking a hot air balloon ride with your beloved as you take in the  breathtaking view of Sierra Mountains against a rising sun. Balloon rides are booked at pre-dawn and feature a shuttle pick-up service from a local hotel with breakfast along the way. Yet another great romantic idea at Reno is to book a couples’ session at any of the city’s well known spas. Finally you can check out the numerous lodging options that Reno offers, ranging from luxury resorts to cozy bed-and-breakfasts or even affordable motels.

Lake Mead National Recreation Area

With facilities for kayaking, canoeing, biking and fishing, Lake Mead National Recreation Area is buzzing with activities for you and your partner. Special shaded picnic areas are available throughout the park, and fire grills can easily be found for rustling up a delicious meal. While you're there, be sure to experience the Lakeshore Scenic Drive to enjoy one of the most picturesque roads in all of North America, as you travel directly toward the lake and enjoy the panoramic mountain views -- for optimum effect, consider renting an open-top vehicle to soak up the view with your partner or book a rustic lodge for a true romantic getaway.