With work, kids, the broken dishwasher and the two tons of laundry your family wears on a weekly basis, the last thing on your mind is romance. Perhaps last year’s Valentine’s Day left you snowed out and iced in and you haven’t been able to get over your disappointment yet. Don’t despair. It’s not too late to forget about that pile of laundry and plan a kid-free weekend away with your spouse. You both deserve it. Time to recharge your battery, remember why you fell in love in the first place and de-stress from the everyday mayhem.
Living in the Central Pennsylvania area has many perks, and being able to dash off for a weekend away is definitely one of them. With Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Poconos, Lancaster County, Washington, D.C. and Hershey only a short drive away, the options are endless when planning a weekend getaway.
Amish Country
In Lancaster County, the heart of Amish country, visitors seeking that romantic hideaway will find more than 100 bed and breakfasts, ranging from historic stone mansions to quaint cottages with fantastic views and quiet seclusion. Enjoy a romantic evening in front of the fire while Amish buggies clip-clop in the distance.
Steve and Amy Shane own the Apple Bin Inn, a B&B in the historic town of Willow Street near the center of Lancaster County. All of their rooms feature family heirloom quilts and embroidered pillowcases.
“Each room has its own distinct personality, and each is ideal for romantic getaways,” says Steve Shane.
The Apple Bin Inn, which was built in 1865, is located just outside of Lancaster City and minutes from the “Sight & Sound” Millennium Theater, the Strasburg Railroad, Dutch Wonderland amusement park and the Rockvale Outlets. Lancaster County, which just happens to be one of America’s most popular travel destinations, also includes historic covered bridges, museums, Amish buggy rides and antique shopping.
Ski Date
If skiing the weekend away with the one you love is something you fancy, the Eagle Rock Resort in Hazelton offers a Valentine’s Day package that includes accommodations, champagne, roses and a gourmet four-course dinner. The Blue Mountain Range offers trails from the novice to the expert, and the resort offers instructors at an additional cost.
Inner Harbor Romance
From mountains to harbors, the Wilderness B&B near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor might meet your romantic getaway needs.
Owner Ellen Sawaya says, “My B&B is one of only two that operate in Baltimore County. It’s in an incredible setting in the middle of the Patapsco Valley State Park just outside of historic Ellicott City.”
The Wilderness was the summer residence of a wealthy Baltimore merchant for many years and served as an operating farm for more than 100 years.
Three large suites, all furnished in antiques, are available with sitting rooms, second bedrooms and private baths. While there, visit the Inner Harbor, the Baltimore Museum of Art, the National Aquarium or take a stroll through the zoo.
Chocolate Fun
Hotel Hershey is known for romance and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. The hotel, which sits atop a hill overlooking the town, is the realization of one of Milton Hershey’s lifelong dreams. The elegant hotel was described by the late Lowell Thomas, world traveler, as “a palace that out-palaces the palaces of the Maharajahs of India.”
The month of February will feature the fourth annual Chocolate Covered February festival with more than 300 events and activities. Other activities at the hotel include chocolate teas, chefs’ demonstrations, cooking classes, wine and chocolate pairing seminars, chocolate dessert buffets and a chocolate spa sampler package.
The Spa was added in 2004 and, since that time, many couples have enjoyed the chocolate treatments, as well as many other options for pampering. Some truly Hershey-specific indulgences include the whipped cocoa bath and the chocolate fondue wrap.
Capital Romance
“This year for Christmas, my husband and I decided to forego presents to each other,” says York County resident Amy Burkart. “Instead, we planned a few child-free days in D.C.”
While in the nation’s capital, the Burkarts took in the sights at their own pace. Instead of the $25 tour, they opted for the $6.50 metro pass. That way, they could pick and choose what they wanted to see.
“We made reservations at the Old Ebbitt Grill for lunch and visited some of the museums,” says Burkart. “There is so much to see and do, you can exhaust yourself or you can go see one thing and hang out at the hotel.”
Sticking Close to Home
If the D.C. area seems too far away, look no further than your backyard. The Emig Mansion in Emigsville, built in 1810, has five guest rooms, some with fireplaces and balconies.
Owner Shary Smith is offering a Valentine’s special with roses, a romantic room-in breakfast, a $50 coupon to a local restaurant for dinner, chocolates and a complimentary CD of romantic music.
However, if the wallet is still a little empty from Christmas spending, perhaps a night alone at your home is all you and your spouse need to rekindle the romance. Send the kids to grandma’s house and create your own B&B atmosphere.
For most couples, it not about where to go, it’s about making time to just be together — with no distractions and no laundry.
Wendy Garman is a stay-at-home mother of three who lives in York County with her husband, Tom.
Keeping romance alive when you have kids
The fast pace of the modern world is enough to strain any marriage. Many couples both work outside of the home, leaving very little time in the evenings for family. After family time and the kids are in bed, one or both parents are often so exhausted that romance is the last thing on their minds. Still, there are things that you can do to keep romance alive when you have children. Some of the things you can do can include:
1 Lock on your bedroom door and teach your children to respect the privacy of the parents’ bedroom. Of course, do this only if your kids are old enough to be self-sufficient for a little while.
2 Use reliable birth control. This takes the worry of “oh no, not another one!” away and can lead to a better sex life. Seriously. What’s more romantic than not getting pregnant?
3 Spend fun time together. Do something you enjoy, such as a hobby or a sporting activity together. Not only will it help to keep romance alive, it will help your marriage in general.
4 Talk. Talk about your day, about your life, about your feelings. Your wife will love you for it.
5 Kiss. As simple as it sounds, a good kiss can go a long way in keeping romance alive. Instead of a peck on the cheek before work in the mornings, vow that you will always leave the house with a good kiss.
6 Be creative. While she’s reading a story to the kids, make a heart shape out of rose petals on her pillow. Arrange a weekend getaway weeks in advance, but don’t tell him until the night before. Visit her at work and steal her away for lunch on a moment’s notice. Write him a poem. Make her breakfast in bed.
You get the idea. Now, go have a great time together!
Source: adapted from www.laboroflove.com
Resources:
Apple Bin Inn
2835 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
Lancaster County
Phone: 717-464-5881
Toll-Free: 800-338-4296
Prices range from $99 - $199
Eagle Rock Resort
1031 Valley of Lakes
Hazelton, PA 18202
888-335-8886
Prices start around $137 and include 2 adult ski lift tickets. Valentine’s Day package starts at $272.
The Wilderness
2 Thistle Road
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-744-0590
$150 per night/$135 per night for 2 or more nights
The Hotel Hershey
100 Hotel Road
Hershey, PA 17033
717-533-2171
The Emig Mansion
3342 N. George Street
Emigsville, PA
Contact: Shary Smith
717-764-2226