Paris. Venice. Hawaii. There are many places around the world that automatically create ideas of romance in your mind. However, you could also find plenty of opportunities to enjoy a luscious weekend with your spouse, without traveling thousands of miles or breaking the bank. With these 10 incomparably romantic destinations within easy driving distance, you can have a great time and return home refreshed and ready for work and family. You don’t even need to bring your passport.
Big Rock Cabins (Beaver, OH)
Looking for a great place to get away from it all and spend some time in nature? Check out the cabins near Big Rock, in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio. Big Rock is an historic 200-foot rock that provides lovely views and hiking trails nearby. In the cabins, you can cozy up to a nice fireplace or enjoy the hot tub on the deck. The private cabins offer a queen-sized bed in a loft, perfect to protect your privacy and separate your sleeping and living areas. Glimpse wildlife from 60 acres of spectacular scenery, or just head back inside to soak in some time to relax.
Hocking Hills State Park (Logan, OH)
Hocking Hills State Park is a beautiful and engaging location that is enough to fill a whole week, much less a weekend. Enjoy scenic recreation on Rose Lake, go hiking, mountain biking or bird watching. If you want a hint of luxury while you visit, be sure to stay at Glenlaurel, a luxury getaway with a Scottish theme. There, you can rent a suite or a cottage with your own whirlpool tub for two. You might sign up for a spa treatment or have fun hiking around a private gorge. The dining room serves meals so spectacular and complex that you may never taste anything quite like it.
Ravenwood Castle (New Plymouth, OH)
Sometimes you just have to feel like a member of the royal family, and Ravenwood Castle is built to deliver in every possible way. The entire space is designed to mimic portions of the medieval world. Start with the castle rooms, each elegantly appointed. Move to the medieval village cottages, each separate and with its own unique theme. The cabins give you a little taste of what living in the wilderness would have been like hundreds of years ago. If you want to keep your budget tighter, consider going for a camping trip and rent one of the gypsy wagons for your comfort.
Madison Vineyards (Madison, IN)
There are occasions when you really need a place that is small, out of the way and will give you the privacy and quiet time together you need. Consider the 37 delightful acres of Madison Vineyards for times like this. The guesthouse holds four large rooms for bed and breakfast. You can enjoy a space with comfortable bedding, private bath and an excellent patio, all within view of the vineyards. Each room holds a design based on a famous part of the world of wine. On certain dates, you can participate in an international wine-tasting to refine your palate.
Joseph Decuis (Roanoke, IN)
Longing for a weekend that brings you back to the earth? Take a look at Joseph Decuis. There are 10 guest rooms in two houses. They sit not far from the Joseph Decuis Wagyu Farm, a functioning farm relying on traditional Japanese practices to provide this famous, delicious and healthy beef. You can count on locally sourced foods and responsible farming here. Stay at the Joseph Decuis Farmstead Inn, a restored farmhouse from 1884. You might also opt to spend a weekend at the Inn at Joseph Decuis, a home in Roanoke that dates from 1910, which has been lovingly restored and furnished with period pieces.
Mary Rose Herb Farm and Retreat (Bristow, IN)
You might not think that you could find a traditional yurt in Indiana, but you haven’t seen the Mary Rose Herb Farm and Retreat,. Here there are two you could rent for a glorious weekend of rest and reflection. A yurt is a round, portable tent that has a stable frame and is covered with fabric or animal skins. The yurts at Mary Rose are also gently appointed, with central heating and air conditioning for your comfort. Take a break in one of the Japanese soaking tubs, set to the perfect temperature depending on the season.
Rosecrest Farms B&B (Paris, KY)
If the hustle and bustle of Paris gets you down, you might take a trip to Paris, Kentucky. In the heart of Bourbon County is Rosecrest Farm, a working thoroughbred farm with a bed and breakfast that features all the best of this part of the country. Rise early and watch the glorious sunrise from the front porch. At the back porch, you can enjoy the sun setting over a view of the horses. You might spend a luxurious day relaxing in your simple but elegant room, or head into town to visit the distilleries.
21c Museum Hotel (Louisville, KY)
A modern take on the romantic weekend just got a whole lot closer, in the 21c Museum Hotel. With locations in Louisville and Cincinnati, this hotel is so much more than a place to sleep. Here, contemporary art is your guide to every aspect of the space. The Louisville location features high ceilings and exposed brick from the buildings 19th Century history as a series of warehouses. Each room is its own work of art, especially “Asleep in the Cyclone,” a room with a bright sculptural installation. Enjoy every inch of artistic endeavor in the hotel, and leave a bit more enlightened for the effort.
The Corner House B&B (Nicholasville, KY)
Victorian style has never really gone out, and The Corner House has it in spades. With three rooms, plus townhouses and cottages for extended stays, you can rest comfortably while you enjoy a bit of Victorian charm. Each room features furnishings and décor in the Victorian style. Head to the billiards room to play, or relax in a rocking chair on the front porch. Eat breakfast in, and be sure to get the peaches and cream French toast.
Beauty and Romance within Reach
As it turns out, romance is just as easy to find in Paris, Kentucky as it is in France or Italy. You do not have to go far to stay in a decadent hotel that meets all of your expectations and more. In fact, by selecting a destination so close to home, you save money and ensure that you get to see more of this region’s unparalleled beauty, plus a little more time with your honey.