Top 9 Minimoon Destinations in the U.S.
Photo: Sawyer Baird
If you’re not able to head on a long honeymoon right after the wedding due to budget, work, or just timing, why not take a short minimoon? It’ll do you and your newly minted spouse some good to get away, even if it’s just a few days. From boutique hotels to sprawling resorts, countryside to mountainside, we’ve rounded up our Top 9 of Minimoon Destinations in the U.S. Honestly, we want to pack our bags and visit each and every one.
photo credit: Andell Inn
A personal favorite Southern beach town of mine is Kiawah Island, right outside of Charleston, South Carolina. Similar to other beach communities in the South like Hilton Head Island and the Destin/Sandestin/Watercolor area also known as 30A in Florida, Kiawah boasts golf, small shops, seafood joints, and is just a skip hop away from Charleston, one of our favorite Southern cities. Stay at The Andell Inn right on Kiawah, which has a private pool, comfy porch swings, and pretty decor. If you want to head into the city for a night on the town, throw on your Sunday Best and visit Planters Inn for their famous Coconut Cake or try brunch at Poogan’s Porch. The she-crab soup there is delish. Don’t forget to try some Carolina BBQ on your drive to the island. There are plenty of little hole-in-the-wall joints where you can get a killer pulled pork sandwich.
8. Mountainside Paradise
Post Ranch Inn | Big Sur, California
photo credit: Post Ranch Inn
Is Big Sur the wanderlust location of your dreams? #Goals, am I right? Stay cliffside at Post Ranch Inn, where you have a selection of accommodations ranging from treehouses to cushy cabins. Most of the rooms have incredible coastline and ocean views so you can wake up to the waves of the Pacific. There are plenty of amenities on site and you can arrange for hikes, yoga, stargazing, or even whale watching. If you want to just relax, there are sun decks galore, an infinity pool, and an award-winning spa. Don’t forget to wine and dine by sunset at their amazing restaurant.
7. New England’s Finest
Summer Camp Hotel | Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts
photo credit: Summer Camp Hotel
The New England Coast Line in Spring, Summer, or Fall is a dream. Head to the most colorful Martha’s Vineyard hotel, boasting bright and cheery rooms and lots of activities that help the hotel live up to it’s name: Summercamp. Battle your bae in the game room, equipped with vintage board games, twister, ping pong and more. There is a snack bar and even an Instagram scavenger hunt that will encourage you to visit some of the town’s best landmarks. Explore the gingerbread cottages in the village of Oaks Bluff. Enjoy fishing and boating excursions, try out the clam chowda, and maybe pay a visit to America’s oldest carousel. The are several beaches nearby to choose from if you want to dip your toes in the Atlantic.
6. Big City Escape
Wythe Hotel | Brooklyn, New York
photo credit: Wythe Hotel
Head to the Big Apple, but camp out in Brooklyn at the gorgeous Wythe Hotel. This super chic spot has cool rooms, a pretty spectacular rooftop, and a rosé bar. Yes, a rosé bar. Located in trendy Williamsburg, you’ll have endless access to favorite NYC hot spots without stepping foot into Manhattan. Explore the BK. Top shops include Mast Brothers Chocolate, Pink Olive, and Catbird but you could also check out Brooklyn Flea. For fun, head to a show at a little dive bar, go a few rounds to Brooklyn Bowl, or hipster watch on Grand Street. If you’re hungry, don’t miss The Meatball Shop, Bedford Cheese Shop, or any of the Blue Ribbon restaurants. And with a beer garden on almost every corner, you’re sure to have a great time.
5. Farm Goals
The Inn at Serenbe | Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia
photo credit: Serenbe
Located just about 30 miles south of Atlanta, Serenbe is a true gem of a community. With every dreamy farm life activity from bonfires to hayrides to feeding the animals, you’ll spend a couple days in the country soaking in the rural life. You won’t necessarily be roughing it though. With the Inn boasting quaint rooms and cottages, you’ll be staying in style, as if straight out of Country Living magazine. Relax together at the pool, at the spa, or on a leisurely trail ride on horseback. The Inn hosts afternoon tea and has a simply scrumptious menu at their renowned restaurant The Farmhouse. Don’t forget to take a romantic stroll at the beautiful rock labyrinth by the lake. In the neighborhood, you’ll find the cutest shops and cafés, catch a show at the Serenbe Playhouse, and enjoy one of many other events and activities the town has to offer.
4. California Love
L’Horizon | Palm Springs, California
photo credit: L’Horizon
Palm Springs. It just sounds chic. This 1950’s retro style resort is loved by celebrities and former presidents alike. Nestled in the California desert, L’Horizon is as shi-shi as they come. Elegantly designed bungalows, a pool scene straight out of Hollywood, and just the sheer upscale touches will make you feel #famous yourself. Palm Springs is a creative’s dreamland, with so many artsy attractions, you’ll leave completely inspired. Be sure to visit: Moorton Botanical Garden, Palm Springs Art Museum (and the Architecture and Design Center), and the Living Desert and Zoos. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway sounds amazing, too. There’s also shopping (duh), golf, and the Village Fest, in downtown Palm Springs.
3. Adventure Awaits
Hotel Teatro | Denver, Colorado
photo credit: Hotel Teatro
Colorado isn’t only for skiing and snowboarding. Downtown Denver is a hopping west coast city, full of fun activities year-round. Stay at the Hotel Teatro, right near the Denver Center for Performing Arts. While in town, catch a Rockies game with your beau, embark on a “bike & brew” pub crawl, or head to admire Red Rocks. The hotel even offers a slew of amenities and experiences for your convenience and enjoyment. This boutique hotel has a history of its own, housed in what was originally the Tramway Building. Their restaurant The Nickel dishes out local fare with local ingredients. We hear the charcuterie is not to be missed. Don’t forget to site see in the Mile High City. There are plenty of views to fill up your instagram feed.
2. Sail Away
Inn at Perry Cabin | St. Michael’s, Maryland
photo credit: The Inn at Perry Cabin
Remember that charming and idyllic mansion in Wedding Crashers? Kinda? Yeah, this is that place. The Inn at Perry Cabin in Maryland is just a lovely drive from D.C., Philly, or Baltimore. With prim and proper East Coast style, beautiful gardens, and access to Maryland’s shoreline, you’ll feel relaxed and refreshed at this luxurious resort. The grounds are picturesque and perfect for a romantic stroll. Feel like setting sail? You’ll have access to sailing lessons, yachts and charters to enjoy boating. The Inn has all the amenities you would expect from a getaway from the spa to restaurants to a list of resort activities. Enjoy open air movies, craft sessions, or wine tasting. There is so much to do, you may not even need to venture into the town of St. Michael’s. But if you do, look into fishing, clamming, or any other Chesapeake Bay activities.
1. Quaint Countryside
Winvian | Litchfield, Connecticut
photo credit: Winvian
Our top pick happens to be my personal favorite and very own minimoon destination. I love Winvian so much that I was hesitant to give away my secret hideaway. This resort truly has it all. It’s set in the quaint countryside of Connecticut, straight out of the pages of Martha Stewart Living. (And it happens to be not too far from her estate.) Take the drive from one of the NYC airports so you can wind your way through the perfect little towns of the state. With New England charm of your dreams, you’ll enter Winvian via tree-lined streets. Upon arrival you and your spouse will be greeted with a glass of bubbly at the main house, which also doubles as a game room and self-serve bar. You’ll be shown to your cottage, which is completely themed (in a non-cheesy way) and unique. Each little home is nestled on the property and includes two bikes, a ridiculously nice bathroom, and a cushy bed. On property, you can take a pasta-making class (do it!), indulge in breakfast in bed, arrange for a personal bonfire and s’mores set-up, and even embark on a hot air balloon ride if you choose. Head into Litchfield one day to partake in antiquing. The town looks like a real life Christmas village. Visit the flower nurseries, local shops, and creameries. The fresh churned ice cream from Arethusa Farm Dairy is legit the best thing ever. One last tip — head up during foliage season if you can. It’s just wondrous.