6. Fairhope, Alabama
This charming village nestles on the eastern shore of Mobile Bay like an idealized, movie-set small town. Blossoms burst from planters and flower boxes along every block of the tree-shaded downtown. Wrought-iron balconies lend a bit of New Orleans flavor—appropriate for a community that celebrates Mardi Gras with a half-dozen parades spread over more than two weeks. Couples could spend days contentedly browsing the boutiques, art galleries, antiques shops, parks, and, most deliciously, the restaurants. Day’s end brings a beautiful bonus: sunset over the bay; 251/928-2136 or cofairhope.com.7. Cannon Beach, Oregon
Cannon Beach encapsulates everything that makes the Pacific Northwest such an enticing escape. Rugged mountains, 9 miles of beach, and the 235-foot offshore monolith known as Haystack Rock provide awe-inspiring natural beauty. Lovers of the outdoors can hike the nearby state park forests or just fly kites on the shore. The town itself, with its wooden sidewalks and cedar-shingled buildings, has become a haven for artists and craftspeople. Boutiques, bookstores, gourmet food shops, and some excellent restaurants cater to those creative types and the visitors they attract; 503/436-2623 or el.com/to/cannonbeach.
8. St. Michaels, Maryland
Some say that tourist hordes have ruined this quaint enclave on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We disagree. Centuries of extracting sustenance and profit from the Chesapeake Bay have left a hardworking heritage that resists gentrification. After checking out the chic shops and pricey antiques on Talbot Street, explore the narrow side streets. Soak up the history. Enjoy the idiosyncratic jumble of architecture. The old-time watermen who once worked (and roistered) here might look askance at today’s spas and posh lodgings. But they would certainly appreciate the still-plentiful views of their beloved bay—and the crab cakes; 800/808-7622 or stmichaelsmd.org.
9. La Jolla, California
Even the name of this Mediterranean-feel beach town just north of San Diego promises romance. La Jolla (pronounced “la HOY-uh”) in Spanish means “the jewel.” This particular gem offers several glittering facets: exclusive shopping, lavish dining, lots of arts and cultural attractions, and a sumptuous stretch of beach. The hilly terrain provides plenty of vantage points for enjoying the view. The water also invites surfing, swimming, or snorkeling to view the abundant marine life; 858/454-1444 or lajolla.com.
10. Outer Banks, North Carolina
The Outer Banks offers the most elementally “out there” experience of any bridge-accessible U.S. destination. Standing on a thin ribbon of sand, with the mainland out of sight over the western horizon and burly Atlantic Ocean waves thundering in from the east, you truly feel untethered from your everyday world. Such towns as Nags Head, Kitty Hawk, and Kill Devil Hills offer plenty of tourist pleasures. But it’s also easy to sneak away and find your own private stretch of beach, with vivid stars overhead, moonlight-silvered surf at your feet, the sea breeze tousling your hair—and magic ready to happen; 877/629-4386 or outerbanks.org.
(published January/February 2007)
ALSO:
Top 10 Romantic Places (2006)
