The Christmas Tree at the Pub at 1785 Inn and Restaurant

Are you looking for a relaxing weekend getaway before the craziness of late December kicks in?  The Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, an event I attended last year, is the perfect way to relax, enjoy some beautiful holiday decorations, and get into the Christmas spirit.

The Inn to Inn Cookie Tour, which takes place in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on December 10th and 11th, 2011, will include 12 participating inns and bed and breakfasts.  In the self-guided tour, you can sample cookies at each inn, as well as view their specially decorated Christmas tree.  No inn is more than 15 minutes from another (and most are much closer), and you can take your time visiting each one on your own schedule.

Last year, when I attended, I loved the chance to see how each inn was decorated for the holidays – they all have their own distinct personality, and each was very different.

Special VIP packages are available for those who want to combine the cookie tour with a one- or two-night stay, and include breakfast, a keepsake ornament, discounted dining coupons, a cookbook, and other fun keepsakes.  To book a package, or learn more about the tour, visit the website.

Photo credit: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: Last year, we were given free tickets to the Cookie Tour, two night’s stay at the Covered Bridge House, and dinner at the 1785 Inn.

The Dr. AJ Chandler Park in Downtown Chandler, directly across from the San Marcos Resort.

I’ve been living in Chandler Arizona for about sixteen years. Most of the time when my husband and I are looking for a romantic weekend, we venture outside of our home town. However, there are some great lodging, dining, and entertainment options within just a few miles of our house that, when combined with an overnight stay, make for a romantic weekend without traveling all that far.

The Crowne Plaza San Marcos Resort is located in historic downtown Chandler. The hotel was built in 1912, is on the National Register of Historic places, and recently underwent a $4 million dollar renovation. The resort itself features an 18-hole golf course, tennis, and swimming. AJ’s Cafe features award-winning dining and the resort’s famous buffet – folks come from miles around for the Prime Rib buffet on Saturday nights. Or you can stroll along the sidewalks of the downtown area and partake of several options from casual to fine dining, then window shop among the stores and galleries. Downtown Chandler is enjoying a boom in economic development, and the San Marcos is an anchor for the town square. Events regularly held in the downtown area include classic car shows, farmers markets, movie nights, art shows, and food festivals.

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Do you feel lucky, Romeo and/or Juliet? (Gnomeo, you can leave your hat on.) We’re talking romance of the interactive variety, and SHAGscore.com will help you determine whether or not you have a chance.

SHAG stands for Sexy Hotel/Activity Guide, and yes, it makes us randy, baby. All you have to do is answer a few questions about your date plans (just in time for Valentine’s!) and the magic SHAG will point all signs to yes. Or in your case, no.

Basically, it’s for those of us scoring at home that don’t really want to. And by “us” I mean “you” because I just scored a 15. That’s Zen, baby. My wife will be thrilled.

Visit SHAGscore.com to see if your planned romantic getaway is worth it will ignite the passions of your heart and other areas that are your own business.

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The Deluxe Queen Room at the White Barn Inn

After the terrible winter we’ve had here in New England, I was ready for a weekend getaway.  That much snow, piled on top of the already massive snow drifts we have, is just incredibly depressing.  So, I was happy to get away to Maine for the weekend.  Even though there’s snow in Maine also, at least shoveling it wasn’t going to be my problem.

We ventured up to Kennebunk, Maine, about a two-hour drive from our home west of Boston, to the White Barn Inn, a luxury historic inn.  The White Barn Inn has perfected the art of service and luxury, and it was just the getaway we needed.  From the valets greeting us at the door to the front door staff showing us to our gorgeous deluxe queen room, we felt pampered the minute we arrived.

On Saturday, we drove to nearby Kittery, Maine (about a half-hour drive down scenic Route 1) for some outlet shopping.  The outlets in Kittery are among my favorites – with a Crate and Barrel, Coach, and Hanna Anderrson among the selections.  Lunch was at the famous Bob’s Clam Hut, right on Route 1.  Bob’s offers a traditional coastal Maine menu, with favorites such as lobster rolls, chowder, and fried clams.  The food is delicious, and it’s open year round.

The Exterior of Bob's Clam Hut

While we loved lunch, we were most looking forward to dinner at the White Barn Inn.  Known for their tasting menus (four and nine course), the restaurant White Barn Inn has received numerous accolades.  We opted for the four-course meal with the optional wine pairing.  Each course was fabulous, and the service was incomparable.

The White Barn Inn is the perfect place for a romantic weekend getaway, in the winter months, as well as the warmer months.  We’ll definitely be back to Kennebunkport – it may even be an annual getaway!

Photo credits: Jodi Grundig

Disclosure: We received a two-night complimentary stay at the White Barn Inn, as well as dinner (excluding alcohol).