Romantic Weekend Escapes Near Raleigh

You might think you need to leave the Triangle area for a romantic weekend getaway, but that's just not true. There are several escapes in and around Raleigh where you and your sweetheart can spend a romantic weekend. Despite having the beach a few hours to your East and the mountains a few hours to your West, there are in fact great escapes in your own backyard! Raleigh is big enough that you don't even have to leave town to have a wonderful weekend with your true love. Go ahead, leave the kids with the sitter and put all your stressful workload aside - let me share a few nearby romantic ideas with you that you just may be overlooking.

The Oakwood Inn Bed and Breakfast is waiting for you on Bloodworth Street. Oakwood has been voted best in several areas including best staff, best tourist hotel, and best Bed & Breakfast. It is situated in the quaint Oakwood neighborhood of Raleigh and has all the looks and features of a Victorian-era home. Your elegant room will have a working fireplace, refrigerator full of wine, and a gorgeous sleigh bed. The romantic bed and breakfast features a Weekend Relaxer package which gives you a two nights stay (Friday and Saturday), fresh fruit basket, and a one-hour massage for both of you on Saturday morning in your very own room. There's also a full morning breakfast available.

Another option is the Hampton Inn Raleigh - Crabtree Valley hotel on Glenwood Avenue. This modern hotel offers couples a choice of a special Sweetheart package or the Romance package. Both packages include delicate chocolates, top quality champagne, and fresh flowers in your room. The Sweetheart package will place you in the hotel's more "deluxe" room (one with more space and features), while the Romantic package gives a room with a whirlpool. Although you aren't in walking distance to downtown Raleigh's amorous offerings here compared to the Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast, the Hampton Inn Raleigh-Crabtree Valley provides you and your lover plenty of space and quiet time so you both can spend your romantic weekend escape snuggled up together in your room.

During your romance-filled weekend, take a stroll around the Raleigh area - there are several parks and museums nearby to enjoy together. Pullen Park is one of my favorites. Pullen Park has been called the "Central Park" of Raleigh. It has a carousel from the 1912, which still runs, train rides, kiddie-type boats, and many benches for you both to cuddle and enjoy the green acres. It is the perfect opportunity for a quiet, romantic walk underneath the towering trees, holding hands.

The Progress Center for the Performing Arts, also known as Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, always has hit shows going on all year long. From Broadway shows to musical concerts, there is sure to be something interesting for you and your better half to attend together. Some of the current scheduled events include Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Movin' Out, both of which represent the Broadway Series South program, Ron White's comedy act, and performances by the NC Symphony. Tickets can be purchased at the door or through Ticketmaster locations.

Stop and think about the things you and your sweetheart like doing together and what makes him/her happy. Again, I state that your own city of Raleigh has everything you need for a dream romantic weekend getaway. I just presented you with a few romantic ideas around town, but if you are still wondering and seeking more ideas, do some research and browse online for nearby activities and lodging that fits your loving wishes for a perfect romantic weekend escape.