Last Minute Romantic Getaways

Location:

Blowing Rock, NC

Highlights:

If you’re planning a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, don’t skip Blowing Rock—a charming mountain escape that blends outdoor fun with cozy, small-town vibes. It’s the kind of place where you can hike in the morning, enjoy art and shopping in the afternoon, and end the day with a scenic dinner and sunset views.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, families, outdoor adventurers, art lovers, and anyone seeking a balanced mix of nature, culture, and comfort in the North Carolina mountains.

What We Love:

Easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a wide range of lodging options, year-round events, and endless outdoor activities from zip-lining to fly fishing.

• Discover Blowing Rock, a beloved mountain getaway located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina’s scenic high country.
• Stay your way with lodging that ranges from charming B&Bs and rental cabins to upscale resorts, campgrounds, and budget-friendly hotels.
• Play outside with adventures like hiking, biking, white-water rafting, zip-lining, fishing, rock climbing, and golf.
• Celebrate at concerts, art festivals, and seasonal events that keep the town buzzing with activity all year long.
• Unwind with great restaurants, day spas, art galleries, and a surprisingly stylish shopping scene that gives you plenty to enjoy off the trails.

Location:

Hot Springs, AR

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of a destination where healing waters meet historic charm, you’ll love Hot Springs. This vibrant town blends outdoor adventure, rich heritage, and one-of-a-kind spa experiences—all wrapped in the beauty of surrounding forests and mountains.

We Recommend This For:

Spa seekers, history buffs, outdoor adventurers, and travelers looking for relaxation with a side of exploration.

What We Love:

The seamless connection between city and national park, Northwoods biking trails, historic Bathhouse Row, and a walkable downtown filled with shops and great food.

• Unwind in Hot Springs’ natural thermal waters—perfect for relaxing after a hike, bike ride, or long day of travel.
• Experience the close-knit bond between the town and Hot Springs National Park, where the city grew up around the springs and continues to thrive.
• Get active on the scenic hiking and biking trails in the Northwoods area, a top spot for outdoor recreation lovers.
• Explore downtown Hot Springs for boutique shopping, charming cafés, and a range of local restaurants worth lingering in.
• Soak in history at Bathhouse Row, where beautifully preserved buildings still offer spa services using the town’s famous thermal waters.

Location:

Columbia, MO

Highlights:

If you're looking for a college town with nonstop energy, culture, and creativity, we’d definitely steer you toward Columbia. With three major colleges, stunning parks, vibrant arts, and a culinary scene full of surprises, it’s a place that makes learning—and living—feel like an adventure.

We Recommend This For:

College town explorers, outdoor lovers, art fans, foodies, and anyone looking to soak up a bit of Missouri charm with a lively twist.

What We Love:

The classic quad at Mizzou, cave hikes in Rock Bridge State Park, the bloom-filled Shelter Gardens, and the thriving local food and arts scene.

• Feel the buzz of college life in Columbia—home to Stephens College, University of Missouri, and Columbia College.
• Start your stroll at the Francis Quadrangle, where iconic columns and campus energy set the tone for your visit.
• Explore outdoors at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park with hikes, cave tours, and serene forest trails.
• Relax in the peaceful blooms of Shelter Gardens, a botanical wonder tucked within the city.
• Have fun with a seasonal visit to Shryocks Callaway Farms and its festive corn maze and family-friendly attractions.
• Cheer with the crowd at Mizzou Arena, where sports and events keep the spirit alive year-round.
• Get inspired at the Columbia Art League with rotating local art exhibits and creative programs.
• Taste your way through downtown with Columbia Culinary Tours, where local dishes tell stories all their own.

Location:

Greenville, SC

Highlights:

If you're after a city that blends nature, art, and southern hospitality in the most magical way, Greenville is a must-visit. Where else can you stand on a misty pedestrian bridge above a downtown waterfall and still be steps from world-class dining and cultural gems?

We Recommend This For:

Urban explorers, art and history lovers, couples seeking a romantic Southern escape, and anyone who appreciates parks as much as performance venues.

What We Love:

The waterfall right in the heart of downtown, Falls Park's dreamy gardens, floating bridge views, and the city’s balance of cultural richness and outdoor charm.

• Marvel at Greenville’s downtown waterfall and the architecturally stunning pedestrian bridge that feels like it’s floating above the mist.
• Relax at Falls Park on the Reedy, where biking, hiking, gardens, and romantic riverside restaurants await.
• Explore Southern creativity at the Greenville County Museum of Art, featuring centuries of work by regional artists.
• Learn the rich heritage of the region at the Upcountry History Museum, a must for history buffs.
• Experience Broadway shows, concerts, and performances at the renowned Peace Center performing arts venue.

Location:

Lenox, MA

Highlights:

If you’re dreaming of a cultured New England escape with stunning landscapes and world-class performances, Lenox is your ticket. This charming Western Massachusetts town may be small, but it’s rich in music, art, literature, and serene natural beauty.

We Recommend This For:

Classical music lovers, literature buffs, art aficionados, and anyone seeking a peaceful yet inspiring retreat in the Berkshires.

What We Love:

Summer concerts at Tanglewood, performances by Shakespeare and Company, Gilded Age mansions, and scenic hiking trails through nature preserves and forested parks.

• Discover Lenox, a picturesque and elegant town in Western Massachusetts that has become a magnet for culture lovers from around the world.
• Listen to top-tier classical music at Tanglewood, the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s summer home.
• Watch compelling performances by Shakespeare and Company or explore literary history at The Mount, Edith Wharton’s restored mansion and gardens.
• Step back into the Gilded Age at Ventfort Hall Museum, a grand historic estate turned museum.
• View an impressive Cubist art collection at the Frelinghuysen Morris House and Studio.
• Wander through the Pleasant Valley Sanctuary for a peaceful escape into nature with well-marked trails and birdwatching opportunities.
• Hike the scenic woodlands of Kennedy Park, a local favorite for outdoor adventures just minutes from town.

Quick Honeymoon Ideas:

Location:

Harrisonburg, VA

Highlights:

Looking for a getaway where charming history, lush scenery, and vibrant local culture all come together? Harrisonburg in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley is that kind of place—perfect for a long weekend filled with discovery, art, food, and natural beauty.

We Recommend This For:

History lovers, art seekers, craft beer fans, nature lovers, and travelers wanting a relaxed-yet-rich cultural escape.

What We Love:

The preserved downtown full of flavor and history, Shenandoah Valley views, local artisan showcases, and the fragrant peace of White Oak Lavender Farm.

• Explore “Rocktown,” now known as Harrisonburg, where nature, history, and culture create the ideal small-town escape in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Stroll through the Downtown Historic District for delicious eats, local brews, and a rich architectural backdrop.
• Relax in the area’s scenic parks, framed by the green beauty of the Shenandoah landscape.
• Drop by the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center for the latest happenings and local events.
• Browse works by 45 local artists at OASIS Fine Art and Craft, a beloved cooperative gallery in town.
• Admire the intricate, historic quilts at the Virginia Quilt Museum, honoring generations of craftsmanship.
• Unwind at the fragrant and peaceful White Oak Lavender Farm, a unique sensory retreat in the Valley.
• Sample Harrisonburg’s excellent local craft breweries—perfect for winding down after a day of exploring.

Location:

Cincinnati, OH

Highlights:

Looking for a city that blends rich history, stunning riverfront views, and buzzing neighborhoods? Cincinnati delivers big with 19th-century charm, world-class museums, hidden culinary gems, and panoramic skylines—all along the banks of the Ohio River.

We Recommend This For:

Architecture lovers, art fans, foodies, sports enthusiasts, and couples or families looking for a last-minute getaway that’s equal parts culture and fun.

What We Love:

Beautiful German heritage architecture, vibrant food tours, a top-tier art museum, relaxing parks and conservatories, and the bird’s-eye views from Carew Tower.

• Discover Cincinnati, a riverfront city built by German settlers at the meeting point of the Licking and Ohio Rivers, where past and present intertwine effortlessly.
• Stroll through Findlay Market, where 19th-century architecture meets local food vendors and historic charm.
• Marvel at 6,000 years of art at the Cincinnati Art Museum, one of the country’s oldest and most comprehensive collections.
• Taste your way through the city on curated food tours that lead to hidden dining spots only locals know.
• Cheer at the Great American Ball Park and soak in the hometown pride with a Cincinnati Reds game day experience.
• Relax in the lush botanical escape of the Krohn Conservatory, filled with exotic plants and floral displays.
• Look out from the Carew Tower observation deck for sweeping views across the city skyline and beyond.

Family-friendly Last Minute Romantic Getaways:

Location:

Poconos Mountains, PA

Highlights:

If you're dreaming of a romantic escape wrapped in scenic beauty and indulgent luxury, the Poconos Mountains are calling. With heart-shaped tubs, couples’ massages, crackling fireplaces, and serene woodland trails, it’s a dream destination for reconnecting and unwinding together.

We Recommend This For:

Couples, honeymooners, anniversary celebrants, and anyone looking to slow down and enjoy quality time in a beautiful, pampering setting.

What We Love:

Adults-only resorts with in-room pools, romantic adventures like horseback riding and wine tasting, and iconic amenities like hydromassage tubs and private saunas.

• Fall in love with the scenic beauty of the Poconos Mountains—rolling hills, serene lakes, and forested trails perfect for couples looking to unplug and recharge.
• Indulge in signature Poconos luxury, from heart-shaped bathtubs to hydromassage soaking tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and cozy in-room saunas.
• Escape to Cove Haven Resort, an adults-only hideaway featuring in-room pools, whirlpool tubs, all-inclusive dining, and nightly live entertainment for two.
• Adventure together with horseback rides, winter dog sledding, and tranquil nature walks under the stars or snow-dusted trees.
• Savor local flavors on wine tasting tours, perfect for toasting your getaway in the most romantic way possible.

Location:

Boulder, CO

Highlights:

If you’re after a city with creative energy, amazing food, and a quirky downtown that never stops moving, Boulder should be high on your list. This Colorado hotspot is equal parts laid-back and lively—perfect for foodies, art lovers, and adventure seekers alike.

We Recommend This For:

Foodies, art enthusiasts, live music fans, beer lovers, and travelers who crave vibrant downtown energy surrounded by mountain views.

What We Love:

Pearl Street Mall’s charm, rooftop dining, local art galleries, buzzing food tours, and some of the best craft beer and music scenes in Colorado.

• Wander Boulder’s downtown, one of the most vibrant in the country, packed with shops, food, music, and energy you won’t forget.
• Eat your way through town with Local Table Tours or explore the iconic Pearl Street Mall with 150 boutiques, musicians, and fountains.
• Admire local creativity at the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art and more than 20 other galleries across the city.
• Dine with a view at West End Tavern or Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, or splurge on a gourmet meal at OAK at Fourteenth or Frasca Food & Wine.
• Listen to live music everywhere—from street performances on Pearl Street to intimate sets at The Laughing Goat and The Attic.
• Cheers with award-winning brews at local favorites like Mountain Sun, one of the best microbreweries in the country.

Location:

Boise, ID

Highlights:

Looking for a city that blends wild nature with culture, history, and serious charm? Boise, Idaho’s vibrant capital, offers riverside trails, craft beer, art deco gems, and Rocky Mountain views—all wrapped up in a welcoming, outdoorsy vibe.

We Recommend This For:

Nature lovers, art and architecture fans, history buffs, beer enthusiasts, and anyone who loves exploring cities that don’t take themselves too seriously.

What We Love:

Boise’s nickname—the City of Trees—makes sense when you walk the riverfront trails, plus there’s striking architecture, an art-focused downtown, historic sites like the Old Penitentiary, and top-notch craft beer to enjoy afterward.

• Explore Boise along the scenic Boise River, with the Rockies rising in the background and nature woven right into city life.
• Discover why Boise is called the City of Trees, with urban green space and access to the massive Boise National Forest—2.5 million acres of hiking, rivers, and scenic drives.
• Visit the Boise Art Museum for contemporary exhibits and sculpture gardens set in a beautiful art deco downtown.
• Stand beneath the grand rotunda of the Idaho State Capitol, an architectural highlight made of sandstone and marble.
• Step back in time at the eerie Old Idaho Penitentiary, complete with gallows and preserved cell blocks.
• Learn about Idaho’s frontier legacy at the Idaho History Museum and its outdoor Pioneer Village.
• Feel the city’s quirky, creative energy through its blend of murals, indie shops, local eats, and buzzing community events.
• Toast the day at one of Boise’s many craft breweries, where each pint tells a story of the city’s laid-back, creative spirit.