Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

honeymoon ideas for an east coast gal who hates to fly

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
enbcfsobe

enbcfsobe

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jan 17, 2007
Messages
1,154
Given my day o'' suck, I need something positive to think about, so I thought I''d try to find some solutions to my honeymoon dilemma. I have pretty much decided that we are not flying for our honeymoon. I have serious issues with flying and don''t need that extra stress hanging over my head. I think we want something a little more private than a cruise, so that means something we can either drive or take the train to.

As if that wasn''t enough limiting criteria, here are some more...
We are not beach people -- we like lakes and mountains a lot better.
We don''t mind fall weather (that''s why we''re getting married in October).
We are coming from Philadelphia, PA.
If we are driving, we probably wouldn''t want to do more than 8 hours driving.
I don''t mind doing a long train ride, but the longest we have taken together is about 20 hours (Philly to Chicago via DC). I''m willing to do more...not sure how much longer a ride FI would want to do.
We are going end of October/beginning of November, which I think is still hurricane season down south.
We will probably look at being away for 2 weeks total.
We don''t want to do anything too rustic -- outdoorsy and dirty daytime activities (fishing, hiking) are cool as long as we can get a nice meal and stay someplace a little luxe.

Any ideas?? Recommendations??
Thanks!!
 
1. Adirondaks! I LOVE this area of the country. You could book into an old school Adirondak lodge - they've got some real luxurious ones that would also be worthy of a honeymoon. You can still canoe/kayak in the Fall, you've got the Fall colors, and some great food. And very romantic...

2. Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard (I know Nantucket best, never been to the Vineyard)! It's like a million times better in the off season anyway, without all the day trippers. Very romantic. You can bicycle around the islands, they have art galleries, natural beauty, and great restaurants and some awesome hotels worthy of a honeymoon. Plus the ferry ride is fun.

3. Charleston, SC - never been but it looks very romantic and lovely. Great inns and restaurants. Might be a bit far by car but you could take a train maybe?

4. New Orleans! My sister lives in NOLA and I totally encourage everyone to spend a little time there and try to help out the local economy there. I was just there last week and was so taken aback by how friendly people are, and there's so much to do - shopping, eating, swamp/plantation tours, etc. But again, not really driving friendly from PA, but maybe there's a train? I have no idea.
 
So first decide if you want to head north or south... given the time of year, I vote South, as North is past leaf-peeping and before the snow...

So how far South? I would totally go to somewhere on the Carolina (outer banks) or Georgia (fancy islands) coast . They have some luxury there, and even if its coastal, its not really beachy that time of year. And it would be low key outside of the prime tourist season, but still with some facilities.

If you wanted mountains, I would still vote South so maybe the Blue Ridge mountains in VA?

There is always Florida, but that gets far from Philly.
 
Maybe Mont Tremblant, Quebec? It is beautiful all year round, has the most gorgeous lakes and mountains and really beautiful little villages that are just so charming, and it''s got the bonus of making you feel farther away than you are because everyone speaks French (and English too, both perfectly). My friends and I have been renting houses up there for years and I absolutely adore it. If you go up in the fall, there might not be any skiing (don''t know if you ski--I don''t, but it''s a big thing there), but there should be lots of other things to do, and some places have spas and pools (if you don''t rent a chalet), and there''s golf and horseback riding, and shopping--I think the place is just enchanting. It''s possibly a little farther than an 8-hour drive from Philly: I''ve gone from Maryland and it''s been about 11 hours, so maybe 9 for you?

Montreal is a bit closer, but if you''re into mountains and stuff, you probably don''t want to spend two weeks in the city. It is a lovely city though (as cities go, I love the country myself), so maybe you could spend some time in Montreal, and then head up to Mont Tremblant (which is about 1.5, 2 hours northwest of Montreal)? Dunno if that would appeal; we did that once time and it was really fun.
1.gif


The guy who wrote this article says Mont Tremblant is one of the best places in the East to see the leaves change colour in the fall: http://fall.about.com/od/travelvacations/ss/best_fall_spots_5.htm

mont_tremblant.jpg
 
We haven't been to this hotel in years, but the area is wonderful in the fall. Hiking, leaf peeping, fabulous lakes, rock climbing, restaurants. Also check out Lake Minnewaska, which is down the hill from the hotel. White cliffs and blue lake.
http://www.mohonk.com/index.cfm


You can also look into the Rhinebeck area. It is near the Culinary Institue of America--DD is a grad. CIA has it's own restaurants and is a beautiful place. Rhinebeck is a neat little town with great shops, landmarks and other activities. I loved my visits there. Terrific choice of accomodations, too.

 
wow -- some great ideas! i hesitate on going south only because i think it might still be the tail end of hurricane season. I''ll need to research that more. anyone know?
 
I live in the Shendoah Valley in VA--not far from the Blue Ridge Mountains. October is fine in this area. We go to the Outer Banks in the early summer. We avoid the fall because of potential hurricane season. It''s a beautiful time of year to be at the beach, but I wouldn''t chance it at the Outer Banks.
 
How about Canada, the White Mountains in NH, or the Green Mtns. in Vermont? I can vouch for the White Mountains (I live in NH). It''s beautiful, especially in the fall. Towns like Jackson, NH, are quaint and beautiful. I can recommend places to stay if you''d like. Here are some of my favorites:

http://www.whitemountainhotel.com/ (really great place, not too far from Echo Lake)
http://www.thewentworth.com/ (we considered having our wedding here)
http://www.thesnowflakeinn.com/ (we love this place and we almost had our wedding here)

I''d also recommend Nantucket, Martha''s Vineyard, or the Cape (Cape Cod).

I''ve never been but I''ve heard Charleston, SC, is also a fabulous place. It''s on my list of places to visit.
 
I forgot to add that the Mount Washington Hotel is known for its superb location and its elegant interior. The grounds are spectacular as well.

http://www.mountwashingtonhotel.com/
 
Montreal/Quebec city!

We were married in Nov and up there for our mini-moon. It was lovely and fun and empty of tourists. If you''ve never been, check it out. Tres romantique!
 
I''m with Surfgirl - New Orleans! You can take the train there. It''s the Crescent route (though it would be a long trip). There''s plenty to do, tons of nice hotels, and OMG the best food on earth. The weather will still be warmish, too.

Hurricane season does run through the end of November, however hurricanes in the northern Gulf are quite rare that time of year. August/September are the bad months. The last late October hurricane was in 1985. The one before that was 1923.
 
How about the Catskills? You could do a B&B or vacation rental house/condo (like this place, maybe?). It's about a 3-hour drive from Philadelphia.

I don't know much about Maine, other than that it's FAMOUS for its fall color--and what a perfect time to see it! You could drive up and spend your honeymoon B&B hopping throughout the state. Here's a gorgeous Castle-like B&B.

You've got me second-guessing our overseas honeymoon plans
11.gif
 
Maine is wonderful, it''s an 8-9 hour drive depending on how fast you''re driving and whether you hit traffic around NYC/Hartford. It will be a little chilly at that time of year, but you won''t have hordes of tourists around, either. You could also look into places like Cape Cod or Nantucket, it will be off-season so most stuff might be closed but again, no tourists = private and chill. If you want to stay closer to home, have you looked into any nice places up in the Poconos? Also, it might be a little late in the season but some of the villages along the Hudson River north of NYC, like Rheinbeck, are supposed to be lovely (although leaves will probably be gone by then).

Completely unrelated and mini-threadjack, but do you know any good tailors in Center City, enbcfsobe? I have a couple interviews coming up and need to get my best suit nipped and tucked a bit. No worries if you don''t, just thought I''d ask.

Good luck with the honeymoon planning, people always think of going somewhere exotic but I''m sure you''ll have a wonderful and less stressful time staying nearby!

ETA: just saw that surfgirl already recommended Nantucket
1.gif
 
I''ve heard great things about the Lake George area of NY. I''ve never been but it''s supposed to be a really nice area.
 
Date: 2/9/2008 12:03:08 AM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
Quebec City. It is frequently refered to as the most european city in the US. It is absolutely amazing and I can''t say enough about how lovely it is.
For a little luxe: http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac
For outdoor recreation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmorency_Falls
More outdoor fun: http://www.canyonste-anne.qc.ca/
There are trains that run, including: http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/default.htm
There is so much more, but it is something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...
That''s where we''re going for our honeymoon! But um, it''s not in the US.
1.gif
 
Date: 2/9/2008 12:09:14 AM
Author: ZoeBartlett

Date: 2/9/2008 12:03:08 AM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
Quebec City. It is frequently refered to as the most european city in the US. It is absolutely amazing and I can''t say enough about how lovely it is.
For a little luxe: http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac
For outdoor recreation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmorency_Falls
More outdoor fun: http://www.canyonste-anne.qc.ca/
There are trains that run, including: http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/default.htm
There is so much more, but it is something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...
That''s where we''re going for our honeymoon! But um, it''s not in the US.
1.gif
Click to expand...
So? San Fransisco is in the US and it is a lot farther than Quebec. You know as well as I how worth it the city is!
 
I know I am partial, but I recommend Virginia''s Blue Ridge area also! It is gorgeous in the fall because the leaves are turning colors. If you''re history buffs, there are also always lots of places to explore. Also, maybe Williamsburg? Around that time I believe they probably start their holiday stuff so it should be pretty. Plus there is TONS to do, outlet malls, etc. Hope that helps!
 
I''m not sure if you''re exclusively looking for lakes and mountains, etc., but how about good ol'' NYC. It can be super romantic (Central Park is FANTASTIC in the fall), there''s amazing shopping, and the food is better than anywhere else in the world. And with all the activities, you certainly will NOT get bored.
 
Date: 2/9/2008 12:29:21 AM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy

Date: 2/9/2008 12:09:14 AM
Author: ZoeBartlett


Date: 2/9/2008 12:03:08 AM
Author: brazen_irish_hussy
Quebec City. It is frequently refered to as the most european city in the US. It is absolutely amazing and I can''t say enough about how lovely it is.
For a little luxe: http://www.fairmont.com/frontenac
For outdoor recreation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montmorency_Falls
More outdoor fun: http://www.canyonste-anne.qc.ca/
There are trains that run, including: http://www8.cpr.ca/cms/English/default.htm
There is so much more, but it is something to keep in mind.
Click to expand...
That''s where we''re going for our honeymoon! But um, it''s not in the US.
1.gif
Click to expand...
So? San Fransisco is in the US and it is a lot farther than Quebec. You know as well as I how worth it the city is!
Click to expand...
Sorry! I meant no offense.
 
wow!! you guys rule. awesome recommendations -- and thanks so much for some ideas on specific places to stay. It seems like FI is more into going north, so we will definitely check out Cape Cod/Nantucket, NH, ME and maybe even Canada. thanks for all the great ideas!
 
Octavia -- I''ve had good luck with tailoring at the Savoy Cleaners at 18th and Spruce and Joy Cleaners in 1700 Market (they are in the back). It has been quite a while since I''ve taken anything in, though. Good luck with your interview!
 
Date: 2/8/2008 5:14:40 PM
Author:enbcfsobe
Given my day o'' suck, I need something positive to think about, so I thought I''d try to find some solutions to my honeymoon dilemma. I have pretty much decided that we are not flying for our honeymoon. I have serious issues with flying and don''t need that extra stress hanging over my head. I think we want something a little more private than a cruise, so that means something we can either drive or take the train to.

As if that wasn''t enough limiting criteria, here are some more...
We are not beach people -- we like lakes and mountains a lot better.
We don''t mind fall weather (that''s why we''re getting married in October).
We are coming from Philadelphia, PA.
If we are driving, we probably wouldn''t want to do more than 8 hours driving.
I don''t mind doing a long train ride, but the longest we have taken together is about 20 hours (Philly to Chicago via DC). I''m willing to do more...not sure how much longer a ride FI would want to do.
We are going end of October/beginning of November, which I think is still hurricane season down south.
We will probably look at being away for 2 weeks total.
We don''t want to do anything too rustic -- outdoorsy and dirty daytime activities (fishing, hiking) are cool as long as we can get a nice meal and stay someplace a little luxe.

Any ideas?? Recommendations??
Thanks!!
Click to expand...
I know I''m late to the party, after missing several days of postings, but my suggestion is to look for a beautiful country inn or lodge within driving distance. Choose something that offers activities or sports if that sounds good, or choose for food and elegance instead. In that area of the country, there must be quite a few nice offerings.

I would have suggested a train trip through Canada, but when you get to the other end you would have to fly back.
 
I would second the Adirondacks (GAH!
30.gif
) or southwestern Quebec.

Another idea with minimal driving, beautiful views, and amazing food would be one of the coastal towns of Connecticut, north of New Haven. So pretty! Plus, you could take the train up if you wanted to skip all the traffic and keep it stress-free (lots from Philly to NH), then rent a car in New Haven and stay in one of the towns like Guilford, then travel around CT from there, maybe go to the beach on Rhode Island one day, go to Litchfield another day, and then spend the rest of the time staring at the sea, strolling, and dining at great restaurants.
 
If you decide to go to the Adirondacks, the Mirror Lake Inn in Lake Placid is wonderful. It''s a bit pricey, but it is your honeymoon!

PS -- thanks for the recommendations!!
 
I love the Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Mass.

Nantucket (White Elephant, Wauwinet) is lovely too.

I heard Twin Farms in Vermont is lovely and has amazing food and wine.
 
Lake Winnipisaukee (spelling?!) is also nice, in New Hampshire. Lots of cute little towns, cozy fires...walks, etc...

I have been to Greenbrier, it is nice. Also, what about the one in Pennsylvania, Nemacolin? It is nice too.
The Poconos is not my favorite, but Sky Top is not bad, and there is a gourmet restaurant, Torte Knox, which is awesome. There is not a ton to do up there and I think two weeks would be pushing it there.

The Chesapeake (Inn at Perry Cabin in St, Michaels, Maryland...spa, great food, nice and easy to get to)...
Kennebunkport or Bar Harbor Maine is nice. I know people who love Mohonk and go every year.

What about Cumberland Island (or the island Carolyn Bessette and JFK Jr. got married on if not the same). That could be lovely too.

All of these spots have nice restaurants, some shopping. Some even have spas.
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top