Anniversary Getaways

The Perfect Romantic Honeymoon or Anniversary Getaway

I know, I know, it's your honeymoon or that landmark wedding anniversary and you want to plan your vacation around it, but you have no idea where to go for the romantic getaway of a lifetime. Well, don't worry about it. I've got you covered. I just spent all morning planning the picture perfect getaway for you and your spouse. I'm going to suggest the picturesque U.S. eastern seaboard. You can start either in Maine and go south, or in Florida and go north. If you happen to be stuck right smack in the middle, maybe you can go north or south for an abbreviated trip.

1. I've got to start somewhere so let me begin in Melbourne Beach, Florida at the Port d'Hiver Bed and Breakfast. This place is Old Florida luxury at its finest. There are expansive private porches from which you have a glorious view of the Atlantic. The Palm Beach Post recommends this B & B in glowing terms for its lodgings, its "breakfasts fit for royalty, and concierge service to rival anything in a five-star resort." I started salivating when I read of their tropical fruit salad, fresh raspberry and white chocolate scones, Italian egg strata, julienned ham, and vanilla custard French toast topped with cinnamon apples and maple syrup.

2. Casually head north out of Florida through Georgia, and stop in Charleston, South Carolina at the Battery Carriage House. The Carriage House is considered among the most romantic of Charleston's inns and the moment you pass through its ornate iron gates, you will understand why. Built in 1843, Ft. Sumter and stately Civil War cannons stand on one side and the Charleston Harbor on the other. After a private breakfast served in your room, you can explore Charleston's charm by horse and carriage if you like. Meander the serene streets of the historic district. Then return to the Inn for homemade cookies and sweet Southern tea.

3. When you leave Charleston, you will head up the coast through North Carolina and into Virginia. Your destination is Virginia Beach, a small town not far from Norfolk. Barclay Cottage was built in 1895 as a vacation home. Its wrap-around porch with comfy rockers offers a peaceful haven---so serene it's hard to believe you're only about two blocks from a popular beach. If you wish, the owners will prepare a carefully selected breakfast basket for you to enjoy on the beach before most beachgoers show up. The reviews about this place are numerous and full of praise. You're guaranteed to enjoy yourself.

4. You're about halfway up the eastern seaboard. Start off after a sumptuous breakfast and drive through Maryland, Pennsylvania, skim the edge of New York and slide into New Haven, Connecticut. You will be staying at the By the Sea Inn and Spa. It's a small inn, only three bedrooms, but the better to lavish you with pampering fit for the wealthy. You drove a long ways today, you're exhausted (I really feel your pain) so you deserve an extra day at the spa. Luxuriate the next day in massages, facials, manicure, pedicure, body treatments---whatever you desire. (Even real men love a massage now and then). If you don't quite have the budget for the spa thing, book the romantic Queen Ann room with its huge Jacuzzi tub.

5. Top off your romantic fling of a lifetime with a night in the Inns at Ullikana in Bar Harbor, Maine. Here, there are two inns together for the price of one (joke). Seriously, there is the Ullikana House and the Yellow House---take your choice. Both inns are so attractive the selection will be difficult. Like the other B & Bs on my list, this was very highly rated. It was a top pick in Explorer's Guide to Maine and a Fodor's Top Choice in their 8th edition. There are many rooms to choose from and you can suit your fancy. I think I already chose my breakfast. I'll take the lemon souffl pancakes with warm berry sauce, the crepes aux pommes, and maybe a small Italian omelet.

Undoubtedly, you will want to know more than I've been able to tell so check out the websites. I just wanted to whet your appetite. So you'll spend about a week reveling in the scenic east coast of our nation, stopping along the way at the most romantic inns I could find. You may have spent $2000-2500 including airfare home, but that isn't a whole lot for a vacation that will stand out as your best, most romantic ever, no contest.