Planning a unique island getaway begins with understanding the San Juan Island Ferry, the most accessible and scenic way to reach Friday Harbor. Departing from the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, this route introduces travelers to the coastal landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, with open water views and the possibility of spotting marine wildlife along the way.
Preparation is key to a smooth experience. Securing San Juan Island ferry reservations in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel periods. Vehicle reservations fill quickly, and arriving at least 30 minutes before departure helps ensure your place on board. Reviewing the San Juan Island ferry schedule ahead of time is equally important, as routes and travel times vary depending on island stops.
Once on board, the ferry to San Juan Island becomes part of the journey. Outdoor decks offer expansive views, while interior seating provides a comfortable place to relax. Whether traveling as a walk-on passenger or with a vehicle, the ride sets the tone for a well-paced island experience.
Choosing lodging near the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal simplifies every part of your stay. Our boutique Friday Harbor hotel, within walking distance of the terminal, allows you to arrive without a car and still access shops, dining, and local tours with ease. Guests can select from elevated rooms, suites, private cottages, and options designed for families or those traveling with dogs.
Beyond San Juan Island, the Friday Harbor Ferry Terminal connects you to Lopez, Orcas, and Shaw Island, making island hopping straightforward. Each destination offers a distinct experience, from Moran State Park on Orcas Island to the cycling-friendly roads of Lopez Island.
For travelers considering how to get to San Juan Island, the ferry remains the most practical and rewarding option. With thoughtful planning and the right accommodations, your trip begins the moment you board, so you can relax, unwind, and get ready to enjoy all the remarkable things to do on San Juan Island.
If you are planning a weekend in the western North Carolina mountains, the best time to visit North Carolina depends on how busy you want to be and the experiences you want to prioritize. There’s an incredible range of things to do in western North Carolina year-round. Spring brings comfortable days for scenic drives, waterfall hikes, and patio dining, and the forests and trails start to look fully alive again. Summer adds long daylight hours for tubing, kayaking, and exploring trail networks, while mountain elevations help keep days more comfortable than many southern destinations. For adventure seekers, this is often the best time to visit North Carolina.
However, if you’re truly looking for what we think is the best time to visit North Carolina, it has to be fall. Fall is the prime season for Blue Ridge color, crisp evenings, and orchard, vineyard, and scenic overlook days. It’s nothing short of spectacular, with gorgeous foliage fees around every twist and turn in the road and along every trail. If you’re looking for something quieter, consider a winter getaway. Winter is quieter and well-suited to cozy dinners, uncrowded shopping, and restorative downtime.
Saluda is an easy choice for a mountain base because it combines small-town character with access to outdoor highlights. Downtown is known for galleries, live music, and boutique shopping, and you can pair that with nearby hikes and waterfall outings. If you are also weighing the best time to visit Asheville, NC, Saluda makes it simple to add a day trip for dining, arts, and city energy without committing your entire weekend to a larger hub.
For a weekend that balances exploration with comfort, Orchard Inn is one of the finest Bed and Breakfasts in Western North Carolina. Accommodations include rooms, suites, and private cottages, with select options featuring jetted tubs, private porches, and gas fireplaces. On-site amenities support a slower pace after a day outdoors, including a spa for massages and a sauna for unwinding. For dinner, Newmans provides an on-property option that fits naturally into a low-stress itinerary, and it is an appealing alternative to driving after an evening out.
Across the seasons, Western North Carolina offers plenty to build a trip around. Spring and summer bring community events and outdoor recreation, and fall supports scenic drives, hikes, and winery visits in the Tryon Foothills. Winter favors quiet mornings, relaxed afternoons in town, and evenings by the fire. When you are choosing where to go in North Carolina for a mountain weekend, Saluda delivers a mix of culture, nature, and proximity to Asheville that works in any season. Book your stay and plan your ideal weekend.
Durham stands out as one of the best weekend getaways in NC for couples looking to reconnect, especially if you enjoy a city with creative energy and plenty of things to keep you engaged. Located in the heart of the Research Triangle, Durham gives just the right taste of history, while still also managing to offer all the modern amenities you crave in a great getaway destination, making it an ideal destination for couples’ weekend getaways in the South.
During your stay, you can experience some of the most engaging things to do in Durham and the Triangle as a whole. Enjoy a live performance at the Durham Performing Arts Center, explore thought-provoking museums, or take a leisurely walk through downtown neighborhoods filled with character. Durham’s nationally recognized food scene won’t disappoint either, offering everything from upscale dining to casual local favorites that invite you to slow down and savor the moment together.
After a full day of exploring, returning to a peaceful retreat makes all the difference. Our Durham Bed and Breakfast is one of the most romantic getaways in NC, offering couples a refined place to relax and recharge. The historic Inn sits on six acres of landscaped grounds, creating a setting that feels private and unhurried while remaining close to everything Durham has to offer, including Duke University.
Guest rooms and suites are thoughtfully designed with upscale amenities that encourage comfort and connection. Couples looking for extra privacy can choose a romantic cottage or private log cabin, each providing a secluded retreat experience. Every morning begins with a three-course gourmet breakfast, served with genuine Southern hospitality that sets a warm tone for the day ahead.
To personalize your weekend even further, our specials and packages allow you to create meaningful moments, whether that includes fresh flowers, rose petals, or chocolate-covered strawberries waiting in your room. These thoughtful details transform simple weekend getaways for couples into memorable romantic experiences.
Durham’s vibrant culture, paired with a stay at our Bed and Breakfast, is without a doubt one of the best weekend getaways in NC for couples. Whether you are celebrating an anniversary, planning a couples retreat, or simply enjoying time away together, your Durham escape promises to leave you with a lasting memory.
Planning the perfect girls’ weekend getaway is all about finding a destination that brings you plenty of fun, relaxation, and meaningful time together. Granbury checks every box. There’s an unbeatable range of things to do in Granbury, TX. This lively Texas town offers an inviting mix of boutique shopping, wine tasting, lake activities, and dining, all wrapped in an easygoing atmosphere that makes reconnecting effortless. It is no surprise that Granbury continues to rank among the best places for girls’ trips in Texas.
Spend the morning browsing the Historic Granbury Square, where locally owned boutiques, home decor shops, and specialty food stores make wandering feel like part of the fun. Head out for wine tasting at nearby wineries, book a spa treatment, or enjoy time on Lake Granbury soaking up wide-open views and fresh air. Evenings can be as lively or laid-back as your group prefers, with live performances, memorable meals, or unhurried conversations over a glass of wine.
Inn on Lake Granbury elevates every girls’ trip in Texas. This boutique hotel in Granbury offers stylish guest rooms as well as private spaces ideal for group stays. The Cottage is a favorite for girls’ weekend getaways, featuring lake views, a full kitchen, and cozy gathering spaces that make late nights and slow mornings feel effortless. For larger groups, the Lake House provides room to spread out while keeping everyone together under one roof.
Food is part of the experience here. Award-winning breakfast options are available as an enhancement and include chef-prepared dishes that make mornings something to look forward to. Afternoon appetizers delivered to your room add an extra layer of indulgence to your stay.
Beyond the rooms, the property invites relaxation. Spend time by the saltwater pool during warmer months, unwind in the year-round hot tub, or enjoy peaceful moments on the grounds. In-room massage treatments and thoughtful add-ons make it easy to turn a simple weekend into one of the best girls’ weekend getaways in Texas.
From shopping and wine tasting to lake days and unforgettable stays, Granbury brings together everything you want in a girls’ trip. Book your getaway and see why this destination continues to stand out among places to go in Texas for the weekend.
Harwich Port is one of those coastal Cape Cod towns that feels welcoming the moment you arrive. With its walkable Main Street, classic shoreline, and strong sense of community, it offers an experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly different. Whether you are visiting for a few days or planning a longer stay, Harwich Port delivers a uniquely easygoing coastal escape.
Part of what sets Harwich Port apart is its balance. You can spend your morning browsing local shops, stopping into art galleries, or grabbing coffee at a neighborhood café, then head straight to the beach without ever getting in the car. Red River Beach is a local favorite and sits just minutes from town, making it easy to mix seaside time with exploring the village.
Harwich also has deep roots that still shape the area today. Once a center for fishing, shipbuilding, and farming, the town remains closely tied to the land and sea. The cranberry harvest is a perfect example. During harvest season, the bright red bogs north of town offer a glimpse into a tradition that remains an important part of Harwich Cape Cod history.
Outdoor experiences round out the appeal. Bike the Cape Cod Rail Trail, explore Bell’s Neck Conservation Lands, or spend an afternoon kayaking nearby waterways. Freshwater ponds, wildlife areas, and coastal views give you plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without feeling rushed.
Choosing the right Cape Cod Bed and Breakfast can shape your entire trip. Staying at an adults-only boutique inn like The Platinum Pebble Boutique Inn places you close to beaches, dining, and the best things to do on Cape Cod. Housed in a restored sea captain’s home, the inn blends modern comfort with classic Cape character, offering thoughtful amenities and a relaxed atmosphere that fits perfectly with the town.
From outdoor adventures to local culture and coastal scenery, Harwich Port is a place that invites you to slow down and enjoy Cape Cod at its most genuine. It is no surprise that visitors return year after year to experience this unique coastal town.
Spring in the Midwest brings a sense of renewal, making it the perfect time to plan weekend getaways in Iowa. As the snow melts and landscapes turn vibrant green and bright. Charming river towns, lively cities, and scenic countrysides create an inviting backdrop for a refreshing escape. There are so many things to explore in Iowa!
If you are mapping out an Iowa road trip, start with the state’s hidden gem small towns. Albia offers striking Victorian architecture and easy access to hiking trails and Lake Rathbun. In Pella, Dutch heritage shines through its windmill, tulip gardens, and locally owned bakeries. Decorah surprises visitors with limestone bluffs, trout streams, and cultural experiences rooted in Norwegian history. Along the Mississippi River, Clinton’s riverfront trails and historic downtown make it an ideal stop for a relaxed spring weekend.
Larger destinations also deliver memorable things to do in Iowa. Des Moines offers the vibrant East Village, the downtown Farmers Market, and renowned Iowa attractions like Blank Park Zoo. Dubuque pairs river views with historic charm, including the Fenelon Place Elevator and easy access to scenic overlooks. For a lakeside retreat, Okoboji begins to buzz in spring as trails reopen and the deep blue waters draw visitors back outdoors.
Whether you are searching for romantic getaways in Iowa or planning activities in Iowa this weekend with friends, the variety of places to visit makes it easy to customize your trip. Outdoor enthusiasts, food lovers, and culture seekers will all find something that fits their style.
An important element of the best weekend getaways in Iowa is where you stay. Unique places to stay in Iowa, especially locally owned Bed and Breakfasts, offer personalized hospitality and thoughtfully prepared breakfasts. These welcoming properties often reflect the character of their communities and provide insider recommendations on nearby Iowa attractions.
Spring is your invitation to explore somewhere new. Plan your weekend getaways in Iowa, chart your route, and book a stay that turns a simple trip into a memorable one.
Set along the Mississippi River and framed by dramatic limestone bluffs, Red Wing, MN, stands out as one of the Midwest’s most visually compelling small towns. Whether you are planning a quick escape or a longer retreat, there is no shortage of unique things to do in Red Wing. It’s also an excellent destination for romantic getaways in the Midwest!
Start with the iconic Barn Bluff, locally known as He Mni Can. The moderately challenging hike rewards you with sweeping views of the Mississippi River and historic downtown below. It is one of the most photographed spots in Red Wing, Minnesota, and a must for anyone who enjoys time outdoors.
Downtown is compact, walkable, and filled with character. If you are wondering what to do in Red Wing, MN, beyond the trails, spend time shopping in Red Wing’s independently owned boutiques and galleries. You will find antiques, specialty foods, locally made goods, and outdoor gear housed inside beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings.
Red Wing, Minnesota, is also known for craftsmanship. The flagship Red Wing Shoe Store features the world’s largest boot and a small museum celebrating the brand’s heritage. Nearby, the Pottery Museum of Red Wing highlights the city’s historic role in American stoneware production and offers insight into its artistic legacy.
Levee Park provides easy access to the riverfront, where you can stroll, picnic, or watch boats drift by. In the evening, explore fantastic Red Wing restaurants offering everything from casual comfort food to chef-driven menus featuring regional ingredients.
To make your unique Midwest getaway even more memorable, book one of the locally owned Minnesota Bed and Breakfasts in Red Wing. Many located in historic homes provide personalized hospitality, thoughtfully prepared breakfasts, and insider recommendations on the best things to do in Red Wing. For couples or those seeking a distinctive stay, a Bed and Breakfast offers comfort and connection that larger lodging options simply cannot replicate.
Red Wing, MN, combines river views, rich history, and a vibrant downtown into one unforgettable destination. Plan your visit and experience this Midwest gem for yourself.
Mount Hope Estate stands out as one of the most distinctive destinations in eastern Pennsylvania, offering a blend of history, entertainment, and craft beverage experiences. Located in Lancaster County, the estate is widely recognized for its immersive events, including the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, as well as year-round festivals and tastings at Mount Hope Estate & Winery. Visitors often arrive expecting a single attraction and quickly realize the property offers an entire day, or even a full weekend, of activities.
The estate’s history dates back more than 200 years, when it served as the home and operational center for the Grubb iron dynasty. Today, the preserved Federal-style mansion and surrounding grounds provide a glimpse into early American industry and architecture. The formal gardens, inspired by traditional English designs, remain one of the most notable features, offering a structured landscape that reflects the estate’s early 19th-century origins.
Mount Hope Estate events are a major draw throughout the year. The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire transforms the grounds into a lively 16th-century village, complete with costumed performers, artisan vendors, and jousting tournaments. Additional events, including the Celtic Fling and themed dinner theater experiences, ensure there is always something new to experience. Guests can also enjoy tastings at Mount Hope Winery, Swashbuckler Brewing Company, and other on-site producers, making it easy to explore local flavors in one location. It’s just one of the best things to do in PA!
Extending your visit allows for a more relaxed experience. The South Mountain Inn is an incredible Bed and Breakfast in Pennsylvania that complements a day at Mount Hope Estate. The property nearby offers a quiet retreat with views of the surrounding countryside. It also has a reputation for being one of the most romantic wedding venues near Philadelphia!
Guests can return from a day of exploring to thoughtful amenities, including afternoon refreshments, comfortable accommodations, and a peaceful atmosphere. Its proximity to Mount Hope Estate and other attractions near Reading, PA, makes it a convenient and well-rounded place to stay.
With its combination of historic significance, engaging events, and local food and drink, Mount Hope Estate remains one of the most unique attractions in Pennsylvania. Whether visiting for a festival or a weekend getaway, it offers an experience that continues to draw visitors year after year.
Just a few hours from Chicago, Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort delivers one of the most exciting winter adventures in Illinois. Perched high above the Mississippi River Valley in Galena, this mountain-style resort offers a refreshing change of pace for Midwest travelers craving snow, elevation, and outdoor fun without long-distance travel.
Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort is known for its impressive terrain by Illinois standards, featuring 19 runs across more than 3,500 feet of skiable terrain. From beginner-friendly slopes to challenging black diamond trails, the resort welcomes skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. A 475-foot vertical drop, consistent snowmaking, and well-groomed runs create reliable conditions throughout the winter season, making it one of the top destinations for skiing in Illinois and a favorite for those seeking skiing near Chicago.
Beyond the slopes, Chestnut Mountain adds to the adventure with night skiing, terrain parks, and scenic overlooks that showcase sweeping river views. Cozy dining spots and warming areas make it easy to recharge between runs, whether you’re planning a full weekend or a spontaneous winter escape.
Galena itself enhances the experience with its historic downtown, lively Main Street, and variety of things to do in winter. After a day on the mountain, visitors can explore local boutiques, enjoy wine tastings, or dine at inviting restaurants that highlight the town’s character. Outdoor enthusiasts can extend the adventure with winter hiking at nearby preserves or scenic drives through rolling countryside dusted with snow.
After a full day of skiing and exploring, Galena’s bed and breakfasts and boutique inns offer a welcome retreat. Properties affiliated with the Midwest Association of Independent Inns provide comfortable accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and personalized service you won’t find at larger hotels. Many are located close to downtown or just a short drive from Chestnut Mountain, making it easy to balance slope time with relaxation.
If you’re planning a winter adventure filled with skiing, small-town charm, and memorable Midwest scenery, Chestnut Mountain Ski Resort and Galena offer a combination that keeps visitors coming back season after season.