Need an excuse to get away and mix things up with the love of your life?
I’m sharing some romantic weekend getaways from Cincinnati, Ohio that you’ll want to add to your list.
A Romantic Getaway in Louisville, Kentucky
Cincinnati to Louisville, Ky is about 1.5 hours.
Stay downtown at the 21C Hotel in Louisville located steps away from several museums including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Muhammed Ali Center.
The hotel itself is a fusion of art museum/ boutique hotel with the main gallery open to the public.
Make sure that you plan a meal at Proof on Main connected to the hotel during your stay.
Mayan Cafe is another wonderful restaurant option to try in the NuLu district. Check out a few more unique places to eat in Louisville.
If you are feeling extra adventurous, plan a visit to Mega Cavern to zipline underground, take a tour, or challenge yourself on the underground ropes course.
Take a tour of Rabbit Hole Distillery downtown and afterward enjoy a cocktail from their beautiful rooftop balcony.
Another option is Hell or High Water speakeasy offering a seated cocktail experience in a cozy atmosphere.
A Romantic Getaway at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Kentucky
Cincinnati to Shaker Village is a little under 2 hours.
A Shaker Village getaway will return you to an appreciation of the simpler things.
Relax and learn more about the former site of a Shaker community that lived there between the years 1805-1910 that rests on 3,000 acres.
There are daily adventures that help connect activities of the past to the present.
During your stay, you can enjoy a farm to table/seed to table dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Trustees Table.
Many of the items on your plate are sourced from the garden located steps from where you dine.
Don’t leave without trying the lemon pie that’s the original Shaker recipe that uses every part of the lemon, including the rinds.
The 35 miles of hiking trails include a waterfall at Shaker Village are definitely a hidden gem on the property.
The Preserve has 1200 acres of native grasses that attract 500 plant species and diverse wildlife including 150 species of local and migrating birds.
The pace is slow and you will definitely feel well-rested mind, body, and soul after a getaway here.
If you want more of a hotel experience, I recommend staying at The Inn. The Inn is close to dining and all of the activities.
The room looks simple with Shaker reproduction furniture.
You’ll find that you still have a tv and single-cup brewing systems in your room along with access to libraries and game rooms. Save on your stay at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
There are 13 buildings and 72 overnight rooms for guests at Shaker Village. This gives you lots of options if you prefer not to stay at one of the buildings that’s even more private.
A Romantic Getaway in French Lick Indiana
French Lick, Indiana is 2.75 hours from Cincinnati
First of all, let’s get one question out of the way.
Why do they call it French Lick, Indiana?
The name “French Lick” is derived from the “mineral licks” in the area and the early French settlers.
Start off your getaway with a visit to Wilstem Wildlife Park where you can experience a drive-thru safari park, give an elephant a bath, zipline, or go horseback riding.
How often can you say that you helped pamper an elephant with its spa treatment?!!
Another unique adventure less than an hour away is a guided tour of Marengo Cave or an underground boat tour at Blue Springs Cavern.
Explore the beautiful grounds of the West Baden Springs Hotel with an incredible domed atrium once known as the “eighth wonder of the world.”
The atrium is incredibly beautiful and a wonderful place to relax. There is plenty of room for guests to spread out and find their own cozy seating area.
For lodging options, the West Baden Hotel and the French Lick Springs Resort are located next to each other.
For the best value check out the West Baden Hotel Packages.
You’ll find indoor and outdoor activities for guests onsite. You can even schedule a historical tour to learn about the hotel and the area.
The elephants aren’t the only ones who can get pampered. You’ll find spa packages for yourself available at French Lick Resort.
There are two wineries in the area. One is across the street at French Lick Winery and Vintage Café or Patoka Lake Winery if you are spending some time at Patoka Lake.
A Romantic Getaway in the Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg is 4.5+ hours from Cincinnati.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a very popular destination for couples who want to getaway. You can go glamping at Under Canvas, stay in a cabin or stay in downtown Gatlinburg to be close to the action.
Couples can explore downtown shops, visit the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community, unique local attractions in the Smoky Mountains, hike, and try the local outdoor adventures.
There are even adventure options for thrill-seekers who want to take it to the extreme.
For a scenic drive take the Cades Cove loop located within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you want to enjoy the scenery from a slower pace, bike the Cades Cove loop instead.
Anakeesta is another wonderful option to visit that is beautiful year-round. A walk along the treetop canopy is magical at night.
A Romantic Getaway at Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge is 2 hours 15 minutes from Cincinnati
This is a great getaway for couples who enjoy outdoor adventure.
During your visit, you can spend the day hiking and exploring the Red River Gorge. There is even a hike to a waterfall.
A visit to Natural Bridge State Park with a ride on the Scenic Skylift (Chair Lift) to the top is a wonderful way to start your visit.
You can opt to hike back down after viewing the perspectives of Natural Bridge from above or below. If the skylift is running I recommend saving your energy for other hikes in the Gorge.
Rock climbing is also very popular at the Gorge. If you want to mix things up you can try Via Ferrata at Red River Gorge with Southeast Mountain Guides.
Other popular adventures at the Gorge are underground kayak tours with the Gorge Underground and the Red River Gorge Zipline.
Couples can stay at the Lodge at Cliffview Resort, conveniently located on the same property as Red River Gorge Zipline.
A Romantic Getaway in Franklin, TN
Franklin, TN is 4.25+ hours from Cincinnati.
(There is a time change, Franklin is on CST)
Franklin, TN is a charming town, perfect for a getaway for couples who enjoy exploring at a slower pace.
There is still plenty to do in the area but it’s not the type of destination that makes you feel pressured to pack everything in…unless you want to.
You can easily walk from beautiful The Harpeth Franklin Hotel to the historic downtown with unique shops and restaurants. Make sure that you make a reservation at 1799 Kitchen and Cocktails.
If you want to dive into the city’s history, there are both self-guided walking tours and guided historic walking tours in downtown Franklin.
If you are a fan of Hallmark movies, make sure that you stop at Landmark Booksellers while you are downtown.
The bookstore inspired the Hallmark movie “The Bridge,” a love story that’s based on the book by author Karen Kingsbury.
A few other noteworthy stops are views near the Nachez Trace Parkway Bridge, shops, and eateries at The Factory. You can find your favorite spirit, wine, or brew on the Masters and Makers Trail.
You have plenty of great options for restaurants in Franklin. The hardest part will be narrowing down your choices.
Include a Visit to Leiper’s Fork
During your visit, make sure that you stop at Leiper’s Fork to shop and enjoy a meal.
If you happen to be visiting on a Thursday night, make a reservation for a table for open mic night at Puckett’s. You can listen to live music and eat in a room filled with all walks of life.
This is one of THE spots where artists are discovered by record label scouts. Each performer plays two songs and the experience is definitely worth starting your weekend early for.
Search, Compare & Book the Closest Hotels & Airbnbs in Franklin, TN
A Romantic Getaway at EarthJoy Tree Adventures
EarthJoy Tree Adventures is 1 hour from Cincinnati.
With three treehouse rentals to choose from, you don’t have to drive far for this treehouse getaway.
Each treehouse has an area inside where you can cook your meals too or you can grill outside or on the campfire.
The Aliyah Treehouse, Pete Nelson and Old Hickory treehouse each have their own personality.
There are plenty of hiking trails on the property, a creek, and a fishing pond.
You can also schedule a guided tree climb that allows you to experience the thrill of tree climbing without the risk, thanks to your harness.
I recommend adding this unique experience to your treehouse overnight.
A Romantic Getaway at The Mohicans Treehouse Resort
Mohican Treehouse Resort is 3 hours from Cincinnati.
Offering an assortment of unique treehouse rentals and cabins, Mohican Treehouse Resort is worthy of a getaway. I’ve actually stayed at three of their properties and written about 2 of the 3.
Two bucket list treehouse rentals are the Airstream Treehouse and the Little Red Brewery Treehouse.
Mohican State Park is only 15 minutes away. The state park is a big draw to the area with hiking and recreation on the water.
You can make meals in your treehouse and make sure that you stop at a few of my recommendations of the best places to eat in the area.
A Romantic Getaway at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is 5+ hours from Cincinnati
You may recognize Nemacolin Woodlands Resort located in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands region from the 2021 season of the Bachelor.
Regardless of whether you are a fan of The Bachelor, you will find an assortment of experiences ranging from adventure to wellness.
There are restaurants onsite or you can visit Tree tops Restaurant if you are looking for a great offsite option.
You can test your driving skills and learn how to drive like a pro on the Jeep off-road experience at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.
You can also experience outdoor adventure year-round at Seven Springs Resort.
In the winter, there is skiing and snow tubing. During the summer months, try shooting clay pigeons, ziplining, hiking, riding the alpine slide, mountain biking, or fly fishing,
Ohiopyle State Park, less than 10 minutes away, is a very popular outdoor destination encompassing 20,500 acres with hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and more.
Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous “Falling Water” is located 20 minutes from the resort.
If you love architecture, a visit to “Fallingwater“ by Frank Lloyd Wright is a must!
You can also tour other Frank Lloyd Wright homes in the area, Kentucky Knob, and even sleep overnight in a Frank Lloyd Wright home.
