Margaret Mitchell House in Atlanta, Georgia
Image: Flickr/Carissa Rogers
More info: http://www.atlantahistorycenter.com/mmh
When to go: Anytime
Where to stay: Hilton Atlanta
Why you’ll love it: The woman who coined the catch phrases, “Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn” and “You should be kissed and often,” wrote Gone with the Wind (published in 1936) from her bedroom here. Tour it, and get inspired to write your own love story.
Horse tracking in Corolla, NC (Outer Banks)
image: Getty/Dickinson Images
More info: http://www.visitcurrituck.com/
When to go: Spring, summer, or early autumn
Where to stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/ Corolla
Why you’ll love it: It’s said that the feral horses of North Carolina’s Outer Banks have roamed the beaches here for 400 years. When you catch a glimpse of them wandering the surf, you’ll hope they wander for another 400.
Niagara Falls, New York Side
image: Getty/Jane Sweeny
More info: http://www.discoverniagara.org/ and http://www.maidofthemist.com/
When to go: Warmer months are best, so late spring to early fall. Summer is optimal.
Where to stay: DoubleTree Fallsview Resort & Spa by Hilton – Niagara Falls
Why you’ll love it: We hopped on the Maid of the Mist boat tour for the best view and the total package experience. This place can really only be described as a natural marvel—“natural beauty” at its best. Plus, when I got soaked by the falls (the boat gets close enough to douse you!), it was fun to snuggle up and admire the view with my man.
Philly Pride Presents OutFest (Philadelphia, PA), plus the Miss Philly Gay Pride Pageant
image: Getty/William Thomas Cain
More info: http://www.phillygaypride.org/events/outfest/
When to go: October 11th, 2015
Where to stay: Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing
Why you’ll love it: OutFest has been marked the “Best of Gay Philly– Best LGBT Event” by the Philly Gay News and for good reason—OutFest attracts nearly 40,000 people yet retains the feel of an old-fashioned block party. Admission is free, and all bars, restaurants, and event spaces in the gayborhood festively participate inside or outside of their storefronts. With carnival attractions, and a massive flea market, the fast-paced fun that OutFest provides is the perfect spot for you if you’re looking for a high-energy, fun way to celebrate pride together.
Mystic, CT
image: Getty/Franz Marc Frei
More info: http://www.mystic.org/
When to go: Summer
Where to stay: Hilton Mystic
Why you’ll love it: Nestled between New York and Boston, this place is still a functioning seaport! Wander the docks, get a slice at Mystic Pizza (made famous by the 1988 movie starring Julia Roberts), and check out the aquarium.
Poppies in the hills of Mojave Desert (Lancaster, California)
image: Getty/Danita Delmont
More info: http://www.poppyfestival.com/
When to go: End of April
Where to stay: Homewood Suites by Hilton Lancaster
Why you’ll love it: Go for the Poppy Festival, an annual event that brings the desert flower to life through exhibits and fun events. You’ll never watch that scene from The Wizard of Oz the same way again.
Lakeside, OH
image: Getty/Colorcarnival
More info: http://www.lakesideohio.com/
When to go: Summer is the best time to go, when the town hosts tons of concerts, classes, and events.
Where to stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cleveland Downtown – Lakeside
Why you’ll love it: Poised on the shores of Lake Erie, one of Michigan’s Great Lakes, this enclave focuses on providing restful and renewing experiences for everyone who visits. With spiritual and faith-based activities, cultural and historical lectures, and land and water fitness opportunities galore, a visit to Lakeside will feed your mind, body, and soul.
Lavender Farm in Topeka, KS
image: Getty/Matteo Columbo
More info: http://www.kansaslavender.com/
When to go: May through September
Where to stay: Hampton Inn Topeka
Why you’ll love it: The smell alone is enough to render you breathless. Take home a few sachets to stick under your pillow so you can remember this getaway later on when the kids are bouncing on you and yelling for you to wake up.
Lookout Falls in Lookout Mountain, near Chattanooga, TN
image: Getty/Gavin Hellier
More info: http://www.rubyfalls.com/
When to go:: Any time of year
Where to stay: Embassy Suites by Hilton Chattanooga Hamilton Place
Why you’ll love it: What’s more romantic than sneaking into a dark and cozy cave, some 1,200 feet under the earth’s surface to see the nation’s largest and deepest waterfall that’s open to the public? The limestone of these caverns, formed some 240 million years ago, is a wonder to see up close.
Empire State Building, New York, NY
image: Getty/Joe Daniel Price
More info: http://www.esbnyc.com/
When to go: Any time of year
Where to stay: Conrad New York
Why you’ll love it: I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of the most coveted landmarks in my own hometown. Go at night. Ride the elevator as high up as you can go. Smooch. Repeat.
This post was sponsored by Hilton
