Country inn escape
At Canoe Bay, near Chetek, Wisconsin, couples come to hide away on honeymoons or rekindle relationships in 23 rooms and cottages around Lake Wahdoon. Favorite winter activities include snowshoeing on the 280-acre property, horse-drawn sleigh rides at a nearby farm, in-room relaxation massages, and reading (the resort has an extensive library). Breakfast comes to rooms discreetly each morning, adding to the getaway's atmosphere.
City getaway
The Art Deco Hotel Phillips in Kansas City, Missouri, was renovated in 2001 but kept its original 1931 design. Sweeping twin staircases and marble floors lead to comfortably elegant rooms. Out on the town, couples sneak midnight kisses under the famed clock at historic Union Station, shop at the glass-sheathed Crown Center and eat at Skies, a revolving restaurant on the Hyatt Regency's 40th floor.
More to enjoy in Kansas City
Also in Kansas City:
-- Twirl on the ice rink at Crown Center
-- Take an audio tour at Union Station to learn about the station's history
-- Explore the world-class Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
-- See the National World War I Museum at Liberty Memorial Museum
-- Enjoy The Blue Room, which features Kansas City jazz inside the American Jazz Museum
-- Listen to live music on weekends in The Drum Room, a local classic, in the redone Hilton President hotel
Kiss in Kansas
Circle S Guest Ranch and Inn is anything but rustic. In a barnlike lodge surrounded by rolling prairie north of Lawrence, 12 beautifully appointed rooms await (five have fireplaces and whirlpools). Guests settle into rockers on the long porch and hike trails that lead to pastures where cattle and buffalo graze.
Love in the Windy City
Indulge in the romance package at the Park Hyatt along the Magnificent Mile and splurge on dinner at the hotel's acclaimed NoMi (on average, at least one couple gets engaged there each week). Or reserve a table at Everest. On request, Chef Jean Joho will create a dessert with a ring baked in.
Other Illinois hot spots:
-- Ice skate at Chicago's Millennium Park.
-- Observe wintering eagles along the Great River Road near Alton in southern Illinois.
--Share fondue at Geja's Cafe in Chicago.
Minnesota nice
Snowy cross-country ski trails, cabins with hot tubs and excellent food compete for couples' attention at Gunflint Lodge, tucked into northeast Minnesota's wilderness. Book the Full Moon Lover's Weekend, and bask in the moonlight from a hot tub. Appetizers and wine are delivered to your cabin before dinner, and all meals are included.
Sparks in Cincinnati
The stylish, four-diamond Cincinnatian Hotel makes an excellent base for a downtown getaway. Book dinner at the renovated 1890s hotel's Palace restaurant or the newer Jean-Robert's Table. Within walking distance: shopping, the theater district and the riverfront, with the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
More Ohio getaways
Glenlaurel Inn caters to couples in Ohio's Hocking Hills area, 55 miles southeast of Columbus. Retreat to nicely appointed cottages and rooms, some with hot tubs and some with two-person whirlpools. Guests can make reservations for five- or seven-course dinners. Private trails lead through the woods.
Or take a trip to the city and book the Chocolate Lovers Package at The Lofts in Columbus. The bundle includes an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast, two chocolate massages, a rose petal turndown and a champagne and chocolate nightcap.
Magic in Minneapolis
Settle in at the Nicollet Island Inn, with 24 recently updated guest rooms. In addition to the candlelit dinners and superb city views, this renovated warehouse on an island in the Mississippi River claims a great location in the heart of the hip river district. It's an easy stroll to the historic warehouse district, the Guthrie Theater, the Stone Arch Bridge and the Mill City Museum. Wait until evening for a horse-drawn carriage ride along the Mississippi.
Also in Minneapolis: Be sure to visit the "Kissing Room" of The Local pub, a Minneapolis dating tradition.
A Midwest affair
Spend more time with your sweetie at these other Midwest getaways:
-- Watch a sunset at Saugatuck, Michigan's, Oval Beach (left).
-- Take a snowy stroll through the Japanese Garden at St. Louis' Missouri Botanical Garden.
-- Find your way together through Harmonist Labyrinth in New Harmony, Indiana.
-- Snuggle in a horse-drawn sleigh at northern Michigan's Garland Resort.
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