Romantic picnic along Ocean Drive in Newport, Rhode Island.
The Getaway Mavens have been hard at work, collecting and organizing the best two and three day escapes in the Northeast USA (Virginia to Maine). The following surprisingly romantic destinations within a quick drive are perfect: to pop the question, for a nearby honeymoon, to celebrate a special life event, or just determine if you and “the one” are actually compatible. Choose one (or all) and snuggle up:
CONNECTICUT
GREENWICH CT: This swanky Connecticut town is so much more than just the center of the Preppy Handbook universe. Known for its hedge fund billionaires, Captains of Industry and Hollywood types, Greenwich does not broadcast its considerable tourist assets, many of which, ironically, are inexpensive or free. Why is it on this “Romantic Spots” list? Because of J-House, a high-tech, artsy, green former Howard Johnson’s that has just unveiled the brand new J-Spa encompassing one former guest room gutted and now dedicated to Couples Spa Treatments. J-House is the only boutique hotel in town and such a Maven Favorite, it’s earned its own review HERE.
OLD LYME, CT: Morning fog in Old Lyme CT transforms the landscape into the hazy tableau of an impressionist painting in the very place considered the Birthplace of American Impressionism. In the late 1890’s, widow Florence Griswold opened her home to American artists fresh from studying in France, forming the country’s first European-style Art Colony – an “American Giverny”. Witness dreamy sunrises, wander through art galleries, and dine on outstanding cuisine surrounded by art at the Bee and Thistle Inn on this Fine-Arts Getaway.
OLD SAYBROOK, CT: Situated at the mouth of the Connecticut River where it meets Long Island Sound, Old Saybrook CT has drawn vacationers and celebrities for 150 years. Wavy-voiced actress, Katharine Hepburn lived in the Fenwick neighborhood until her death in 2003. Out on “the point,” The Saybrook Point Inn and Spa just opened Three Stories – its new “Boutique Inn” – in addition to the hotel’s already luxurious accommodations. Learn about Saybrook Point’s earlier incarnation as Terra Mar, frequented by Hollywood luminaries and gangsters, and some cherished African American history on this surprisingly down-to-earth but high-class Connecticut coastal Getaway.
CLINTON/MADISON, CT: no fudge shops or glitz and glamour here – just serpentine rivers, a quaint harbor, an anachronistic winery, a rustic flower and animal farm, one of the most highly regarded indie bookstores in the country, Connecticut’s only beachfront lodgingt, The Madison Beach Resort, and the best lobster roll on the East Coast.
CHESTER/HADDAM, CT ON THE CONNECTICUT RIVER: Performing, fine and culinary artists, as well as clothing and building designers have been drawn to this mesmerizing ribbon of water, the Connecticut River, for centuries and after indulging in this Getaway you’ll see why. Some of the best artists and chefs in the region create in local kitchens and studios and since it reopened in 1968, the Victorian confection that is the Goodspeed Opera House has sent 19 productions to Broadway. See a musical, shop in one-of-a-kind (inexpensive) designer boutiques and end the day with an exquisite meal.
WETHERSFIELD CT: If you and your honey love to curl up with the latest Revolutionary War history book, get all gooey eyed over George Washington’s sleeping quarters, or even fantasize about growing Heirloom vegetables from seeds, you’ll love meandering around this very Historic District, just a few miles from Hartford, which offers two charming B&B’s, great restaurants, authentically restored pre-and-post Colonial homes, and two of the oldest packaged seed companies in the USA still in operation.
CONNECTICUT’S NORTHWEST BORDER: There’s a reason some of our favorite celebs have homes up here. Far from the maddening Hampton’s Season, the pace in this farmland and lakes section of Connecticut is slow and quiet. Quiet, that is, except for Lime Rock Racetrack (preferred by Paul Newman until he couldn’t race anymore in his early 80’s). You and your lover will love Falls Village Inn, with rooms done by NY City Interior Designer, Bunny Williams.
HIDDEN VALLEY B&B, WASHINGTON DEPOT CT: This is one of the most romantically situated B&B’s in the world – perched over the Litchfield Hills. Every room in this Dutch Colonial house on the hill is a delight for the eyes. And just wait till you see the expansive and breathtaking stone patio. Just a couple of hours from NYC, it’s worlds apart.
DELAWARE
INN AT MONTCHANIN VILLAGE, DE. Once housing the laborers who worked at the Hagley Powder Mills nearby, you can’t help but feel a sense of irony as you meander down “Privy Lane” – original latrines line the street where upscale guest cottages now stand. I’d wager the only upmarket lodging in America that features outhouses as a design element, The Inn at Montchanin Village maintains its historic value while providing you and your crush with the highest degree of service, amenities – and whimsy.
REHOBOTH BEACH DE: Contemplate your relationship over soft custard ice-cream or great boardwalk fries on this Atlantic beach-getaway. A great LGBT-friendly town, incredibly good restaurants, sand and surf – it’s a summertime classic. It’s a lower-key, Mid-Atlantic version of Provincetown MA.
LEWES, DE: Do you like a riot or color? A renovated “fisherman’s motel” now a Dogfish Head outpost? Or do you and your honey love the classic inn or B&B? You can have your pick in this eminently walkable, boutique-studded, fishing-charter, great restaurant town at the terminus of the Cape May (NJ) – Lewes Ferry.
MILFORD/DOVER DE: Do you bond over history? Big military planes? Cool crafts? Try this eclectic getaway, and stay in Asian-Antique grandeur in a turnaround town winning kudos for its exquisite riverfront walkway and award-winning Arts and Crafts Gallery. Dover’s got the Air Mobility Command Museum, a Historic Green and plenty more to keep a certain kind of adventurous couple busy for a few days.
MAINE
INN BY THE SEA, CAPE ELIZABETH ME: I was told not to write about this luxurious big-dog friendly environmentally “green” inn by repeat visitors who’d like to keep it their secret (and not be blocked out of rooms). The best choice on the East Coast for dog-loving duos.
LUBEC ME: This Getaway, to Lubec and Eastport ME, and FDR’s summer cottage on Campobello Island, brings you to the easternmost land in the United States, with a short foray into Canada. Yes, it’s all the way up here. Or Down Here – to coin a “Downeast” phrase: a good ten hours from New York City or 7 from Boston. But so totally worth it. It’s beautiful and welcoming, especially to cute couples, but be sure to bring your Passport!
SCHOODIC PENINSULA ME: Are the two of you in sync about nature and hiking by hate crowds? Infinitely more more secluded, Schoodic encompasses 3,500 additional acres of Acadia National Park, with ferry and bus access to the bulk of it on Mount Desert Island. The small towns of Winter Harbor, Birch Harbor and Prospect Harbor are all located on Schoodic, so on this Getaway, you’ll experience nature in its rustic glory, and if you’re game – a few “Pickled Wrinkles.”
CASTINE AND BLUE HILL PENINSULA ME: And, here’s more for the crowd-averse couple. Far off the well-trod Route 1, visiting Castine ME and the Blue Hill Peninsula is another great escape from the hordes. Just an hour from booming Bar Harbor, time seems suspended here, especially around Castine’s Town Green– a whitewashed series of buildings that include the Unitarian Church, Town Hall, and Historical Society – and the waterfront, not much more than a couple of restaurants and docks.
SEARSPORT AND ISLESBORO ME: Dine in intimate splendor and stay at a grand Sea Captain’s mansion, and then poke around a sleepy island just offshore on this unique lesser-known-Maine getaway.
ROCKLAND ME: For the art-aficianoados who love Wyeths and lobsters, and a chance to stay in a hot new boutique hotel.
PHIPPSBURG PENNINSULA ME: The Sebasco Harbor Resort becomes a multi-generation hub in the heat of the summer, but come off season, and this waterfront resort is prime for romantic couples seeking peace and quiet. Plus, there’s more to explore just 20 minutes away. The phenomenal Maine Maritime Museum is located in Bath – still home to mega-boat-builder, Bath Iron Works. But Bath is just 10 minutes from one of the best college art museums in the country – Bowdoin Museum of Art.– So, gear up for a great getaway full of American History, Art, and Recreation on this often overlooked portion of Coastal Maine.
FREEPORT ME: Love to shop? LL Bean, open 24/7, is headquartered here. And you can stay in Ole Yankee luxury at the Harraseeket Inn.
BOOTHBAY ME: Boothbay Harbor ME was the first “off-Route-1 town” that became popular with tourists on the Maine Coast, and, centered in “Mid Coast Maine” is quicker to get to than Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park to the northeast. Yes, tourists converge here in the summertime, but plan a trip in June, and you’ll get the best of all worlds: temperate weather, phenomenal blooms, uncrowded attractions, and lower hotel rates. There’s a reason Boothbay Harbor and the adjacent Boothbay ME became so popular – collectively, it’s stunning.
KENNEBUNKS,ME: In the Kennebunks, you will find the freshest New England cuisine, transcendent ocean-scapes, the light, the sea at play against the rocky shore. All that makes Maine Maine is here, but on a much smaller, less touristy scale. Plan to go in the warm months of June or September, when sightseers don’t overrun the place and you can find parking and reduced hotel prices mid-week.
FRYEBURG ME: There’s not much going on in this New Hampshire/Maine border town, yet it is one of the Maven Favorite romantic destinations. Why? The Oxford Inn – an upscale, four room B&B with two outrageously good restaurants (one a pub), with one of the most stunning views on this list. Go in Autumn when the foliage turns the hills ablaze with color.
GREENVILLE ON MOOSEHEAD LAKE ME: If your love loves to take photos of moose – or criss-cross snow-covered logging roads on a ski-mobile, a visit to this Northern Maine town is in order. Greenville Inn is snug, cozy and luxurious all year long, but particularly lovely in winter.
BANGOR ME: Have you and your guy/gal bonded over Steven King? Then, get thee to what King calls “Derry ME” in many of his novels. Of course, there’s a Steven King Tour available in Bangor, some great shops and restaurants, and a brand new Residence Inn by Marriott with the coolest double showers ever.
MARYLAND
SOUTHERN MARYLAND: Both CALVERT COUNTY and ST. MARY’S COUNTY are perfect for romantics of a particular sort. If hunting for ancient sharks teeth on wide, inviting Chesapeake Bay beaches turns you on, try Solomons and the beaches of Calvert County. If you are into kayaking, hauling up crab pots, and staying in a hotel that offers both sunrise and sunset views, check out St. Mary’s. Or do both. The whole S. MD region is very wallet friendly.
ELLICOTT CITY MD: Are you feathering your new cozy nest and looking for the kind of quirky, funky, up cycled home goods you won’t find in a “normal” store? This former mill town may be small, but it’s got some of the coolest shops, and, nearby, a very romantic colonial-era B&B; The Wayside Inn.
FREDERICK MD: Don’t have time to get to Venice? Carroll Creek Park – a mile-long linear park encompassing a canal and landscaped brick walkways – is the next best thing. There are tons of independent shops, great restaurants, and a few miles away, the newly renovated Frederick Inn B&B – built for amore.
MASSACHUSETTS
HIDDEN BOSTON MA; Hipster couples will want to check out these secret spots in Boston. And then bed down in the city’s newest rock ‘n roll (slightly bad-ass) boutique hotel – The Verb, right in the shadow of Fenway Park. Even Bostonians don’t know about some of these places.
MARTHA’S VINEYARD, MA: This New England Island- a ferry ride from Wood’s Hole, MA, delivers on hypnotic sunrises and sunsets, exceptional beaches and intimate hideaways. Even if you aren’t president of the United States, you’ll be treated like one.
PROVINCETOWN MA: Live on the edge on this edge-of-the-world resort town. LGBT couples will find nirvana (and a whole lot of choice re: accommodations), but hetero romantics (and families) will also have a great, high-energy time at the tip-end of Cape Cod.
ROCKPORT MA: You live in Boston or New York, and you both long for a seaside escape with lots of fresh lobster, but just don’t want to drive all the way to Maine. What to do? Head to Rockport MASS – which provides LOTS of New England Coast charm without the hassle. Stay at Yankee Clipper Inn – favorite of many celebrities of yore – a few miles from town on a wind-whipped cliff overlooking the Atlantic. It’s as romantic as all get out.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
WHITE MOUNTAIN REGION: The White Mountain Region in New Hampshire is so vast, the Getaway Mavens broke it down into three sections. Each area encompasses attractions old and new (mostly old) – perfect for the hiking couple seeking fresh mountain air and classic, old fashioned resorts and hotels. Some, as you will see, score highly on the “Romance” scale.
SQUAM LAKE AND LAKE WINNIPESAUKEE NH: The most iconic old-age romance movies of all time – On Golden Pond – was filmed right on Squam Lake (which served as “Golden Pond”), but lovers of all ages will appreciate the quiet beauty of Squam or the more active spots around the larger Lake Winnipesaukee. Stay at Manor on Golden Pond for classic elegance, afternoon tea and superb lake views.
MANCHESTER NH: New Hampshire’s largest city not only spawned some of the great comedians of our day – Adam Sandler, Seth Meyers and Sarah Silverman – it gave innovators in wine (LaBell Winery) and chocolate (Dancing Lion Chocolate) a place to experiment and thrive. Hmm… wine and chocolate….? If you’re the kind of sweethearts who are into confections and fruit of the vine, or who gravitate to quirky and charming turnaround industrial towns, Manchester is a must. Sure you can stay in any number of franchise hotels – but you’ll want to bed down in the absolutely adorable Ash St. Inn, just a block from the famed Currier Art Museum.
PORSTMOUTH NH: Perhaps more than in any other New England seacoast town, it’s easy to imagine what life was like in this country when it was new and growing thanks to Portsmouth’s living history museum, Strawbery Banke, which isn’t a “museum” so much as a collection of 32 homes and establishments, most in their original locations and manned by costumed guides who interpret the lives and duties of the actual families who lived and worked in them. Just one of the draws of Portsmouth, this romantic seacoast town is also known for great dining, fun shopping and the Martin Hill Inn, voted “Best Garden Lovers B&B in New England” by Yankee Magazine.
HANOVER NH: Are you a pair of through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, a bit tired of camping out, and looking for some luxe digs for one night? You’re in luck. Just 431 miles from its northern end in Katahdin ME (1,713 miles from its starting point in Georgia), the trail runs right by the front door of the newly renovated Hanover Inn, basically on the Dartmouth College campus.
NEW JERSEY
JERSEY CITY NJ: The view. The food. The youthful, collaborative, entrepreneurial energy. And it’s all just one subway stop from downtown Manhattan. I cannot emphasize the vitality of this Hudson River city enough. You thought you knew “The City?” See it with your honey from a different perspective. Then chow down on some of the best food in the tri-state area.
RED BANK, NJ: The perfect spot for hipster romantics. Two live theaters, quirky world-known stores (one owned by filmmaker Kevin Smith), some of the top restaurants in the USA, and one of the oldest ice-boat clubs in the country – and oh, yea, Jon Bon Jovi – draw a certain type of tourist. We’re not talking beach bums here.
POINT PLEASANT NJ: Come off season and this normally family-crammed boardwalk beach town turns quiet and dreamy. Find out what’s open and what we believe to be the MOST ROMANTIC B&B on the Jersey Shore, bar none.
NEW YORK
NYACK NY: Take your favorite gal or guy to the newest edgy boutique hotel to hit the outskirts of NYC on the Hudson River. Hometown of American artist, Edward Hopper, Nyack is also the perfect vantage point from which to watch the progress of the midst-of-construction “New NY” Bridge that will replace the getting-dangerous-by-the-day Tappan Zee. Nyack has long been known as a haven for artists, with cool shops and restaurants, but the recent addition of the boutique Time Hotel, has added another level of chic to this Hudson River Town.
LONG ISLAND CITY AND ASTORIA, QUEENS: There’s an abundance of lovey-dovey stuff to do in this long ignored borough of New York City. For starters, THE VIEW – of mid-town Manhattan (UN Building, 59th St. Bridge, Chrystler and Empire State Buildings, etc), followed by an East River esplanade, a museum dedicated to the moving picture industry (now called “Hollywood,” but first studios were actually here), an edgy MoMa, sculptor Noguchi’s first showroom-now-museum, and lots more art. Stay at the Z NYC Hotel for your own private showing of Manhattan sunset and night lights – it’s honestly one of the best places to ask for his/her hand in marriage in The City.
THE PIERRE, A TAJ HOTEL, NY NY: The Pierre sits on what is arguably the most photographed and filmed slice of New York City– the south east corner of Central Park. Within steps of Central Park Zoo, the Wollman Skating Rink, the Plaza Hotel and a slew of here now, possibly gone tomorrow horse-drawn carriages, The Pierre is the epitome of “Romantic New York” – quiet, lavish without being showy, and eminently elegant – all with that rare commodity: a friendly, anticipatory human touch.
BROOKLYN BOUTIQUES: NU Hotel, Dazzler Brooklyn Hotel, BKLYN House Hotel. Ever notice that when any place on earth goes hipster, it’s called “The Brooklyn Of…..” or called out for being “Brooklyn-ized.” Well, there’s a reason for that. Brooklyn, the most populous of New York City’s five boroughs, has a special aura. You could call it ruggedly individualistic, artsy-entrepreneurial, a promised land for creatives. And yes, immensely romantic. And guess what? Boutique hotels to fit every purse and mood are cropping up all over the place. Doing business or visiting your kids nearby? Book a room at either Dazzler Brooklyn Hotel in Brooklyn Heights or NU Hotel in Cobble Hill – both a short subway ride to downtown Manhattan and a mile or so to Barclay Center. For the more adventurous “fringe-art” fan, try Bushwick’s BKLYN House Hotel.
CALDWELL HOUSE B&B, SALISBURY MILLS NY: There are shamrocks everywhere in the Caldwell House, a beautiful four-leaf-clover of a Bed and Breakfast in the Hudson River Valley. A stately home built in 1803 by a wealthy merchant from Ireland, you don’t need to have the luck of the Irish to be assured a superb stay here. A favorite with honeymooners, you might not want to leave your guest room with fireplace and downy bedding, but if you do, Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, The 1839 Brotherhood Winery (oldest operating winery in the USA), Storm King Outdoor Sculpture Center and West Point Military Academy are just minutes away.
BUFFALO NY: Buffalo as a romantic destination? Yes! Especially if you stay at The Mansion on Delaware where a personal butler is on call 24/7. Just 20 minutes from that Newlywed Destination of old, Niagara Falls, with a burgeoning brew and culinary scene (far beyond the famous wings), a redone Lake Erie waterfront, and lots of Frank Lloyd Wright charm, this proud city is back.
FINGER LAKES, NY – KEUKA AND SENECA: Wine, freshwater lakes surrounded by rolling vineyards, a growing food scene and charming B&B’s – the Finger Lakes in New York are distinctively built for romance amidst the fruits of the vine.
BUTTERMILK FALLS INN, MILTON, NY: There’s something divine about the sunrise over the Hudson River and this simple pleasure can be yours on blue-sky mornings at this lyrically set inn – one of the best places to escape New York City with your soulful honey. Bring a book and an appreciation for farm animals, leisurely strolls and the simple life.
BEACON, NY: It’s got just the right amount of cute and eccentric for you and your artsy companion. When large art-installation museum, DIA:Beacon, opened in 2002, it gave culture hounds a reason to come upriver for the day. As more people came, artists, chefs and aspiring retailers did, too. And then, in late 2012, a boutique hotel – The Roundhouse at Beacon Falls – measuring up to the standards of those urbane museum and gallery goers finally opened in Beacon, creating the perfect overnight arts, shopping, and wine and beer-sipping romantic Getaway.
PHOENICIA, NY: Grab your sporty pal for this mountain escape. Hike, ski, or go tubing, and then plan to enjoy a most decadent spa treatment at the Emerson Hotel and Spa in this little Catskills town.
SLEEPY HOLLOW/TARRYTOWN NY: One of the most charming, ivy-blanketed cottages on the Hudson River was actually owned by a confirmed bachelor – and a famous one at that. Washington Irving, who brought us Rip Van Winkle and the Headless Horseman, lived in a home made for romance. But there are so many other places that lovebirds can explore, and at least one “royal” place to stay in this Westchester County hamlet just 30 minutes from NYC.
NORTHERN CATSKILLS/GREEN COUNTY NY: You could say that America’s great love affair with the “wilderness” began here. Thomas Cole, father of the Hudson River School of Art, painted Kaaterskill Falls and the mountains and wilds of this valley in the early 1800’s, spawning a thirst for travel here. You can still go hand in hand on a rooty, rocky half mile (each way) hike to the Falls, or mountain bike down ski trails, or catch a concert, and then stay in a lovely historic B&B.
LAKE GEORGE, BOLTONS LANDING NY: There’s nothing like a Lake George sunrise or sunset to spark (or re-spark) a romantic flame, especially if you are watching it from your room at the iconic Sagamore Resort. Take your beloved on a spin around the lake with your private guide through Love is on Lake George Boat Tours. It’s the perfect opportunity to pop the question, or “re-pop” it, as the case may be.
SARATOGA SPRINGS NY: Soaking in warm mineral water is like “bathing in champagne” – a most exquisite feeling. Saratoga Springs was one of the country’s original “spa” towns, and remains ideal for treatments and health-oriented lovers. There’s also the horsey aspect – it’s where Carly Simon’s vain, gavotting guy’s horse “naturally won,” and you can watch future American Pharaohs go through their paces, too.
COOPERSTOWN NY: Have you bonded over “America’s Favorite Pastime” (Baseball Hall of Fame) or beer (Ommegang)? Then this town, far from any interstate, will thrill. Throw in a New York themed carousel with characters carved by history teachers, a pristine lakeside golf course and stunning renovated waterfront hotel (Otesaga), and you’ve got the makings for a heart-felt getaway.
RHINECLIFF HOTEL NY: A hundred miles from NYC, right up the Hudson River, this renovated “Railroad Flophouse” is now a trendy, reclaimed inn just a couple of miles from downtown Rhinebeck NY. With dead-on views of the Hudson River from your balcony, and starting at just $99 off season, this is a hipster-couple – and Getaway Maven – favorite.
HUDSON NY: If the website Etsy was an actual place, it would be Hudson, NY, an artsy town on the Hudson River that has managed to out-Brooklyn Brooklyn in cutesie-pie-ity. This escape is for the couple looking to furnish their nest – and fuel a bit of passion while they’re at it.
WEST POINT NY: Are you the kind of patriotic couple who salutes each other at home? Then, you’ll want to stay a night or two at the updated and now luxurious Thayer Hotel on the campus of West Point Military Academy. Take a tour, learn about the place that makes officers out of cadets, and moon over each other and the “Million Dollar View” of the Hudson River.
PENNSYLVANIA
HERSHEY, PA; Hot Cocoa Baths, Kisses on your pillow. Nuff said.
PHILADELPHIA, PA. Philly as a romantic destination? Yes. And why give your special someone flowers when you can get him/her the whole garden. Here’s the perfect Getaway for the flora-loving couple.
INN AT BOWMAN’S HILL, NEW HOPE, PA: The owner of this estate is an unabashed romantic – eager to make all of your dreams come true. Luxurious and secluded, this farmland-set lodging is perfect for a celebrating twosome.
UPPER BUCKS COUNTY PA: Ringing Rocks, a Handbell Factory Tour, one of the most innovative restaurants and a luxury inn with the most sensational mosaic showers show lovebirds there’s more to Buck’s County than just New Hope (though that’s great, too).
HOTEL FAUCHERE, MILFORD PA: Established by a top NYC chef in the mid-1800’s, this Main St. Milford hotel has drawn hundreds of Bold Faced actors, writers, and politicians (including US Presidents). As a Relais & Chateaux property, Fauchere excels at personal service. Two in-house restaurants are outstanding and rooms are contemporary and bright with beds topped with cloud-like duvets you’ll never want to leave.
HAWLEY PA: A tiny town, a big lake, an Ice-Carving Factory, and the largest hand-carved bluestone building in the world, Hawley PA is a magnet for families in the summer who recreate in one of the largest bodies of water in Pennsylvania- Lake Wallenpaupak. But adoring couple will want to visit offseason, though, for greater pleasures. Hawley harbors two upscale inns – one a Craftsman Style beauty, the other a contemporary wonder set inside a whitewater gorge.
NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT PA: What is Nemacolin? It’s a wildlife sanctuary. It’s a small-plane airport ( just don’t ask who’s flying in on his/her private plane). It’s an award-winning golf course (Pete Dye designed Mystic Rock, The Links) and Golf Academy. It’s a Holistic Healing Center and spa for both humans and animals. It’s an Art Museum with a collection valued at $45 million. It’s an antique car museum, a prop-plane museum and an official Jeep Driving Academy. It’s got a climbing wall, a zip-line, x-country skiing, tubing, horseback riding, dogsled rides, canopy tours, paintball. There’s even a piece of the Berlin Wall on the property. Nemacolin is a deliriously wacky, extravagant, homey, friendly, fun whirlwind of a place. And, along with all of this, it’s got a couple of top luxury hotels on the property (take your pick – Paris Ritz or Frank Lloyd Wright style). To top it off, its just a few minutes drive to Fallingwater and Kentuck Knob – two of Frank Lloyd Wright designed homes open for tours.
PITTSBURGH PA: Have you forged a relationship over movies? You may be surprised to find that some of your favorite flicks were made in this West PA city. Take a Lights, Camera, Action tour and you may see a Hollywood star at work on another project.
LODGE AT GLENDORN, BRADFORD PA: Built as an exclusive hunting hideaway by a wealthily oilman, the Lodge at Glendorn is now a perfect escape for Upland-Bird hunters and Fly Fishermen/women who appreciate a roaring fire, a game of billiards and a five-star meal at the end of the day. As I mentioned in the linked post, a stay here makes for a most appreciated Anniversary or Birthday gift for the best friend you just happen to live with.
RHODE ISLAND
NEWPORT, RI: Newport RI has a flair for the dramatic. The town is both paean to the America’s Cup Yacht Race and the conspicuous consumer lifestyle of the Gilded Age, with lots of shopping, great restaurants and the prestigious Relais & Chateaux’s Castle Hill Inn – an out of town hideaway with the most enthralling views of the Atlantic Ocean from almost every balcony or deck.
NARRAGANSETT RI: Those who believe that New England beach resort towns are dead in the wintertime must visit Narragansett RI – a popular Atlantic Ocean beach community – in the coldest months. For starters, January is the best month for surfing (who knew?), down-filled outerwear is made for brisk strolls on snow-covered sand, favorite restaurants still buzz with happy eaters, shops are open, and best of all, rates at the coolest new boutique hotel, The Break, are satisfyingly low. So bring your Polar Bear honey to the Rhode Island shore for a bracing, romantic getaway.
VERMONT
FOUR COLUMNS INN, NEWFANE VT. Renovated in 2014, and reopened in 2015, this world-renowned New England Inn drew the likes of Mick Jagger (he and Jerry Hall stayed here for his both b’day) and other Boldfaced Names back in the 80’s and 90’s. Not resting on its laurels, the inn has all the elements necessary for a romantic getaway: fantastic food in on-site Artisan Restaurant, a funky pub, and eclectically charming and luxurious rooms. You’ll never have to leave the stunning property if you don’t want to.
RABBIT HILL INN, LOWER WATERFORD VT: Leave it to the 19-room Rabbit Hill Inn to make log-pine luxurious. The Cedar Glen room, kited out in Adirondack-chic, is an elegant blend of pine and plaid, and one of the most difficult rooms to leave once settled in. But this is not the only reason the Rabbit Hill Inn has been among the top lodging establishments in New England: any country inn can be prettied up. No, Rabbit Hill is tops due to its owners, Brian and Leslie Mulcahy, who have been here 23 years, and exude the kind of warmth and good will that radiates brightly around them. Sure, you can sequester yourselves in a charming room here and never emerge, but RHI is best for happy couples who love to socialize and make friends. It’s got that kind of vibe.
BURLINGTON VT: He loves Teddy Bears. She loves beer. And you both love sunsets over a placid mountain lake. Presenting – Burlington, known as home to University of Vermont and a growing number of micro-breweries. Not to mention Vermont Teddy Bear Co. Choose between two very different accommodations: the fun, quirky 4-room Mid-Century Modern decorated Victorian B&B, Made Inn Vermont, or larger stunning contemporary boutique hotel, Hotel Vermont. Both stress the craft beer experience – Made Inn Vermont treats each guest to a can of Heady Topper and Focal Banger, Hotel Vermont keeps a “Beer Concierge” on staff to direct guests to the best breweries in the area (and even offers a full-day, two night Brewery Tour package every other week).
WILMINGTON VT: Lovers of a certain age will remember spending weekends at Mount Snow (or Haystack) back when Poncho’s Wreck in Wilmington was the place to go after a day on the hill. Several years ago, Hurricane Irene wiped out most of the town, including Poncho’s. Though that restaurant is no more, plenty of other new highly regarded locally sourced restaurants are. If your days of attacking the mountain are behind you – and you’d like a few runs in the morning followed by puttering around town and eating well, stay at the Wilmington Inn and Tavern, and see how Wilmington is back!
RED CLOVER INN, MENDON VT: Only 15 minutes from Killington Ski Resort, Red Clover Inn – quiet, lovely and oozing romantic appeal – is a secluded hideaway for skiers who want a break from the crazy crowds on the hill.
MIDDLEBURY VT. Horse-lovers, beer and wine lovers, or just lovers in general will love Middlebury. The College campus even has its own LOVE Sculpture. Stay at Inn on the Green, and you can snuggle up while enjoying breakfast in bed.
WOODSTOCK VT: Once a release valve for the Victorian wealthy who’d take the train from NYC or Boston to White River Junction, and then the 14-mile spur into the mountains, Woodstock feels romantically lost in time. This is the region where where the National Park Service chose to impart the history of land conservation in the US. Add to that great hand-crafted cheese, famous artisans, and a historic luxury inn, and you’re golden for a wonderful cozy weekend. Plan to stay or at least book spa treatments at the uber-friendly and recently updated Woodstock Inn and Spa – the town’s centerpiece lodging.
BENNINGTON VT: This was Robert Frost’s “Road Less Traveled” and in fact, America’s famed rural poet is buried in this Vermont burg just over the Massachusetts border. The lush, green mountains around are the defining aspect of this region – inspiration for poets and artists like Frost, Grandma Moses and Norman Rockwell. And for poetry-spouting twosomes as well. Stay in finery in a grand Federalist inn, The Four Chimneys Inn – perfect for the couple seeking a Victorian-age “summer in the mountains” experience along with lightening fast wi-fi access.
THE ESSEX, VERMONTS CULINARY INN AND SPA: Ideal for the foodie couple who yearns to learn to cook together in a professional kitchen with professional chefs, dine on terrific, innovative cuisine and stay overnight in comfy quarters. This property was once a satellite campus of the prestigious New England Culinary Institute until 2009 (when the Institute was consolidated in Montpelier), with the teaching ethos, training kitchens and equipment intact. Since then, the resort has built a world-class spa, kitchen gardens, a beautifully landscaped pool, and is in the process of upscaling guestrooms. With two great restaurants on site – not to mention private kitchens for that “special” event (proposals, anniversaries, etc.) – The Essex is a unique destination resort.
VIRGINIA
LOUDOUN COUNTY VA: Let the spirits move you. If your idea of a starry-eyed getaway involves hitting up lots of wineries, distilleries and breweries, come to “DC’s Wine Country,” just outside of our Nation’s Capital. While here, stay at the newly renovated Lansdowne Resort, which may look a bit corporate, but has the heart of a much smaller place. FYI – Lansdowne massage therapist, Ismail, at the newly refreshed in-house Spa, is the Best Massage Therapist in the county, according to Loudoun County Magazine.
AIRLIE RESORT, WARRENTON VA. Until a couple of years ago, this achingly gorgeous spot was strictly a conference center and retreat. Now, Airlie is gaining ground as a wedding destination (no big surprise, given the spectacular surroundings) and quickie honeymoon spot for time-starved DC careerists. The new restaurant, Garden Bistro, offers some of the freshest, most innovative cuisine in the Northeast, and another reason to book a cozy room in one of several cottages that dot the grounds.
ALEXANDRIA VA: Feeling amorous, need a quick getaway from Washington DC, and don’t want to leave your doggie behind? Make everyone happy in this incredibly Dog-Friendly town. It’s romantic enough for the Obama’s, who enjoyed anniversary AND Valentines Day dinners here (in two different restaurants. We’ll tell you which ones), and small enough to explore in just two days.
CHINCOTEAGUE, VA; This shoreline town in Virginia is pony-territory, so it’s the perfect place to bring your horse-crazy beloved. The 1945 book “Misty of Chincoteague,” brought awareness of the wild ponies on Assateague Island to the world. But while most people know about the horses, many are not aware that this is also a NASA hotspot. So, for a great “otherworldly” getaway, with down-to-earth appeal, stay at the Channel Bass Inn – a vintage home with antiques, quilted bedding, polished wood floors and a lovingly tended large English Garden out back. It’s airy, friendly, comfy and Victorian-era romantic.
ONANCOCK, VA: Dangling between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, life revolves around the water: oysters, crabs, duck-hunting, millions of migratory birds. The better-known Chincoteague often overshadows the pleasures of the smaller towns to its south, which, for adventurers and seekers of the offbeat, is one reason to go. Two more – Virginia’s Eastern Shore is a mere 5 hours drive from New York City, and attractions, food and lodging are surprisingly sophisticated. Where else can you kayak to an award-winning vineyard for a wine and cheese tasting afternoon?
KESWICK HALL, NEAR CHARLOTTESVILLE VA: A stunning Italian-style villa overlooking the new award-winning Pete Dye 18 hole course, Keswick Hall is ideal for the golf-loving couple. Even if one lives for the links and the other would rather read poolside, this highly personalized, exclusive resort comes through for all.
THE MARTHA HOTEL, ABINGDON VA: Abingdon is one of those charming historic towns with a linchpin attraction – The Barter Theater – established during the depression when NY actors would “barter” their acting chops for pork chops (or food in general). The Martha Hotel has been putting up theatergoers ever since. Formerly a mansion, then with the addition of two wings, a girl’s finishing school, The Martha has been adjusting and settling into boutique hotel status since it was opened in 1932 (and renovated in 2006). You’ll likely find guests enjoying conversations on the wide veranda as you walk in to a beautiful mansion foyer, or nipping a glass of (complementary) port before bedtime in the stately library. But the most romantic draw is the stunning couple’s spa room – call ahead for bath-side champagne.
WINCHESTER VA: There’s plenty of Civil War history in the town that switched allegiances 72 times during the course of the War – and that extends to haunted history as well. If you and your honey are into pub crawls and ghost tours, you’re in luck. Old Town Winchester Ghost Tours runs a “Haunted Pub Crawl” a couple of times a week. Stay at The George Washington Hotel, which has one of the sexiest lounges on this list and fine, upscale rooms.
FREDERICKSBURG VA: If you and your history-loving beau are obsessed with everything George Washington, and want to sleep everywhere that he did, you hit the jackpot here. The Washington family moved to what became known as “Washington Ferry” when George was six years old – and he grew up in this town with so much American history you’d need at least a week to unpack it all. Both George’s Mom and sister had their own homes here with both open for tours. The town’s Rappahonnock River was the dividing line between slavery and freedom during the Civil War – when Union Troops urged Fredericksburg Blacks to swim across to freedom. A living history town, you’ll find one of the most sensual and best-designed B&B’s right on Main St in the thick of a great shopping and dining district – the 1890 Caroline Inn.
SOUTHWESTERN VA: Couple who relish “Roots” or traditional country music will want to spend some time driving the 330-mile venue-studded Crooked Road, flat-foot clog with the locals on a Saturday night at the Carter Family Fold, and listen to the original Bristol Sessions at the Birth of Country Music Museum (a Smithsonian affiliate) in Bristol VA/TN. This is where that twang began.