Everyone knows Vegas is the wedding capitol of the world, especially on Valentine's Day weekend, when thousands of marriage-minded folk take the figurative plunge at one of the city's many chapels.

But whether you intend to tie the knot, pop the question or just have a fun-filled weekend with your special someone, Las Vegas has a number of romantic spots that could make your Valentine's Day 2004 extra special. Here, in alphabetical order, are my selections for the top 10 romantic spots in Vegas:

Alize -- The dim lighting, stunning views from the top of the Palms hotel tower and exceptional French/continental cuisine all add up to make this the most romantic restaurant in all of Las Vegas. Have yourself a fantastic meal, and then have the waiter deliver the ring as dessert!

Bellagio Fountain Shows -- Fountains are a symbol of romance, so imagine taking the romance factor up a couple thousand notches with this magical water, light and sound show. Here's how I envision it: Nighttime, the cannons are blasting water 100 feet in the air behind you, the sound system is playing Andrea Bocelli's "Con Te Partiro," and you lean in for that perfect kiss ... nice!

Bette Midler Show -- This is a special one, only for Valentine's Day 2004. The irrepressible Bette Midler will be performing Feb. 14 at the MGM Grand, and I can tell you that it's one of the best shows I have ever seen. Wait until she gets to "Wind Beneath My Wings" or "The Rose" or "Tenderly" or "Skylark" or ... well, the list of romantic songs goes on and on. Holding hands with a significant other while being serenaded by the Divine Miss M sounds like a great Valentine's Day present to me.

Chocolate Swan -- To heck with those cheesy heart-shaped boxes of generic chocolate. Head to the Chocolate Swan at Mandalay Bay for some truly delightful confections guaranteed to send any heart aflutter. Here's a hint -- although you may want to order a bunch of stuff for yourself and swat away your spouse's hand every time it nears your plate, get something to share (a piece of cheesecake and a chocolate truffle or two, perhaps) along with an after-dinner cordial and you've set the perfect prelude to romance.

Eiffel Tower Experience -- You probably can't afford to go to the actual City of Lights, so you'll have to make due with the Paris in the Nevada desert. But here's the good news: The views of the Strip from the top of the Eiffel Tower replica are stunning and quite romantic, especially at night while the Bellagio fountain shows are going off across the street. This would be another terrific proposal spot!

Gondolas at Venetian -- Again, it may not be quite as romantic as the real gondolas in the real Venice, Italy, but there's something about riding the gondolas at the Venetian that inspires the lover in us all. Of course, you'll have to block out all of the tourists watching as you float down the middle of the mall or around the front of the hotel, but if you can bring your sense of irony this is still a fun, one-of-a-kind Vegas experience that you should try with someone you love.

Lake Las Vegas -- This is, without a doubt, the most scenic locale in the entire area -- a perfect spot to spend Valentine's Day. You could just take a walk around the lake and through the Italian village, where there will be strolling violinists, horse-drawn carriage rides and cupids to hand out treats. The local perfume store, Alexander's, will custom mix fragrances, and other boutiques will offer special treats and discounts. You could even go whole hog and try one of the romance packages at the resorts. For instance, at the Lake Las Vegas resort you can get a suite stocked with chocolate and champagne, plus a gondola cruise on the lake with more chocolate and champagne or a three-course dinner at the Como Steakhouse, for prices starting around $550. They hotel will even arrange to have your sweetheart find a bottle floating in the lake with a custom message or marriage proposal inside.

The Ritz-Carlton -- No one does luxury like the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas, and its Valentine's Day packages are no exception. They have simple packages starting around $300 that sound lovely, but you want to really blow the roof off the joint, don't you? Well, you could try the Cinderella marriage proposal package for $995, which will get you two nights in a lake-view room, champagne and strawberries, massages, dinner, a butler-drawn bath surrounded by three-dozen red roses, and a turndown service that will cover the bed in rose petals and place an engagement ring inside a glass slipper. If you really want to impress your special someone, go for the Valentine's fantasy package. You really should be sitting down for this ... It includes three nights in a 2,400-square-foot suite; chocolate, champagne, cigars and caviar; a private stargazing excursion next to your own bonfire, complete with butler-prepared s'mores; unlimited use of the spa; an on-call butler; unlimited golf; breakfast in bed each morning; two Bvlgari watches; and his-and-her, brand-new Mercedes CLK convertibles that you get to take home with you. Yes, you read that right -- you get to keep the cars! The cost of this little Valentine's Day adventure? $125,000.

Mystere -- Of all the production shows in town, "Mystere" is probably the most romantic and moving. The high-flying gymnastics and acrobatics are done in such a awe-inspiring visual style that it has been known to bring a tear to the eye of even the most cynical audience member. Whether you want to be amazed or moved, "Mystere" offers a terrific opportunity to experience a truly unique Vegas experience with someone you care about.

Stratosphere Tower -- The Eiffel Tower has great up-close views, but it's hard to beat the vista from the observation deck, restaurant or lounge more than 100 stories above Las Vegas. Go for dinner and drinks, or just to watch the world go by below. If you feel like asking the big question, you can say you did it at the top of the world. Just don't sing the Carpenter's song while you're doing it. Bad form.

This Week's Trivia

Q: The Bonanza Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip was torn down in the early 1970s to make way for what major hotel-casino? ANSWER

The Weekly Trivia Question is sponsored by the Online Memorabilia Museum at Vegas4Visitors.com

The Full Story

Find Valentine's Romance In Vegas
What Do I Need For Vegas Wedding?
Amazing Johnathan Deconstructs Magic
Leno To Return To Las Vegas
Vegas Q&A: Which Hotel Is Next To Go?
Vegas Q&A: Where Can I Get 2-For-1 Coupons?

In Next Week's Column

Next week: The latest from Las Vegas.

Plus, don't forget to send me your questions about Las Vegas. I've got room for more, so send them in today!

Click here to go to the main page of Vegas4Visitors.com and see all of the fantastic resources Vegas4Visitors has to offer you when planning your next trip to Las Vegas.