The Most Romantic Winter Getaway in Every Southern State

The Shoals is the collective name for the towns of Florence, Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, and Sheffield. The area is home to the legendary Fame Recording Studios and Muscle Shoals Recording Studios where some of the most iconic songs in American history were recorded by Percy Sledge, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, and Lynyrd Skynyrd to name just a few. You can hear behind-the-scenes stories of how the music was recorded through guided tours at both studios. Other area highlights include tours of Helen Keller's childhood home, Alabama's only Frank Lloyd Wright House, and an ancient Native American burial mound. The most romantic place to stay is the luxurious Gunrunner Boutique Hotel, where a large bar beckons you to curl up beside the fireplace in the evening. Each room is luxurious, unique, and dedicated to different aspects of the region's fascinating history. 

Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most romantic. In Little Rock, this means spending the day holding hands as you stroll the beautiful parks and paths along the Arkansas River. Afterward, partake in some of the city's amazing free activities including guided tours of Little Rock Central High School and soaking in the sights and sounds of the River Market Entertainment District. End your night with dinner for two at the stellar restaurant, Cache, where the food is almost too pretty to eat. The AC Hotel Little Rock Downtown is the perfect place to stay, placing you within an easy walk of the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, Riverfront Park, and many more of Little Rock's top attractions. 

Who says you need to wait till summer to enjoy the beach? Lodging is cheaper during the off-season at Rehoboth Beach and you can take a private romantic stroll along the beach. Rehoboth Beach is famous for its boardwalk, which is the perfect place to soak in the views or meander through shops and restaurants. After a fun-filled day of exploring, lay your head at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel where many of the rooms have views of the ocean and private balconies. 

Nothing cures the winter blues like a dose of South Florida sun. Enjoy Miami's Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden or a stroll on the beach in 70-degree winter temperatures. Be sure to bring an extra suitcase, because there's nothing like shopping in Miami. You'll find everything from artisan marketplaces to designer boutiques. Don't miss the chance to explore Miami's vibrant culinary scene, where chefs from all over the world unleash their passion and creativity at places like the Chino-Latin fusion restaurant CH'I. Spend your nights steps away from the beach in the stylish Croydon Hotel, where you'll be pampered with waterfront views, luxurious amenities, a rooftop sundeck, and complimentary happy hour each evening. 

Savannah's draw is just as compelling in winter as it is in summer, but there are far fewer visitors sharing the sidewalks. It's the perfect time to score a reservation at acclaimed restaurants like Husk or The Grey. In January and February, events like Mountainfilm Festival and the Savannah Book Festival will keep you entertained in between meals too. Base yourself at the intimate Drayton Hotel, where you'll slumber in luxury and bask in panoramic views of the Savannah River from the rooftop bar. 

If your ideal romantic vacation involves horse farms and bourbon, Lexington is at your service. The region is home to more than 450 horse farms and many of them offer tours where you can learn more about thoroughbreds, racing, and bathe in fantastic scenery. The area is also renowned for distilleries like Four Roses Bourbon, with over 130 years of history (be sure to check out their beautiful new visitor's center). If you're visiting in December, get into the festive spirit with the Southern Lights Holiday Festival, a three-mile-long driving tour through extravagant displays of lights. For a unique experience, stay at the 21c Museum Hotel where you'll spend your days surrounded by curated displays of world class art. 

Nearly every corner of New Orleans tells a story. The combination of historic architecture, celebrated eateries, and funky Big Easy style set a distinct tone for exploration, romance, and fun. Hire Two Chicks Walking Tours to guide you through the French Quarter or the mansions of the Garden District. The food and cocktail tours through Destination Kitchen are equally amazing. Spend your nights listening to live music after an incredible meal at the Commander's Palace, a city landmark. The Windsor Court Hotel is the perfect place for romance. It's located steps away from the French Quarter and if you upgrade yourself to a club-level room, you'll be spoiled with amenities like complimentary breakfast, happy hour, and desserts and cordials in the late evening.

Annapolis is often referred to as, "a museum without walls." It's a fitting description for a city brimming with four centuries of architecture, history, and cultural experiences. For a memorable experience, have a bite to eat in historic downtown Annapolis's Ego Alley, a narrow waterway where yachts and boaters cruise by. You can also take fascinating tours of historic sites like the U.S. Naval Academy. After the day is over, luxurious accommodations and spectacular views await you at the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, the perfect base for sailing Chesapeake Bay or exploring downtown. 

The lovely harbor community of Bay St. Louis is home to spectacular Gulf Coast views, sandy white beaches, and downtown shops perfect for a  relaxed day of antiquing or browsing. The mild winter weather is perfect for taking long walks on the beach without the crowds. If you enjoy fishing, the winter months are the ideal time to snag redfish, sheepshead, and black drum. To make your visit as romantic as can be, stay at the Pearl Hotel. You'll be within walking distance to all the shops, restaurants, and the beach. 

Asheville is a city with a population of almost 100,000 that somehow manages to feel like a small town. Built against the backdrop of the ancient Appalachian mountains, the city's sidewalks are filled with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and breweries. If you've never visited before, a tour of the legendary Biltmore Estate is a must, especially for lovers of art, design, and history. In winter, a short drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains reveals a wonderland of winter snow and opportunities for skiing and tubing. For the perfect romantic weekend, book a luxurious corner room with stunning views of the city and mountains at the Cambria Hotel Asheville. The hotel's rooftop bar also happens to be the perfect place to revel in the colors at sunset. 

A visit to Medicine Park is like a journey through time. Founded over a century ago, Medicine Park was Oklahoma's first resort town. Visitors flocked there to seek the healing waters of Medicine Creek and stayed for the gorgeous mountain vistas and serenity provided by the wilderness surrounding the town. Today, you can still walk along the cobblestone streets and take in the same beautiful views. There are no hotels in Medicine Park, which helps it remain its quaintness and charm. If you want to stay the night, there are plenty of unique Airbnb properties ranging from cabins to treehouses where you can spend a romantic evening (or even longer).   

Daufuskie Island is only accessible by ferry, so even the journey here is romantic—especially if you arrive at sunset when the sky is bursting with color. Once you arrive, you'll be surrounded by tropical vegetation, colorful birds, white sand beaches, and stunning views of the Calibogue Sound. And yes, you'll catch sight of the occasional alligator crawling out of the lagoons. It's all part of life on Daufuskie Island! The weather is mild in winter, with high temperatures averaging in the low 60 degree range. There are very few cars on the island so most people drive around in golf carts as they visit the historic churches, lighthouses, and important Gullah cultural sites. You can also see the island from atop a horse through Daufuskie Trail Rides. The best way to experience this magical place is by booking a Haig Point Discovery Visit to stay in a historic mansion or lighthouse with views of the water.  

If music is your love language, look no further than Nashville for your next romantic getaway. Where else are the sidewalks filled with music all day long? Yet Nashville is so much more than a city filled with music—it's also home to lush parks, museums, and some of the best food in the South. Nashville is especially gorgeous in December when the Christmas lights create an air of magic. Plus, the history of the Grand Ole Opry has an air of romance and zest in and of itself. Stay at the Grand Hyatt Nashville where the romantic amenities include a rooftop bar, pool, and one of the best restaurants in town, James Beard award-winner Chef Sean Brock's The Continental. 

Located in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg is one of the most romantic places in Texas. Originally founded 175 years ago by German immigrants, Fredericksburg is known for its old world architecture and historic "Sunday Houses," the charming cottages built by farmers so they could spend the night when they came to town for supplies and church services. Downtown Fredericksburg is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, but for the best views, check out the breathtaking scenery at countryside vineyards like Augusta Vin. Country music fans won't want to miss Luckenbach, the ghost town-turned-music venue immortalized in a song by Waylon Jennings. Base your stay at The True Heart Hotel where you can sleep in your very own Sunday House and leave your car behind as you walk to all the attractions downtown. 

Lexington is as pretty as a Christmas card in winter, especially when the ground is blanketed in snow. The buildings on Main Street are lovely and historic, but if you prefer something more active, there are numerous slopes for tubing and skiing within an hour of town. Don't miss the chance to take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway when the trees are covered with snow or to visit the area's many famous homes and Civil War sites. There are also several restaurants where you can indulge in a romantic meal, including Southern Inn Restaurant. The boutique hotel The Georges will pamper you with luxurious accommodations in historic buildings while Taps, an upscale, yet welcoming, bar provides a space where you can relax with a cocktail in the evening.  

West Virginia is filled with history and breathtaking scenery, and you'll experience both on a romantic getaway to Harpers Ferry. The crown jewel of the area is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park where you can bundle up and spend the day on hiking trails, taking photos, and exploring historic buildings such as John Brown's Fort, the site of an important abolitionist raid during the Civil War. The park is also home to The Point, which is the place where the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers meet. Standing here, you'll catch views of the West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. History buffs will love staying in the Stonehouse Bed and Breakfast, which was originally built in 1839 and located in the historic lower town of Harpers Ferry.