


By Elena Peña and Miriam Raftery
January 31, 2012 (San Diego’s East County)—Looking for something extraordinary to delight your valentine? We’ve done the legwork to bring you the best of the best—from free salsa lessons to deluxe destinations, you’ll find plenty of delightful discoveries in San Diego’s inland regions.
What could be more romantic than a vineyard trail ride, jeep journey, or sky sailing adventure for two? Perhaps an overnight stay at a bed and breakfast on an exotic wildlife sanctuary, a picnic and boat ride across a secluded lake, a carriage ride at a chocolate festival, or savoring gourmet goodies at a local winery!

HORSE AROUND ON A VINEYARD TRAIL RIDE: “We’re doing a champagne and chocolate `Sweetheart Ride’,” said Sabrina Fortyune with Vineyard Trailrides, which is based in Ramona. Cost for the two-hour event is $160 per couple –and you will receive a 10% discount if you mention that you heard about it in East County Magazine! Also available during Valentine’s week are the company’s standard vineyard rides, which include a bottle of wine. For more information, visit www.vineyardtrailrides.com or call (951)595-3503.


ARRIBA! FREE SALSA LESSONS WITH YOUR SWEETHEART: What could be hotter than dancing the Salsa with your heart’s delight? Every Tuesday night, beginner and intermedia salsa lessons are offered by Majesty in Motion at the Starlight Dance Studio, 6506 El Cajon Blvd. in San Diego. This high-energy, jazzy style Latin music is taught by a team that’s performed and taught worldwide. Download a coupon good for a free class at http://majestyinmotion.com/coupon-for-free-class/. www.majestyinmotion.com


VINO VALENTINO NIGHT AT BERNARDO WINERY: Savor a romantic evening at our region’s oldest winery. On Sunday, February 12 from 6-9 p.m., Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo will serve up tempting wines, champagne, epicurean delights and desserts. Enjoy candlelit romance in the 120 year old barrel room, where champagne and crepes will be served, or join festivities in the tasting room including wine tasting with appetizers by Café Merlot. Enjoy live music on the patio, stroll among olive trees and twinkling lights, and take a carriage ride around the vineyard. Top off the evening with handmade dessert crepes. Guests will also receive a hand-blown signature glass heart. For reservations, call 858-487-1866. Tickets are limited; this event will sell out. Cost: $60 per person or $110 per couple. Details at http://bernardowinery.com/


ENJOY THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF NATURE: What better way to burn off those calories than by taking Mission Trails’ free Guided Nature Walk? It’s approximately 1.5 hours long and you’ll learn everything there is to know about the park, from its history and geology to its flora and fauna.
The nature walk will take place on Wednesday, February 15 at 9:30 a.m., guests interested in participated must meet at the Visitor Center. For more information visit the 'Events' page at www.mtrp.org


TAKE A RIDE ON THE WILD SIDE: Travel in a safari truck into the fields of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park! During your journey, you will be able to see exotic wildlife in African Plains and Asian Savanna exhibits up-close and personal and even have a chance to feed giraffes and rhinos. Your guide will also delight you with stories of love as you experience the park like never before. Desserts, beverages, and a special speaker at Amani Point are also included. Cost is $120 per person, plus Park admission for nonmembers. Or celebrate love with a special Valentine’s dinner on February 11, which includes reception, animal presentation, and bottle of wine for $99 per couple (plus tax and gratuity). www.sdzsafaripark.org


SKYSAILING FOR TWO & WEEKEND RETREAT: Let your heart soar with a skysailing flight for two, priced from $160 to $250 per couple. Savor a birdseye view of San Diego’s backcountry aboard a skysail (glider plane) at Sky Sailing Inc. in Warner Springs , including a roll of film shot from a camera mounted under the wing for a truly unique souvenir! Destination options include No Name Mounta, Hot Springs Peak, and Palomar Mountain. For the truly daring thrillseekers, aerobatics options are available. You can also opt for a package that includes an overnight stay at Warner Springs Ranch resort withs amenities to pamper yourself, including hot minerals and fresh water pools, hiking trails and tennis courts. For details, visit http://www.skysailing.com .


DESSERT AND WINE TASTING AT SAN PASQUAL WINERY IN LA MESA: Indulge in a dessert and wine pairing at San Pasqual Winery in La Mesa. Price includes sampling of scrumptious mini-desserts from San Diego Desserts plus five different wines. Offered Monday, February 13 and Tuesday February 14 from 6:30-8 :30 p.m. For more information, call (619)462-1797. The winery tasting room, location of this event, is at 8364 La Mesa Blvd. in La Mesa’s downtown village. Price is $25 in advance, or $30 at the door (if available). Discounts for wine club members.
DISCOUNT DANCING AND DESSERT IN ALPINE: Sweethearts on a budget will relish “Death by Chocolate,” a sampling of decadent desserts plus dancing to the music of “Ideas” at the Alpine Community Center. The event, which costs just $10 a person, is hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Alpine on February 11 from 7-10 p.m. For more information, call Dave Kebert at 619-445-0532 or Sue Roff at 619-445-7330. Tickets are available at the Alpine Community Center or from any Alpine Kiwanis member.


GOLD AND GEM MINING IN JULIAN: Spend the day in Historic Julian, wander its streets and delight yourself in one of their delicious apple pies. The town is also famous for its gold and gem mining and what better souvenirs than precious stones and gold flakes? For $7.95 a bag, you and your valentine can pan for gems and minerals in one of Julian’s sluices or if you prefer for a buck more a person, you can pan for gold. It’s sure to make you feel like a forty-niner during the Gold Rush!
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