For Romance, Stay at the Honeymoon Capitals

Trying to decide where to honeymoon? Well, let’s face it, the honeymoon world is your oyster, as you have a mind numbing number of options. So, why not narrow your list to the unofficial “Honeymoon Capitals”: Niagara Falls, The Poconos in Pennsylvania; and Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls has long been known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World.” Some of the earliest honeymooning couples include Theodosia Burr, daughter of U.S. Vice-President Aaron Burr (yes, that Aaron Burr), who honeymooned with her new husband, Joseph Aliston in 1802, and Jerome Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon (yes, that Napoleon), who honeymooned with his new wife, Elizabeth Patterson in 1804.

It may not be the tallest waterfall in the world, but it is certainly the most famous, located on the border between the New York and Ontario. Niagara Falls is actually a collection of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (called by some the Canadian Falls), the American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls, with Horseshoe Falls considered the most spectacular of the three.

The Pocono Mountains:

Did you know the Pocono Mountains is also referred to as "The Honeymoon Capital of the World"? Well, it’s true. As a matter of fact, over 200,000 honeymooning couples each year choose to begin their married life in the Pocono Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania, which boasts 2,400 square miles of wooded peaks and valleys with crystal clear lakes, rushing rivers, and some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the eastern United States.

The Poconos specializes in honeymoons, with several adult-only resorts available, as well as spas for those who love to be pampered. Choosing a cabin in the Poconos affords you privacy and romance, with access to all the fine spas and restaurants that will make your honeymoon even more special.

If you want to venture out of your cabin or resort there are numerous activities in the Poconos to keep you busy: hiking, biking, boating, golf, tennis, sightseeing, horseback riding, swimming, skiing, sledding, and snowmobiling.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee – Great Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg is known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the South,” so you know it must have great amenities for honeymooners. Gatlinburg is adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which receives approximately 9 million visitors per year. The reason the area receives so many visitors is the incredible beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, as well as the availability of lodging and services in nearby Gatlinburg. But, don’t let the number of visitors scare you away. A cabin in Gatlinburg will give you the privacy you need for your honeymoon.

Cabins in Gatlinburg are some of the most luxurious around. For example, America’s Cabins, Inc. have honeymoon cabins available with heart-shaped jacuzzi tubs, hot tubs on outside decks overlooking spectacular mountain scenery, pool tables, washer/dryers, cable and fireplaces. They can be reached at 800-900-7717.

The benefit of staying in one of the “Honeymoon Capitals” is that the businesses are geared to service honeymooners, and you can probably find many different honeymoon packages which can save you money. And, besides, isn’t it just cool to say you honeymooned in the “Honeymoon Capital” of somewhere?

by: Diane McCalley