What's your favorite thing to do together on Saturday and Sunday? Eat great meals? Explore new terrain? No matter what it is, it doesn't have to end after two days. Here's how to turn your weekend indulgences into a five- to seven-day affair. This guide will lead you to the most amazing destinations (within budget), based on your favorite activities as a pair.
If you like:
Breaking a sweat while challenging each other to new extremes.
Try: Taos, New Mexico (
exploretaos.com, 800-732-TAOS).
Why? Leave the crowds in the Grand Canyon and head to the soul of the Southwest. The majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains are covered with evergreens and aspens your inner hiker will squeal for. Grab your honey and a day pack, and head up toward the sky for some of the most amazing views of the Rio Grande River gorge. If hiking is not your thing, don't fret. There's fly-fishing, rafting on the Rio Grande, hot-air ballooning, biking, and, yes, even llama trekking (a day hike where the llama carries your stuff!). And in the winter, there's amazing skiing. With no shortage of blood-pumping activities, your inner
Survivor champ will surely be challenged.
Where to stay: American Artists Gallery House B & B (
taosbedandbreakfast.com; 800-532-2041). Enjoy mountain views and stargazing from the hot tub on the patio, then move the romance inside to your Jacuzzi suite. Make sure to get up in time for the fabulous breakfast! Rates start at $95 per room per night ($195 for a Jacuzzi room).
Other places to explore: Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia, Chile (for the hiking); Queenstown, New Zealand (considered the adventure capital of the world).
If you like:
Antiquing followed by afternoons at the spa
Try: Norwich, Connecticut (
norwichct.org).
Why? It's called the "rose of New England," and it doesn't get more quaint than this. This is
the place for antiquing. You'll find that great dresser you've been looking for while browsing around little mom-and-pop shops and enjoying small-town America (fall foliage here is phenomenal). Stroll hand-in-hand along the harbor, and don't forget to stop by the art galleries in the Chelsea District. All this before relaxing with amazing spa treatments!
Where to stay: The Spa at Norwich Inn. (
thespaatnorwichinn.com, 800-275-4772). Surrounded by English country gardens, beautiful tranquil ponds, and lush oak trees, this inn will carry you off to the countryside. The
spa, however, will transport you to heaven. Get the Norwich Native Flower Wrap and you'll feel like a princess in this rose-scented treatment. With more than 50 treatments to choose from, even men will be in bliss. Prices start at $250 per room per night.
Other places to explore: Stratford-upon-Avon in England (if you want quaint, this is the real deal!); The Mornington Peninsula in Australia (spas, wineries, and cute cottages).
If you like:
Exploring local city charm and architecture.
Try: Chicago's downtown district (
choosechicago.com).
Why? The Windy City is known as the epicenter of this nation's architecture (hey, it had the first skyscraper). You and your hubby will have a great time walking this beautiful lakefront town as you spot postmodern, Art Deco, Renaissance Revival, and Romanesque styles of buildings. Make sure to stop by Chicago's Archicenter (
www.architecture.org); you can pick up a map of the city's top architectural sights, get the inside scoop, and take a city tour.
Where to stay: Since you're in Chicago to see some of the most awe-inspiring buildings in the world, you might as well stay in one. Book a room at The Sofitel Chicago Water Tower Hotel (
sofitel.com; 877-813-7700). French architect Jean-Paul Viguier created this soaring triangular tower to sparkle in the sun -- and sparkle it does. Rates start at $199 per room per night.
Other places to explore: Prague's Old Town; and Vatican City, Italy (they ooze classic European design).
If you like:
Having romantic, secluded picnics at the park or beach.
Try: Amelia Island, Florida (
ameliaisland.org).
Why? Located just 29 miles northeast of Jacksonville, Florida, it's easy to get to but still miles away from the crowds that flock to classic Florida hotspots. Here you'll feel supersecluded, so you can have picnics on the beach or go for a swim without running into other travelers. The downtown area has cute cafes and romantic bars, but many romance-seeking couples don't venture outside their resorts.
Where to stay: Amelia Island Plantation (
aipfl.com). The resort caters to couples, and the balconies with cool breezes and amazing views make for a prime place for a romantic dinner. Private walks along the water are a must. Plus, there is no shortage of activities -- tennis, a spa, golf -- to keep you fit and happy. Rooms start at $297 per night.
Other places to explore: The over-water bungalows in Bora-Bora (very secluded and romantic); and posh St. Bart's (which caters to an upscale coupley clientele).
If you like:
Shopping by day and eating (the most incredible meals) by night.
Try: Beverly Hills (
lovebeverlyhills.org).
Why? For a city that is less than six square miles Beverly Hills boasts an extensive collection of world-class gourmet dining establishments. From four-star staples like Spago and Crustacean to traditional favorites like Polo Lounge and The Belvedere to charming eateries like The Farm of Beverly Hills (famous for its brownies!) and Nate 'n Al's Deli, there are restaurants to fit all tastes and budgets. And the shopping is bar none -- highbrow designers, local boutiques. There's plenty to do to while away the afternoon together.
Where to stay: The Avalon Hotel (
avalonbeverlyhills.com; 800-670-6183). It's home to Blue on Blue restaurant, which was voted one of
Food & Wine's 50 Best Hotel Restaurants. Rates start at $259 per room per night.
Other places to explore: Barcelona, Spain (famous for its tapas and designer fashion); and Buenos Aires, Argentina (home to wonderful leather shops and some of the best steaks in the Americas).
If you like:
Taking in beautiful scenery without breaking a sweat.
Try: Gatlinburg, Tennessee (
gatlinburg.com; 800-568-4748).
Why? Gatlinburg is home to part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which encompasses 800 square miles. You and your honey can walk or ride in the car past massive mountain ridges, deep-cleft valleys, and miles of rambling streams. If you want to be a bit active, without breaking out the hiking shoes, you can ride steady on a horse, which is one of the most popular means of transportation.
Where to stay: Jackson Mountain Homes (
jacksonmountain.com). It offers secluded cabins -- great for snuggling -- with breathtaking views of the Smokies. Rates start at $100 per room per night.
Other places to explore: The Highlands of Scotland (you can spend hours driving through the rugged coastline and rolling hills); and Machu Picchu, Peru (a train takes tourists right to the top of the mountain, where there are world-class views of the ruins, no hiking required).
-- Amy Keith
See More: Travel for Two