I love weddings.

We went to one last night, in fact.  Every time the couple starts saying their vows, my husband and I clutch our hands together tightly, as if renewing our vows to each other in that little squeeze.  It’s a reminder that love is meant to endure.  That those words that were said now long ago, meant something profound, and still do.  Love takes effort.  Love takes time.  And it takes a whole lotta planning these days to carve out space for just the two of us; but, it’s well worth every ounce of organizing 15 carpools to make it happen!  Why? Because we need to enjoy the journey with our spouse.  We just do.  It’s part of what makes marriage {and life} FUN!!!  We spend so much of our time in the daily routine, taking care of our “roles.” Busting out of that every once in a while to bring back that lovin’ feelin’ is a good thing!  And not only a good thing, but a necessary part of keeping our marriage where it should be on our list of priorities.

While planning a weekend getaway with my hubs, I put a little shout out on Facebook to see where my friends’ favorite romantic stops are in the West.  Here are some of the results.  I’ve commented on the ones with which we’ve had first hand experience.  I hope these hot spots motivate you to start planning!

Coeur d’Alene Resort, Coeur d’Alene, ID:  

This one is near and dear to my heart because it is in my own backyard!  I truly get to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and we often choose to stay in our own hometown for our getaways because it is so special here.

“With idyllic landscape, year-round activities, and its spectacular setting at the shore of one of America’s most beautiful lakes, it is no wonder that Coeur d’Alene has been christened the “Playground of the Northwest”.  At The Coeur d’Alene Resort we have mastered the art of relaxation. With luxurious accommodations, rejuvenating spa treatments, sumptuous cuisine, and breathtaking holiday displays, this four-star resort continues to be the destination of choice for discerning travelers worldwide.” — taken from the website

The Clark House, Hayden, ID

This is even closer to our backyard.  We LOVE LOVE LOVE The Clark House.  You feel like you’ve stepped back in time when you walk through the doors.  My husband was a history major in college and he could spend hours reading all of the newspapers and books in their lobby that describe it’s rich past.  I think my favorite part of this place is the intimate dining setting.  They give you a table by the fire, or a room all to yourselves.  Very romantic and private!

“Treat yourself to the luxury of a bygone time. Overlooking the shores of Hayden Lake, Idaho, the magnificent Clark Mansion majestically rests on a wooded 12 acre estate, a reminder of a glorious past complete with princes, presidents, power, wealth and mystery. The Clark House is conveniently located 7 miles north of Coeur d’Alene and 45 minutes from the Spokane Airport. World class ski facilities are located at Schweitzer ski resort, 1 hour north of The Clark House and at Silver Mountain 45 minutes east of Coeur d’Alene on Interstate 90.  Hayden Lake offers great swimming, boating and a variety of water sports.”  –taken from the website

Campbell’s Resort, Lake Chelan, Wa

My cousin married into the Campbell family and was married on these very shores.  It is a beautiful spot right on the lake, and is next to the downtown, which makes walking to get some good coffee in the morning a piece of cake.

“We are a fun, family Lake Chelan resort, playful, upscale, delicious. Right on the warm sandy beaches of the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Chelan.Over the top hospitality, crisp service and a one of a kind guest experience make us the best Lake Chelan resort and one of the best Washington state resorts and Washington state conference centers around.” – taken from the website

The Davenport Hotel, Spokane, Wa

The Davenport was one of those places that was finally restored after many years of neglect and it will not disappoint.  The architecture is incredible, and once again, the history fascinating.  They are also known for their incredible beds.  I’m not kidding – you could sleep a whole weekend through on those mattresses!

“With a rich history beginning in 1914, he Davenport Hotel stands today as a perfect blend of old and new, respecting the best of what was and embracing the best of what is. The old lobby fireplace burns again year-round as a symbol of hospitality. A new digital network invisibly ties every room of the hotel to the Internet. Spokane’s finest restaurant, spa, candy shop, and book store all reside under the same roof as Spokane’s finest hotel.  The Davenport Hotel is again “one of America’s exceptional hotels.” – taken from the website

The Sleeping Lady, Leavenworth, Wa

“Sleeping Lady and the land it occupies enjoy a rich and storied past. From the area’s Native American roots, to the 1930s when it was home to Camp Icicle and the Civilian Conservation Corps, to its role today as a leading Northwest destination – Sleeping Lady embodies the natural beauty and history of Leavenworth and the Wenatchee Valley.” – taken from the website

Mountain Home Lodge, Leavenworth, Wa

Trusting the reviews on TripAdvisor, my husband and I celebrated our 15 year anniversary here.  We just happened to hit the most glorious fall weekend imaginable.  Golden yellow, orange, and red leaves reflected the brilliant sunshine, shadowed by towering mountains.  Stunning is an understatement.  Octoberfest was going on, and we loved the Bavarian dancers, though we preferred the quiet beauty of the lodge most of the weekend.  It’s off the beaten path.  In fact, their daughter has to take a snowmobile down their road in the winter to get to school because it is impassable by car.  Now that’s fun.

“Set in the middle of the snow capped mountains of Leavenworth’s dramatic landscape, this warm and inviting lodge provides romance, adventure, and scenery that rivals Switzerland.” — taken from a review from a guest

The Willows Lodge, Woodinville, Wa

Our family stayed here when a family member got married down the road.  I especially loved the Lodge’s garden.  My sister worked at their restaurant right after college called “The Herb Farm.”  We got to eat there and had the dining experience of a lifetime.  It was a 3-4 hour meal with the freshest, most creative food.  It was more than dinner, it was an experience.  Reservations are a must, as they book months in advance.  I also like that it borders a biking trail that goes for miles with beautiful scenery.

“Approaching Willows Lodge, you feel it. A sense of calm. An aura of comfort and welcome. Here, in the gorgeous Woodinville Wine Country, colors seem richer, the air is fresher, and everything just tastes better. Soak in the warm outdoor Jacuzzi and indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment. Savor an incredible glass of local wine by the cozy lobby fireplace. Explore our serene gardens, abundant with native plantings, herbs and unique water features. And the incredible food. Flavors so sublime you let the taste linger just a moment longer. It’s the kind of place you’ve been dreaming about.”  - taken from the website

Marcus Whitman Hotel, Walla Walla, Wa.

I haven’t stayed here, but Walla Walla is quickly becoming Washington’s Napa Valley.  The wine tasting here is worth the trip!

“Experience the remarkable combination of history and luxury in beautiful downtown Walla Walla. From innovative food and wine pairings to state-of-the-art meeting facilities, this grand hotel offers the perfect place to enjoy a romantic wine country getaway, establish a base for exploring the Walla Walla Valley.”  -taken from the website

Cliff Houses at Cave B Winery, George, Wa.

“Cave B Inn & Spa offers breathtaking views of  estate vineyards, the Columbia River and the state’s most dramatic gorge location. Cave B Inn offers 55 guestrooms, including 15 stand-alone Cliffehouses, 12 Cavern Rooms, three Inn Suites, and 25 Yurts, as well as Tendrils Restaurant, The Spa at Cave B Inn, award-winning Cave B Estate Winery, and a dramatic cliffside outdoor swimming pool.” – taken from the website

San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara

“Guest are drawn to the Santa Barbara hideaway for its blend of natural beauty, romantic heritage, and classic luxury.” — taken from TripAdvisor

Carmel Valley Ranch, Carmel by the Sea, CA

“WITH its architectural mishmash of storybook English cottages and Swiss Alpine chalets, the small town of Carmel-by-the-Sea in Northern California resembles a Disneyland version of Europe. You half expect a bereted Parisian to saunter out of one of the ridiculously cute, Euro-themed bistros. But walk a few blocks to Carmel’s steep, sandy beach and the view is pure California: a rugged Pacific coastline spangled with rocky outcroppings, ghostly cypress trees and the electric green slopes of the famed Pebble Beach golf course. The one-square-mile village has no street lights, parking meters or even numbered addresses, but you wouldn’t call it low-key. Once a bohemian outpost for folks like Jack London, Carmel today is prime real estate, and the surrounding valley is abuzz with top-notch restaurants, boutique wineries and precious shops.” –The New York Times

The Stephanie Inn, Cannon Beach, OR

My husband is from Oregon, so we’ve been to the Oregon Coast many times.  This is one of our favorite places to stay.  Cannon Beach is a blast — the beach, the rocks, the shops, the food — there is everything to love…. unless you hit a really rainy weekend, but even then, at least you’re away without kids!

“The Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach, Oregon, is Oregon’s premier oceanfront destination. With wonderful views of majestic Haystack Rock, the vast Pacific Ocean and the awesome Oregon Coastal Range, the oceanfront Stephanie Inn combines the charm and casual elegance of a New England country inn with the sophistication of a boutique resort hotel.” — taken from the website

WestInn Villas, Scotsdale, Az

Whether relaxing at the spa, shopping downtown or golfing on one of more than 174 courses, you’ll easily find inspiration and rejuvenation in the Valley of the Sun with its unique combination of a storied past and a contemporary present.

Wetherly Inn & Spa, Salt Spring Island, BC

This photo of Wetherly Inn & Spa is courtesy of TripAdvisor

The Post Hotel, Lake Louise, Alberta

I haven’t stayed here, but we’ve been to Lake Louise several times and I think it is every bit as beautiful as Switzerland.  I can’t get over the beauty.  It is one of those places fairy tales are made of….

“Perched at 1500 metres amidst the natural wonders of Banff National Park you will find our Lake Louise lodge. Canada’s largest ski area is just minutes away and the abundance of snow is just one reason a growing number of European skiers visit the area each winter. An award winning wine list, and fresh market cuisine are featured in the renowned dining room.” — taken from the website