Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the U.S

How do you make a top-ten list of somethingsomething for everyone.
subjective like honeymoon locations? Systematically,As an alternative, you might also consider adjacent
that's how.Sausalito, California, a Mediterranean-style village that
Highly Scientific Rankingmarks the gateway to California Wine Country. And
To create this list, I started with general Internetspeaking of California wine...
searches for top honeymoon spots in the U.S. I tried6. California Wine Country
to weed out the advertisers and focused instead onIf your idea of romance involves good wine and
the news and information websites, such asgood scenery, you can't go wrong with California
About.com, MSNBC and USA Today.Wine Country as your destination. Napa Valley and
Next, I began putting the various lists into aSonoma County are about an hour's drive north of
spreadsheet, and then cross-referenced the data toSan Francisco, and they have long been an attraction
find the ten locations that occurred most often onfor honeymooners, wine lovers, and wine-loving
the most lists. When that proved to be way toohoneymooners. Add in the scenery and the availability
complicated, I just picked the ten locations I liked theof bed-and-breakfast-style lodging, and you have all
most! Voila ... a top-ten romantic getaway list (in nothe makings of a great romantic getaway.
particular order).7. Big Island, Hawaii
Top 10 Romantic Getaways in the United StatesSure, some parts of Hawaii are quite touristy. (Waikiki
1. Mountain Cabin - Part Onecomes to mind.) But there are plenty of locations on
If you're the kind of person that equates "romanticthe volcano-formed island that offer beauty,
getaway" with "mountain seclusion," then a cabin inseclusion and a nature-rich experience you can't find
the Rockies might be just the thing. The popular skianywhere else.
towns of Aspen and Vail, Colorado are popular forOn the Big Island of Hawaii, the Kona Village Resort is
another reason - cabin retreats. Imagine the snowfamous for providing comfort and luxury in an
falling around your warm and cozy cabin. Imagine theotherwise remote tropical region. The resort is also a
smell of hot chocolate and the bubbling sound of apopular spot for honeymooners, and it comes up on
hot tub. And just imagine being there with the onequite a few "top ten" lists like this one.
you love!8. Charleston, South Carolina
2. Mountain Cabin - Part TwoI grew up in Virginia and have traveled all throughout
The Smokey Mountains come up on a lot of romanticthe Carolinas. But when I think of "Southern
getaway lists. For instance, each year approximatelyhospitality," one place comes to mind above all
10,000 people get married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, aothers. Charleston, South Carolina. Marjabelle Young
popular vacation spot in the Smokey Mountains.Stewart, one of America's well-known etiquette
Because of this, the mountain town has becomeexperts, once called Charleston the "most mannerly"
known as the unofficial wedding and honeymooncity in the U.S., and I think she was right.
capital of the South. With its wooded seclusion,Founded in 1670, Charleston held significance during
small-town charm, and breathtaking mountain views,both the American Revolution and the Civil War. To
it's no wonder so many people equate "Gatlinburg"this day, it retains much of its old-world charm and
with "romantic retreat."gentility. Conde Nast Traveler has named it a top-ten
3. Bed & Breakfast in Vermontdomestic destination for nine consecutive years.
Manchester, Vermont offers all the ingredients of aThere's one other thing I love about Charleston. I'm a
classic New England getaway -- white-steepledsoutherner by birth, and I vote for Charleston as
churches, bed and breakfast accommodations,having the most delightful of all the southern dialects.
romantic dining and great skiing.9. Niagara Falls
In more recent times, shopping has also taken root inOkay, so this one's a bit cliche. But the reason
Manchester. The city's website,Niagara Falls has been in so many movies, songs and
ManchesterVermont.com, says: "Today, visitors towater-cooler conversations is because so many
our community come to enjoy Brooks Brothers,people flock to it with romantic notions in mind.
Ralph Lauren and J. Crew, as well as the moreStraddling the border between the U.S. (New York)
traditional recreational activities."and Canada, Niagara Falls has attracted
4. Cape Cod, Massachusettshoneymooners and getaway-ers for 200 years.
There's a reason the Kennedy family owned vacationIn fact, if you played word-association and said
homes in Cape Cod. This New England seascape is"Niagara Falls," most people would probably say one
the essence of "small beach town" tranquility. Don'tof two things - waterfall or honeymoon. For that
expect an action-packed beach-resort experience -reason alone, Niagara Falls has earned its place on this
Cape Cod is not that kind of vacation spot. But iflist.
your idea of relaxation is a seaside stroll along historic10. Home Sweet Home
harbors, biking and boating, and visiting an antiqueIf you consider your home a cozy refuge from the
shop or two, then this is your place.world, it is in a sense a getaway. After all, home is a
5. San Francisco, Californiaplace to get away from lots of things -- work,
San Francisco is a picturesque city with a diverse mixschool, crowds, relatives, noise, traffic and hassle. It's
of cultures and populations. It's also a popularalso a place where you're the most comfortable. So
destination for couples in search of a romanticthere's certainly nothing unromantic about a crackling
getaway. Between the Golden Gate Bridge and theirfire, a bottle of champagne, and a table for two in
world-famous trolleys, San Francisco offershome sweet home.