Love is in the air! Literally.
Valentine's Day lurks around the corner in just over 2 weeks. Amazon.com just announced the Top 20 Most Romantic Cities in the U.S.A. Guess what? It's no surprise that the Commonwealth of Virginia tops the list with 3 cities. After all, people around the country and the world know our state slogan "Virginia is for Lovers."
Better than that, ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA WAS NAMED THE MOST ROMANTIC CITY IN THE COUNTRY.
Alexandria beat out such places as Miami, Atlanta, San Francisco, and Austin (respectively numbers 3, 10, 15, and 18). Neighboring Arlington, Virginia ranked #9, and Washington D.C. was #11. Richmond, the capital of Virginia held its own for romantic inclinations at #19. So, while people may leave their hearts in San Francisco, they obviously come to Virginia when their amorous spirit infuses their soul.
To find these results, Amazon.com compiled sales data of romance novels, relationship and sex books since Jan. 1, 2008, on a per capita basis in cities with over 100,000 residents.
From the charm of the Potomac River, the historic homes in Old Town Alexandria, the proximity to D.C., the unique and eclectic shops of King Street, the variety of restaurants, and the temperate climate, what's not to love about Alexandria?
Romance, romance, romance.
Need some ideas for Valentine's Day in Alexandria?
Here's a few:
In the heart of Old Town Alexandria, shop for lingerie, bath items, candles, and other romantic gifts at Romance for the Senses at 1102 King Street.- How about a stroll along the Potomac River and a visit to The Torpedo Factory where you and your loved one can gaze at beautiful artwork and crafts from local artisans (and maybe find that perfect piece to adorn your bedroom wall)?
- Romantic dinner -- you can't beat Restaurant Eve, the highly rated intimate restaurant at 110 S. Pitt Street. Better book now. Valentine's Day is sure to sell out.
- Take a walk with your significant other around the lake and gazebos at Ben Brenman Park, adjacent to the Cameron Station neighborhood. You'll spot Canadian geese, turtles, fish, and maybe even a beaver or two.
- Don't forget to stop into one of Hallmark's 3 Alexandria locations and find the perfect card for your sweetie.
While you're out and about in the most romantic city in the country, why not check out some of the charming homes such as the Historic Homes of Old Town Alexandria, Condos at Watergate at Landmark, the large balconies at Alexandria Knolls West, or Condos in Cameron Station?

Buy a home in Alexandria, Virginia and set up your own little love shack (or bachelor pad)!
CLICK HERE TO START YOUR SEARCH FOR AN ALEXANDRIA HOME
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Nice post Brian!
Brian - I didn't know this but it seems like this is a great part of the year for that area to take advantage of.
Virginia is for Lovers! - now it's official. Personally, I left my heart in San Francisco. Very nice post -- it makes we want to visit Virginia.
Alexandria is where my parents met and fell in love over 56 years ago. My mother loved the DC area even though they lived there for only about 5 years; we visited from Pennsylvania regularly. I wonder if it was because of those early days of romance and marriage...
Virginia...particularly is for lovers but Orlando coming in at #6? That's a little twisted don't you think?
A nice stroll on a spring evening through old town, hand and hand with a sweetie, yes romantic and fun. I'm curious about the combination of books that got the city to number 1 on the list though.
I saw Ann Arbor, MI was #5 so we did get some mention for our fine state - even though it's on the other side:) Congratulations on being able to work in and sell a romantic community!
Brian,
Great post...nice presentation and layout!!! Thanks, Fran
So, if this is true, then why are we having all these babies in Portland?? :))
Brian - This is an interesting and a noteworthy title. Nicely done on this post!
Hmm - sales of sex books and romance novels as an indicator of how "romantic" as area is?
Brian Somehow I don't envision Alexandria being prominent in sex books - the place has too much dignity and savoir faire, Karen
KATIE: Thanks for reading and commenting.
JASON: Thanks for your comment. There are lots of great romantic things to do in Alexandria. There's even an Alexandria barbershop quartet that you can hire to serenade your Valentine. I did that and got some big bonus points in the romance department a few years back when they arrived in tuxedos with roses and chocolates (and song) for her.
JOAN: Thanks for your comment. Virginia truly is for lovers -- lovers of all kind (music, museums, food, scenery, etc.) Come on down!
SUSAN: See it is true. Congratulations to your parents on 56 years together! There's a certain magic in the air here in Alexandria, I guess.
SHANNON: I don't know about Orlando, but I'm sure that Disney World sees its fair share of honeymooners.
CINDY: I'm curious about which books as well, but I don't think that Amazon released that information. Strolling through Old Town is always a wonderful and relaxing venture.
ED: Thanks for your comment. Just one more thing I can use to help sell the benefits of moving to Alexandria. We also have some of the skinniest people: Best Places to Live? Not on the list, but we have the skinniest people says Money Magazine
FRAN: Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you enjoyed this post.
JENNIFER: Good question. Maybe the births are in Portland, but the romance starts in Virginia. I'll send my Portland relocating lovebirds your way.
JASON: Thanks for your comment. Alexandria gets on to many different lists, but I thought that this title was appropriate given the upcoming Valentine's holiday.
JEFF: I questioned their methodology as well.
KAREN: I would agree with you there.