Honeymoon Help!

[AdminAssistant]

Mkay, so I'm really, really trying to get serious about this wedding planning nonsense. We need to pick a honeymoon spot. And neither of us has any (specific) idea about where we want to go. So, as with so many things, I come to you, fellow CS'ers for advice.

We have established some parameters:

- In the lower 48 of the USA. We don't have the money (and probably won't have the time) to take a long, international trip.

- Climate! This will be in late May-ish. Someplace where we can walk around comfortably in t-shirt/jeans/shorts during the day, maybe needing a light jacket at night.

- Relaxing. That's the real key. A place with some good spas, maybe even a few natural springs. A place that's kinda chill, not packed with tourists, but also isn't on the edge of civilization. Cell phone reception and/or Internet access would be nice.

- In terms of stuff to do - a nice historical district to walk around or some interesting museums, maybe some parks to walk through. Neither of us are up for skiing, parasailing, hiking a mountain, or anything like that. That's energy that can be saved for other purposes, ifyouknowwhatimean.

- Cost. We do not have a lot of money. Yet, it is our honeymoon, and I'd like to stay in a rather nice hotel, which means saving money on travel and/or going to a place that isn't ridiculously pricey. As one of my bridal books pointed out, every dollar not spent on plane tickets is a dollar spent on food, the hotel, and other goodies.

- Um, culture? This may go without saying, but we'd like a place with liberal attitudes toward alcohol. No dry counties, please (I'm looking at you, Tennessee.)

So, there's that. Like I said, we don't really have any specific ideas. We've thought about Colorado. Or, a place on a beach or near water might be nice, if it isn't too tourist-y. But we've got members from all over the country, so surely somebody's got a great idea for a honeymoon spot. Thanks!

[Indigo]

Well I know quite a few people take a cruise for their honeymoon. Depending on when you book and whether or not you're ok with an interior room, it can be as cheap as $350 per person. And if I understand correctly, food and non-alcoholic drinks are included (but you can order and pay for your own alcoholic drinks). You'd get to stop by some islands (depending on what side of the country you're on) and really not have to do anything if you don't want to. Many ships also have internet and cell phone access too.

[AdminAssistant]

Hm. I'll probably put that on the list of things to think about, but it's not something that really excites me, y'know? I know that many of the island stops are hardcore tourist traps, and that's something I'd want to avoid.

[jnd4rusty]

Black Hills of South Dakota..

[42_42_42]

Where are you located? Can recommend nearby stuff if I know where you are.

As an aside, doesn't exactly fit with your list, but we honeymooned in New Orleans and I highly recommend it, even if you are, like us, not big on bar hopping and getting smashed.

[crazyofficeclerk]

I enjoyed the few days I spent at Mackinaw City last year. Hotels weren't exactly cheap, but that was because I paid for beach front and ended up with a room right on the beach. I walked out my door and on the beach. You can walk up a few blocks to the town to shop and eat. They also have trolley tours of the town and across the bridge. There is also the fort and you can always take the ferry across the lake to Mackinaw Island and explore over there.

[AdminAssistant]

We live in NE Kansas (near Kansas City). The wedding will be...in Arkansas. It was going to be in Jonesboro, but I'm having trouble finding a location I like, so I'm expanding the search to the Little Rock metro area.

My biggest concern with distance is cost. However, if there's something a little further off that's more affordable than something close, then it all works out.

Black Hills of South Dakota..

What's there? I mean, Mount Rushmore, obviously, but what else?

[Kanalah]

May I suggest Guthrie, OK?

It's a renovated historical area. Most of the buildings are victorian style and date back to early 1900. There are museums and a trolly that goes through downtown. Guthrie is also the B&B capital of Oklahoma.

There is also the Pollard Theatre downtown.

Here I have a website for you!
http://www.guthrieok.com/

*may or may not be biased since I used to have a store there, but I think it's an awesome place. The Stone Lion Inn has murder mystery weekends!*

[RecoveringKinkoid]

Savannah, Georgia maybe?

Very old city and looks and feels very European. Lots of history and things to do. Beaches, lighthouses, historical districts, Revolutionary War era forts, etc. There is a Wet Willie's on the old waterfront and you can walk around down there with booze in your hand (check into that to be sure, but I know I've done it). Downtown has a free ferryboat, walking tours, a free trolley, carriage rides with horses and buggies, a steamboat, plantation houses.

Palm trees, live oaks, Spanish moss, cobblestones. Parks every other block.

Weather in late May will be very nice.

[AdminAssistant]

I'm not sure why, but when I asked Fiance he said, "Not Georgia. Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi are off the table." Hm.

[Jester]

I was thinking of Savannah and Tybee Island, which are very much not like the rest of Georgia.

Key West fits all of your needs other than cheap hotels and lack of tourists. However, Islamorada and/or Key Largo further up the Keys may be more what you are looking for.

Or perhaps the Gulf Coast of Florida, such as Naples or Fort Myers Beach. Not a lot of historical stuff in FMB, to be honest, and I don't really know much about Naples, but have heard great things about it.

Las Vegas is a bit touristy, but has a lot to offer.

Seattle just kicks ass, is not very touristy, and is just fun.

San Francisco...weird weather, but just a great place. Touristy, sure, but not as bad as a lot of other places.

There is always Cape Cod, which has plenty of history, great beaches, and just a very relaxed atmosphere. Touristy? Sure. But not overly commercialized touristy. Just a great place to go. Been there as both a child and an adult, and had a blast both times. Also, you can either visit Nantucket and/or Martha's Vineyard, or do your whole honeymoon on either one.

My parents always enjoyed Hilton Head, South Carolina, but I don't know much about it.

[42_42_42]

Please let your fiance know that most of the people who live in those states are not as I'm assuming he thinks they are.


Anyhoo, recommendations:

St. Augustine, FL
Pretty much anywhere along the Appilachians/Blue Mountains, the area around Asheville, NC is particularly nice. That's where the Biltmore mansion is located. Lots of neat shops and restaurants in town, plus lots of great mountain stuff all around. You really can pick just about any spot along the Apps and start driving along the Blue Ridge Pkwy and have a lovely trip.
Carlsbad Caverns, NM
Newport, RI has lots of historic homes, mansions really, open to the public.

If you're open to going to Canada, I HIGHLY recommend Prince Edward's Island. It's gorgeous, the people there are extremely friendly, and they have great food, especially if you like fresh seafood (they are known for their fresh oysters, also lobsters and potatoes (yeah, I know that's not seafood)). You can rent a little cottage just about anywhere on the island and the island is small enough to drive around the entire thing in a day. Beautiful beaches and rolling countryside. Lots of older buildings, especially little country churches. Pretty much fits your wish list exactly (except for not being in the lower 48).

[AdminAssistant]

Please let your fiance know that most of the people who live in those states are not as I'm assuming he thinks they are.

Being Arkansan, we're both used to the stereotypes. But apparently he had a really bad experience driving through those states and doesn't wish to repeat it. Meh.

Asheville's on one of my mental short lists, as is Charleston. Also, Williamsburg. As both a history and a performance geek, Colonial Williamsburg just seems like a great place to go.

[RecoveringKinkoid]

That's too bad, Georgia's so nice. At least that part of it is. My sister lives down there, so I'm in Savannah and the surrounding areas a lot.

Haven't spent any time in Hilton Head, but I do know it ain't cheap. Have spent a lot of time on various other barrier islands. Love the tropical feel down there.

If you're talking about Charleston, SC, I can vouch that it's pretty awesome, too. And the weather will be nice there at that time of year as well.

[monolayth]

We are going to St. Augustine Florida. little touresty but in a fun way. lots of history and a beach. http://www.westcotthouse.com/ Is where we are staying. Lots of fun tours you can go on. Let me know if you want to know more.