Michigan’s Little Bavaria might be best known for its chicken dinners and Christmas lights, but a Frankenmuth wine tasting has quietly become one of the better reasons to plan a weekend here. With an award-winning tasting room, a popular wine bar, and a boat tour built entirely around wine, Frankenmuth is a great choice for a wine-tasting weekend.
Start at St. Julian Winery, Michigan’s oldest and largest winery. The tasting room pours a wide range of wines made from Michigan-grown grapes, along with the winery’s well-known Solera Cream Sherry, crafted through continuous blending. Ask for a flight instead of a single pour. It’s the easiest way to taste the range between the dry reds and the sweeter fruit wines Michigan wineries are known for, and the staff walks you through each. Visit on a weekday if your schedule allows. Weekends get busy enough that the tasting room can get crowded.
For a slower pace, head downtown to Prost! Wine Bar & Charcuterie. The list is more extensive than you’d expect from a small town, and it pairs well with the charcuterie boards, especially the German Heritage board that leans into the town’s Bavarian theme. If you’re planning a romantic weekend, this is one of the top places to enjoy a date night.
If you have room for only one thing that’s genuinely unique to Frankenmuth, make it the wine and chocolate cruise through Frankenmuth FunShips. This narrated boat tour on the Cass River builds tastings directly into the itinerary. Seats fill quickly, especially in fall when the foliage along the river turns gold and red.
Time your trip right, and you can also catch Frankenmuth Wein & Stein, a summer evening built around sampling wine, beer, spirits, and hors d’oeuvres at stops around town.
If your weekend is tight on time, do St. Julian first thing, Prost! for lunch or an early dinner, and save the FunShips cruise for late afternoon so you catch the river at golden hour.
With over three million visitors each year, Frankenmuth is best for day trips, not romantic stays. Historic Webster House sits about 25 minutes away, in a quiet Bay City neighborhood, inside a restored 1886 Queen Anne mansion with six guest rooms and an on-site spa. This Bed and Breakfast is a short walk from many of the best things to do in Bay City.
Each guest room has its own character, and several come with jacuzzi tubs, dry saunas, or skylights that turn the room itself into part of the weekend. One private spa room includes an oversized whirlpool for two, a dry cedar sauna, and a built-in wine refrigerator, so you can finish the evening with the bottle you picked up at St. Julian.
Breakfast the next morning is a gourmet spread with dishes like a Lobster and Brie Omelet or Apple Pie French Toast, the kind of start that makes the whole weekend worth the drive back.
Spend your day tasting your way through Frankenmuth, then return to Historic Webster House for the part of the trip that actually feels like a getaway. Check availability and book your room directly today.
If your travel plans revolve around exceptional dining, Charlottesville Restaurants offer plenty of reasons to plan your next couples getaway in Virginia. From intimate dining rooms and chef-driven menus to fresh seafood and locally inspired cuisine, the area has earned a reputation as one of the state’s most appealing culinary destinations.
The city’s dining scene reflects its close ties to regional farms, vineyards, and artisan producers. Whether you are searching for the best restaurants in Charlottesville for a romantic dinner or simply looking for new places to eat in Charlottesville, there is no shortage of options. The walkable Downtown Mall serves as the center of the city’s restaurant scene, where visitors can easily explore a variety of downtown Charlottesville restaurants in a single evening.
Popular dining destinations include The Alley Light, known for French-inspired small plates and craft cocktails, and C&O Restaurant, a longtime favorite offering seasonal American cuisine and an impressive wine selection. Seafood Charlottesville visitors frequently seek out can be found at Public Fish & Oyster, where fresh oysters, lobster rolls, and seasonal catches highlight the menu. For Italian cuisine, Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria and Luce continue to attract loyal diners with wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients.
Additional favorites include Bizou, which showcases locally sourced ingredients through an ever-changing menu, and Zocalo, where globally inspired flavors and handcrafted cocktails create an inviting dinner in Charlottesville. For those seeking something different, The Bebedero offers modern Mexican cuisine in a lively setting. If brunch is part of your itinerary, Farm Bell Kitchen remains a top choice for the best brunch in Charlottesville, featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and welcoming service.
Of course, there are plenty more things to do in Charlottesville and Lovingston, VA. A memorable dining getaway becomes even more enjoyable when paired with exceptional accommodations. Our Bed and Breakfast in Lovingston, VA provides a comfortable retreat just a short drive from Charlottesville’s acclaimed dining scene. After an afternoon exploring wineries, local attractions, and restaurants throughout the area, guests can return to peaceful surroundings designed for relaxation.
Each morning at our inn begins with a carefully prepared two-course breakfast, providing the perfect start before another day of culinary exploration. Whether you are discovering new restaurants Charlottesville visitors recommend or revisiting longtime favorites, our luxury Bed and Breakfast offers an ideal home base for a couples getaway centered around great food, local wine, and unforgettable experiences. Book your stay today and begin planning your Virginia culinary escape.
Few destinations showcase Finger Lakes wine country quite like the wineries surrounding Seneca Lake. Thanks to the lake’s deep glacial waters and unique microclimate, this region has become one of the most respected cool-climate wine destinations in the United States. From world-class Riesling and Gewürztraminer to Cabernet Franc and other cold-hardy varietals, Seneca Lake wineries offer an exceptional tasting experience for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
The Seneca Lake Wine Trail features more than 30 wineries, making it one of the most popular routes among visitors exploring Finger Lakes vineyards. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or a long weekend in Upstate New York, spending time at the best wineries on Seneca Lake offers a memorable introduction to the region’s wine culture.
Among the most notable wineries on Seneca Lake is Fox Run Vineyards. Located on the western shore, this estate winery is known for award-winning Riesling, Cabernet Franc, and vineyard-focused wines. Visitors can enjoy guided vineyard tours, scenic lake views, and a café featuring fresh, seasonal cuisine designed to complement the wines.
Other exceptional Finger Lakes wineries include Hermann J. Wiemer Vineyard, recognized nationally for its dedication to Riesling production. Lakewood Vineyards offers a welcoming atmosphere and beautiful views of the lake, while Wagner Vineyards combines quality wines with an on-site brewery and outdoor seating overlooking the surrounding landscape. Red Newt Cellars remains a favorite stop for visitors seeking thoughtfully crafted Rieslings and a more intimate tasting experience.
After exploring the Seneca Lake Wine Trail, finding the right place to relax is an important part of the experience. The Inn at Gothic Eves offers guests a refined retreat in the heart of Finger Lakes wine country. Spacious accommodations, personalized hospitality, and thoughtful amenities create an inviting atmosphere for couples seeking a romantic escape.
Guests can unwind with spa services, enjoy comfortable guest rooms with upscale features, and start each morning with a farm-to-table breakfast prepared with locally sourced ingredients. Conveniently located near many of the best wineries, our Finger Lakes Hotel provides an ideal home base for discovering the region.
Whether your itinerary includes vineyard tours, lakeside views, or exploring charming towns throughout the Finger Lakes, a stay here complements every aspect of your wine country adventure. Book your next getaway and experience why so many visitors return to Seneca Lake year after year.
Galena Cellars Vineyard stands as one of the most recognized names among Galena wineries, offering a refined introduction to wine tasting in Galena. Located just outside downtown Galena, the vineyard provides a more immersive alternative to the lively tasting room in town, with rolling hills and vine-lined views that shape a distinctly Midwest experience.
Visitors exploring things to do in Galena will find that a stop at Galena Cellars Vineyard pairs naturally with other local highlights. From browsing the shops in downtown Galena to touring historic sites like the U.S. Grant Home or walking along the Galena River Trail, the area offers a well-rounded itinerary. Nearby experiences, including Blaum Bros Distilling and regional golf courses, further complement a wine-focused visit.
At the vineyard, the experience centers on thoughtful winemaking and a diverse selection of wines. Guests can sample crisp whites such as Seyval Blanc and Edelweiss, alongside structured reds like Cabernet Franc and Marechal Foch. This range reflects both regional growing conditions and traditional techniques, reinforcing why Galena Cellars Winery continues to stand out among wineries near Galena.
After a day of wine tasting in Galena, returning to a well-appointed lodging experience enhances the overall getaway. Jail Hill Inn, a leading Galena IL Bed and Breakfast, offers a quiet retreat just steps from downtown Galena. The property provides spacious accommodations and personalized service that allow guests to unwind after exploring the region. Thoughtful amenities, such as wine and appetizer service each evening, make a stay here a luxurious experience.
Whether you are planning a focused wine tour or a broader Midwest escape, Galena Cellars Vineyard remains central to the experience. Its combination of scenic surroundings, established reputation, and proximity to downtown Galena makes it a key destination for anyone exploring a Galena IL winery.
Westcott Bay Shellfish sits about 20 minutes from Friday Harbor, and it might be the best lunch stop on San Juan Island. This is a working, family-run aquaculture farm where oysters, clams, and mussels grow right in the tidelands of Westcott Bay. You can sit beside the water, order a plate of oysters pulled from yards away, and watch the farm crew tend the beds while you eat. Few island outings combine food and place this directly.
The farm has roots going back to the late 1970s, when Westcott Bay first built a name for its oysters. That original operation eventually fell into disrepair, and by 2013 the five-acre property was neglected and its shellfish stocks depleted. Erik and Andrea Anderson, who lived nearby on Henry Island, bought the farm that September with the goal of bringing it back. Neither had shellfish farming experience. What followed was years of rebuilding infrastructure and replanting oysters, clams, and mussels from the ground up. Their work turned the property into the Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. you can visit today, complete with a farm store, seasonal dining, and a clear focus on environmental stewardship.
Oysters are the main event. The farm grows several varieties, including High Beach Sweets, a Pacific oyster known for a sweet flavor and light brine, and Olympia oysters, called Little Olys, a smaller, slower-growing variety that takes about five years to reach harvest size. You can order them raw on the half shell or grilled and topped with house-made compound butters. Flavors rotate with the seasons and have included herb, lemon, and garlic; lime, cilantro, and sriracha; and chipotle bourbon. If oysters aren’t your thing, the menu also covers farm-raised clams and mussels along with salads, bread, and sandwiches, so there’s something for every palate in your group. You can also buy shellfish to take home and grill later.
Westcott Bay Shellfish offers two distinct dining setups depending on the season and the experience you want.
During the warmer months, Tide Tables is the spot. The outdoor tables sit right beside the water, overlooking the cultivated tidelands where the farm grows its shellfish. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season, since walk-in space runs limited. If your idea of a great San Juan Island lunch means fresh oysters, a picnic table by the water, and time to watch the tide move, this is where to be.
The Net Shed is the more casual option and a good fallback when Tide Tables is full or the weather turns. Seating is first come, first served in this rustic, sheltered building, and it’s a smart choice outside the height of summer when Northwest weather can shift quickly.
For a deeper look at the operation, the farm also offers guided tours that run about two hours, covering the harvest process, a shucking lesson, and lunch at Tide Tables. Reservations are required when tours are offered.
From Friday Harbor, plan on a 20-minute drive northwest to 904 Westcott Drive, near Roche Harbor Road. Park near the farm entrance and follow the path down to the waterfront. Hikers can also reach the farm from English Camp, which makes it easy to pair a shellfish lunch with a morning at the national historical park. Boaters can dock directly, though the dock allows boats up to 20 feet and requires bow-tie docking.
Westcott Bay pairs naturally with a full day on San Juan Island. Start the morning with breakfast at Tucker House Inn or Harrison House Suites, spend a few hours at Roche Harbor or English Camp, then head to the farm for lunch. Order oysters raw and grilled, add clams or mussels, and take the shoreline walk afterward if you have time. Cap the day with dinner at Coho Restaurant, our sister property just a block from the Inn, where local ingredients get the same hands-on treatment. Our San Juan Island Bed and Breakfast is built for exactly this kind of day. Book your room today and start planning your Westcott Bay Shellfish visit.
What is Westcott Bay Shellfish known for?
Westcott Bay Shellfish is a working oyster farm known for its High Beach Sweets and Olympia oysters, served fresh from the tidelands where they’re grown, along with farm-raised clams and mussels.
How far is Westcott Bay Shellfish from Friday Harbor?
It’s about a 20-minute drive from Friday Harbor to the farm at 904 Westcott Drive, near Roche Harbor Road.
Do you need a reservation for Westcott Bay Shellfish?
Reservations are strongly recommended for Tide Tables during peak season. The Net Shed operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can you tour the oyster farm?
Yes. Westcott Bay Shellfish offers guided farm tours, roughly two hours long, that include a look at the harvest process, a shucking lesson, and lunch. Reservations are required when tours are running.
Ithaca, New York sits at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake, surrounded by working farms, vineyards, and creameries, so it makes sense that the best restaurants in Ithaca lean hard into fresh, seasonal ingredients. This college town has a food and wine scene that rivals anywhere else in the Finger Lakes, with everything from lively spots for craft cocktails to quiet tables for a romantic date night. Whatever the occasion, the best restaurants in Ithaca NY cover every mood, and we have gathered our favorites below to help you plan a night out during your wine country getaway.
Of course, great food is only part of what makes a trip to this corner of the Finger Lakes memorable. Once you have worked up an appetite, the region offers waterfall hikes, award-winning wineries, and small towns worth a slow afternoon, all within a short drive of downtown.
Ask us for the best restaurants in Ithaca and Modern Ohana tops the list these days. It is run by the team behind the longtime local favorite Mix Kitchen and Bar, now reimagined around Pacific Rim and Asian fusion flavors, tropical cocktails, and a lively, family-friendly room. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so it works for a casual lunch stop or an evening out.
For Southern comfort food with a Louisiana twist, Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar is one of the most distinctive restaurants on the Ithaca Commons. Expect fresh-shucked oysters, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, and a raw bar regulars keep coming back for, all served in a colorful room with live music on many nights.
Ithaca Beer Company rounds out the Commons with wood-fired dishes and award-winning beer in a relaxed setting, while The Heights offers a lovely patio and locally sourced American fare right in the heart of downtown Ithaca. For something smaller, The Rook is a cozy choice for fried chicken and shareable plates.
If Italian is more your speed, Gola Osteria remains one of the best restaurants in Ithaca, NY for date night, with scratch-made pasta, house-made mozzarella, and a wine list built around Finger Lakes and Italian bottles. Cent Dix, a Parisian-style cafe downtown, is another favorite for an intimate meal, especially for classic French dishes like moules frites paired with a glass of wine. And for a true local institution, Moosewood Restaurant has served inventive vegetarian food for decades and is worth a visit even for guests who do not usually gravitate toward meatless menus.
Before you start making dinner reservations, lock in your lodging first. Inn at Gothic Eves is a Finger Lakes Boutique Hotel in the village of Trumansburg, just 10 minutes from downtown Ithaca and a short drive from the Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake wine trails. Their eight guest suites are each named for a wine or lake found throughout the region.
Mornings start with a farm-to-table breakfast made from local, organic ingredients, and evenings end with time in our outdoor hot tub or a session in the infrared sauna in the on-site spa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Ithaca Commons?
Modern Ohana, Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar, Ithaca Beer Company, and The Heights are among the top picks for dining in the Ithaca Commons, with options ranging from Asian fusion to Southern comfort food.
What are the best Italian restaurants in Ithaca?
Gola Osteria is one of the top Italian restaurants in Ithaca, known for scratch-made pasta, house-made mozzarella, and a wine list focused on Finger Lakes and Italian selections.
Are there good vegetarian restaurants in Ithaca, NY?
Moosewood Restaurant is Ithaca’s best-known vegetarian restaurant, serving inventive meatless dishes that have drawn visitors for decades.
Where should I stay to be close to the best restaurants in Ithaca?
Inn at Gothic Eves in nearby Trumansburg is about 10 minutes from downtown Ithaca, making it an easy home base for a wine country getaway built around the area’s best restaurants and wineries.
Winter brings a refreshing change of pace to the Shenandoah Valley, and there’s no better time to enjoy a relaxed weekend exploring the best breweries in Lexington. With its walkable downtown, historic character, and mountain views in every direction, Lexington has quietly become a standout destination for craft beer lovers.
The breweries in Lexington reflect the agricultural roots of the Shenandoah Valley, producing beers that feel local, intentional, and easy to enjoy. A weekend here might include an afternoon strolling Main Street, popping into independent shops, and settling in at a brewery for a well-earned pint before dinner. Devil’s Backbone Brewery is often at the top of the list, offering flagship beers alongside seasonal releases in a spacious, welcoming setting. Heliotrope Brewery adds another layer to the experience with thoughtfully crafted ales and lagers paired with artisan pizza, making it a favorite stop for a casual evening out.
Just outside of town, Great Valley Farm Brewery and Winery is a natural addition to your itinerary, especially if your plans include a visit to Natural Bridge. The views are impressive, and the relaxed atmosphere invites you to linger a little longer. Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery, located between Lexington and Staunton, rounds out the experience with a mix of beer and wine that highlights the region’s versatility.
After a day spent exploring breweries near Shenandoah National Park, having the right place to unwind makes all the difference. Our luxury Shenandoah Valley bed and breakfast and cabins offer a peaceful mountain setting just minutes from Lexington and Staunton. Whether you prefer a private cabin or a classic inn stay, our 50-acre property is designed for couples seeking an easy, unhurried weekend away.
Beyond the breweries, there are plenty more things to do in Lexington, from scenic drives to historic sites and nearby hiking trails. A weekend here is about balance, good beer, great scenery, and a place that invites you to relax fully. Book your stay and experience why our inn is one of the best places to stay near Lexington for a brewery-focused weekend getaway.
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers couples a well-paced blend of scenic drives, historic distilleries, and immersive tastings across the state’s rolling countryside. With more than 40 participating distilleries in Kentucky, the experience combines craftsmanship, regional heritage, and a structured way to explore some of the most recognized names in American bourbon.
A thoughtful Kentucky Bourbon Trail itinerary typically spans three to four days, allowing time to appreciate each stop without feeling rushed. Bardstown serves as an ideal starting point, with nearby distilleries such as Heaven Hill, Willett, and Bardstown Bourbon Company offering a mix of traditional and modern approaches. Between tastings, visitors can explore the best things to do in Bardstown, where you’ll find boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Continuing your route, Maker’s Mark in Loretto stands out for its picturesque grounds and signature bottle-dipping experience, while Jim Beam offers a broader look at large-scale production. Toward Frankfort and Versailles, Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve highlight two distinct sides of bourbon production, from historic campuses to refined tasting environments. For those including Louisville, distilleries such as Old Forester, Angel’s Envy, and Michter’s offer a walkable, urban contrast.
Understanding what makes bourbon unique enhances the experience. Kentucky’s limestone-filtered water and seasonal temperature shifts play a key role in shaping flavor, while barrel aging adds complexity over time. Booking tours in advance is essential, and limiting visits to two or three distilleries per day helps maintain a relaxed pace.
Choosing the right accommodations is key to completing your Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience. The best romantic getaways in Kentucky combine proximity to top distilleries with a setting designed for comfort and privacy. Maple Hill Manor offers a restored estate atmosphere where couples can unwind after a day of tastings.
Guests can enjoy thoughtfully appointed rooms, quiet common spaces, and curated packages that simplify planning. Options may include customized itineraries, distillery tour tickets, dining credits, and bourbon-themed amenities that enhance the overall trip. For added convenience, private chauffeur services allow couples to explore the Bourbon Trail without managing transportation.
With the right balance of planning and flexibility, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail becomes more than a tasting tour. It is a complete couples getaway that blends discovery, relaxation, and time spent in one of the country’s most distinctive regions. Reserve your stay and begin planning your itinerary today.
A San Juan Island winery tasting is one of the best ways to spend a slower day on the island, especially when you pair it with a stop at a craft brewery and a small-batch distillery. San Juan Island has built a genuinely local food and drink scene, and a single day gives you enough time to sample wine, beer, and spirits without ever feeling rushed. Add a lunch stop for fresh oysters and a scenic drive between tasting rooms, and you have the makings of a proper weekend getaway.
For guests staying at Tucker House Inn or Harrison House Suites, this itinerary works especially well because everything sits within a short drive of Friday Harbor. Start at the island’s original winery, swing by a working shellfish farm for lunch, sample the tap list at the local brewery, and finish with spirits at the distillery. None of it needs to be rushed. Just designate a driver, since this is a tasting day, and leave room to pull over if you spot a farm stand or a view worth stopping for.
San Juan Vineyards is the island’s first and oldest commercial winery, planted on a former sheep farm in the northern part of the island. The wine list draws from grapes grown both on San Juan Island and in Washington’s Columbia Valley, so a tasting here gives you a real sense of Pacific Northwest wine alongside something distinct to the island itself. Plan on an hour in the tasting room, ask about the winemaking process, and enjoy the property before moving on to your next stop.
Building a wine and beer tasting day into a full weekend getaway is easy when you are staying in Friday Harbor. You can spend the day working your way through tasting rooms, then come back to a comfortable room or suite each evening instead of packing everyone into a single afternoon. It also puts you close to the shops in Friday Harbor and the harbor waterfront if you want a slower morning before you start.
After the winery, head to Westcott Bay Shellfish Co. for lunch. The working oyster farm sits about 20 minutes from Friday Harbor, and you can eat right beside the tidelands where the shellfish are raised. Oysters and wine pair naturally, and this stop gives you one of the more distinctive food experiences on the island.
Head back toward Friday Harbor for San Juan Island Brewing Co., where the beer is brewed on site and the tap list rotates through everything from lighter styles to hop-forward ales. If you cannot decide what to order, ask for a flight so you can compare a few side by side. The brewery also runs a full food menu, so it works as a happy hour stop or a heavier afternoon meal depending on how the rest of your day is shaping up.
Close out the day at San Juan Island Distillery, where small-batch spirits are made using local ingredients and Pacific Northwest influences. Take your time here. A distillery tasting is as much about hearing how the spirits are produced as it is about finding a new favorite to take home. Tasting room hours can shift seasonally, so check the distillery’s current schedule before you go.
Book your stay first, then build the rest of your San Juan Island winery day around it. Book your Friday Harbor bed and breakfast at Tucker House Inn or Harrison House Suites and come back each evening to a quiet room just blocks from downtown. For a full food and drink weekend, add dinner at our own Coho Restaurant before turning in.
Is San Juan Island worth visiting for a wine and beer tasting day?
Yes. San Juan Island has a working winery, a craft brewery, a small-batch distillery, and a shellfish farm all within a short drive of Friday Harbor, which makes a full tasting day easy to plan without long drives between stops.
What is San Juan Island Brewing Co. known for?
San Juan Island Brewing Co. brews its beer on site in Friday Harbor and rotates through a tap list that ranges from lighter, crisp styles to hop-forward ales and darker beers, along with a full food menu.
How long is the ferry ride to San Juan Island?
Ferry times vary by departure point and route, so check the current Washington State Ferries schedule before your trip. Staying overnight in Friday Harbor means you are not racing the ferry schedule to fit in a full tasting day.
What else is there to do on San Juan Island besides wine tasting?
Beyond wineries, breweries, and the distillery, San Juan Island offers hiking trails, scenic parks, whale watching, kayaking, and the shops of downtown Friday Harbor, all of which pair well with a slower weekend getaway.