5 romantic winter getaways in the U.S.
Photo by: Petra in Chicago
There’s something romantic about the winter months. It might have to do with all that snuggling to stay warm in cold weather, or tantalizing glimpses of skin in bathing suits on tropical getaways. It might also have to do with the sentiments of love and warmth that accompany our winter holidays (at least in the Northern Hemisphere!), from Christmas to Valentine’s.
But whether it’s the sparkling lights, the sparkling snow, or the sparkle in someone’s eyes, winter is the perfect time to indulge in a romantic getaway. Let’s take a peek around the U.S. at a handful of spots where lovers can snuggle a little closer. If you’re inspired to join them, be sure to book one of our local photographers to capture all the love and romance in the wintry air!
Photo by: Jenn in Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
The winters in Asheville are mild and there is plenty for couples to enjoy, both indoors and out, with the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains making every embrace and kiss just a little more spectacular. Take in the holiday decorations at the historic Biltmore Estate, spanning 8,000 acres. Wander the grand house and gardens, walk the trails and wine taste. Couples looking for a more thorough outdoor escape should start with a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway stopping for a cozy, roadside picnic complete with beautiful views. Then choose your adventure: waterfall, river, lake or forest. The aptly named Lover’s Leap Hike is part of the Appalachian Trail and accessible from nearby Hot Springs, while the easy hike to Looking Glass Falls rewards visitors with 60 feet of falling water that glistens like glass. Back in lovely Asheville, stroll hand-in-hand through its art galleries and museums, relax together at one of the many spas, sip cocktails while listening to live bluegrass music, then retire to your romantic inn, lodge or B&B.
New Orleans, Louisiana
City lovers will find romance in spades in New Orleans; in the twinkling lights of the squares, the jazz music spilling out of clubs, and the rattle of the streetcars up and down St. Charles Street. Upon arrival, couples have countless grand hotels to choose from, each charming their guests dressed up as they are for the season, with gingerbread houses, trees, garlands, and magnolia wreaths. Even if you don’t choose to stay in one, you can enjoy popping in and out of them to warm yourselves in their beautiful lobbies and on their signature cocktails. Also be sure to stroll over to Magazine Street, six miles lined with cafes, boutiques and galleries. Take advantage of the Big Easy’s easygoing attitude and walk with a glass of wine or beer in hand as you shop for the perfect his & her gifts. Indulge on plump oysters to fuel the passions, and if you’ll be in New Orleans for Christmas Eve, treat yourselves to the traditional Reveillon Dinner at one of the city’s gourmet restaurants. You’ll feel like a king and queen enjoying the lavish feast rooted in Creole Christmas traditions of the early 19th century.
San Francisco, California
Winter can often be more pleasant than summer in San Francisco, where lovers are treated to beautiful sun sets over the water and a city skyline beckoning with dozens of diversions. Consider staying at one of the historic luxury hotels on Nob Hill, high atop those famous San Francisco hills, where you can lounge in your robes, eat Ghiradelli chocolates, sip Napa Valley wines, and soak up the views. During the day, cozy up on a cable car as it dings its way up and down California Street, hold hands as you ice skate in Union Square, and window shop at Tiffany’s. Because the weather is mild, countless hikes, walks and activities lure lovers outdoors for more fresh air and adventures, like whale watching on the bay, strolling through Golden Gate Park, or hiking in Mount Davidson. And San Francisco offers not just one, but two opportunities for the perfect New Years kiss. On January 1st, watch the fireworks from the Ferry Building, or later in winter, catch the dragon dance in Chinatown as the city celebrates Chinese New Year.
Marco Island, Florida
If you’re a couple looking to get off the beaten path and bring some tropical heat to your winter getaway, then head to Marco Island and dip your toes in the sea of love, or at least the Gulf of Mexico. One of the Ten Thousand Islands, here couples can indulge in luxury resorts as well as explore quiet, out-of-the-way fishing villages. If you stay at one of the resorts on the south side of the island you’ll be pampered with opulent surroundings, pools with views, and private beaches, cabanas and umbrellas where you can sip colorful cocktails and hold hands from your side-by-side chairs. But Marco Island is also the perfect destination to rent a vacation property then lose track of time walking together on the sandy beaches on the west coast. Here couples can forget the rest of the country stuck in winter, and instead work on their tans, play in the water, paddleboard and kayak together, and take in countless sunsets from waterfront restaurants.
Chicago, Illinois
In Chicago, as temperatures drop and snow falls, couples encounter a true winter wonderland to explore, kiss and cuddle in. The city sparkles and the streets take on a magical quality as ice rinks and illumination festivals appear. Lincoln Park Zoo is always a romantic destination, where our fellow animals canoodle right along with us, but in winter it becomes even more delightful as it is lit up by over 2.5 million lights. Couples can stroll amidst the displays and enjoy activities. The Chicago Botanic Garden also dazzles with thousands of lights and offers a true tunnel of love in the form of a 110-foot tunnel of shimmering lights. Or stay cozy in the car with a thermos of warm cocoa or coffee and drive the two-mile route through Morton Arboretum’s annual tree lights display. Downtown with the city all around you, the two of you ice skate the Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park before finally slipping into the spa or your robes at one of Chicago’s iconic luxury hotels overlooking the river or lake. Finally cozy up at one of the many fireplace bars for a romantic winter nightcap.