Many brides plan their traditional wedding days just to hop on a plane to honeymoon in a far off exotic location. Maybe it’s the recession or a realization that the US has just as many gorgeous locations but lately I’ve been hearing more and more about friends honeymooning at home. Always one to love a good vacation I decided to pick a few locations of my own…
For the Romantic Bride
Location: Napa Valley
Maybe it’s just because I love wine, but Napa Valley has always been high on my list of vacation spots. Perfect for the overly romantic, Napa Valley offers fine dining, wine tastings, luxurious resorts, and gorgeous views. High on my list of places to stay is Meadowood located off the Silverado Trail in St. Helena. Stay in one of the resort’s treeline cottages for a beautiful view of the entire estate. Take a break from your new hubby to enjoy spa treatments in the comfort of your own room while he hits the resort’s golf course. Reconnect that night with a one hour wine tasting at Meadowood’s restaurant. Looking for a convenient way to explore the nearby vineyards? Try taking the Napa Valley Wine Train out of Napa.
Wine not your thing? Try the sleepy towns of New England for delicious food and the views.
For the Nature Loving Bride
Location: Alaska
At first Alaska may not seem like an obvious decision, but it’s National Parks, wildlife, and glaciers make it the perfect destination for a couple looking for beautiful views without leaving the US. The easiest way to see Alaska? Via cruise ship. But don’t worry – most major cruiselines offer extended ‘cruisetours’ so you can see Denali National Park and the interior of the state all in one trip. According to Frommers the best cruiselines for onshore excursions are Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity. Celebrity makes it easy to tailor the perfect trip for you with twenty-one cruisetours to add to your seven day cruise. My favorite excursions? Dog sledding and whale watching.
Afraid you’ll go stir crazy on a boat? Try Montana’s Paws Up Resort – the luxury tents are my pick!
For the Beach-Bum Bride
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
I’m skipping the US Virgin Islands and Hawaii because they just seem to easy (and the travel time makes it feel like visiting a foreign country) and recommending South Carolina. I’m partially biased to the South but there is a clear bonus to vacationing there: you can enjoy a beach vacation almost year around. I recently attended a wedding at a Charleston beach resort and it was a wonderful experience. The resorts are luxurious, tend to offer hotel rooms as well as private condos for rent, and are close enough to Charleston to offer a getaway from the resort should you want one. Palmetto Bluff is currently my favorite inn on the beach. I’d skip the rental homes and save some money by booking a cottage after-all this is your honeymoon so you only need enough space for the two of you! Palmetto Bluff offers golfing, a luxury spa and restaurants, boating and kayaking, and history tours. With everything to do onsite you may never make it to Charleston!
Not sure the deep south is for you? Try The Breakers at Palm Beach for tried and true luxury.
Ready to go on vacation??
Bea's Bride Guide 