Food & Drink
Enjoy Wine Tasting at These Top Wineries Near Mystic, CT
Best Wineries Near Mystic for Couples’ Getaways
Couples planning a getaway to coastal Connecticut often discover that exploring wineries near Mystic adds an easygoing, memorable layer to the trip. The region’s wine scene has grown steadily, earning praise for its thoughtful approach, scenic settings, and welcoming tasting experiences. From coastal influences to small-production vintages, these wineries offer an experience that feels personal and unhurried, ideal for couples looking to explore together.
Many of the best wineries near Mystic are just a short drive from downtown, making it easy to plan an afternoon tasting without sacrificing time enjoying all the other things to do in Mystic, CT. Jonathan Edwards Winery is one of the most popular stops, known for consistently well-crafted reds, especially Cabernet Franc and Merlot blends. Live music and a relaxed tasting room atmosphere make it a favorite for couples visiting on weekends. Saltwater Farm Vineyard delivers a very different experience, set inside a restored airplane hangar near the coast. The open space, breezes, and approachable wines make it a standout among Connecticut wineries. Stonington Vineyards rounds out the trio with beautifully maintained grounds, friendly staff, and white wines that pair well with a picnic on the property.
Between tastings, Mystic offers plenty of ways to round out your days. Walk through Mystic Seaport, browse local shops, or enjoy time on the water with a harbor cruise. The dining scene is also worth planning around, especially reservations at standout restaurants that highlight the region’s culinary talent.
Where to Stay During Your Wine-Focused Escape
After visiting wineries near Mystic, returning to a well-located hotel makes the experience even better. Staying in downtown Mystic places you close to dining, shopping, and waterfront attractions while keeping top Connecticut wineries within easy reach. Our unique downtown Mystic Hotel offers couples comfortable rooms, historic character, and thoughtful amenities create a natural balance between exploration and relaxation. With everything so close, couples can move easily from morning walks to afternoon tastings and evenings out without ever feeling rushed.
Adding wine tastings to your itinerary brings a new perspective to things to do in Mystic and creates shared moments that linger long after the trip ends. Book your couples getaway and experience why wineries near Mystic continue to draw visitors back year after year.
Explore Finger Lakes Cider House & More in Upstate NY
Best Tasting at Finger Lakes Cider House in Upstate NY
A visit to Finger Lakes Cider House is one of the most unique things to do in Finger Lakes NY. Overlooking Cayuga Lake and the rolling orchards of Good Life Farm, this beloved cider house captures the creative spirit of the region while offering a true farm-to-glass experience.
While the Finger Lakes is widely known for award-winning vineyards, it is also a leader in artisan hard cider production. At Finger Lakes Cider House, you’ll discover crisp, dry, and complex ciders crafted from organic apples grown right on the property. Order a tasting flight featuring favorites like the Funkhouse and Pioneer Pippin, then pair your cider tasting with local cheeses, charcuterie, or a farm-fresh grilled sandwich.
The relaxed lawn setting invites guests to sit back and relax. You may find friends gathered around a cornhole game, couples sharing a bottle at sunset, or visitors exploring the orchard before settling in with a glass. For travelers searching for cideries near me or planning tours in the Finger Lakes, this stop belongs at the top of the list.
Beyond the Finger Lakes Cider House, several exceptional cideries and Finger Lakes wineries are located nearby, including Bellwether Hard Cider, Black Diamond Farm and Cider, South Hill Cider, and New York Cider Company. Each offers its own approach to traditional cider-making methods and locally grown apple varieties.
Stay Near Finger Lakes Cider House at Our Upstate NY Hotel
After a day of cider tasting, return to one of the most welcoming Hotels in Upstate New York. Located just a scenic drive from the Finger Lakes Cider House, our boutique inn offers thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, spa services, and a fresh breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients.
Guests appreciate the walkable village location, relaxing hot tub, and on-site Finger Lakes Spa. Whether you’re planning a unique getaway centered around cider houses, wineries, or outdoor exploration, our inn provides the perfect home base. Reserve your stay and experience the Finger Lakes Cider House and beyond in comfort and style.
Explore the Dane County Farmers Market This Season
Best Dane County Farmers Market Guide for Spring
Spring and summer in Madison bring longer days, open-air dining, and one of the Midwest’s most celebrated food experiences: the Dane County Farmers Market. As the largest farmers market in the US, this iconic Wisconsin farmers market surrounds the Capitol Square and showcases producers from across the state. Saturday mornings are filled with fresh vegetables, artisan cheeses, baked goods, flowers, and a steady flow of locals and visitors discovering what makes this Madison farmers market so special.
The Dane County Farmers Market is unique in its producer-only model. Every vendor sells items they have grown, raised, or made themselves, creating a direct connection between shoppers and Wisconsin farmers. Founded in 1972, the market has grown into a cornerstone of the city’s culture and remains one of the best things to do in Madison during spring and summer. Whether you are searching for a farmers market near me or planning a Midwest getaway, this experience delivers both flavor and authenticity.
Beyond the market, downtown Madison offers plenty to explore. Lake Mendota paths invite morning walks, State Street offers shopping and dining, and museums add depth to a weekend itinerary. Many visitors build an entire day around the market, pairing it with bike rides, patio lunches, or neighborhood exploring.
Places to Stay in Madison, WI Near the Market
After a full day downtown, choosing the right place to stay in Madison, WI, adds comfort to your visit. Choosing a charming Bed and Breakfast is a relaxed alternative to larger hotels. Located minutes from the Capitol Square, The Buckingham Inn is easy to walk or drive to the Dane County Farmers Market and nearby restaurants.
Each morning begins with a thoughtfully prepared breakfast that reflects the same appreciation for quality found at the market itself. Guests enjoy five-star hospitality, local recommendations, and a peaceful setting that feels personal rather than crowded. For travelers planning a spring or summer getaway built around food, culture, and walkable experiences, our inn is perfectly positioned.
Make the most of your visit to the Dane County Farmers Market and enjoy a stay that connects you to a different side of Madison, WI. Book your room today and start planning your best Midwest getaway.
Explore the Dining Options at Bainbridge Island Restaurants
Best Hitchcock Bainbridge Dining Experience
Hitchcock Bainbridge has long been a driving force behind some of the most talked-about Bainbridge Island restaurants. With the debut of Kingfisher Restaurant, the Hitchcock Restaurant Group adds another layer to its culinary footprint, blending seasonal Pacific Northwest ingredients with a warm, contemporary atmosphere in the heart of Winslow.
Kingfisher Restaurant feels both refined and welcoming. By day, it operates as a boutique food market and wine bar with thoughtfully curated wines, sake, cider, and sherry. By evening, it transforms into one of the most exciting places to eat on Bainbridge Island, offering small plates inspired by Japanese izakaya and Spanish tapas traditions. Expect freshly shucked oysters, seasonal crudo, grilled skewers, and vegetable dishes sourced from Kingfisher Creek Farm. Several times a month, prix fixe tasting dinners highlight the creativity that defines Hitchcock Bainbridge.
Beyond Kingfisher, the broader Hitchcock Bainbridge portfolio strengthens the island’s reputation for exceptional dining. Bruciato delivers wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, Hitchcock Delicatessen reimagines the classic deli, and Café Hitchcock provides daytime fare crafted with local ingredients. Together, these restaurants on Bainbridge Island reflect a cohesive vision rooted in quality and hospitality.
Stay at the Only Downtown Bainbridge Island Hotel
After dinner at Kingfisher Restaurant or another favorite from Hitchcock Bainbridge, complete your island escape at the only Downtown Bainbridge Island Hotel. Located just steps from the ferry and Winslow Way, Eagle Harbor Inn places you within walking distance of the best Bainbridge Island restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Spacious suites, thoughtfully appointed guest rooms, and private parking make exploring effortless. Guests also enjoy freshly brewed Pegasus Coffee each morning and access to Island Fitness passes during their stay. Whether you arrive by ferry for the evening or plan a full island getaway, pairing Hitchcock Bainbridge dining with a stay downtown captures the very best of Bainbridge Island. Reserve your room and experience the island’s most celebrated flavors just outside your door.
Explore these Michelin Star Restaurants in Nashville
Michelin Star Restaurants in Nashville for Elevated Dining
Nashville has long been celebrated for its Southern comfort food, but the city’s dining scene has expanded well beyond meat-and-three plates and hot chicken. Today, Michelin Star restaurants in Nashville are drawing food-focused travelers who plan entire itineraries around reservations. From tasting menus to Michelin Guide–recognized counters, fine dining in Music City continues to evolve.
Currently, Nashville is home to three Michelin-starred restaurants, each offering a distinct approach to modern cuisine. The Catbird Seat delivers an interactive, counter-style tasting menu where precision and creativity are on full display. With just 22 seats, dining here feels personal and immersive, making advance reservations essential. Bastion offers a seasonal tasting menu in a relaxed but intentional setting in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, with bold flavors and thoughtful pacing throughout the evening. Locust rounds out the list with a Japanese-influenced menu designed for sharing, showcasing modern technique and frequently changing dishes.
Beyond the starred restaurants, the Michelin Guide highlights several top-notch dining destinations across the city. Bib Gourmand winners like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken prove that excellence doesn’t require formality, while restaurants such as Tailor, Audrey, and Rolf and Daughters continue to define what the best restaurants in Nashville look like today. These top-rated restaurants near me searches often lead diners to experiences rooted in local farms, strong technique, and creative leadership.
Stay Close to the Best Fine Dining in Nashville
After an evening exploring Michelin Star restaurants in Nashville, returning to a peaceful place to unwind makes all the difference. Belle Air Mansion places you close to the city’s top restaurants while offering a refined retreat away from the crowds. Each morning begins with a plated Southern breakfast, served with care and changing daily to reflect seasonal ingredients.
With comfortable accommodations, attentive service, and a location that balances convenience with quiet, this Nashville Bed and Breakfast is an ideal home base for a food-focused getaway. Whether you’re securing hard-to-get reservations or discovering new favorites, our team is happy to help plan your dining experiences. Start planning your stay and enjoy the best of Nashville dining with ease.
Galena Wineries & More Make the Perfect Couple’s Getaway
A Couple’s Getaway Built Around Galena Wineries
If your idea of a perfect escape includes a great glass of wine and a charming town you can actually walk, Galena should be at the top of your list. From tasting rooms in downtown Galena to vineyards just outside town, Galena wineries make it easy to plan a relaxed couples’ trip with plenty of variety. Start with a stroll along historic streets, pop into locally owned boutiques, then settle in for a tasting, no complicated planning required.
Wine lovers have plenty of options for their getaway. Galena Cellars Winery is a local favorite with a lively tasting room and a vineyard setting that feels like classic wine country, especially during seasonal events and live music. Massbach Ridge Winery sits on a scenic hilltop and keeps the vibe easygoing, with indoor and outdoor tastings and a broad list that works whether you lean dry, sweet, or somewhere in between.
For a laid-back stop with a playful personality, Fergedaboudit Vineyard & Winery pairs vineyard views with a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to linger. And Rocky Waters Winery offers a cozy, family-owned experience, perfect for slowing down and stretching the afternoon.
If you’d rather taste without driving, downtown spots like The Grape Escape and Champagne on Main keep the pours close to shopping and dinner reservations. You can also hand off the logistics to local favorites like Galena Wine Tours or Countryside Tours, then focus on what matters: Enjoying the day together.
Stay Close to the Sips at Our Galena Bed and Breakfast
Of course, there are far more things to do in Galena, IL than drink wine. To make the most of Galena wineries and more, stay a few days. Our award-winning Galena Bed and Breakfast is a one-tank trip from many Midwest cities, and an easy couples’ escape near Chicago. Each afternoon, we deliver wine and cheese trays right to your room, with house wines included. Want something local? Upgrade to a Galena Cellars bottle labeled for Jail Hill Inn.
Between tastings, fill your itinerary with spa time, gourmet dining, nature trails, and seasonal wine weekends. If you’re visiting in early June, Corkless Galena is a must. In the fall, don’t miss the Massbach Stomp and Galena Cellars’ Nouveau Wine Festival each November. Book direct, settle into your suite, and let Galena do what it does best: make it easy to relax.
Grab a Pint at The Top Galena Breweries Near Our Inn
Find Great Beer at These Galena Breweries
Galena is small, but there’s a surprising array of fun things to do in Galena. Between historic streets, independent shops, great restaurants, and scenic trails, it’s the kind of town that makes you want to park the car and just wander. Add in Galena breweries, and you’ve got a trip itinerary that practically writes itself.
Start with Galena Brewing Company, the hometown favorite that helped bring craft beer back to town. It’s an easy stop for an afternoon pint between shopping and sightseeing, and it’s also a solid lunch option with a full menu. If your timing is right, plan your weekend around their live music in the summer for an extra-fun night out. Want the behind-the-scenes version? Their brewery tours are offered Fridays at 3 p.m., with other days available by appointment, a great way to mix local history with a proper tasting.
Once you’ve checked off the classic, keep the weekend going with a few nearby pours. Galena Taphouse is a great add-on for a relaxed beer-and-food stop downtown. Just outside the center of town, Highway 20 Brewing Co. makes an easy detour when you want to expand your tasting list without committing to a long drive. If you’re up for exploring the area, you can round out the weekend with a visit to Mud Run Beer Company in Stockton, Dimensional Brewing Company in Dubuque, for something a little different, or Pecatonica Beer Company in Warren, a small gem that feels like a true find.
Where to Stay for a Fun-Filled Weekend
If your weekend includes Galena breweries, it helps to stay close enough to walk to the fun, then come back and fully relax. Our elevated Galena Bed and Breakfast is a short stroll from downtown favorites, with spacious guest suites designed for comfort, privacy, and a little wow factor. Each stay includes thoughtful touches like chilled champagne on arrival, plush Frette robes, Aveda toiletries, Samsung Smart TVs, and a customizable Bluetooth sound system throughout your suite.
We also deliver an in-room wine-and-appetizer tray each afternoon, packed with house-made bites, local charcuterie, and sweet treats. Book direct, settle in, and make your next Galena weekend all about great beer, great food, and an even better home base.
Head to the Flagler Beachfront Winery on Your Next Getaway
Best Flagler Beachfront Winery Experience
Flagler Beachfront Winery offers one of the most enjoyable and relaxed experiences for couples looking for things to do in Flagler Beach. Located directly along the ocean, this Flagler Beach winery pairs coastal views with a diverse selection of wines, creating an easygoing setting that encourages you to slow down and stay awhile.
The winery’s lineup includes everything from dry reds to fruit-forward whites, along with Florida-grown varietals that reflect the region’s warm climate. One of the most popular features is the wine slushies, a refreshing option that blends flavor and texture into a cool, beach-ready drink. With options like watermelon, raspberry, and tropical blends, these frozen selections add a distinctive twist to a traditional tasting experience.
The outdoor patio is a highlight of the Flagler Beachfront Winery, offering direct views of the Atlantic Ocean. Guests can settle under shaded seating and enjoy a tasting flight, a glass of wine, or a shared charcuterie board featuring meats, cheeses, and accompaniments. The casual atmosphere makes it easy to spend an afternoon sampling different selections or to transition into an evening visit, with the sound of nearby waves.
In addition to wine, the winery is also home to a craft distillery, expanding the menu to include small-batch spirits such as rum, vodka, and agave-based options. These are occasionally incorporated into specialty drinks, adding variety for those interested in trying something beyond wine. With knowledgeable staff and a welcoming environment, it is a well-rounded stop for couples exploring the area. Next, you can head out to one of the best Flagler Beach restaurants for dinner!
Stay at one of the Most Romantic Flagler Beach Hotels
Staying at nearby Flagler Beach Hotels enhances the experience by keeping you close to both the shoreline and the winery. Island Cottage Inn offers a convenient location just minutes away, making it easy to walk or take a short drive between your accommodations and the winery.
Guests can return to thoughtfully designed suites featuring private balconies, jacuzzi tubs, and comfortable interiors that complement a day spent outdoors. A morning continental breakfast provides a relaxed start before heading out to explore more of Flagler Beach.
With its combination of ocean views, wine tastings, and accessible lodging, Flagler Beachfront Winery is a natural addition to any couple’s getaway. Plan your visit and book your stay at one of the best places to visit in Florida for couples!
One of the Best Virginia Getaways for Wine Lovers
Best Virginia Getaways for Couples in Wine Country
Virginia has long earned its reputation as a destination for connection, and nowhere does that feel more fitting than in wine country. Rolling vineyard views, relaxed tasting rooms, and scenic back roads set the stage for Virginia getaways designed with couples in mind. From Charlottesville to Lovingston, wine-focused weekend getaways in Virginia invite you to explore and enjoy experiences that are that much better when shared with your favorite person.
Wine tasting here feels more intimate than other wine regions in the country. Many vineyards are locally owned, with winemakers often leading tastings and sharing stories behind each pour. A day spent exploring the Monticello Wine Trail might include sampling expressive reds at a mountain-top winery, enjoying a cheese plate on a shaded patio, or discovering fruit-forward dessert wines made from berries grown just steps away. Between tastings, couples can wander nearby towns for boutique shopping, art galleries, and locally loved dining spots.
This region is especially appealing for romantic getaways in Virginia because of its balance. Outdoor views and quiet moments pair easily with engaging conversation, making it just as enjoyable to relax with a glass of wine as it is to explore the next stop on your list. Scenic overlooks and light hiking trails offer natural pauses between vineyard visits, keeping your itinerary diverse and fun.
Wine Country Virginia Hotels for Couples
Where you stay matters just as much as where you taste. Wine Country Virginia Hotels offer an intimate alternative to larger accommodations, with settings that reflect the surrounding landscape and a focus on thoughtful hospitality. Many are designed for two, making them ideal for weekend getaways in VA for couples seeking privacy and ease. After a day of tasting, returning to a quiet property with welcoming common spaces, comfortable rooms, and hosts who know the area well helps complete the experience.
Mornings tend to be relaxed, with time to enjoy a fresh breakfast and plan another day of vineyard hopping or simply staying put and enjoying the grounds. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Virginia getaways centered around wine country create the kind of shared memories couples love revisiting long after the weekend ends.