From chic boutique hotels and seaside escapes, here are five romantic places to getaway for a weekend for an unforgettable experience with your favorite person.
Zero George — Charleston, SC
Undoubtedly, one of the most romantic destinations in Charleston is Zero George, a boutique hotel that oozes the Southern charm the Holy City is particularly known for, with inviting lantern-lit verandas, and courtyard that’s enchanting ambience is the result of balmy, sea breezes coupled with the melody of rustling palmetto fronds. Inside, Zero George marries both luxurious comfort and elegance with 16 gracefully decorated guest rooms that boast fine linens and an impressive list of luxe in-room amenities.
Tucked away from the busy streets of downtown Charleston, the hotel provides a quiet retreat that has a certain sense of exclusivity to it, but it’s still close enough to walk to the city’s most popular sights and historic landmarks.
The friendly, and more than accommodating staff can also help make your getaway even more memorable by creating a personalized itinerary for your stay that can include anything from private cooking classes to a sunset sail around the Charleston Harbor.
After a day full of exploring, guests can wind down with a complimentary wine and cheese pairing, then retire to an intimate, candle-lit table for two at Zero Restaurant + Bar. For the ultimate experience order the seven-course chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings and see first-hand why Zero George was named one of the Top 5 Foodie Hotels in the World by Condé Nast.
Rates vary from around $619.
The Inn at Middleton Place — Charleston, SC
Located 30 minutes from downtown Charleston along a peaceful stretch of the Ashley River, the 110-acre Middleton Plantation has a rich history with beginnings that date back to the early 1700s. Today, the property provides a tranquil oasis for couples seeking peace and quiet at The Inn at Middleton Place.
The Inn features 55 well-appointed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide sweeping views of the river, marble baths with European-style tubs, and wood-burning fireplaces that provide the perfect place to cozy up with fireside cocktails. The Inn’s award-winning restaurant, The Middleton Place Restaurant, specializes in traditional Southern and Low Country fare with dishes that change seasonally.
Middleton’s remote location offers guests the chance to truly disconnect from the many distractions of everyday life and reconnect with each other, while reveling in the land’s unspoiled natural beauty. Hours can easily be spent meandering hand in hand through Middleton’s magnificent gardens — America’s oldest landscaped gardens dating back to 1741 — which resemble a painting with blush-colored camellias, vibrant crepe myrtles, and lush tea olives around every corner.
Rates vary from around $240.
The Fearrington House Inn — Fearrington, NC
As part of the renowned Relais & Châteaux family, you can expect nothing less than luxury at its very best during a stay at The Fearrington House Inn. Every detail from check-in to check-out has been meticulously considered and is seamlessly executed by the property’s warm and inviting staff.
The Inn has 32 thoughtfully designed rooms that boast a seemingly endless list of lavish amenities and special touches that range from fresh flowers and high-end fabrics to heated towel racks and deep soaking tubs. Even Fearrington’s nightly turndown service is exceptional, featuring housemade chocolates and Taylor Fladgate’s Ruby Port.
Be sure to make reservations for Afternoon Tea on The Fearrington House Restaurant’s front porch and watch the day go by together from comfortable rocking chairs while sipping signature flavors and indulging in delectable bites, but be sure to save room for dinner. The Fearrington House Restaurant is well-known for its fine-dining experience and exceptional cuisine, which have both led to the restaurant’s AAA Five Diamond status.
Go the extra mile and book a soothing treatment — or two — for you and your significant other at The Spa At Fearrington. Treatments range from massages and hydrating body masks to salt scrubs and wraps designed to ease tense muscles.
Rates vary from around $750.
Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill — Mills River, NC
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Western North Carolina mountains, the Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill, offers couples an idyllic retreat that makes it easy to unplug and unwind. With only seven suites, the B&B gives off the intimate feeling of a private resort at times. Each suite is distinctly different with decor that was inspired by the owner’s favorite Southern towns, including Charlottesville, Beaufort, and Natchez. Special attention has been paid to every detail throughout the property from the classical music that’s piped into rooms and seven-layer beds to the three-course gourmet breakfast that’s served every morning.
There are a few extra touches you can request beforehand to make your visit even more memorable, including a packed picnic, fresh flowers, chocolate covered strawberries, and a fruit and cheese tray. The B&B also offers massages in their outdoor birdhouse pavilion.
Spread over six scenic acres, there’s plenty to explore on the property and downtown Asheville is just short drive away. No matter how you spend your day, make sure you end it in one of the front porch rocking chairs watching the sun melt into the horizon.
Rates vary from around $230.
Hotel Trundle — Columbia, SC
With options like Asheville and Charleston within short driving distance it can be easy to overlook Columbia as a romantic destination that’s close by. However, the city shouldn’t be so easily dismissed — especially with stylish accommodations like Hotel Trundle within its limits.
The boutique hotel is a welcomed breath of fresh air that strikes a balance between old and new with a mixture of ‘20s-era Art Deco-style decor and modern amenities that can be found throughout its three historic buildings — which have been carefully restored.
Perfectly situated in the city’s Main Street District, Hotel Trundle, makes it easy for guests to explore all South Carolina’s capital has to offer. For an added touch, reserve your room with the hotel’s “Sweet Stay Package” and you and your sweetheart will be greeted with chilled champagne, decadent macarons from a local bakery, and a bouquet of flowers. They also have curated culinary and theater packages that are ideal for a romantic date night.
Rates vary from around $240.
