How the heck do I plan the honeymoon?

This is a special, romantic getaway you’ll both remember for the rest of your life, and you’ll need good planning to make it a success.

It can be difficult to narrow down your options and settle on one perfect spot. First, you need to consider as a couple your interests and how you want to enjoy your honeymoon. If you enjoy museums and historic locations, consider visiting Charleston or Washington DC. If you want to get a great tan and engage in water sports, go to the Caribbean or the Carolina or Florida beaches.

Consider some unique locations that aren’t necessarily on the top ten list for vacation destinations. Is there a special place that you and your fiancé consider your special place? How about staying at the location your favorite romantic movie was filmed. The Tri-Cities is within easy driving distance of the sets for “Last of the Mohicans,“ “Dirty Dancing” and many other movies. These locations were chosen because of their beautiful scenery and if you have seen the movie, you should know what to expect.

Once you decide what you want to do, it will be easier to decide where you want to go. But remember, it doesn’t have to be expensive or exotic for it to be fun—as long as it’s the two of you, it will be a special way to start your new life together.

Here are some great regional honeymoon ideas:

If you are getting married in June and want to avoid the sunburn you are likely to get at the beach, why not rent a mountain cabin as a romantic get away destination? There are plenty to choose from in the Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area as well as in areas of Western North Carolina.

If you like the idea but would rather get a bit further away from the hustle and bustle, at least one state park in our area has lodging available. Wakulla Springs State Park offers a rustic, turn of the century lodge graces the edge of the springs. The lodge often plays host to weddings, conventions, and gatherings.

Because of our location in Florida’s Great Northwest, there are many high quality skiing venues on America’s East Coast that are less than a day’s drive away. If you are planning a winter wedding, why not take advantage of this by visiting one of Tennessee or North Carolina’s many ski resorts? If you are not a accomplished skier, there are always lessons available on the bunny slopes, many resorts now offer tubing, which requires much less expertise and what is more romantic than curling up with your sweetheart in front of a roaring fire at the ski lodge?

Most of these resorts are open year-round and you can get some great off-season rates. There are plenty of summer and fall activities available, especially in Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina, for off-season travelers.