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Here
are some world famous honeymoon spots you would love to
be...
1. San Francisco
Home to the Golden Gate Bridge, cable cars, curvy Lombard Street, and Fisherman's Wharf, San Francisco bursts with street life, romance and diversity. Sophisticated restaurants, hotels, cultural attractions and outrageous nightlife will make this a trip to remember for those not content to lie by a pool. Experience Alcatraz, Chinatown, Nob Hill and the Presidio. Ferry to Sausalito for a city view across the Bay, explore Muir Woods, or cruise through the nearby wine country. For more information, contact the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau at
www.sfvisitor.org.
2. Key West
Closer to Cuba than Miami, this tiny island is only two by four miles. The Keys have long been a haven for writers – including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Robert Frost – artists and fun seekers. Conch (pronounced "konk") is the local dish and is used in everything from fritters to spicy chowder. Quell the spice with the natives’ favorite dessert, tart key lime pie. Listen to Jimmy Buffet's album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes for inspiration before you go. Best weather: winter, although temperatures hover between 73 and 82 year-round and the best prices are in summer and fall. Oh yeah, one more reason, best sunsets – year round. For more info
at www.fla-keys.com.
3. Glacier Bay National Park and Reserve, Alaska
For true nature lovers, visit mid-May to mid-September when Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve becomes one of America's coolest spots. The 3.3-million acre sanctuary, situated along Alaska's coast 65 miles northwest of Juneau, has awe-inspiring tidewater glaciers – immense rivers of ice that crackle as ice hunks the size of mini-vans fall off into the fjords. For info on the park and
preserve.
4. Napa and Sonoma
For romance, few places beat the rolling hills and vineyards of California's wine country. An hour and a half north of San Francisco, you can spend your honeymoon sipping wines, exploring the shops, indulging in spa treatments and soaking in the Calistoga hot springs. The weather is warmest between August and November. For more information:
www.napavalley.com, www.sonoma.com, www.winecountry.com.
5. The Big Island of Hawaii
For honeymooners on the Big Island, it may be tempting to book into a luxury hotel on the Kohala coast and never leave. But there is more to do than lay poolside on the island. A main attraction is the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, with vast lava fields, tropical rain forests, alpine summits, and the most spectacular sight of all, Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. Exploring the park on foot is an adventure in itself – be sure to bring water though. Horseback riding over vast Kohala ranchlands, with views over to Maui, is another way to spend the day. After a long day, try dining at Merriman's restaurant. Chef Peter Merriman is said to be the inventor of Hawaiian regional cuisine.
Visit www.gohawaii.com.
6. Taos and Santa Fe
A great escape if you're looking for a dose of quiet space and fresh mountain air, Taos is the ideal honeymoon spot, while Santa Fe offers the bigger city attractions of art galleries, museums, and restaurants. You’ll love the Northern New Mexico desert sunsets that set the sky ablaze with orange and red. Santa Fe is cosmopolitan while is Taos is mellow. Both have their share of bohemians, cowboys, artists, writers, and big-city dropouts who are drawn to the area for inspiration and escape. Famous for southwestern cuisine and margaritas, this area’s high season is July through November, though the "best" season depends on your favorite sport (skiing at Taos is world-renowned). More info: Taos,
Santa Fe.
7. U.S. Virgin Islands
The United States Virgin Islands – St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John – are popular with honeymooners who come for the pristine beaches, hot weather and crystal-clear waters. If a relaxing break is what you’re after, the islands will not disappoint. A beach vacation with duty-free shopping, kayaking, hiking, diving, sailing and fine dining – what else is there? For more information go to:
www.usvi.org.
8. Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina
You can't go wrong with these two charming and historic cities, which are only about 100 miles apart. Both are interesting destinations in their own right, but for a super-memorable trip after your wedding day, plan to visit both and while away the dreamy days. For a sneak preview on Savannah read John Berendt’s Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (or watch Kevin Spacey in the movie). Architecture and history buffs will especially enjoy the sights and tours, which can be done on foot, by bike or in a horse-drawn carriage. Be sure to sample southern cooking like black-eyed peas, fried green tomatoes, biscuits, grits and their famous dessert – pecan pie. Between the two cities there are lots of places to stop such as Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach. Spring and fall are the best times to visit when the temperatures are not so hot. For more information: Charleston Visitors Bureau,
Savannah Visitors Center.
9. Telluride, Colorado
If skiing, snowboarding or winter activities are your thing, consider Telluride, Colorado for a get-away-from-it-all honeymoon. A small community – population less than 2,000 in the off-season –Telluride is best suited to serious outdoor enthusiasts. If you want luxury off the slopes consider the Peaks Resort and Golden Door Spa with its ski-in, ski-out access and Japanese spa.
www.thepeaksresort.com. Refreshingly, there are no strip malls, outlet stores or fast food chains in Telluride, just plenty of small boutiques, art galleries, sport shops and bookstores. For more information go to www.telluride.com.
10. Road Tripping on the California Coast
If you don’t want to be limited to one place, consider the quintessential road trip for your honeymoon: cruising the Pacific Coast Highway in a convertible. Start in San Francisco and meander south to Carmel-by-the-Sea, Big Sur, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Or if Redwoods and rustic coastlines are more your speed, head north on the highway. Either way you won’t go wrong. For more information visit
www.california.com.
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