Romantic Getaways

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's not too early to think about a romantic getaway. Here are some beautiful places to consider:

Cumberland Island, GA
Cumberland Island is located off the southern tip of Georgia and is designated a National Park and protected from development. The island was the 19th-century retreat of the Carnegie family who built the romantic Greyfield Mansion for their daughter. If it sounds familiar, that is because this island is where JFK Jr got married, and Greyfield, which was converted into an Inn, is where the wedding guests and couple stayed. The Inn features historic elegance coupled with contemporary luxuries every guest will enjoy. The award-winning Inn’s private ferry will escort you to the island where you’ll enjoy Southern hospitality in a natural, pristine setting. Guests enjoy the white sandy beaches, wild horses roaming the island, kayaking, birding, biking, hiking, swimming and fishing. The Inn has a naturalist on staff to ensure guests enjoy the island’s romantic and tranquil setting. History buffs will also enjoy the Dungeness ruins and historic church (where JFK Jr got married).

Aspen
Aspen is known for being the Rocky Mountain playground of the rich and famous, but this authentic mountain town offers more than just glitz and glam. Aspen is consistently rated one of the world's top ski areas, and ski-in, ski-out lodges are the norm. Other winter activities include ice skating, snow mobile rides and horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Despite its winter reputation, the town is a year-round destination. Spring brings abundant wildflowers in the alpine meadows, Maroon Bells offer excellent hiking with breathtaking views in the summer, and dense, golden aspen groves are a sight to behold in autumn. The area also attracts mountain bikers, kayakers, rafters, and rock climbers to explore its wonders throughout the warmer months. 

Aspen also draws travelers to its urban cultural scene, which belies its small-town charm. Art aficionados rub shoulders with wine connoisseurs and concert-goers, culinary epicures and fashion mavens vie for reservations at Aspen’s hot-spot restaurants, and people flock from around the world to high-profile events like the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen and X Games. And for anyone wanting to lay their head in Aspen, accommodations run from posh to economical, ensuring everyone feels welcome.

Virgina
Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation, hence the state’s 42-year old slogan, Virginia is for lovers! Couples looking to slip away for a weekend to reconnect have been coming to Virginia for years. Virginia’s natural hot springs soothe the mind as well as the body, while signature indulgences abound at spas across the Commonwealth. Escape to Virginia’s winter wonderland of four mountain resorts or sample award-winning wines from more than 160 wineries. Perhaps even more exhilarating is seeing wildlife migrate just off the coast. Slope newbies and pros alike will be thrilled with the opportunities at Virginia’s ski areas. From snowboarding and tubing to downhill and cross-country skiing, whatever you desire in a white powder vacation, you’ll find at a Virginia mountain resort. Plus, Virginia's 3,000 miles of coastline equals sunshine adventures for surfing, sailing and sun bathing.

Greek Isles
The Greek Islands are a collection of over 6,000 islands that belong to Greece. Only 227 of the islands are inhabited, and only 78 of those have more than 100 inhabitants. The Greek island vacation spots have always captured the hearts of many sun-loving travelers, but for me it was watching the amazing scenery in the movie Mama Mia (with Meryl Streep) that sold me. These islands are blessed with beautiful beaches that many of us expect from about an island, but the beautiful architecture and unique landscapes make this destination truly unique and ultra romantic.
Santorini - As you look at Santorini’s caldera and turquoise, you’ll find it difficult not to fall in love with and in Santorini. No wonder it’s one of the world’s top romantic destinations and popular as a honeymoon getaway and a wedding destination. More than 3,500 years ago, Santorini witnessed an awesome volcanic explosion that occurred in the Aegean Sea and, as a result created, a huge caldera that is about four miles in diameter. It is undoubtedly one of the natural wonders of the earth as it dramatically altered the Mediterranean coast.
Mykonos - If you’re off to party in Greece, to shop in some of Europe’s most fashionable shops or to brush shoulders with the rich and the famous, the island of Mykonos is without a doubt, one of the best Greek island vacation spots. Picture white buildings and golden beaches covered with bronze bodies. It is young and hip with jetsetters from around the world.