For some people, the sandy beaches and tropical breezes of an island paradise are the end all and be all of honeymoon planning.
For others, an exciting seasonal adventure is much more exciting. The east coast of the United States is a rich, cultured place—from the bright lights of New York City to the dramatic bluffs and rocky beaches of Massachusetts.
If you already live near the east coast, your choice to visit its historic and natural sights is an eco-friendly one. Whether you want a cosmopolitan experience—dressing up in black tie for an evening of gourmet food and world class entertainment—or you want to commune with nature—gliding in a wooden canoe over the rippling waters of the Connecticut River—the east coast can deliver.
Here are some ideas:
Historic Boston
I grew up in Boston, riding my bike down the cobbled streets by the bay. It’s an old city and it has remained true to its roots. Many neighborhoods boast buildings that are hundreds of years old. It’s easy to imagine yourself in another time, walking arm in arm with your new husband as horse-drawn buggies bounce along beside you.
Boston has about a million romantic possibilities. Spend the day at the New England Aquarium marveling at the wonders of the ocean. Roam the halls of the world-class Museum of Fine Arts, ogling the Monets and van Goghs. Spend an intimate night at one of the city’s old-world Italian restaurants where 50-year-old wines complement scallops, lobster, and freshly made pasta. Window shop on Newberry, have an impromptu picnic at the Arnold Arboretum, take in the street performers in Harvard Square, or simply walk the lovely narrow streets.
Bustling New York City
Like Boston, New York City has so much to do it boggles the mind. The city is full of beautiful old hotels including the historic Chelsea Hotel where artists of all sorts used to live and work. Or, for true luxury, check out the famous Four Seasons where plush bathrobes, marble fixtures, feather beds, and giant bathtubs can keep you busy for days.
Both of these hotels take measures to protect the environment and both are in extraordinary neighborhoods. Take in a Broadway show, see some incredible live music, and watch the city pulse from atop the Empire State Building.
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore is a city for lovers. The waterfront is lined with incredible restaurants and exciting nightlife while hotels like the Pier 5 offer eco-friendly luxury (in addition to their low-water toilets, they donate money to a local nature conservancy for every day that you decline housekeeping). One of my favorite Baltimore sights is the Edgar Allen Poe House and Museum, particularly fun and spooky around Halloween when they offer special ghost tours of the surrounding area.
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