You’re married! Congratulations! Now what?
I agree with you—Italy, Australia, and Hawaii are all extraordinary honeymoon destinations. Travel far away, enjoy grand experiences, and see places you never have before. Go big or go home, right? Wrong. There are many beautiful, charming, local destinations for you and your partner to indulge in while you celebrate the knot you just tied. Whether you want a quiet, down-to-earth cabin or a lavish trip with fancy dining and spa amenities, upstate New York has got you covered.
Even if you’re not honeymooning, these spots are perfect for a romantic getaway any time of the year.
Niagara Falls
Newlyweds have been celebrating at Niagara Falls for more than 200 years (literally—Napoleon Bonaparte’s brother honeymooned here in 1804); why stop now? This iconic location is part of the oldest state park in the United States. Of course, the falls are still the main attraction; couples can “explore the roar” while riding the Maid of the Mist or get up close and personal by venturing through the Cave of the Winds, which is open year-round. Just grab a poncho and your partner’s hand, and you’ll be all set.
There are numerous dining options by the falls and the Niagara Wine Trail is just minutes away. Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery and the Winery at Marjim Manor are two of the many wineries close by.
Ditch the poncho for a cozy robe and a bottle of wine and end your evening at one of Niagara’s romantic hotels. The Giacomo features special packages such as the Honeymoon Package, the Sweetheart Package, and A Night of Romance Package that offer extras like chocolates, champagne, and rose petals that will make your evening that much more special.
With endless activities and beautiful scenery all year round, Niagara Falls makes for the perfect getaway.
Skaneateles Lake
Photo by Sarah Killip
If you’re into boating, swimming, or just being by the water, the crystal-clear blue-green hue of this lake is perfect for you and your water bug. It’s really one of the most beautiful bodies of water in the area, and when it comes to renting a place to stay, the options are just as stunning.
Airbnb is a great place to browse through the endless lake houses and cottages available for rent. I was able to stay at one for a few days last summer, and it truly was everything I could have hoped for. Some renters offer kayaks or paddle boards included with their property, but places such as Skaneateles Lake Boat Rental and Skaneateles Marina can provide you with whatever water toys you might need. You can even rent your own pontoon boat for a week and take it back to your rented cottage. How cool is that?
The town of Skaneateles is quaint, charming, and lined with local shops and restaurants perfect for an evening out. Anyela’s Vineyard is located on the west side of the lake and offers tastings and all kinds of wine and spirits—you know, the necessities. It’s a beautiful location to spend the afternoon, that is, if you can pull yourself away from the water.
The Quiet Place
Trout Run at the Quiet Place
With more than twenty cabins and cottages spread out among the Finger Lakes Wine Region, the Quiet Place has all the charm you and your partner are looking for. There are properties suited for two, four, or six guests, each one secluded enough for visitors to enjoy the space in private. Husband and wife duo Mark and Catie Tortarella took over ownership of the Quiet Place in 2021 and have been providing serene getaways since.
“Our cabins provide much needed respite for our guests to relax and reconnect. And the fact that nearly all our properties have hot tubs helps too,” Catie says. “Each property is located on our privately owned land and within a ten-to-fifteen-minute drive to the picturesque town of Naples.”
The Quiet Place began in 2000 with just one small cabin, the Bloomfield Cabin, and it’s a must see. This cabin is rustic yet modern, with log-stacked walls surrounding a sleek, relaxing tub, a brick fireplace contrasting a newly renovated and spacious kitchen with white backsplash and black iron touches, and an outdoor firepit surrounded by luminous pines. Only twenty minutes from Bristol Mountain, it’s the perfect location for a ski getaway, close enough to home but still tucked away. It’s also located right by the Canandaigua Wine trail, Canandaigua Lake—which offers paddle boarding, kayaking, windsurfing, SCUBA, and lunch and dinner cruises—and a plethora of cafés and restaurants for any and every kind of dining experience.
“The Bloomfield Cabin, central to Naples and Canandaigua, has an added bonus of being close to some of the best craft breweries in upstate New York: Other Half, Irish Mafia, and Noble Shepherd,” she says.
Trout Run Cabin in Naples is just as eye-catching. This cabin is strictly rustic with wood walls, floors, ceilings, and beams. Its stone fireplace and forest décor really make it feel like a cozy mountain escape. Not only is there a hydrotherapy “champagne” tub, there’s a jetted hot tub located on the deck as well. Situated on more than twenty acres with hiking trails, this cabin shouldn’t be passed up.
“There are so many great places in the Finger Lakes, but Naples is a hidden gem that we recommend to all of our guests looking for local eateries, breweries, and wineries,” Catie says. “Some of our favorites include Roots Cafe, Neopolitan Pizzeria, Arbor Hill, Hazlitt Winery, Old Town Cafe, Caruso’s Café, Hollerhorn Distillery, and Naples Brewing Company … so, honestly, anywhere in Naples!”
Specific addresses to the cabins are not provided until guests have booked and paid in full. Catie and Mark can be contacted at 657-4643 or [email protected]. More information is available at thequietplace.com.
The Sagamore Resort
Looking for something of a little different speed? The Sagamore Resort in Lake George features upscale amenities with a rich heritage. Stay in a classic hotel room or suite, different-sized lodge-styled housing, two or four-bedroom condos, the First House (featuring an expansive porch and patio), or the “castle” with six bedrooms. Each location offers stunning lake views.
Perfect for any nature lover, this escape is located in the midst of New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The resort offers hiking trails, boat tours, a zero-edge pool, tennis courts, an eighteen-hole golf course with a practice range, professional instruction, a pro shop, and a spa with facial and body treatments as well as head-to-toe massage options. What more could you ask for? Oh, dining. Don’t worry, you won’t go hungry while staying at the Sagamore. With eight sessional restaurants on property, you don’t even need to leave the comfort of “home” to find a good meal.
The Sagamore Resort is located at 110 Sagamore Road. in Bolton Landing. The resort can be reached at (518) 644-9400 or via email at [email protected]. More specific contact and amenity information can be found online at opalcollection.com/sagamore.
The opportunities in this region are endless, affordable, and can be suited to perfectly match your desires. And if you and your partner are locals at heart, there’s no better place to celebrate love than in the area you call home.
