Updated on 1/18/2022 at 5:40 PM
At a certain point in every relationship, dollar pizza date nights just don't cut it anymore. You've got to step up your game, and what better way to do that than get the hell out of town? Weekend trips are great, but they can also be a hassle to plan. So to save you the pain of pouring over Fodor's and Expedia, we picked out a romantic rendezvous point in every state in America, favoring smaller towns and quiet lakes, mountains, and beaches to make sure your weekend feels like a true getaway. Enjoy your stay, and be sure to tip your B&B hosts well.
Orange BeachThe Orange Beach area of 'Bama had activities for you and your college friends (Hangout Fest! Pristine beaches ripe for dumping your cooler of cheap lager!), but it also boasts plenty to do now that you're an adult and attempting to impress someone not wearing an airbrushed tank. You can ride the Ferris wheel on The Wharf, go mini-golfing on Adventure Island, take a glass-blowing class at the arts center, or, you know, lie on the beach. But anytime you have the opportunity to eat and drink on a boat while watching dolphins, you should always take it. So make that a priority. –Kristin Hunt
FairbanksWhile reenacting your favorite scenes from Balto is romantic in its own way, a couple’s retreat in Alaska isn't complete without some Northern Lights action. Your best bet is to head to Fairbanks. Make sure to book a place with aurora wake-up calls (many of them do this) and then decide whether you want to embark on a lights-themed van tour, train ride, or dogsled adventure for the day. Keep in mind that the latter will fulfill those Balto fantasies. –KH
ScottsdaleScottsdale’s entire raison d'être, for the last several decades, has been the art of rest and relaxation. Lucky for you, all of that R&R has begotten a third, equally elusive R: romance. Aside from the bachelor and bachelorette parties you’ll see romping their way through Old Town, there are plenty of more peaceful ways to celebrate love in this desert city: candlelit Italian dinners at Fat Ox; couples spa treatments at one of the more than 50 resorts around town (including Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, where Beyonce and Jay-Z honeymooned); watching the sun set behind the mountains to reveal twinkling stars at ADERO. If you need to de-stress after planning the perfect romantic vacation, here’s a way to kill two birds with one stone. —Tiana Attride
Eureka SpringsBetween the jazzy live music scene, the haunted hotels with serious Overlook vibes, the majestic Victorian architecture, and the quirky shops slinging everything from sequined jackets to healing gemstones, Eureka Springs feels like a mini New Orleans in the Ozarks—minus the swaths of tourists, steep hotel prices, and Mardi Gras melee. This tiny town of ~2,000, nestled in the lake-filled hills of Northwestern Arkansas, actually has a two-month-long Mardi Gras festival all its own, Krewe of Krazo (that’s “Ozark” spelled backward), along with ample attractions to keep couples entertained year-round. There’s hiking and kayaking aplenty, rooftop bars, boutique leather shops, cute restaurants, and even a hotel called the New Orleans, with real-deal Vieux Carres and Sazeracs. Truly something for everyone, there’s even a sprawling gay club, Eureka Live, because “Slut Juice” shots are universal. —Matt Kirouac
NapaNapa Valley is the expected choice here, but you can mix it up by pretending to be Batman and enjoying your California wines in a legit cave. While there are many excellent, echo-y options out there, most of them are reserved for private parties (read: crazy expensive to book). But at Jarvis Estate, it's part of the tour! After you've finished your subterranean wining, there's plenty of excellent food, shopping, and river sports in Napa to fill the rest of your vacation. Also, lots more wine. –KH
Estes ParkYou're probably thinking this should be a ski resort town, but why limit yourself to the slopes? At Estes Park, active couples can go whitewater rafting, fishing, horseback riding, hiking, climbing, zip-lining, and ropes-coursing all in one weekend. Once they finally wear themselves out, there are spas or booze centers (wineries, breweries, and distilleries!) where they can unwind. Or just recharge before going for dinner and drinks at the upscale Stanley Hotel, surrounded by mountains. –KH
MysticAfter getting hitched, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall famously retreated to the seaside town of Mystic. Because you also want a town that is small, pretty, and full of coastal photo ops should the admiring paparazzi, who we are sure constantly totally follow you, want a picture of you with a good backdrop, you should head here, too. The main attraction in town is the Mystic Seaport, where you can see old restored ships and a tiny recreated 19th-century village. (You better believe they have a printing press.) There's also an aquarium, planetarium, and dining options outside that one famous pizza place. And if you're all about authenticity, you gotta book a stay at Bogie and Bacall's actual hotel, The Inn at Mystic. –KH
Montchanin (Brandywine Valley)Montchanin is where the very lovely Inn at Montchanin Village is based, but you're not going there to explore that town specifically. You're going there to drop your bags, maybe do a quick spin around the hotel gardens, and head out to the larger Brandywine Valley area. While you won't be inundated with an incredibly boozy concoction everywhere you go, the region, which encompasses swaths of Delaware and Pennsylvania, does have several gorgeous manors and gardens to explore. You can check out those, the Delaware Art Museum and so many parks. But if your partner has a home shopping addiction, beware: the QVC studios are just over the state line. –KH
Amelia IslandFlorida may be…well, fullof peoplefrom Florida, but it does have amazing beaches. And if you're in the Sunshine State with a special friend, you might as well find one where you're allowed to ride horses (as well as head out on requisite scuba and parasailing expeditions)! Amelia Island itself is pretty quiet, so you'll get a more intimate experience than you would in Key West or Miami Beach. Plus it's named after a princess, so you know it's fancy. –KH
SavannahIt’s impossible not to be swept up by the Spanish moss in Savannah, billowing over every street corner and park. The iconic Southern flora is just part of the charm of this hauntingly beautiful coastal city, renowned for its aphrodisiac-laden Lowcountry cuisine, open container laws, and ornate architecture. For a small-ish city, there’s a ton to do here. Want to devolve into a night of suggestive debauchery? Go on a drag pub crawl! Money burning a hole in your pocket? House of Strut is the blast-from-the-past vintage shop you need in your life. Celebrating a special occasion? You can’t do better than a tasting menu at the city’s most lauded restaurant, The Grey. Itching for some fun in the sun? Spend the afternoon on Tybee Island! Better yet, make it a day trip and head to Jekyll Island, a gorgeous barrier island in the Golden Isles with historic mansions, miles of unobstructed beachfront, and the majestic Jekyll Island Club Resort, a sprawling hotel that looks like a chic—and harmless—Hill House. —Matt Kirouac
KauaiLook, you just can't lose with Hawaii. You could seek out the dumpiest motel and eat exclusively at McDonald's, and your special friend would still be impressed. Not that you should do that. (Please don't do that.) But if we had to choose a particular island for your retreat, it would have to be Kauai. Why? Lumahai Beach, Hanalei Valley, and Waimea Canyon. Google them. Book your trip. Done. –KH
KetchumIf you and your beloved happen to be a fan of winter sports and literature, few experiences will fuse these passions like a visit to the Sun Valley Resort, where Ernest Hemingway once resided while writing much of For Whom the Bell Tolls. You can even stay in the very room where he worked. The lodge itself offers a romantically luxurious experience, and the Ketchum region itself is no slouch on the romance either. With plenty of opportunities for skiing and snowboarding, the majestic vistas of the nearby Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and the charming downtown district of Ketchum, there’s plenty to do and explore. If you’re looking for one of the most breathtaking views in the galaxy, bundle up some evening and drive just under an hour north to the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. Protected from light pollution, it provides a glorious view of the stars. Or just stay in at the lodge and cuddle up by the fire. —Nick Hilden
GalenaYes, Galena has wine tours. Yes, Galena has carriage rides. Yes, Galena has antique stores. Yes, Galena has a 2,050ft alpine slide. But it also has the Ulysses S. Grant Home, and nothing's quite as sexy as dead presidents named Ulysses. –KH
WabashWabash is home to many parks and an apple orchard, so you'll have no shortage of romantic strolling options, and the shops range from thrift stores to donut hubs, so all interests are accounted for. Most importantly, there's the 13-24 Drive-In, so you can snuggle up under the stars to, uh, World War Z. –KH
DecorahDecorah gets name-dropped a lot in reference to The Hotel Winneshiek, a pretty hotel boasting a taproom, "opera house," and at least two fancy stone pillars. Obviously, you should stay there, but don't spend all weekend cooped up in the place. Get out to Malanaphy Springs and Phelps Park for your nature fix. Head to the speedway on Saturday, if you're into fast cars. Or go to the Wayside Skating Rink, if you're into slower-paced races. –KH
AbileneGet excited, Dwight D. Eisenhower fanatics, 'cause Abilene is the proud site of his presidential library, museum, and boyhood home! For those who don't like (or are merely ambivalent about) Ike, you'll still be pleased with the town's dinner trains and trolleys, as well as the Seelye Mansion and Brown Park Waterfall. If you aren't opposed to cowboy kitsch, there are staged gunfights and can-can dances at the Alamo Saloon in "old town." (Attention ghost hunters: it's also supposedly haunted.) Finally, pro tip: book the Victorian Inn. Jay and Adrian will take care of you. –KH
Brownsville (Mammoth Cave National Park)At 400 miles, Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world. That’s the kind of natural wonder that merits a weekend adventure, although you shouldn’t sleep in the actual cave—that’s creepy! (And, we’d imagine, illegal.) Book a spot in nearby Brownsville instead. There’s a B&B with a covered porch, where you can watch hummingbirds as you sip your coffee. And if you get all caved out, Brownsville is a 20-minute drive from Nolin Lake State Park. –KH
Avery IslandNothing reignites a fiery romance quite like hot sauce (and the ensuing indigestion), so get yourself to Avery Island, home of Tabasco. After you've finished up your pancakes at a B&B in New Iberia (the isle doesn't have hotels), your first priority is Jungle Gardens, a 170-acre collection of azaleas, camellias, old Buddha statues, and the rogue croc or deer. If you're a bird-watching couple (reign it in, you party animals!), there's a separate tour of "Bird City" as well. After you've taken in all the pretty flowers, it's time to tour the hella romantic Tabasco factory. The hot sauce company has an additional restaurant and Cajun-inspired "food tour" on Avery Island, just in case your date isn't impressed with bottling operations. –KH
KennebunkportThe romantic qualities of coastal Maine hardly need introduction or explanation. In Kennebunkport, it’s not a question of whether you’re getting on a boat, but rather what kind of boat you’re getting on: there’s whale-watching tours, schooners, even “scenic lobster cruises.” As far as landside activities go, you obviously have beaches and a lighthouse (off Cape Porpoise); fine-dining options like The White Barn Inn; and a “tree spa” that’s literally in the treetops. Looking to head further inland for the night? About 30 minutes west in the town of Kennebunk (yes, they’re different!), you’ll find cozy, serene glampsites like Huttopia and Sandy Pines that’ll make you feel like you’re a teenager falling in love at summer camp all over again. –KH
Smith IslandOcean City is crowded and full of spring breakers, so assuming shotgunning college kids aren't what sets the mood, head to one of the Chesapeake Bay’s tiny islands instead. While they all have their merits, only Smith Island has the state’s official, multi-layer dessert: Smith Island Cake. (They really thought hard on that name.) Stuff it, and so many crab cakes, into your face while staring lovingly into your partner’s eyes. Then rent some bikes or kayaks and lap the island. Don’t be alarmed by the locals’ weird accents—the place is so remote, they still have traces of English affectation. –KH
NantucketYou like lighthouses? Nantucket has three. You like beaches? Nantucket has 10. You like whales? Well, you might have mixed feelings about the Whaling Museum, but it’s there! There are also tons of shops and restaurants to hit during your preppy, picturesque New England weekend, so don’t waste too much time posing for profile pictures on Brant Point. –KH
Walloon LakeThe fact that naturalist and storyteller Ernest Hemingway chose this site above all others for his 1921 honeymoon is a testament to the beauty found on Walloon Lake in central Northern Michigan. Just a few minutes from 14 wineries in the Petoskey region and a quick two hours from the Leelanau Peninsula’s famous wine country, Walloon Lake is an entirely charming four-season destination. From spring through fall, enjoy a day out on the water with a pontoon or wake boat rental from Tommy’s Walloon before nestling into a lakeside suite at the gorgeously crafted 32-room Hotel Walloon (the sunsets over the crystal clear, 100-foot-deep glacial lake are consistently some of Michigan’s best). —Cathy Brown
Lutsen (North Shore)The North Shore is a section of the Lake Superior coastline with all sorts of absolutely picture-perfect scenery. If it's summer, you can canoe or hit up a picnic site. If it's winter, you can snowshoe or skate. And while you have many lodging options, you should probably go with the beloved Lutsen Resort, which (a) literally has a page on their site dedicated to romance and (b) boasts the Wine Spectator-approved Lakeside Dining Room. –KH
NatchezNatchez is located right on the riverbank, so you have all kinds of maritime activity options on the Mississippi River. On land, there are blues concerts happening basically every night, and gorgeous antebellum homes you can actually stay in. Don't forget the distillery and the winery, the carriage tours of historic Downtown...or, uh, the Bigfoot history. –KH
BransonThis lovely Ozark town boasts everything from scenic railway tours to butterfly palaces. The shopping and restaurant hub is at Branson Landing, which has a $7.5 million fountain production featuring fire cannons and 120ft geysers. Think the Bellagio meets... the Ozarks. It might sound terrifying, but it's amazing. –KH
WhitefishBiking, hiking, skiing are big in the city of Whitefish, which sits just 30 minutes outside the entrance to Glacier National Park. The Whitefish Mountain Resort has an "aerial adventure park," which is basically an obstacle course in the trees, and when the chairlifts aren't being used to transport skiers, they become summertime "gondola rides." Another aerial option is a hot-air balloon ride courtesy of 2 Fly Us. As for indoor extracurriculars, consider a massage at one of the city's spas, cocktails at Spotted Bear Spirits, or—if you’re down to splurge and plan far in advance—an evening at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. –KH
ValentineNo, we didn't just pick it because it has romance right in the name. (Although it doesn't hurt.) Valentine—arguably Nebraska’s best small town—is a prime location to check out the state's sandhills, and it's also got the Niobrara River in the mix. Take on the Civilian Conservation Corps Nature Trail, which ends at an old fire tower. At the top is an observation deck with great views of the prairie. If plains aren't your scene, trek over to Smith Falls State Park to see the highest waterfall in Nebraska. As for accommodations, you have plenty of prairie lodges and even elk ranches to choose from. –KH
Lake TahoeA couple's trip to Nevada necessitates a redirect from the Strip and the, uh, stripping, to the state's other wonders at Lake Tahoe. It's huge, surrounded by trees and snowbanks, looks damn fine during a sunset, and considered by some (OK, USA Today) to be amongst the best lake towns in America. The snowboarding and skiing are pretty famous at this point, but the place has just about every outdoor activity imaginable. Since it's a resort town, there are also plenty of nice hotels, restaurants, and boutiques. And this is still Nevada, so there are places to playblackjack if you're so inclined. –KH
Pittsburg"The Snowmobiling Capital of New England" is a very specific nickname, but those winter speedsters aren't the only thing Pittsburg has going for it. Lake Francis State Park is a pretty big draw, although if you don't like that lake, the town has five others (and almost all of them are named after Connecticut). Be sure to seek out Garfield Falls, and the steak at the Rainbow Grille. Before you leave, be sure to congratulate the town on having one less letter than that Pennsylvania town. We assume it's saved so much money on tourism brochures over the years. –KH
Cape MayAlright, get out all your jokes about "romantic New Jersey" now. You can also go ahead and mock us for picking a Jersey Shore destination if you like, but there's a world of difference between Seaside Heights and Cape May. First off, you won't bump into Snooki here. Second, the place has wineries, breweries, museums, and theaters to pair with the requisite beach activities—parasailing, jet-skiing, and general boating. Third, there's a downright impressive amount of B&Bs, meaning you won't have to pony up for a beach house rental. And fifth—and perhaps best of all—there’s a romantic, seaside farm stay that’ll make your cottagecore fantasies a reality. –KH
Truth or ConsequencesIf you want to get away from it all—like really, really away from it all—head out into the desert about two hours south of Albuquerque to Truth or Consequences. Despite the bizzaro, Western movie-sounding name, this tiny town is utterly serene: surrounded by mountains, it was called Hot Springs, named for the soothing mineral springs found all throughout the area. You’ll find plenty of options in the aptly-named Hot Springs District, but the best of them all is arguably Riverbend Hot Springs, where you and your lover can lounge on the shores of the Rio Grande. Book a soak in the private pools for extra intimacy, and be sure to stay until after dark, when fairy lights strung along the water turn the riverbank into a sight resembling an ocean of stars. –TA
Skaneateles (Finger Lakes)The Finger Lakes are your go-to Upstate New York destination in the romance arena, but there are 11 of them, and they all span different towns. So we’re picking Skaneateles because it’s the hardest to spell. Its two wineries, art gallery, lake cruises, and neighboring strawberry fields (not the psychedelic kind) also helped. –KH
Blowing RockWhat’s more enchanting than a weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina? Head to Blowing Rock where you are sure to find yourselves in a trance as you reconnect at cozy Chetola Resort; here, you’ll feel like you’re "getting away from it all” while still having access to the local restaurants and museums that lie just down the road. In winter and fall, snuggle by the warmth of an in-room fireplace; during spring and summer, hike to 5,946 feet as you enjoy the views from the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains at nearby Grandfather Mountain; and year-round, visit the resort’s spa and wellness center as a relaxing cherry on top of your weekend escape. —Mikkel Woodruff
MedoraWe're obviously sending you to the Badlands—ignore the name, they're pretty!—but specifically to historic Medora. The place is home to Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and you know if it's got Teddy's name on it, it's a natural beaut. You can buy stagecoach ride tickets at the Chateau de Mores Interpretive Center if you still haven't gotten over your Oregon Trail obsession, or, if you’re around in the summertime, catch the famous Medora Musical. For dinner, head to Theodore's Dining Room, unless you're ready for the wacky marvel that is Pitchfork Fondue. –KH
Logan (Hocking Hills)The Hocking Hills region has heaps of natural wonders—it's just a matter of how much you wanna hike. The state park offers six major trails that take you to Ash Cave, Cedar Falls, Cantwell Cliffs, Conkle's Hollow, Old Man's Cave, or Rock House. They're all spectacular, but if you want easy access to the scene above (that's Cedar Falls), your best bet is to book a spot at The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls. It's pet-friendly! And it has mud wraps, which are totally sexy if you like looking like a swamp monster temporarily. –KH
Medicine ParkThe tiny, hilly town of Medicine Park is barely an hour from Oklahoma City but feels like it’s lightyears away. Seemingly preserved in time, this little tourist enclave alongside the Wichita Mountains is an utter reprieve from urban hustle: one marked by cobblestone streets, rickety bridges, swimming holes, and pint-sized, creekside pastel cottages. There are also cozy cabin rentals, old-school restaurants slinging fried catfish, ice cream parlors, and cafes with ridiculously cute names like Cobblescones and Santa’s Snack Shop, the latter of which hosts an annual Rubber Duck Race in Bath Lake. When you’re done strolling Cobblestone Row, swim in Medicine Creek’s Bath Lake swimming hole, go hiking (and bison-spotting) in the Wichitas, or brave the nearby Parallel Forest, an allegedly haunted 16-acre forest of 20,000 deliberately planted red cedars spaced six feet apart in all directions, as a government experiment to offset the effects of the Dust Bowl. Cobblestone streets and government experiments: what more could you ask for! —MK
Cannon BeachYou might recognize Cannon Beach through Haystack Rock, a puffin hotspot that rises 235ft out of the water. You can walk right up to it during low tide to gawk at all the sea life surrounding it. But if large ocean rocks on a beach aren't your thing, the city has several other gloomy-yet-romantic Pacific Northwestern shorelines at Ecola State Park, Hug Point, and Arcadia Beach. The non-sandy part of town offers constant arts festivals, glassblowing galleries, creperies, and a distillery. Put them all together and you have one wild Saturday afternoon. –KH
Jim ThorpeAnywhere in the Poconos is an ideal PA getaway, but if you're planning a couples vacation, you should probably go with the the town that's often compared to Switzerland. Jim Thorpe boasts easy access to ski slopes and stables for horseback riding—and it's right by Pocono Mountain Paintball, too! (You laugh, but it worked for Heath Ledger.) The town itself is full of pretty Victorian homes, including the Asa Packer Mansion, which you can actually tour. –KH
NewportNewport is so old money, and it absolutely knows it. The town is home to so many Gilded Age manors, there's a separate "mansions" page on its tourism site. Once you've gawked at enough chandeliers (and tour guides in absurd, old-timey hats), book a massage at one of the town's several spas or head to the Newport Vineyards tasting room. –KH
LandrumYou're going to Landrum to stare at the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it's much easier to do that at The Red Horse Inn, a popular anniversary and honeymoon destination. (You can even get your own cottage!) Landrum is also home to Campbell's Covered Bridge, the state's only remaining covered bridge. It's a prime location for pictures and maybe a picnic. But if you'd rather not pack a basket, there's always SC barbecue. –KH
Spearfish (Spearfish Canyon)It's not often that South Dakota beats Arizona at things, but one part of the Black Hills has AZ beat. Spearfish Canyon is actually older than the Grand Canyon, and, most importantly, less populated with screaming children. The 1000ft walls are much narrower, though, so keep that in mind as you wind your way through the rocks, trees, and creek. Make sure to hit Roughlock Falls, a beautiful waterfall featured in (ugh) Dances with Wolves, and do all the outdoorsy extracurriculars (climbing, fishing, biking, etc.) your nature-loving heart desires. –KH
GatlinburgAccording to intel from the Association for Wedding Professionals International, Gatlinburg is the third-most-popular wedding destination in the world, so suffice to say this town knows a thing or two about romance. The Smoky Mountains setting allows for hiking, horseback riding, and skiing (Ober Gatlinburg is the only slope in the state). And the fact that it's in Tennessee means you can drink moonshine at several distilleries. (Don't worry, it's also got wineries and breweries.) –KH
Corpus Christi (Padre Island National Seashore)Quick note: we're not talking about South Padre Island, where you're more likely to find frat bros "surreptitiously" stashing a beer bong than romance. We're talking about the Padre Island National Seashore, a much calmer stretch of beach with the NPS stamp of approval. You might spy some newborn turtles crawling out to the ocean, but if you miss the baby animals march, there's still windsurfing, kayaking, and sunbathing to keep you occupied. And you don't even have to book a hotel in the next town over—the campgrounds are open year-round. –KH
Park CityThose Mormons might not always know how to party, but they do know how to run a ski resort. The secret on Park City got out a long time ago, but as long as you avoid the Sundance stampede, you can have a relaxing retreat. There are two major ski resorts: Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort, which connects Park City Mountain and The Canyons. Both have their charms as well as additional snow options (like sleigh rides and snow tubing) if you need a break from carving up the slopes. Also, you can sign up for tours of the city's food scene or a wine class from the pros. Do that. –KH
WoodstockPicture-book-perfect Woodstock oozes the stuff that small quintessential New England towns are made of. They’ve got the basics down pat—golf, tennis, fly fishing, mountain biking, skiing. But for something a little more unique, try your hand at falconry; get a birds-eye view of the region on a hot air balloon or at the top of Mt. Tom in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Park; or visit Billings Farm & Museum, one of the nation's oldest registered Jersey dairy farms. Afterward, get your fill of the village’s staples (breakfast at Mon Vert Cafe, shopping at country store F.H. Gillgnham Sons, strolling through the farmer’s market) before sipping local brews at the nearby Long Trail Brewery or Harpoon Brewery. Book a room with a wood-burning fireplace to rekindle your romance at the elegant Woodstock Inn & Resort (complete with award-winning spa) or stay at the more budget-friendly Woodstock Sleep Motel. —Dana Freeman
MiddleburgThere aren't even 1,000 residents in Middleburg, but somehow, there are five wineries. If you love a good horse show, Fox Chase Farm is kinda famous for those. You can then follow up your classy equestrian event with an art gallery (Middleburg has several). And don't you dare Airbnb this situation, because the local hotels are firing onallcylinders. –KH
LeavenworthPerched in the Cascade Mountains just two hours from Seattle, Leavenworth bursts with Bavarian charm. It’s best known for being an Alpine wonderland, complete with a small ski hill, plenty of snowshoe trails, fondue by the fireside...and, for better or worse, Christmastime crowds. Luckily, this village is just as beautiful any other time of year. In summer, stroll through the park along the Wenatchee River or head to a nearby u-pick farm to pluck your own apples, cherries, or pears. Book a room at the adults-only Posthotel, a European-style resort and spa with 55 rooms (some with fireplaces and soaking tubs!) each overlooking the river and surrounding mountains. The property’s wellness area is easily the best in the state, complete with hydrotherapy pools, saunas, massage nooks, and nap areas for a luxuriously decadent day of relaxation together. –Amanda Zurita
LewisburgDowntown Lewisburg is home to all sorts of cute restaurants, antique stores, and art galleries. It's also got Carnegie Hall, which might not be the most famous Carnegie Hall, but does boast an impressive array of concerts and symphonies. The charming town has more than enough to fill a weekend, but if you feel like trekking into nature, hit up the Lost World Caverns. Then go back inside to the adjacent dinosaur museum. –KH
ChetekThe city of Chetek has six lakes to its name, so you'll have no shortage of waterskiing venues. (Just don't try to compete with the Hydroflites.) There's also mini-golf and bowling to complement all your water sports. You could stay at the Chetek River Campgrounds, but honestly, that's downright stupid when you've got Canoe Bay. The adults-only resort is a hotspot for anniversaries and even proposals and frequently shows up on lists of the most romantic hotels in the country. –KH
JacksonThere's a reason Jackson comes up so much when you're talking Wyoming: it's kind of the place to be. You can see a lot of the gorgeous sights (Grand Teton National Park, Snake River Valley, etc.) via an aerial tram that runs from Teton Village to the top of Rendezvous Mountain. And thrill-seeking couples will be stoked to learn about the paragliding flights from the tram's peak—it's the largest vertical drop in the US. The National Elk Refuge and Laurance Rockefeller Preserve are musts. As for shows, you can watch real cowboys compete at the Jackson Hole Rodeo or some fake cowboys sing "Bless Yore Beautiful Hide" at The Jackson Hole Playhouse. –KH
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