Georgia's Romantic Getaways

ATLANTA, January 29, 2009 - Filled to the brim with romantic destinations, resorts and special events, Georgia will keep sweethearts feeling just peachy. Taking a weekend to explore the state's romantic getaways is a sure way to set sparks flying. Historic retreats have long been a favorite couples' destination, and Savannah is renowned for its rich history. Visitors to the city's bed and breakfasts are spoiled by its long tradition of gracious southern hospitality. The Romantic Inns of Savannah is an association of these fabulous destinations that share a commitment to offering a warm welcome, romantic ambience, extraordinary surroundings and wonderful memories. Still, each has its own unique history, features, and special offerings, delivering a one-of-a-kind experience. While in Georgia's first city, take a horse-drawn carriage tour of old Savannah, one of the largest historic districts in the country, before dining on some of the best traditional southern fare around. Farther down Georgia's coast is the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island. A luxury romantic hotel on the largest of the state's Sea Islands, this 19th century mansion of the Carnegie's still offers guests a romantic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There is no internet service or cell phone reception at this unplugged retreat, completing the privacy offered by 200 acres of pristine oceanfront hotel land devoted to guest use and protected by its designation as a national seashore. This hotel rated one of Travel + Leisure's 10 Best Romantic Hotels last year offers couples a plethora of enjoyable activities: casually elegant candlelight dinners, birding, swimming, biking, hiking, boating, fishing, and an 18-mile-long white-sand beach. Additional enchanting inns draw sweethearts for their romantic atmosphere and distinguished hospitality. Traveler's Rest Bed and Breakfast in Montezuma is an 1899 Victorian home ideally suited for a romantic weekend getaway. With a Be-My-Valentine package available year-round and a reputation for outstanding customer service, lovers can leave the world behind without breaking the bank. Farther south in Thomasville is the 1884 Paxton House Inn. This Gothic Victorian bed and breakfast is on the National Register of Historic Places and is located in a sleepy, residential neighborhood. For a couple desiring comfort and privacy with a fondness for museum-quality collections, this is a gem. Spend the day testing your golf skills, antiquing, shopping, visiting a museum or simply enjoying each other's company in a historic setting. Spend the night in a luxurious suite or private cottage. Choose from one of several romance packages to heat up the stay or simply enjoy the private porches and manicured gardens. In the mountains, one will find a different type of inn at Lily Creek Lodge. A European chalet nestled in the woods near Dahlonega, Lily Creek is known for its scrumptious multi-course breakfasts. The lodge is set on acres of woodland that are full of wildlife. Beautiful gardens welcome guests, who can relax in anything from a hot tub to a treehouse when not exploring the nearby town. Small touches welcome guests in a most comfortable way: complimentary hot chocolate, hot cider, homemade cookies, and wine. And it's Valentine's Day all February long at the lodge, with a special package that includes a wine tasting at one of the local award-winning vineyards. A crackling fire, intimate atmosphere, and delightful accommodations round out a perfect romantic getaway. With 1,400 landscaped acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Barnsley Gardens Resort offers a larger alternative to a cozy bed and breakfast. Lovers can choose from an array of guest rooms and suites in 37 unique guest cottages. Take an afternoon to kayak on the lake, ride on horseback along scenic trails, explore 160-year-old gardens with heirloom roses and enjoy world-class golf. A special fireside dinner for two is available by special request, as are many other romantic touches. The Enota Mountain Retreat in the Chattahoochee National Forest is a more rustic way to get back to nature. Located just 1.5 miles away from the Appalachian Trail, couples can enjoy beautiful hikes directly from the retreat. Its closest neighbor is Georgia's tallest mountain, Brasstown Bald, just three miles away, and its 60 acres contain five unblemished streams and four waterfalls. Private cottages are available, including private waterfall rooms overlooking a 200-foot cascade. Amicalola Falls State Park is one of Georgia's most popular, boasting a 729-foot cascading waterfall – the tallest east of the Mississippi River – and a lodge with hotel-like amenities. Fall in love with the lodge's restaurant on Valentine's Day with dinner for two and a few fun surprises. Or, tuck in at The Lodge at Smithgall Woods, named a top 10 Culinary Country Inn by Bon Appétit magazine. The mouth-watering food at this elegant mountain retreat makes the visit worthwhile, while natural beauty and activities sweeten the deal. The lodge is warm and inviting, filled with fireplaces, antique furniture, oriental rugs, Native American artwork, and outdoor decks. A couple's golf getaway is only a swing away at Cuscowilla on Lake Oconee. Located in Eatonton, this golf haven overlooks the second-largest lake in Georgia. Guests will love their stay, whether they plan on hitting the greens, enjoying water sports or trekking through the aromatic pine outcroppings of the piedmont's rolling meadows. Cuscowilla sets out to provide the ultimate natural golf experience in the most comfortable way possible, making this a great destination for a pair of golf-lovers. At The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation, a number of different romance packages are available throughout the year. With opulent accommodations, lake and pool water sports, a phenomenal spa and 99 holes of championship-caliber golf, there is plenty to keep sweethearts busy. Just 40 minutes outside Atlanta is Château Élan, a 3,500-acre resort and winery known for its golf, its spa, and its food. Couples can enjoy a Romantic Retreat package complete with everything from estate-made wine to a rose petal turndown. Or, enjoy a His and Her Getaway package, with a spa massage and facial for her and a round of golf for him. Rising 73 stories above the heart of the city is The Westin Peachtree Plaza, a downtown landmark for decades. The floor-to-ceiling windows in every room create a magical ambiance as night settles in and lights come on in the city. Satisfy your cravings at a romantic downtown restaurant, and then enjoy your evening at an Atlanta Ballet performance or an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra show. Top off your night together soaking up the cityscape in the revolving Sun Dial Restaurant that crowns the hotel. These hospitable inns and romantic retreats are excellent ways to escape the rigors of everyday life. Any time of year, guests can count on a romantic getaway in Georgia to help them leave it all behind. Visit www.exploregeorgia.org to view more romantic getaway ideas. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.