So, let's be clear. Christmas is DEFINITELY all about family. It's also for God to practically force the world to focus on good things for a season! Ha. It's true. That being said, there are times during the year when you and your spouse need to forgo the family thing and take care of that relationship!
If you've been fighting lately, losing the spark, or just bored, NOW's the time to do something BIG:
Take a last minute trip somewhere for Christmas, just the TWO of you!
Do something AMAZING! C'mon! Break out of the normal routine. Change some things around and MAKE. THIS. HAPPEN! Make it a SPUR OF THE MOMENT thing! Nothing adds a spark like something UNEXPECTED! If your excuses are:
But we already made plans
The kids, the kids, the kids
It's too late to plan anything
Really? With her? Really? With him?
Or ALL of the above (God help you!)
then you NEED a vacation together, PRONTO! Want to know why? Because God does NOT want your relationship to get stale. He doesn't want you to only think of your spouse in terms of chores, schedules, work, and THE KIDS. Ha! You were meant to be waking up smiling at each other, not at each other's throats.
God said:
But when He thought of that, He wasn't thinking of you two spending less quality time together after a while. Oh, those words: after a while. They're scary when you think of them, right? What happens to a marriage...after a while? Do you get bored, uninterested, scared? Or does your love GROW, get WILDER, and more PASSIONATE? Or is it just--there? Ugh, the relationship equivalent of standing in place, where it's not too good and it's not too bad. You're just coasting. You hit a "bump in the road." The "every marriage has it's ups and downs" speech. Your marriage doesn't have to be common like that, ya know. Do something different for a NICE change!
Still unsure? Not worth the effort, you say? You don't need it?!!!
Oh wow! No way! We are NOT going to leave things like that! Not on my watch, Brown Girl fans!
Here's the plan (or something like it):
On Christmas Day, everyone opens presents at home with the kids.
By the next day, the kids are getting dropped off at grandmas (or auntie's, or cousin's, or whatever local relative you have)! Sorry, kids! Look, Grandma LOVES you and is waiting for some BIG 'OLE hugs and kisses...at her place. Mom and dad gotta get it on! Ha!
Then, you two are off to a lover's paradise either by quick road trip or quick plane ride! Listen...you need this. Now. And you know it. It's biblically necessary for goodness sake!
So, are you ready? Yes?
Okay, let's begin. I'm choosing the northeast region of the U.S. as your getaway destination! You're going to want cozy nights together on a loveseat, while snow gently taps the windows. You're going to want hot chocolate by the fire, sipping from each other's mugs. You're going to want ROMANCE! So, since we're mere weeks away from Christmas, I'll focus on two states, and hopefully, you'll choose one for your adventure together! I'll also mention a few more places in the region, in case you'd like to explore them instead. Then, at the end of the article, I'm going to give you some tips on how to find the cheapest, last minute deals online to book your trip. Sound good? Oooh, this is gonna be fun!
Up first:
NEW ENGLAND
Maine-Vermont-New Hampshire-Massachusetts-Connecticut-Rhode Island
New England is GORGEOUS any time of year! Bed and breakfasts, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, apple picking...you name it, New England's got it. B&B's were made for New England, in my opinion. They're cozy little establishments tailored for comfort, relaxation, and privacy. If you're anywhere NEAR New England, I highly recommend it for a romantic getaway. My favorite place to visit?
STOWE, VERMONT
Stowe has some of the best skiing, most romantic B&B's, and AMAZING mountain views in the country. In Stowe, imagine you and your spouse enjoying a view of majestic, rolling mountains or a garden waterfall installation right outside your room. Yea, that's what I'm talkin' about!
For your stay, I recommend:
Seclusion, quiet, and luxury are signature features at Stone Hill Inn in Stowe, Vermont. It's been named, "Best Romantic Getaway" by Yankee Magazine. Hidden from the main road on nine acres of woods and gardens, this intimate lodge will take your breath away! Couples can expect comfortably appointed guest rooms
with king size beds, double-sided fireplaces, two-person jacuzzies, and private entrances to the gardens. Guests are also treated to a three-course gourmet breakfast
in a charming dining room with panoramic views! The inn is nine minutes from some of the best skiing in New England. Other great local activities include couple's sleigh rides, horseback riding, snow-shoe tours (for those brisk walks), and mountain sightseeing! Stone Hill Inn has great specials to give your little vacay some pizazz. It offers romantic packages for: couple's outings, in-room massages, and special indulgences for that sweetheart night you'll be planning. WINK. WINK. The inn is also minutes from downtown Stowe, a quaint place nestled within the mountains. There are plenty of restaurants and craft shops to suit any liking there. Couples can get lost together at Stone Hill Inn. It's a private retreat for lovers.
Notable Mentions:
Maine- Kennebunkport Captain's Collection, Kennebunkport
New Hampshire- Pickering House Inn, Wolfeboro
Massachusetts- Seaport Hotel, Boston
Connecticut- The Whaler's Inn, Mystic
Rhode Island- The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina, Newport
**************
MID-ATLANTIC
New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania
The mid-atlantic states have a great combination of excitement and relaxation. You have the option of city landscapes, like New York City and Philadelphia or a laid-back environment along the New Jersey shore.
My Christmas recommendation for this region?
New York City
I picked NYC because of all the wonderful holiday events and attractions that are just a click away for booking! Life and action are on every corner. This destination is perfect for couples looking for something completely different from the norm, a city adventure! Think about it...
You make it into the city, and you two are immediately awed by the sky high buildings, the incredible, flashing lights, and people from around the world! After checking into your hotel, you immediately start making plans for the day. There's SO much to see and do: a show on Broadway, a leisurely walk through Central Park, shopping on 5th Avenue, and OFCOURSE, THE ROCKETTES at Radio City Music Hall! After a great day out on the town, you go back to the hotel for a really nice couple's shower (ooh)! Then you get ready for DELICIOUS, authentic, Cuban food at Havana Central in Times Square for dinner. They make the best mojitos in town and have two floors of gorgeous interiors!
For your stay, I recommend:
The Time New York is a chic, Times Square hotel that is a rare find. It's around the corner from Times Square, but it has a slightly secluded feel, too! How is that possible, you ask?
Although it's a five minute walk to Times Square from the front entrance, The Time is closer to a quiet corner of the area. So, that means on your return from all the fun, you can have a calm, sweet, serene walk back to the hotel together. Hand-in-hand, maybe? Huh? Huh? Wink. Wink. Kissy. Kissy. Ha!
Walk inside and take the elevator up to the lobby, where modern, posh furniture will meet you. Arrive at the check-in desk and look up at the wall. There's a HUGE clock/art installation made of hundreds of pieces that flip quickly to tell you the time! Hence, the name of the hotel. Once in your room, expect
mod-style furnishings, great lighting options (play with the different lamps!), comfy pillows, and a mirror that doubles as your TV! Yep, that's right--your TV! The establishment also boasts of a trendy lounge on the mezzanine and Serafina, a charming Italian restaurant on the first floor. Oh, and there's a Broadway theatre right across the street! Take your wife or husband to The Time and haaaave the time of your lives! Hahahah! I had to do it.
Notable Mentions:
New Jersey- Mason Cottage, Cape May
Pennsylvania- Club Quarters Hotel, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia
So, now that you know where to go, let me help you get there. Use the app, HotelTonight, to find a great, last minute deal for your hotel.
The app is specifically geared toward last minute travel. The closer you are to your travel date, the better the deals may be. The reason why is because hotels get desperate to fill empty rooms if they sit too long. So, many hotels are willing to give deep discounts to get your business. If you don't find your hotel listed or don't like the price, contact the hotel directly. Let them know you tried the app and couldn't find them or a good enough price. Ask if they have any last minute deals to offer. One hotel gave me a better deal than the app once! Other great apps to try:
Hopper is great for low prices on hotels, flights, and rental cars. What makes Hopper special is it tracks prices and alerts you when your price goes down! Expedia is great for finding good deals on flights. All three apps are worth storing on your phone for future travel. You can earn points with every trip you book and convert those points into discounts on future travel! I've had $20 taken off each night on HotelTonight before! The point system works!
Okay, now you know where to go and how to get there. The rest...
IS UP TO THE BOTH OF YOU!
(make me proud)
God bless always and HAVE FUN!
~From Brown Girl In The World
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