Michigan Has One Of The Most Romantic Places In The U.S.

There are plenty of romantic places across the globe; many of them carry a hefty price tag when you account for travel and other expenses. But what if you didn’t have to travel far to get there? Travel + Leisure compiled a list of the most romantic places in the U.S. And there’s a place not too far from here worth checking out.

They went from coast to coast to find 51 of the most romantic places around the U.S. They said that each spot offers something special for every type of couple and interest.

Forbes reported that a romantic getaway can mean a lot of things to different people. Some look for ways to celebrate nature, disconnecting from the outside world, downtime, and others. Many people say that the number one benefit of romantic vacations is that they help strengthen the bond between you and your special someone.

If you’re all about the great outdoors, the travel magazine named a northern Michigan spot as one of the most romantic. Located near the northern tip of Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore made their list. Operated by the National Park Service, this site offers outdoor activities such as snowshoeing and sledding in the winter and hiking and swimming during the summer. They also have events like candlelight hikes and the perfect spots around the water for romantic picnics.

Once you’re done exploring recreational activities, you can also check out the wineries in the area or take on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. The Wine Trail runs from Sleeping Bear Dunes in Glen Arbor to the tip of Leelanau Peninsula in Northport, about an hour's drive north. No matter where you are, there is sure to be a winery just a short distance away.

Other romantic places highlighted by the travel magazine include New Hampshire’s Lincoln Ice Castles, Ohio’s Crystal Cave, Oregon’s Thor’s Well, and others.

Take a look at the full list here.

Who says romance has to be expensive? Sure, a fancy, expensive night out is one way to celebrate love and romance. But, it doesn't have to be about the big dollars. As the saying and song go, "Can't buy me love." In that spirit, let's look into some of the most romantic, and affordable, date spots in America. Sparks can totally fly here. Trust me.

Before we get to those date locations, here are some tips on affordable dates. If it's a first date and you really have no idea if you two are going to hit it off, you don't have to do the traditional dinner. Why spend the time and money if the date might not even create a spark? Instead, try meeting for coffee or drinks at the bar. That way, if you two aren't feeling each other, you won't have to stick through salad, dinner and dessert. You can have a drink and cut your losses. If you two are feeling a vibe, you can schedule a second date that's a full dinner, which will allow for more time to get to know each other.

Fast-forward to when you're further into a relationship. If you're going out to dinner and to the bar a lot with your new love, that's great, but it can get costly. There's nothing wrong with Netflix and chill for a date night. You can still make it special. For example, invite your sweetie over and order their favorite takeout dish. How romantic, right? Oh, and get some gourmet, flavored popcorn, if you know what kind of treats they like. That's not only romantic but very thoughtful.

Now that we've gone through some casual date ideas that won't break the bank, let's get into the most romantic, and affordable, date spots in America.

I graduated from Michigan State University, so I'm familiar with our beautiful gardens. In the spring, summer and fall, the MSU Horticulture Gardens are an area of wonder. You can go in the winter, too, but things are much more abloom in the other seasons. It's a very beautiful and romantic setting, and it's a perfect romantic date spot. It's also free to visit. Yes, this is a photo of me at the MSU Gardens. I love it there!

Let's continue on the theme of gardens being a great date idea with Philadelphia's Magic Gardens. These gardens offer a "mosaicked art environment, gallery, and community arts center of Isaiah Zagar's art and public murals." It's a breathtaking spot and perfect for a date. General admission is currently $15 for adults, but get your tickets early.

https://www.phillymagicgardens.org/

Florida is a popular vacation spot, so it has a lot of romantic spots for a date or anniversary celebration. Clearwater and St. Pete offer gorgeous white sand beaches on the Gulf of Mexico and calm waters. You'll also find the Museum of Fine Arts, the Dalí Museum and the pristine Fort De Soto Park with beaches, hiking trails, kayaking and more.

https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/central-west/clearwater-beach/

hey offer visitors miles of white sand beaches along the sparkling Gulf of Mexico as well as vibrant arts and culture.

If you're up for a casual but fun date night, why not try exploring your local breweries? Atlanta has some fantastic ones. Make a night of it. Get dressed up and hit the town with your love. Try a bunch of different breweries with their local brews. This is a low-key but romantic date night that's also very reasonable. Just don't drink too much. One famed one to try is Glover Park Brewery.

https://www.gloverparkbrewery.com/

Going to a museum is a perfect date idea. Located in Raleigh, the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Ann and Jim Goodnight Museum Park have lots of fantastic art to take in. This museum first opened in 1956 and always has a range of fascinating exhibitions.

https://ncartmuseum.org/

Say you're in Vegas? Break the norm and take your date to the Las Vegas Art Museum. The museum features nearly 8,000 square feet of exhibition space. You'll find great exhibits for both adults and kids. You can always hit the casinos later.

http://www.lasvegasartmuseum.org/