The Top 5 most Romantic Spots in Columbus, Ohio

5. A Southern Evening--The Westin Southern Hotel is a 19th century Victorian splendor of high ceilings, marble fixtures, and Queen Anne-style cherry wood furnishings. Plan your romantic evening with a visit to the hotel's Theater Cafe restaurant (featuring new-world cuisine with a distinctly American twist) and a performance at the attached Southern Theater, an intimate venue recently renovated to its original splendor. You have to see it to believe it!

4. Day on the Scioto--Start your day on the Scioto River at the award-winning Columbus Zoo. No woman can resist a man who loves animals! And be sure to follow the zoo walkway under Riverside Drive and sit along the Scioto River where you get a great view of O'Shaughnessy Dam. Then spend the rest of the afternoon up a lazy river--the Scioto River, that is! Follow Riverside Drive south from the zoo; you can stop at the little parks along the river and grab a smooch under the Hayden Run Rd. bridge as you try to find Hayden Falls--your guide can hear it but can't seem to see it. End your day along the river at the River Club Restaurant, 679 W. Long St. at the confluence of the Scioto River and the Olentangy River, with one of the best views of downtown Columbus.

3. The Bridges of....Fairfield County--Okay...so the movie was quot;Bridges of Madison Countyquot;. But Fairfield County, not Madison County, is Ohio's home of covered bridges. Pack your camera and prepare for a winter picnic as you and your quot;Francescaquot; tour the rolling hills and historic bridges. And if that's not enough, head a bit farther south and visit Hocking Hills, one of the most scenic areas in Ohio. Find a private spot in one of many parks, or rent a cabin in the woods and snuggle by the fireplace in this wooded wonderland.

2. An Old World Stroll--Just south of downtown is German Village, originally settled by German immigrants and since restored to a charming, romantic neighborhood. Walk through Schiller Park, have a relaxing meal at one of many cozy restaurants, and walk down the original brick streets with the one you love. With the Westin Southern Hotel just up High Street, combine this Old World Stroll with the Southern Evening above for a day she'll never forget.

1. It's a Wonderful Granville--Frank Capra could have created his Christmastime favorite in Granville. Located just 25 miles east of Columbus, Granville is the perfect place to get romantic. Visit the antique shops and old-style diners downtown, or drive down rolling, tree-lined streets in and around town, then enjoy the home cooking at the restaurants in the Granville Inn or the Buxton Inn--they're both so good it's hard to choose! And both feature a chance to step back in history with an overnight stay in a period room on grounds filled with gardens and green space. And on a snowy night, you can almost see Jimmy Stewart running down the boulevard on Broadway.