When planning your honeymoon, you may want to consider some unusual destinations to create a memorable and affordable getaway. Towns with unique personalities tend to offer attractions or special events that you can’t find elsewhere, so be sure to check the calendar of events through the local visitor’s bureau or Chamber of Commerce.
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
This northern Ohio town is an active main street community, preserving the history and architecture of their past. Organizations of the town plan events and projects year-round, welcoming visitors to a beautiful slice of Americana life.
The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, comprised of local volunteers, provides delightful entertainment year-round. Check their calendar to see what’s playing while you’re in town, and if you’re honeymooning anytime in 2011, be sure to check out their First Thursday events.
Best time to visit: Spring and summer highlight the arts, home, and garden; but with the October- and Octuba-fest in the Fall and the Holiday Traditions in November and December, a visit any time of year is sure to please.
Ferndale, California
Billed as the “best preserved Victorian village in California,” a Ferndale honeymoon is sure to be a highlight of your married life for years to come. Just be sure to take your camera to capture some of the sights along the way.
February is a fun month in Ferndale. The town’s volunteer firemen compete in Firefighter’s Games, using old-fashioned equipment for a bucketful of laughs. Flea markets, pancake breakfasts, art exhibits, fairs, festivals, and musical productions keep Ferndale a happening - and hopping - destination.
Best time to visit: Year-round; there’s always some type of activity going on in Ferndale.
Guthrie, Oklahoma
If you have a November or December wedding planned, Guthrie, Oklahoma makes a great honeymoon destination. This historical town transforms itself into a Dickens’ village, complete with carolers, merchants, and residents in period costume. You’ll want to get tickets for the annual play performance at the Pollard Theatre.
Best time to visit: November and December for a Dickens’ kind of Christmas; April to experience the history of the town with “‘89er Days;” November for Statehood Celebration Days. Summer months feature regular rodeo events at the Lazy E Arena.
Torrey, Utah
This central Utah town is located just eight miles from Capital Reef National Park. Horseback riding, fly-fishing, ATVing, and hiking in this area provide a rich experience you’ll recall for years to come. The beautiful lakes, mountains, canyons, and forests of Torrey create a majestic backdrop for great photos, and opportunities for plenty of outdoor adventures.
Best time to visit Torrey: March to October for the most access to all attractions; many close during the winter months.
Finger Lakes, New York
The Finger Lakes, a region of New York just 75 miles from Niagara Falls, is a year-round playground consisting of 11 lakes. The six major lakes are: Canandaigua, Keuka, Seneca, Cayuga, Owasco, and Skaneateles.
The activities of the area are limited only by your imagination and the season.
A few highlights of the area include the spring Skaneateles’ Festival Chamber Music by the Lake and Seneca Lake’s Trout Derby every Memorial Day weekend. Engage a horse-drawn sleigh January to March and partake in various events and specials during February, the declared “Romance Month” in Canandaigua. Keuka sponsors the Native American Festival of Lights each September and the largest team triathlon in the United States takes place each August in Owasco. Experience the tallest waterfall in the eastern part of the country at Taughannock Falls on Cayuga Lake.
Best time to visit: Any time of year, depending on your interests.
Custer, South Dakota
If caves, cowboys, buffaloes, and Presidents don’t intrigue you, what about Crazy Horse, Native Americans, chuck wagons, and the Flintstones? The Black Hills of South Dakota offer a memorable vacation filled with one-of-a-kind experiences. Custer makes a great central location for you to visit Mount Rushmore, the Crazy Horse Memorial, and Custer State Park. Be sure to take in a chuck wagon dinner during your visit.
Remember your childhood with a visit to Flintstone’s Bedrock City Theme Park and Campground. You can explore the whimsical amusement park for a day, or extend your stay at the campground facilities. Pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin - all for very reasonable rates.
Best time to visit: May through September.
An unusual honeymoon destination will give you and your mate an opportunity to explore and discover new things in ways you’d never imagine. Try local foods, visit hometown stores, and participate in their yearly events. Live like a local and the memories you build during your time there will last you a lifetime, and one day, you may find yourself longing to return to recapture those special moments.
If you live in the southern United States, or just have a longing to visit, be sure to check out these Uniquely Southern Honeymoon Destinations.
Tracy Ruckman - Tracy Ruckman is a freelance writer and non-traditional student, with a passion for learning, exploring, and asking tough questions.
