Valentine's Day falls on a Saturday this year, and it also happens to be a long weekend, so what better time to takeoff for a quick getaway to one of the most romantic cities in the world. No, not Paris. Boston!

The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway, which hides the expressway that once ran through the city, has rejuvenated BeanTown with new beauty in the form of open spaces, gardens that glisten even in the winter, and many memorials. The one mile park stretches from Chinatown to the North End, and sitting smack dab in the center, right in front of the waterfront, is the new InterContinental Hotel and Resort (http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/overview/boston).

This contemporary sparkling glass tower on Boston Harbor was renovated in 2006 and has all of the amenities including an onsite spa, indoor heated lap pool, wireless Internet access, babysitting service (if you want to bring the kids), and, if you can't stand the thought of leaving your Chihuahua home alone, she can come too (pets under 25 lbs are allowed).

Pull into the underground garage on Saturday, Feb. 14^th, and stay for two nights in a room with a water view priced around $230 per night. From here you can relax in the lounge or go explore.

Visit the Institute of Contemporary Art (http://www.icaboston.org/), take the train to Symphony Hall (http://www.bso.org/bso/index.jsp?id=bcat5220002) to hear James Levine conduct the music of Mozart (tickets start at $30.00), or stroll through the Greenway to view the New England Holocaust Memorial http://nehm.org/.

Walk the Freedom Trail, roam through Quincy Market, or meander over to the North End for an authentic Italian dinner. For a romantic setting try Bacco Ristorante & Bar (http://www.bacconorthend.com/), Terramia Ristorante, which is featuring a special Valentine's menu (http://www.terramiaristorante.com/valentine_s_day.htm), or Davide Ristorante (http://daviderestaurant.com/index.html) for a great grappa selection!

And, of course, you must finish the night at Mike's Pastry for the best cannoli you'll ever taste! (http://www.mikespastry.com/)

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