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With more than 200 dining destinations, Coral Gables has many romantic restaurants. Photo courtesy city of Coral Gables

This new fountain is being constructed in Coral Gables; it is a replica of a fountain found in the courtyard of Nasrids Palace in the Alhambra in Spain. Photo courtesy city of Coral Gables

With more than 200 restaurants and numerous beautiful settings, Coral Gables has just been named one of America’s Top 10 Romantic Cities for 2013.

According to Livability.com, Coral Gables is the perfect place for a romantic date with its wide array of fine dining and fun destinations such as museums, theaters, music venues and gardens.

The website placed Coral Gables at No. 9, between No. 8 Cambridge, Mass., and No. 10 Hot Springs, Ark. The No. 1 raking went to Scottsdale, Ariz.

Livability.com has spent more than 20 years finding the best cities in America, and last year also named Coral Gables among the Top 10 cities for book lovers with its iconic independent bookstore and cultural center, Books & Books, which, incidentally, is also a great place for a date.

This recognition came just in time for Valentine’s Day.

“We are surrounded by romance — natural beauty, charming architecture, and a thriving cultural scene, all of which make Coral Gables an easy city to love,” said Mayor Jim Cason.

In making its determination, Livability.com said that it looked for a unique atmosphere and amenities that catered to couples such as alluring natural attractions, al fresco dining, activities that awaken the body and mind, outdoor recreation and romantic hotels/resorts.

The website praises Coral Gables’ elevated aesthetics with its green spaces and ornate plazas. The Gables is the only Florida city to make the list.

According to City Manager Pat Salerno, “We are in the process of implementing numerous initiatives throughout the city that will make Coral Gables even more desirable, such as new beautiful streetscapes, plazas, intimate public spaces, fountains and gardens, which will help further brand Coral Gables as a great and distinctive place.”

Nominate Your Favorite Valentine’s Day Storefront Display

Show your love to Coral Gables retailers by nominating your favorite Valentine’s Day Storefront Display. Any business with a storefront or retailer located in Coral Gables can participate and be nominated for this awards program. Judges will be looking for The Most Heartwarming, the Most Thematic, and The Most Playful storefront display.

Judges will be making their selection this weekend and winners will be announced at the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce breakfast on Feb. 21. The Valentine’s Day Storefront Display Awards Program is brought to you by the city of Coral Gables, the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce and the Business Improvement District/Downtown Coral Gables. To make a nomination, click here.