Put romance into words, win a romantic stay By Mary Thurwachter

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Sunday, July 20, 2008

Hey, there, Big Guy! You're a romantic at heart, don't try to deny it. Now that we've established your sensitive side, we're going to help you impress the love of your life.

Here's how:
Enter the Keep Romance Alive Getaway contest sponsored by the historic Casablanca Inn in St. Augustine.

Write a 150-word essay about how you keep romance alive. The deadline for submitting your entry is Nov. 1. The fellow who writes the winning story receives a three-night St. Augustine getaway at the romantic Secret Garden - Casablanca Inn's "little secret." The winner gets a welcome martini for two at the inn's Tini Martini Bar, a horse-and-carriage ride, a box of European chocolates, and dinner for two at St. Augustine's newest French restaurant - Bistro de Leon.

Send your entry to Casablanca Inn, 24 Avenida Menendez, St. Augustine, Fla. 32084 by Nov. 1. The story must be on a separate 8-by 11-inch sheet of plain white paper, typed or legibly printed and include name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (where applicable). All submitted stories become the property of Casablanca Inn and will not be returned.

Entries will be judged on originality, reviewed by Casablanca Inn staff. Entrants must be 18 or over. The winner will be notified by Nov. 15.

The Casablanca Inn (circa 1914), a graceful 23-room Mediterranean Revival B&B, it will transport you to a gentle time of quiet sunsets, relaxing hammocks and dining on a gracious Southern breakfast with the sunrise. Its Secret Garden echoes a sense of time gone by and features three quiet rooms hidden in a secluded private garden - down a brick pathway that belongs only to Secret Garden Guests. For reservations or more information, call (904) 829-0928 or see www.casablancainn.com.

The INNside Scoop is a weekly column about bed-and-breakfast inns.