Romantic renewal is a given at these luxurious destinations, all of which are an easy drive from the Philadelphia suburbs.
Spring is when all things beautiful renew themselves—and that includes the fun in your relationship. Celebrate with a glorious getaway to someplace both of you will love. Here are 12 suggestions.
 |
|
 |
 |
Grand Cascades Lodge at the Crystal Springs Resort
Drive time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
Amenities: With six golf courses, two spas and a dozen dining spots, including a world-class restaurant with a stellar wine cellar, this complete Adirondack-style retreat in New Jersey’s scenic Skylands region offers everything you could want for a splendid and varied timeout for two. Weekday rates start at $239, weekends $309.
To-Do List: Pretend you’re on a far-off island at the lodge’s Biosphere, a tropical-themed, heated indoor pool-and-Jacuzzi complex that lets in sunlight for year-round tanning. Play 18 holes on the Celtic-style Ballyowen Course ($100 weekdays, $125 weekends).
3 Wild Turkey Way, Hardyston, N.J., (855) 749-2240.
 |
|
Lancaster Arts Hotel |
Drive Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes.
Amenities: Bet you didn’t know that Lancaster is an impressive arts hub, with some great museums and a multitude of galleries. This cool, contemporary hotel in a converted 19th-century tobacco warehouse is in the center of it all—and it prominently showcases original works by Pennsylvania talent everywhere, from the lobby to the guest rooms and suites (some with jetted tubs). Expanded continental breakfast is included. Rooms $159-$219, suites $269-$369.
To-Do List: Visit the Lancaster Museum of Art, with complimentary admission. 135 N. Lime St., (717) 394-3497. Don’t miss downtown Lancaster’s Gallery Row on the first two blocks of North Prince Street.
300 Harrisburg Ave., Lancaster, Pa., (717) 299-3000.
 |
|
Los Gatos Bed & Breakfast - Advertisement -
|
Drive Time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Amenities: Take one of the comfortable rooms in the house, or ask for your own super-private log cabin. Innkeeper Burney Baron will happily share his telescope for some stargazing on a clear night. Full breakfast is included. In-house rooms and suite $169-$199, cabins $199.
To-Do List: Close to 70 wineries have sprung up in the unspoiled countryside surrounding the New York Finger Lakes region’s Keuka and Seneca Lakes. Here, you’ll be in the perfect spot to plan the ultimate tasting tour.
1491 State Route 14A, Penn Yan, N.Y., (315) 536-0686.
 |
 |
|
The Lodge at Woodloch |
|
Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
Amenities: Ever wonder if you have a hidden talent? Or are you just in the mood to try something new? You can choose from dozens of activities
at this adult destination spa- resort, set on 150 wooded acres in the Poconos’ lake region. Rates begin at $349.
To-Do List: Take a journaling, fitness or meditation class. Attend a gardening workshop or cooking demo. Learn the sport of archery or fly-fishing. explore breathtaking hiking and biking trails. Or go kayaking on the property’s private lake. Many activities—plus meals—are included with your stay.
109 River Birch Lane, Hawley, Pa., (570) 685-8500.
 |
Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club
Drive Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes.
Amenities: This gracious, pet-friendly resort in the gloriously green Berkshire Mountains is surrounded by a history enthusiast’s paradise. Rates start at $219 midweek, $379 weekends.
To-Do List: Take a guided tour of Ventford Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum for a glimpse of how the wealthy families of the late-19th and early-20th centuries lived. $18. 104 Walker St., Lenox, (413) 637-3206. Or spend the day exploring the total opposite of opulence: the late-18th-century, outdoor-living history museum, Hancock Shaker Village. $20 for adults, $8 for kids. 1843 W. Housatonic St., Hancock, Mass., (413) 443-0188.
55 Lee Road, Lenox, Mass., (413) 637-1364.
 |
Drive Time: 2 hours.
Amenities: A trio of stately guesthouses dating back to the late 17th and 18th centuries provides a posh escape from the mayhem. Rooms $139-$199 weekdays, $169-$229 weekends.
To-Do List: This is Annapolis, so you’ll want to get out on the water. Go midweek if you want to catch the Wednesday Night Boat Races. You can be a part of the action aboard the schooners Woodwind or Woodwind II. $43 for a two-hour cruise. Annapolis Marriott Waterfront Hotel, 80 Compromise St., (410) 263-7837. If you can stay the weekend, take the two-day beginner’s course at Annapolis Sailing School. $450 per person. 7001 Bembe Beach Road, (800) 638-9192.
58 State Circle, Annapolis, Md., (410) 263-2641.
 |
Drive Time: 2 hours.
Amenities: It may be 1895 Beaux Arts on the outside, but this Midtown Manhattan hotel is definitely contemporary in its ambiance and amenities. Rates begin at $349.
To-Do List: In the evening, survey the stunning skyline as you sip a cocktail at AVA, Dream’s rooftop lounge. It’s only blocks from the shops at Madison and Fifth avenues, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, Times Square and the Broadway theater district.
210 W. 55th St., New York, N.Y., (212) 249-2559.
 |
Drive Time: 4 hours, 15 minutes.
Amenities: This charming 1710 New England farmhouse, with its two guest rooms and one suite, is snuggled into the serene countryside, but only about three miles from the bustling seafaring center of Mystic, with its tall ships, famous aquarium and fun shopping. Continental breakfast on weekdays, a five-course feast on weekends. Rooms $125-$150.
To-Do List: More than a dozen shops in country barns and multi-dealer malls are located an easy drive along the coastal part of Mystic County’s Antiques Trail. In the evening, head for the Mohegan Sun Casino for some gaming, clubbing and headline entertainment. 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd., Uncasville, Conn., (860) 226-7711.
870 Pequot Trail, Stonington, Conn., (860) 535-1710.
 |
Drive Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.
Amenities: Take a walk on the beach in Ocean City or get close to the wild horses at Assateague Island National Seashore. Whatever you choose, make your home base this lovingly restored Victorian hideaway in cozy Berlin, Md., with its many antique shops and boutiques. Rooms $95-$210 weekdays, $105-$250 weekends.
To-Do List: End the day with a sunset paddle in a canoe or kayak from Ayers Creek Adventures. $40 per person. For $20 more, the two of you can bask in the glow of a roaring bonfire with some wine and cheese. 8628 Grey Fox Lane, (443) 513-0889.
2 N. Main St., Berlin, Md., (410) 641-3589.
 |
Drive Time: 1 hour.
Amenities: In the 1930s, this 1740 stone manor house was home to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright George S. Kaufman, who hosted lavish parties for the elite of Hollywood, Broadway and the literary world. You can still experience some of the glamour of those days in one of the whirlpool suites in the main house or the 19th-century stone bank barn. Full breakfast is included. Rooms $275-$475 weekdays, $375-$525 weekends.
To-Do List: A hot-air balloon awaits just outside the door to whisk you away on a one-hour voyage over beautiful Bucks County. From $229. United States Hot Air Balloon Team, (800) 763-5987.
5281 York Road, Holicong, Pa., (215) 794-5104.
 |
Drive Time: 3 hours.
Amenities: Modeled after a traditional Scottish manor house, this elegant hotel is tucked away in the woods and offers spacious, individually decorated rooms and suites. Full breakfast is included. Rooms $169-$179, suites $219-$239.
To-Do List: Book a Dinner and Duet Massage Package at the spa, which includes a side-by-side massage, dinner for two at the inn’s fine-dining restaurant, champagne, and roses. $400 (accommodations extra).
100 Cricklewood Drive, State College, Pa., (814) 234-2424.
 |
Drive Time: 3 hours, 45 minutes.
Amenities: Whether you stay in the circa-1778 manor house or your own private cottage at this 40-acre estate in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your personal butler will bring you special treats and cater to your every whim. Rooms, suites and cottages $275-$595. Come midweek for Tapas Wednesday with a fun menu of delicious innovations at the inn’s intimate Vintage Restaurant. $5 per small plate.
To-Do List: Visit the mansion that fourth U.S. President James Madison shared with his love, Dolley, at Montpelier. $18-$22 for a one- or two-hour tour. 11350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station, Va., (540) 672-2728.
14079 Plantation Way, Orange, Va., (540) 317-1206.
This post was originally published in February 2015 and has been updated for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness
