We have had many opportunities to visit towns throughout the mid-Atlantic region with our whole family. But, there are times when we’d love to get out on our own and have a romantic weekend getaway! These are the top places we have visited with or without kids (but we would love to get away to all of them as a couple if we get the chance!)
Hudson Valley, NY
The Hudson Valley is a beautifully scenic area to visit at any time, with lots of beautiful outdoor views, and plenty of romantic indoor attractions to warm up in. The Walkway Over the Hudson is a fun way to view the Hudson River. Minnewaska State Park is full of natural wonders. $10 per vehicle gives you access to the park. Awosting Falls are a short hike from the lower lot, perfect for a brisk winter walk. If you go to the visitor’s center you will find the jewel blue Lake Minnewaska just behind it.
Springwood and the museum and library of FDR – grounds, mansion, library, stable and museum are all worth visiting. Visit the nearby Vanderbilt Estate – the grounds are just as impressive as the mansion, with space and views that make it worth a visit. Tours of the mansion are $10 per person, and the grounds are free. The estate is just across the street from Springwood in Hyde Park, so both visits can be done easily in a day.
Cape May, NJ
The town of Cape May can get crowded in the summer, but in the winter it is still beautiful and never crowded. It is filled with neat rows of Victorian homes that look like lacy, colorful gingerbread houses. We have enjoyed staying at The Grand Hotel, right on the beach, which has a lovely Valentines weekend package. You can visit the Aviation Museum at the Cape May Airport, or the Cape May County Zoo. Or just enjoy a chilly walk along the quiet beach.
Berkley Springs, WV
This is an eclectic little town nestled into the Appalachians, bright with murals and art galleries, and warmed by natural hot springs. There is a tiny, urban state park here, where the hot springs are fed into stone channels, and also pumped into old Roman bathhouses that can be rented in half hour increments. Also worth a visit is nearby Cacapon Resort State Park, where views of waterfalls, mountains, and a cozy lodge and restaurant with a view offer a delightful experience. It’s an extremely pleasant destination, and a romantic setting for a weekend getaway.
Harper’s Ferry, WV
This historical town is right at the borders of West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Take a 5 minute shuttle from the visitor’s center down to the town and walk up to “the Point” where the Shenandoah River, C&O Canal, and the Potomac Rivers intersect for a lovely view. There are lots of historical buildings and sites including famous abolitionist John Brown’s fort, and Jefferson’s rock – another great place for a beautiful view.
Poconos, PA
This is a beuatiful area with many lovely resorts, such as Bear Creek Mountain Resort, which offers skiing, snow tubing, and a spa, as well as a super cozy and romantic lodge environment. It’s also one of the more affordable ski resorts in the beautiful Poconos area. Visit the romantic town of Jim Thorpe or hike to one of the many gorgeous waterfalls in the area, such as Bushkill Falls.
Lancaster, PA
Lancaster is a charming place, in a beautiful setting. Drive through the rolling hills of picturesque farmland, and you are likely to see Amish buggies or plows being pulled by horses. You can tour an Amish farm and house or take a buggy ride, or just enjoy their well-made wares and delicious foods at local markets. There are also some lovely parks nearby, such as Susquehannock State Park where you can view the river from the Pinnacle Overlook, or several other lovely overlooks.
Brandywine Valley, DE
The Brandywine Valley goes through Northern Delaware and into Pennsylvania, and is a beautifully scenic area with a lot of romantic attractions. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library includes a former DuPont Home, thousands of acres of hilly meadows and woods, and beautiful gardens. This area is scenic, both in terms of the rolling forested hills, and the beautiful homes throughout the area. Close by are Longwood Gardens , the Delaware Art Museum, and the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science, all unique and gorgeous experiences for a date.
Assateague, MD
It is so lovely to see wild horses walking along the beach at either the National Seashore or the state park, especially in the winter when there are no crowds. Ocean City is close by, as well as the Delaware Beaches, where you can find charming little open shops and galleries, as well as delicious restaurants featuring fresh seafood. You’ll also want to stay in one of these nearby towns since there are no hotels actually on Assateague. Lewes is a charming beach town nearby in Southern Delaware where you can find romantic accommodations.
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