Many of us let Valentine’s Day come and go this year with nary a chocolate heart thanks to the winter storms that have been pummeling are region. Perhaps our energy had been sapped by the shoveling or our sanity on the brink after being cooped up with the kids, but this year, could any of us really conjure up an iota or romance?
No worries. You and your partner can still get away for a romantic retreat—and with minimal effort. The area has several B&Bs and resorts that provide the perfect escape, where you can unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the one you love, all within driving distance.
New Hope, PA
Set in bucolic Buck’s Country, the inn sits on a five-acre estate, a certified wildlife habitat with a forest and a pond. The retreat has four guestrooms and three suites, all of which feature king-sized beds, fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. In-suite massages are available, as is a full English breakfast. And if you’re itching for a little activity, you can always head to New Hope’s charming Main Street for dining and shopping.
Fogelsville, PA
Located on a historic 19th century farm near Bethlehem, Glasbern offers luxurious accommodations with a rustic charm. While the spa, walking trails and heated pool (in warmer months) are a definite draw; the 34-room inn is a perfect option for foodies, easily enticed by its renowned farm-to-table restaurant onsite. Weekend dinners are fixed-price feasts of locally sourced fare—often from the Glasbern farm itself—and mornings features a full country breakfast in the main barn.
Hershey, PA
Hershey has a reputation as a family-friendly town thanks to the chocolate-themed amusement park, but it’s also home to the luxurious The Hotel Hershey known for its world-class spa. The Chocolate Spa (c’mon, are you surprised that’s the name) features tasty-sounding treatments like the whipped cocoa bath, chocolate bean polish, and the chocolate fondue wrap along with traditional massages, skin care and more. The property also features three main restaurants, a fireside lounge, café, poolside eatery and dessert café.
Cape May, NJ
When we think of romantic beach getaways, the Jersey Shore probably doesn’t top your list of destinations. But Cape May’s Congress Hall just might prompt you to rethink your opinion. Welcoming guests since 1816, the historic beachfront hotel is the oldest seaside resort in the country, with each room preserving the property’s old-school character. Off-season affords good deals, and you can also avoid the crowds that comes with the summer tourists. History buffs will enjoy learning about the property’s impressive past (it was the summer White House for a brief period in the 19th century) and fitness enthusiasts can partake in beach boot camp, biking or yoga. And of course, Cape May’s historic district offers plenty of places to shop.
Princeton, NJ
When it comes to history, the Peacock Inn has plenty. Dating back to the 1700s, it was once owned by a member of the Continental Congress, served as a speakeasy during Prohibition and has hosted numerous diplomats and dignitaries visiting the university. Today, it’s rooms and suites are chic and modern with historical touches, and the onsite restaurant features a sophisticated New American menu. Keep your ears open during your meal—you’ll never know what great minds will be seating near you.
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