You’ve planned a romantic honeymoon getaway for after your wedding, The tickets were booked and the room reserved. The champagne would be cold and the nights would be HOT! Looking forward to the tropical paradise was the cherry on top of your big day plans. Then…CoVid hits. The reservation portal was closed and the tickets canceled. I know, It sucks, but don’t fret my pet because I am here to give you a light at the end of the tunnel. I have compiled a list of beautiful and romantic getaways that are just miles away from your front door.

Let’s check out these spectacular local(ish) honeymoon getaways!

Beautiful Beaches (Perfect for Late Spring and Summer)

Daufuskie Island, SC

Full of beauty and the charm of the Gullah/Geechee culture, Daufuskie Island is just miles from the coast of South Carolina. The Island, while it only has an approximate surface area of 8 square miles, is big on its historic mark on the world. The island is actually on the National Registry for Historic Places due to the Gullah culture and Civil war history. Daufuskie is split into 5 parts: Haig Point Club and Melrose Resort are the private, members-only side of the island. Bloody Point is semi-private, and following up we have Oak Ridge and the Historic District. It’s a quick ferry ride from the shoreline and with sparkling beaches, relaxing spas, and amazing nightlife it’s sure to amaze your senses.

Hilton Head Island, NC

It's called “America’s Favorite Island” for a reason. I remember coming to Hilton Head as a teen with my family on a mini-vacation. Seeing all the happy couples riding bikes on the beach made me want to get a bike too! I learned later that was not what they were smiling about LOL. It was so relaxing, and as a teen, if I had a good time doing nothing but chilling on a beach with the ‘rents it has to be an outstanding place. Hilton Head Island is more upscale than your average beach location. One of the most popular hotels on the island is The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa. Nestled right on the white sandy shoreline, enjoy spacious rooms, private beaches, and 4 on-site restaurants. Not to mention, guest access to Port Royal Golf and Racquet club for those who like to play. Yes, luxury at it's finest!

Majestic Mountains (Perfect for Late Fall and Winter)

The Smokey Mountains, TN

Photo Credit: https://www.tnvacation.com/local/chattanooga-chattanooga-riverfront — Photo Credit: tnvacation.com

Imagine this. Snow-covered mountain views, a log cabin with a cozy fire crackling, and some spiked apple cider with your love. This is totally doable, and less than 3 hours away in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The Great Smokey Mountains can be as secluded as you want it to be, or as lit as the city is a short drive from most of the rental cabins in the area. The hubs and I went with a big group of friends just after we were married and had a blast. Enjoy the quaint country stores, hiking to some stunning waterfalls, and of course, and finish of the day with a dip in a hot tub in the evening as most of the mountain cabins have them. It’s another great way to warm up at night.

Highlands, NC

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/6fNRB2m162Erj7Wq5 — Photo Credit: The Seasons in Highland

Also known as the “Aspen of the South”, this little luxury town is only 2 hours north of Atlanta. Southern Living Magazine has Highlands listed as one of its Top 5 Small Town Getaways and I could not agree more. It’s the ultimate mountain experience, surrounded by the Nantahala National Forest at an elevation of 4118 feet, so the views have got to be breathtaking! Enjoy some retail therapy in town, trail hiking, and top-rated fine dining. I’ve never been, but researching has definitely got me thinking to visit soon.

Year-Round Romance

Savannah, GA

Photo Credit: https://images.app.goo.gl/KeMcQB1iMX9ztJWq8 — Photo Credit: Explore Savannah

My absolute favorite place to go at any time! It’s my Husband’s birthplace, and we visit at least 4 to 5 times a year. The Historic District has homes dating back to pre-civil war, and it was the only major city in Georgia that Gen. Sherman didn’t burn on his march through the south. With its moss-covered trees lining surface streets and cobblestone roads on River Street, Savannah is a sight to be seen and it’s just 3 hours southeast from Atlanta. What we like to do on our trips down is head to Tybee Island Beach during the day to lay out and relax, and at night hit up the local restaurants and bars in Ellis Square. You have the best of both worlds in one area. I love it!

Chattanooga, TN

Photo Credit: The Best Chattanooga Nightlife

A surprise of a good time was had in Chatt-town! It was our first wedding anniversary, and we had just completed the first of many stages of our home renovation. Homeowners will definitely understand. We decided to take a local trip and save money, to celebrate. I can’t begin to tell you how much I was blown away by the great time we had…but that’s the point of this blog, so I will do my best. We stayed at the Read Hotel, which is a Historic Hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel’s charm was over the top, it even had a relic in the lobby. A phone booth with an old school rotary phone (20 Somethings and under would DIE! LOL)! We ate at some amazing restaurants and bar hopped in the city all night. In the morning, we drove through the mountains and looked at the spacious private homes in the area that overlooked the Tennessee River. It was so wonderful with the backdrop of changing leaves. If you have a day, I urge you to check it out and see for yourself. It’s only an hour northwest of Atlanta!

Photo Credit: Pic of the Hubs by Amaris Taylor

OK, so now you have my “can’t lose” list for local romantic getaways! If you live near or around Atlanta there’s no need to fly to any of these places, just gas up the car and pack a bag. This is only a short, condensed list meant to pique your interests about what’s nearby. Take time and look around the net, you never know what wonderful locations await right outside the city. At the end of the day, it’s about you and your spouse that’s all that matters. If you like what you’ve read, give us a like and share this blog on your socials. If you’re getting married or have an event you need to have planned, be sure to contact us today for a free consultation.

Until next time!

Keep it Chic,

XOXO

Amaris T.

Swoon-worthy Local Honeymoon Getaways