While spots such as Napa Valley or Maui typically come to mind when Americans think of romantic vacation destinations in the country, a new ranking based on a survey of 3,000 couples shows some spots off the beaten path.
A new list of 175 "alternative romantic destinations" from vacation blog Honeymoon Always highlights places across the U.S. that often aren't thought of when planning a romantic destination.
Although locations in Florida, California and Hawaii dominated the rankings, Illinois landed three spots on the list while one Midwest destination landed in the top 10.
Leading the rankings for Illinois was Galena at No. 78, the quaint resort town located in the far northwest region of the state, part of the "driftless area," a region primarily in Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota that is recognized for its karst geology, steep hills and forested ridges.
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Other Illinois spots to make the cut were Nauvoo at No. 146, a small city on the banks of the Mississippi River near the Iowa and Missouri borders, known for its significance to The Church of Latter Day Saints.
Rounding out the inclusions for Illinois was western suburb Wheaton at No. 152, praised for its parks and architecture along with proximity to nature trails and forest preserves.
Below is a look at the Top 10 for the best alternative romantic destinations in the U.S.:
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Paia, Hawaii
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
- Durham, North Carolina
- Mackinac Island, Michigan
- Flagstaff, Arizona
- Manchester, Vermont
Below are the other Midwestern destinations that made the cut, along with where they ranked:
- 41. Ste. Genevieve, Missouri
- 42. Chagrin Falls, Ohio
- 46. Manhattan, Kansas
- 53. Hill City, South Dakota
- 56. Stillwater, Minnesota
- 62. Pella, Iowa
- 63. Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
- 70. Atchison, Kansas
- 75. Beaver Island, Michigan
- 100. French Lick, Indiana
- 103. Hastings, Nebraska
- 112. Duluth, Minnesota
- 113. Grand Island, Nebraska
- 115. Nashville, Indiana
- 122. Deadwood, South Dakota
- 123. Door County, Wisconsin
- 124. Hermann, Missouri
- 126. Kearney, Nebraska
- 145. Leavenworth, Kansas
- 148. Red Wing, Minnesota
- 150. Spearfish, South Dakota
- 153. Custer State Park, South Dakota
- 155. Dubuque, Iowa
- 156. Grand Marais, Minnesota
- 160. Medora, North Dakota
- 175. Versailles, Indiana
More information on the full list can be found here.
