50 Romantic Midwest Getaways

Celebrate your time together at the West Baden Springs Hotel (pictured) or the French Lick Springs Hotel, both part of deluxe French Lick Resort in southern Indiana. On Saturdays, have a romantic afternoon tea under the 600-foot-wide glass dome of the West Baden Springs Hotel as live harp music plays. At either resort, guests love the spacious rooms, spa with couple's massages, restaurants, golf and hiking. frenchlick.com

Stucco walls, stone fireplaces, flat-screen TVs and large travertine-tiled baths with heated floors deck the 24 suites that opened to complement the on-site restaurant. In the morning, guests brew Italian java and then enjoy fresh-baked breakfast treats (delivered in a charming wooden box) at the communal table in the shared living room. gervasivineyard.com

Yes, it's a splurge, but The Inn at Black Star Farms, 12 miles north of Traverse City, coddles you in so many ways. The 10 stellar rooms, named for stars in the sky, feature modern furnishings and luxury bedding. A bottle of house wine awaits your arrival, as does a nightly reception. A gourmet breakfast also is included in your lodging. Explore the property on a guided tour or follow a series of trails around the 160-acre estate. Ask about packages that include extras such as massages, sparkling wine, a bouquet of flowers or balloons, or chocolate-covered strawberries. blackstarfarms.com

The Langham Chicago (pictured) Impeccable service begins when a Chanel-suited staff member greets you in the Mies van der Rohe skyscraper in River North. Fine art graces the walls, and the 316 guest rooms (complete with marble baths and rain showers) are some of the most spacious in the city. Take your stay to the next level with the River North Romance package, which includes complimentary champagne, breakfast for two and discounts at luxe Chuan Spa. chicago.langhamhotels.com

The Peninsula Chicago Impeccable amenities give one of the city's luxe properties its sterling reputation, and its on-site dining offers a slice of excellence to those who can't spring for a stay. Refreshed guest rooms include state-of-the-art tablets controlling lights, room temp and the TV. Treat your sweet to the weekend Chocolate Bar, where you can indulge in cacao-based treats to your heart's content while listening to live music and sipping-what else?-a chocolate martini. chicago.peninsula.com

Waldorf-Astoria Chicago It's a boutique hotel that, frankly, doesn't feel like a hotel. And it's a thoughtful place to settle in with that special someone. Rooms boast plush king beds and amazing bathrooms that come standard with mosaic-tiled walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub; many rooms have gas fireplaces and balconies. Dine at Balsan, a classy European-style bistro highlighting the region's finest flavors. waldorfastoria.com

The resort, named for the Sanskrit word for beautiful, hides among tall pines on a winding road outside the Dells. Float through a seamless series of hot tubs, steam rooms and heated towels. Privacy is as complete as you want. Couples can take massages in the candlelit Spa Together room. Waiters carry champagne to couples at the poolside fire bowl. Though Sundara provides free chauffeur service to area entertainment, you might not choose to leave. sundaraspa.com

Pamper yourself at this luxury downtown hotel in one of Columbus' most iconic buildings, the 1927 LeVeque Tower. A $27 million renovation included a 6-floor, 150-room boutique hotel with shimmering, celestial-inspired decor. At night, savor the chocolate truffles provided with turndown service, and relax as your room's star machine turns the ceiling turn into a galaxy. hotellevequecolumbus.com

Vintage and modern touches blend to create a stellar experience at the former Detroit Fire Department Headquarters. The  boutique hotel boasts 100 rooms and the Apparatus Room restaurant. Enjoy contemporary-style rooms with made-in-Detroit decor (door handles, wallpaper, leather trays) as well as beautifully restored features in the lobby and exterior such as the red arched firehouse doors, glazed wall tiles and original flooring. You're a short walk or ride from downtown mainstays such as the RiverWalk, the lavish Art Deco Guardian Building (with free guided tours), Ford Field and Comerica Park.  detroitfoundationhotel.com

Inn at Irish Hollow (pictured) Fireplaces, whirlpools, hot tubs and a gourmet breakfast will pamper you in the luxurious accommodations at this inn. Choose from five private guest houses or three rooms in the main inn. Guests can also opt for a seven-course candlelit dinner. Hiking (and in season, skiing) trails beckon those who want to explore nature, and nearby Galena holds many attractions as well. irishhollow.com

Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa There are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Eagle Ridge. You arrive to chocolates, a long-stem rose and champagne. Outdoorsy types can choose horseback riding, hiking, biking and then relaxing in the spa. On-site dining and other amenities mean you wouldn't have to leave Eagle Ridge; it would be a shame, though, to pass up the chance to browse in nearby historic Galena. eagleridge.com

Couples come to hide away on honeymoons or rekindle relationships in 23 rooms and cottages around Lake Wahdoon. Favorite activities include canoeing (of course), hiking or snowshoeing on the 280-acre couples-only property, taking horse-drawn carriage or sleigh rides at a nearby farm, having in-room relaxation massages and reading (the resort has an extensive library). Breakfast comes to rooms discreetly, adding to the atmosphere. canoebay.com

Inn and Spa at Cedar Falls (pictured) Rekindle romance at this charming lodge. Each of the inn's 12 cottages sits on its own 2 wooded acres; each is outfitted with a deck and a whirlpool hot tub. Gourmet meals round out a weekend of shopping, massages and owner-recommended naps! innatcedarfalls.com

Glenlaurel Inn Couples head here to enjoy each other and 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. glenlaurel.com

This resort encourages you to elope with a package including ceremony, cake, champagne, flowers and dinner. Everyone loves the attentive service and upscale pine cabins along Table Rock Lake, which make this resort an ideal place to snuggle up by the fire. big-cedar.com

Built in 1839 in what is now known as Old Main District, this recently refurbished boutique hotel appeared in The Bachelor and maintains the romantic atmosphere with a luxury spa and onsite dining at Caroline's Restaurant. Packages include champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. hoteljuliendubuque.com

This hip, retro boutique hotel is a great choice for spending the night in the Delmar Loop district. The couple's package includes champagne and strawberries, a rose petal turndown, and breakfast in bed. moonrisehotel.com

A stay at the Rivertown Inn feels just like slipping into the pages of a Victorian novel. Each of the nine intricately decorated suites and bedchambers are named for a 19th-century novelist, poet or literary figure. Especially dazzling: The Agatha Christie Grand Suite (pictured) with its Tiffany-style lamps, elegant fireplace and private outdoor garden terrace. Indulgent multicourse breakfasts include dark chocolate pancakes with Belgian chocolate sauce. rivertowninn.com

Celebrate or retreat at this five-star resort. The star of the luxurious rooms is the bed, plush with pillows and draped with a down comforter and Italian sheets. Spa services, meals and special touches make for romance. americanclubresort.com

A solarium, an outdoor pool and a workout room might eventually pull you away from the sleigh bed, the layers of pillows and custom-made bathrobes at this Neoclassical limestone home. Eventually. beigermansion.com

It's practically impossible not to relax at Bodhi Tree, whose owners wanted to create a Zen-like retreat where guests can simply breathe and be. With no TVs on site and temperamental WiFi, it's not for everyone. But it's perfect for the couple who wants to unplug. Yoga classes, Thai bodywork, float spa sessions and private yoga instruction are all available for a fee. Or, just wander the property with 50 raised organic garden beds, a small koi pond and bucolic seating areas overlooking a valley. Breakfast comes with your lodging; for lunch or dinner, downtown Athens is about a 10-minute drive away. Hikers will enjoy the proximity to the Hocking Hills, about a 20-minute drive away. bodhitreeguesthouse.com 

Enjoy harbor views after a soak in a big tub at this cozy Door County spot. Nice extras at this Baileys Harbor lodge include in-room whirlpools and gas fireplaces, plus kayaks and bikes. Choose a package to suit your event: honeymoon, anniversary, or just a quiet getaway for two. theblacksmithinn.com

Just the two of you will be coddled while surrounded by natural beauty at this resort owned and operated by the Arbor Day Foundation. Plush and comfy rooms invite you to settle in for an anniversary package, which includes dinner. liedlodge.org

This early-20th-century Italianate-style inn features the original furnishings and sunken gardens built to resemble the ruins of Pompeii, where they will set up romantic treats. Hide away in a luxurious room and indulge in hearty breakfasts. irwingardens.com

CD players hide in phonographs at this 1886 Victorian mansion. It's run by innkeepers who welcome you graciously, cook amazing frittatas and disappear when you need one-on-one time. All four tasteful guest rooms in this Mississippi River town B&B deliver sumptuous stays. alexandermansionbb.com 

Hotel Phillips  (pictured) This Art Deco hotel was renovated in 2001 but kept its original 1931 design. Sweeping twin staircases and marble floors lead to comfortably elegant rooms. Check the website for romance packages that include wine, chocolates, flowers and more. hotelphillips.com

Raphael Comfort, service and convenience are the watchwords at this rejuvenated boutique hotel in the middle of K.C.'s upscale Country Club Plaza shopping district. You can expect just the right amount of pampering at the recently renovated Raphael, from the moment the valet takes your keys until the end of the day, when you discover the chocolate chip cookies that accompany the turndown service. Rendezvous for dinner at Chaz on the Plaza for a romantic dinner. raphaelkc.com

In winter, couples on a weekend getaway at this upscale resort in the Black Hills can rent snowmobiles to travel the 350 miles of groomed trails. In summer, they hike trails to waterfalls and canyon walls. When done, cozy up by the massive hearth in the lobby and rest on pillow-top mattresses. spfcanyon.com

Head to the mountains for some romance. This resort offers packages including dinner for two with wine as well as in-room wine and strawberries. By day, golf, mountain bike, ski, tour wineries and more. The 18,500-square-foot spa promises head-to-toe pampering and wellness. crystalmountain.com

Two boutique hotels promise luxury stays in downtown Davenport: The Current Iowa in the 1910 Putnam building and the century-old Hotel Blackhawk (pictured). The Current puts the first rooftop bar in the Quad Cities; the Blackhawk includes a spa and bowling alley. Both offer packages that put a little something extra in your stay, like Paint Your Palate at The Current (champagne with chocolate-covered strawberries, perhaps?) or the Blackhaw's Ultimate Romance Package (with dining credit at Bix Bistro and two spa treatments). thecurrentiowa.com, hotelblackhawk.com

The level of pampering and attentive service matches the aesthetics at this elegant and well-maintained mansion. Sumptuous accommodations include whirlpool tubs and fireplaces in many rooms. They'll help couples celebrate honeymoons and anniversaries with special packages. beallmansion.com

The stylish Cincinnatian Hotel makes an excellent base for a romantic getaway. Book dinner at the renovated 1890s hotel's Palace restaurant or the newer Jean-Robert's Table. Or indulge in room service, popcorn and a movie and never leave your room. cincinnatianhotel.com

Garden House Bed and Breakfast (pictured) Guests enjoy whirlpool rooms and private balconies at this modern, spic-and-span B&B. Bright and airy rooms overlooking Lake Ozark offer a perfect spot for unwinding. A full breakfast is served in the dining room, or you can have it delivered to your room or private patio. thegardenhousebnb.com

Stonewater Cove Resort Guests looking for a quiet, secluded immersion into the Missouri Ozarks will enjoy the 500 acres of Stonewater Cove Resort, which in themselves are remote enough. But surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest Service land, getting away from it all is truly possible here. All this peace with elegant accommodations. stonewatercove.com/ 

Housed in a former candy factory downtown, The Charmant is the sweetest stay in La Crosse. Guests receive a free chocolate upon check-in, stay in rooms with milk chocolate-color wall accents and can buy chocolates from a 24-hour sweets bar. A classy rooftop bar serves cocktails and wood-fired pizzas, while a French-inspired restaurant with an industrial-chic vibe plates entrees like Parmesan chicken and vegetable tajine. thecharmanthotel.com

Couples looking for an upscale city retreat love this hotel. Balconies face Lake Superior's waves, and restaurants and shops fill a weekend. canalparklodge.com

Let's say you're hip. Or want to be. Then it's time to check out this boxy glass boutique hotel with a superfriendly staff and a colorful bar near the mod lobby. The 209 sumptuous rooms and suites-many with featherbeds and granite counters-come with Keurig coffee makers and motion-sensor lighting. thealexander.com

Choose from rooms, suites, cabins and townhomes in Minnesota's Brainerd Lakes region. Huge stone hearths, the Glacial Waters Spa and massive windows overlooking Gull Lake beg couples to unwind. grandviewlodge.com

Relax in luxurious rooms or guest cottages a short walk from the beach and South Haven's many restaurants, shops and other attractions. All rooms feature Victorian-esque décor, spacious modern baths and flat-screen TVs; deluxe rooms offer whirlpool tubs and gas fireplaces. You can borrow bikes to cruise around town as well as enjoy the B&B's pool and tennis court. victoriaresort.com

Pfister Hotel (pictured) Offering gracious service and style in the heart of downtown, this historical hotel specializes in honeymoons and lets couples escape from interruptions for a day. thepfisterhotel.com

The Brewhouse Inn and Suites The former brewhouse in the late 19th-century Pabst Brewery Hotel complex has found new life as a hotel, with 90 spacious guest rooms surrounding an atrium with six enormous copper brewing vats. Beer and history lovers will enjoy the ambience of the hotel as well as a visit to Jackson's Blue Ribbon Pub in the same building and a tour of Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery just across the road. brewhousesuites.com

Enjoy comfortable accommodations, great food, and a spa and a fitness center at these twin Victorian mansions in a leafy Fort Scott neighborhood. Lushly decorated, spacious rooms include amenities such as Wi-Fi, stocked mini fridges and plasma TVs. lyonstwinmansions.com

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