It’s almost that time again; the start of wedding season is fast approaching and newlyweds have commenced honeymoon planning! Like most, you’ve planned your dream wedding and the pocketbook is a wee bit lighter than you had initially hoped. Have no fear – you can have that romantic getaway of your dreams on a Mini ‘Moon, a “mini honeymoon” much like the fabled Staycation; a long weekend spent relatively close to home (or at least in the same geographical region). Here are a few cities around (or very close to) the U.S. that can be just as relaxing, romantic and secluded as those traditional honeymoon spots – these trips may even perfect for those lovebirds who haven’t yet taken the plunge.
Montreal
If you and your honey are on the East Coast, head across the border to Montreal, Canada, known for its European feel with Baroque architecture and French speaking natives. It is also a foodie paradise, so share a slice with your sugar pie at Rockaberry or sit by candlelight in a secluded booth at Chez Queux, where you will be served by waiters in tuxedos while a pianist tickles the ivories.
Savannah
It’s hard not to be romantic while sipping an ice cold mint julep in the steamy heat under the shade of a weeping willow. The South has many options for newlyweds and Savannah, Georgia can’t be beat for a dose of southern comfort. Basically one big historical landmark, most of downtown Savannah is nationally recognized as such. Get transported back in time to the Colonial age on a tour of the Wormsloe Plantation. Wander the streets of downtown soaking in the history then stop in at 700 Drayton to feast on sumptuous fare in a mansion completely dripping with crystal chandeliers.
Chicago
Old Chicago, the “Windy City”, the “City With Big Shoulders”… don’t worry, we promise it’s more romantic than it sounds. In the summer, meander through Grant Park for a picnic, to catch a music festival, or to gander at the amazing public art. Feel like a royal couple by taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the nighttime streets trotting past romantically lit landmarks like Buckingham Fountain and the shoreline of Lake Michigan. By now, all of the cozy sightseeing should have you feeling famished, so wine and dine your sweetie at the Signature Room at the 95th Floor where you can get a bird’s eye view of Chicago for a pretty penny. Reserve a table at sunset and you may just see another couple pop the question!
Sedona
Ommm…you may need a little meditation and relaxation after the frenetic pace of your wedding day. Bliss out in red rock Sedona. The Enchantment Resort and Spa will pamper you so book a couple’s massage, sip margaritas by the pool, or score Love – on the tennis courts. If you can drag yourselves out of your hotel room for about an hour take the short, but slightly challenging hike to Cathedral Rock. Cathedral Rock is the strongest of the famous “Vortexes” in Sedona, so get a little revved up from the energy here. Stop in at L’Auberge de Sedona on a balmy night for dinner under a canopy of stars and fragrant pine trees on their outdoor patio. The extensive and award winning wine list will supply you with the perfect aphrodisiac.
Napa
If rolling hills of grape vines, eating fresh locally sourced food, and wine-spiked massages sound right up you and your betrotheds alley, then Napa is the place for you. Have a personal driver take you to all the sparkling wine vintners one day, then hire them again to take you to the award winning Cabernet Sauvignon wineries the next. Splurge a little (okay a lot) at The French Laundry, one of the most exclusive and indulgent restaurants in Northern California. There are a plethora of resorts and spas for you and your honey to get soaked, rubbed and scrubbed in; Meadowood Resort will keep you relaxed and fit as a fiddle. There’s so much to do on the resort grounds you may never leave (which isn’t always a bad thing…wink wink).
Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list of amazing places to visit in this fair country. What beautiful, romantic, or secluded places are on your Mini ‘Moon list?
[Photos: freeflight046 , dicktay2000, lisacchamberlain, JOE MARINARO, Ryan Harvey, jimg944 / Flickr]