According to the people who should know (AARP) romantic getaways for empty nesters are an essential part of keeping the love alive. And these romantic getaways need not be expensive, exotic or long to do the trick.
The famous organization for people over 50 researched romantic getaways and found that a top consideration for most couples is the choice of accommodations with beautiful views to set the mood. And although some couples might start out thinking about elaborate international destinations, most find that a romantic getaway that is close to home can be just as effective, as long as there are opportunities for romantic dining, sightseeing and relaxing.
For couples in Ohio and the surrounding states, a great choice for a close-to-home romantic interlude is one of three Great Ohio Lodges located in state parks in Southern Ohio – Hueston Woods, Burr Oak and Shawnee.
All three lodges are architecturally reminiscent of historic lodges once built throughout the country by railroads, and they include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, exercise equipment, game rooms and more. Hueston Woods and Shawnee also offer golf courses.
“Especially during the quieter fall and winter seasons, we host many, many couples who have come for the secluded walks in the woods, the comfortable accommodations with views of the parks, the charming nearby towns and the romantic park settings,” said Tom Arvan, regional general manager of Great Ohio Lodges.
And they also come for the deals, said Arvan.
Special deals
All three lodges offer a “Savvy Senior” rate with midweek rates as low as $65 plus tax. There are also numerous packages for travelers seeking to take advantage of each region’s charming local attractions.
For example, Burr Oak Lodge offers the Ohio Valley Opry Package with accommodations, tickets for shows at the Twin City Opera House in nearby McConnelsville and complimentary shuttle.
Hueston Woods Lodge offers a special “Romancing in the Woods” package with accommodations, cheese and fruit platter, bottle of sparkling wine and complimentary movie rental. Rates start at $95 per couple per night plus tax.
And Shawnee Park Lodge offers a holiday-themed Murder Mystery Package with a show presented in a richly decorated grand ballroom. Rates for accommodations, two tickets to the show and hors d’oeuvres begin at $159 plus tax.
Sounds like a wonderful place to get away , its important to keep the love alive , wish i was closer , i would bring my Hubby there for a romantic get away 🙂 thanks for sharing !
This looks like a great place to be. It looks so peaceful and I would be so content there as well as hubby would be too.
Looks magical. Would love a trip there.
Thank you for sharing. I was born in Ohio and never knew that they have great places like this.
Thank you for sharing. This looks like a great place to visit.
i was born in ohio and then i never heard of them but they would be great time
I would love to visit one of these amazing lodges. I have never been on a vacation and so need one. Thank you so much for sharing.
These would be great places to relax and get cozy.
Looks like a lot of fun! Adding to my bucket list of places to go & things to do. Definitely looking forward to vacation!
I’d love to visit one of these places during the fall! I’m not much into cold weather sports.
On our travels, we have stayed at a really nice B&B (not one you listed) but there were a lot of places to visit and we enjoyed ourselves. I would like to return!
This would be a lovely place for my husband and I to visit and have a vacation for our upcoming anniversary!
Thank you for sharing. I was born in Ohio and I live in Indiana. I like going to some of their Lodges when we go to Ohio.
What a wonderful outdoors ambiance!