Romantic Getaways

OUR FAVORITE

Here's an insiders' guide to escapes you'll love.

Whether you're seeking the elegance of an urban hotel or the seclusion of countryside cottages, you'll be enamored by our editors' choices of some of the most enchanting accommodations in the South.

Henderson Village, Perry, Georgia

Long winter nights make for spectacular evenings at this quiet resort hidden 100 miles south of Atlanta. At Henderson Village, a collection of 19th-century lodgings near I-75 in Middle Georgia, you've found your own romantic retreat far from the crowds. Best Room: Whether you stay in one of the white wooden cottages or in a cabin with heart-pine paneling, you'll enjoy a handsome guest room. Supple sheets, plush towels, and Turkish robes welcome you, along with gas fireplaces that run on timers so you can fall asleep by the soft glow. Don't Miss: Fill your days with golfing, shooting sporting clays, or horseback riding, or choose to explore the antiques shops in nearby Perry. At The Langston House Restaurant, savor breakfast at a table on the indoor porch. But at night, request a quiet corner in one of the smaller rooms. Don't skip dessert. The chocolate ganache with chocolate ice cream makes a rich ending to the perfect day ($6). 125 South Langston Circle, Perry, GA 31069; (478) 988-8696 or 1-888-615-9722. Rates: $175-$350.

ANNETTE THOMPSON

The Rose Mansion, Salado, Texas

A frosty evening settles softly over the Central Texas town, 50 miles north of Austin. Fragrant smoke from a warming fire curls from a chimney at the 1870-vintage mansion, beautifully restored as a bed-and-breakfast. Guests stay in the main house and in rustic log cabins and cottages. Best Room: Stoke the coals in the stone fireplace, and snuggle up for the night in the Garrison Log Cabin. Don't Miss: Dining on marinated and sautéed quail ($18.95) or pan-seared salmon fillet ($18.95) at The Range, (254) 947-3828; taking A Good Time Carriage Ride, $55 for a half hour, (254) 771-2839; and browsing local shops. 903 Rose Way, Salado, TX 96513; 1-800-948-1004 or www.therosemansion. com. Rates: $100-$130. LES THOMAS

Snug Hollow Farm Bed & Breakfast, Irvine, Kentucky

Three hundred acres of rolling meadows in an Appalachian valley provide the setting for a wonderful Bluegrass getaway nestled among the hills. A large, light-filled house greeted us, as did Barbara Napier, the owner and a talented cook. Best Room: Ask for the big room upstairs. There are quilts aplenty to take away the night's chill, and the large windows let the morning sunshine gently wake you. Don't Miss: For extra privacy, stay in the log cabin close to the main house. 790 McSwain Branch, Irvine, KY 40336; (606) 723-4786 or www.snughollow.com. Rates: $100-$210. WANDA MCKINNEY

Le Pavillon Hotel, New Orleans

A stay at this gorgeous hotel puts guests just steps from the youthful bustle of the French Quarter. Le Pavilion's lobby captures all the romance of New Orleans with chandeliers the size of cars and lavish oil paintings. Best Room: The hotel has 226 rooms to choose from, but a stay in one of the 7 suites provides a glimpse of old New Orleans that few could resist. Don't Miss: Take a stroll down Bourbon Street to have dinner at Galatoire's, one of the city's most beloved and classic eateries. 833 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112; 1-800-535-9095 or www.lepavillon.com. Rates: $169-$299. MORGAN MURPHY

McBirney Mansion, Tulsa

A stately 1920s manor built on a hill overlooking the Arkansas River, McBirney Mansion successfully balances its elegance with an easing comfort that is perfect for a romantic getaway. Best Room: For a luxurious stay, the Bishop's Suite reigns with its jetted tub and gas fireplace. Also consider the four-room suite Carriage House, though, for its spaciousness and privacy. Don't Miss: At breakfast, request a table on the glass porch. The courtyard views of the sunlight breaking through the oaks and magnolias perfectly complement the house specialty, Eggs McBirney, which is a version of eggs Benedict drizzled with a tarragon-cheese sauce. 1414 South Galveston, Tulsa, OK 74127; (918) 585-3234 or www.mcbirneymansion.com. Rates: $129-$225. TANNER C. LATHAM

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Feb 2005
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