Honeymoons & Romantic Getaways Off the Beaten Path

Honeymoons and Romantic Getaways Off the Beaten Path

Typically when a bride or groom are asked what their chosen honeymoon destination will be, the response is something like; a cruise, a tropical destination or a luxurious resort. This article is not for those people. We set out to find interesting destinations that were both far from the norm, but well worth the extra effort to get there.

Let’s Go ‘Glamping’!

Joanna Cahill is the owner of Asheville Glamping. On her website, she defines the term as “still camping with some, but not all, added amenities. We offer everything from tree houses and tent cabins, to vintage trailers and dome rentals with mountain views that will make you never want to leave!”

Located about 10 miles outside of Asheville, NC, Asheville Glamping offers seclusion, its own view of the smoky mountains and the opportunity to get just a little closer to nature. “Honeymooners can expect to experience the outdoors in a whole new way,” Cahill told CM. “We offer a fun alternative to traditional hotels while allowing our guests to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.”

With prices starting at $175 dollars a night for their smallest dome, on up to $450 dollars a night for their largest dome (which is equipped with its own slide, by the way) that sleeps up to eight, they have something for couples, as well as families.

If privacy is your concern, Cahill says it is not an issue. “Only the windows are clear (rather than the whole dome itself) and domes that face other sites have curtains. The two domes without curtains are high up on hills with only mountains in the view. The largest Dome also has a Master bedroom inside with a door,” she explained.

So, you just dropped all this money on a wedding and now you’re going to stay out in the woods? We asked Cahill, “What’s the appeal?” “Our sites are unique and whimsical. Unlike a chain experience, everything we offer is different and unique. When I was a kid playing in the woods around my house, I used to be obsessed with building tree houses and forts,” She said. “I started this business in 2012 because I grew up camping and have always been fascinated with whimsical structures and alternative homes. As I grew up, I realized we are no

“Honeymooners can expect to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. We offer a fun alternative to traditional hotels while allowing our guests to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.” —Joanna Cahill

Photos Courtesy: Asheville Glamping

longer encouraged to use our imaginations and play! Our sites are designed to spark the adult imagination and brings that playfulness back.”

Cahill also says she feels fortunate people have embraced the business she runs with her fiancé, Patrick Lovett. “We now run Asheville Glamping together and look forward to expanding our unique offerings even more in the coming years! (This month) we’ll be introducing our first tree house complete with multiple suspension bridges!”

For more information, visit www.ashevilleglamping.com

Not Your Grandfather’s Hunting Cabin

Imagine walking out on to your deck, which overlooks a creek, to sit in your rocking chair and sip your morning coffee or enjoy your evening glass of wine. Or how about a porch that overlooks the Appalachian landscape? We found just such a place.

Nestled in the blue ridge mountains are a couple of truly unique, custom designed cabins offering the peace and seclusion many couples desire, that go for about $220 to $240, per night, plus a cleaning fee and tax. Managed by Myung Pulver, of Unique Mountain Cabins, these little “ultimate romantic getaways” each sit on 10 acres of private forest land. It doesn’t get more secluded than that.

Unique Mountain Cabins offers just two such locations, so you will need to book in advance if you want to stay. The first is called, “Creekside Cabin. “This split-level cabin is completely private and surrounded by a creek which can be seen from every room,” says Pulver. “The master bathroom lets you take in the hills and trees through the huge

Photos courtesy: Uniquemountaincabins.com

windows while the rain shower tickles your senses. You may enjoy the luxury of a relaxing soak, while watching the sun go down in the roman whirlpool tub in the room built with all rock walls and rock floor, or, you will sit in the outdoor hot tub listening to the creek and sounds of the forest.” Pulver calls Creekside Cabin, “a perfect sanctuary to celebrate your special day or just destress your busy life.”

If taking in the scenery is your thing, then “Viewpoint Cabin” may be for you. “We discovered this beautiful point of land on a tip of our property filled with tall Virginia pine trees and mountain laurels,” Pulver explained of how they came to build this cabin. “We envisioned a cabin perched among the trees, surrounded by soft bed of mountain laurels.”

Pulver says the design of a pole house was inspired by the tall slender pines, where the poles resemble the pine trees. To drive the point home, you are greeted with a giant cedar tree in the center of the house, supporting the highest peak of the roof, as you open the front door. Then, you are immediately drawn to the unobstructed view through the huge windows.

Pulver likens the light and airy interior to feeling “suspended in air”. Inside the cabin is an open kitchen with a granite bar, wood burning fireplace in the living room, a large bedroom and a luxury bath. Outside, the view deck is perfect for enjoying the brisk morning air or bask in the warm afternoon sun on the double lounger. Or, you might curl up in the cozy window nook and catch a quiet nap holding your favorite book.

Although these cabins do offer couples seclusion, they are not completely shut off from the outside world. They are actually located in a private equestrian mountain community known as Leatherwood Mountains at the foothills of Blue Ridge Parkway.

All community roads within Leatherwood Mountains are paved and the private driveways to the cabins are also paved. The community includes about 70 miles of horse trails which can also be used for hiking. There is also a swimming pool, open from June to September; along with several other outdoor amenities.

Just in case you get “cabin fever”, Pulver says there is still lots to do in the area. “My favorite things to do are to take a scenic drive through Blue Ridge Parkway, pick a beautiful spot for picnic and leisurely stroll along easy trails or hike to the waterfalls.” Linville Falls is easy to get to from Blue Ridge Parkway and not far, as is Grandfather Mountain. Of course, couples can also venture out to Blowing Rock, which is full of quaint little shops and restaurants. Boone is nearby as well. Outdoor adventurers might enjoy the white-water rafting, canoeing or zip line adventures, which are also offered through third parties, like The Outfitters. Finally, there are several wineries within an easy drive from the cabins as well.

For more information, visit www.UniqueMountainCabins.com

A ‘Castle’ on the Water

There is a small island on the outer banks of North Carolina called, Ocracoke. The island is unincorporated and is only accessible by boat, but the way the sun sets on the water and the peace it brings is well worth the journey. The famous Ocracoke lighthouse still keeps watch for the ships offshore. And, in its shadow, is ‘The Castle on Silver Lake’. This unique bed and breakfast doesn’t have all the amenities of a fourstar resort, but it does offer the serenity and rest so many people long for.

“The Castle” was originally called the “Berkeley Castle” by Sam Jones, the originator of this building, where he simply invited guests to entertain, according to the present proprietor, Ms. Ronnie Ciccone. She says Jones loved putting gables on all his buildings to give the impression of a castle or manor, which is most likely how the 12-bedroom establishment got its name. “Tudor and colonial architecture was his favorite,” she added.

Ciccone says guests come to stay at the Castle in search of relaxation and rejuvenation and that’s exactly what they find. The location of the building is set away from the village proper but still within a short walking distance to all of local shops and restaurants. The property itself also supplies complimentary bikes and a heated swimming pool. The

Photos Courtesy: Castle on the Lake

Lake House Day Spa, located in the pool area, gives guests the benefit of a sauna and steam shower on the first level and the opportunity to get a massage (by appointment) from one of the therapists right on the property. Of course, as it is in the name, a full breakfast is offered each morning to guests and Ciccone promises, “No one goes away hungry from our breakfast.”

A stroll across the street will lend itself to watching sunsets from the viewing deck or just relaxing by the water on the docks.

But what about honeymooners and couples on a romantic getaway? Is this really for them? Ciccone says that’s an easy one. “I think that (couples) can actually enjoy each other without racing around trying to see and do everything that would be going on in

other destinations. I can only explain it in terms of there is not any one thing that is special about the Castle or Ocracoke but it is the feeling you have when you are here. Friendly, Pampered and Protected.”

“What is best is if you want to be by yourself you can and if you choose to intermingle with others that’s another option, but I think most feel they choose to come here because they don’t have the feeling of a structured vacation,” Ciccone continued. “We are proud of giving our guests the hospitality they deserve.”

For more information, visit www.thecastlebb.com

Whatever your appeal; a dome, a cabin or a “castle”, it is obvious there are more choices than a boat or a beach today. The question is, are you brave enough to try them? ■

By Jason Huddle