Currently typing this from my cozy cabin in Missouri while my boyfriend tries to figure out how to start a fire (spoiler: we ordered DoorDash instead) 😅
Hey gorgeous humans! Your girl is BACK with another travel guide that’s about to change your love life forever. I know, I know – when you think “romantic getaway,” the Midwest probably isn’t the first place that pops into your head. But trust me on this one – I’ve been exploring these hidden gems for months now, and let me tell you, the Midwest has some SERIOUS romantic energy that’ll have you questioning why you ever thought you needed Paris to feel the butterflies.
So grab your favorite latte (mine’s a oat milk cortado with an extra shot because I’m basic like that), and let’s dive into five destinations that are about to become your new couple goals backdrop! ✨
1. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Where College Town Meets Sophisticated AF 🎓
Y’all, I was NOT prepared for how much I’d fall in love with Ann Arbor. Like, we went thinking it would be cute but pretty low-key, and ended up extending our stay because we couldn’t tear ourselves away from this place!
Why My Heart (and Camera Roll) Exploded:
Nichols Arboretum – Okay, this place during peony season? UNMATCHED. I’m talking full-on fairy tale vibes. We spent an entire afternoon here taking photos (yes, I brought my ring light – don’t judge me), and I swear every corner looks like it was designed by Pinterest itself. Pro tip: go during golden hour for the most dreamy shots!
The Law Quad – Giving major Harry Potter energy but make it romantic. This is where I got some of my favorite couple photos EVER. The architecture is so dramatic and moody – perfect for that “we’re mysterious and cultured” aesthetic we’re all going for.
Downtown Food Scene – Can we talk about how GOOD we ate?! Aventura has these tapas that are literally art on a plate, and don’t even get me started on the oysters at Black Pearl (yes, they’re an aphrodisiac, no, I’m not embarrassed). We ended up at Blue Llama Jazz Club afterward and honestly felt like we were in a movie.
Where We Stayed: Graduate Ann Arbor because hello, retro vibes and the BEST lighting for getting ready content. Plus, Weber’s has this indoor saltwater pool that made me feel like I was at a luxury resort, not in Michigan!
Real talk: Ann Arbor surprised me so much that I’m already planning our next trip back. The energy here is just different – it’s giving main character energy, you know?
2. Stillwater, Minnesota: River Town Romance That Hits Different 🚤
Besties, if you’re looking for that small-town charm but with actual things to do (because let’s be real, some small towns are just… not it), Stillwater is YOUR PLACE.
Why We’re Obsessed:
Gondola Rides – Yes, you read that right. GONDOLA RIDES. In Minnesota! I felt like I was in Venice but without the crowds and overpriced everything. We did this at sunset and I literally cried happy tears. The content I got from this? Chef’s kiss
Seasonal Vibes – We went in fall (peak basic girl season, fight me) and did the whole apple picking thing at Aamodt’s Apple Farm. The hot air balloon ride over the fall foliage was giving main character energy, and yes, I filmed the whole thing for my Stories.
Hotel Crosby – The rooftop hot tub situation? ICONIC. We spent hours up there, and the views of the river were absolutely magical. Plus, the aesthetic is very “we’re adults who have our lives together” even though we definitely ordered room service pizza at 11 PM.
Plot twist: We also tried axe throwing at the Lumberjack Bar because apparently I’m into danger now? It was actually so fun and definitely gave us some unique date night content!
3. The Inn at Honey Run, Ohio: Adults-Only Vibes in Amish Country 🏡
Okay, this one’s for my couples who want to completely disconnect and just focus on each other (and getting amazing content with zero other people in the background).
Why This Place Ruined All Other Hotels for Me:
Honeycomb Suites – I’m not even kidding when I say these are built INTO A HILLSIDE. Like, earth-sheltered luxury? The architect understood the assignment. We had our own private patio overlooking the woods, and I felt like I was living in a fairy tale. The fireplace situation? Perfection.
Total Privacy – This is adults-only, which means no crying babies interrupting your romantic dinner or kids running around while you’re trying to get that perfect shot. Just pure, uninterrupted couple time.
Farm-to-Table Everything – The restaurant here sources everything locally, and you can actually taste the difference. Plus, the presentation is so beautiful that I definitely took photos of every single dish (sorry to the other diners, but also not sorry).
Confession: We barely left our room the first day because everything was so cozy and perfect. Sometimes you just need to lean into the hibernation energy, you know?
4. Shawnee Hills, Illinois: Wine Country Meets Adventure (My Dream Combo) 🍷
Listen, I’m a simple girl with simple needs: good wine, pretty views, and enough adventure to make my ex jealous on social media. Shawnee Hills delivered on ALL fronts.
Why This Became My New Happy Place:
Garden of the Gods – These rock formations are literally breathtaking. We hiked here for sunrise (okay, I complained the whole way but it was worth it), and the views were so epic that I understood why people wake up early for this stuff. The golden hour lighting here is UNREAL.
Shawnee Hills Wine Trail – Y’all, day drinking with a purpose! We spent an entire afternoon hopping between family-owned wineries, and each one had the most charming outdoor seating areas. I felt very sophisticated and cultured, even though I definitely got a little too tipsy and overshared on my Stories.
Lake Life – We stayed at this adorable cabin right by Lake Sara, and the mornings spent on the water with coffee were pure magic. Plus, the sunset views from our deck were giving all the romantic movie vibes.
Real talk: This trip made me realize I might be a wine person now? Like, I actually know what tannins are and have opinions about them.
5. Door County, Wisconsin: Coastal Romance in America’s Cape Cod 🌊
Okay besties, I saved the BEST for last! Door County is literally known as one of the best places for a romantic getaway in Wisconsin, and after spending a long weekend there, I can confirm it’s giving major European coastal vibes but without the jet lag!
Why This Place Stole My Whole Heart:
Waterfront Everything – The miles of coastline and breathtaking sunsets over Lake Michigan are absolutely unmatched. We stayed at this cute little cottage right on Eagle Harbor, and I swear every morning felt like a painting. The sunrises? Chef’s kiss
Charming Small Towns – Each little town has its own personality! We hopped between Ephraim (giving quaint New England energy), Fish Creek (artsy and adorable), and Egg Harbor (sophisticated coastal vibes). Every stop was photo-worthy and had the cutest local shops.
Adults-Only Luxury – The Ashbrooke Hotel is one of the only Door County hotels that cater to couples and adults only, making it perfect for that romantic getaway energy without any distractions. The rooms are GORGEOUS and the service made us feel like celebrities.
Adventure + Relaxation – We went kayaking in the caves (iconic!), experienced galleries and theaters, and spent hours just unwinding at waterfront resorts. Plus, the state parks provided the most stunning backdrops for our couple photos.
Real talk: Door County surprised me because it feels like you’re vacationing in Maine or the Hamptons, but it’s so much more accessible and affordable. The coastal cottage aesthetic here is EVERYTHING.
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