Cheap deals with charm: a single phone call is all it takes to whisk her way

Men's Fitness, Feb, 2004

ALL WOMEN REALLY want is a man to sweep them off their feet. And diamonds, big ones. But let's take this one step at a time. Nothing is more knight-in-shining-armor romantic than a spur-of-the-moment getaway. We've made it easy. You take the credit.

TAKE A RIDE

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA Restaurants, art museums, and pride by the pond.

The deal: From $239 to $369, The Monaco's "Oh Baby Baby" package sets you up with a queen-canopy room and throws in two half-hour massages and a "mood music" CD (800-214-4220).

Bike the hills: With 740 acres, Angel Island is fat-tire heaven, Ferry out to the landmass-and for $10 an hour, grab a bike at the dock.

TAKE A CARRIAGE RIDE

QUEBEC CITY. CANADA It's all the fun of France without any of the attitude. And with winter temps that rarely creep out of the 30s, you have a great excuse to stay in bed all weekend.

The deal: Auberge SaintAntoine's rooms come with fireplaces, terraces, stone walls, and whirlpool tubs for two. The $250-per-night Gourmet Package gets you drinks, breakfasts, and dinner (888-692-2211)

Get out of the bed. Take the requisite horse-drawn sleigh ride past landmarks like Chateau Frontenac. $50 per couple.

TAKE IN THE VIEW

ASPEN, COLORADO Three hundred inches of snow, celebrities, and sleigh rides-all in one 12-mile sweep.

The deal: Aspen Snowmass sets you up with round-trip air on United from Los Angeles, two two-day lift tickets, and three nights at posh nine-room Sardy House-with outdoor hot tub-for $2,130 per couple (800-670-0786).

Take to the air: Even Stein Eriksen has to come off the slopes at some point. When it's your turn, jump into a hot-air balloon and drink champagne as you sail above 14,000-foot peaks. $225 per person (800-468-2478).

TAKE A RISK NEW LONDON, CONNECTICUT Baccarat, back rubs, and backcountry. Romance for her. And for you? A chance to win the cash back.

The deal: At Mohegan Sun, $360 buys two nights in a luxury suite from Sunday to Thursday, a $100 coupon toward food and drinks, and a $20 free-bet coupon (for each of you). They even throw in a bottle of champagne so you can get lucky before venturing out to their two casinos and 13 restaurants (888-226-7711).

Take it outside: Devil's Hopyard State Park is home to miles and miles of hiking trails.

TAKE A ROAD TRiP SAVANNAH, GEORGIA

... to Charleston, South Carolina. Two romantic cities and SO miles littered with farmhouses and inns-an open road for you and the friendly B&B.

The deal: American Travel Service offers packages with a three-night stay in each town (including parking, breakfast, and detailed driving instructions), starting at $1,796 per couple (877-782-2045).

Cruise with caskets: Chase ghosts from the comfort of one of Hearsetours.com's Cadillac corpse movers. $14 per hour and a half.