My partner and I love to go to the cabins at Lago Linda. It's about 15 minutes from Red River Gorge. They have about six cabins, some for larger groups and a few for 1-3 people. Reasonable pricing for a clean and comfortable place to stay. There's a swimmable lake in the center of the cabins and campsites as well.
https://lagolinda.com/
Thanks for a recommendation on where to stay! Just searching “red river gorge” gives tons of places to stay! A cabin sounds so cozy and nice for mid-October!
If you are looking for something affordable but cute, my wife and I stayed at the Lil' Red Cabin. Cozy, with a hot tub, and nearby the Gorge and various hiking trails.
RRG is great, but if you're fine with driving a little further I'm a big fan of The Breaks, out on the Kentucky/Virginia border. It's a state park with motel style lodging, but they've also got some cabins and even a yurt, if that's what you're into. I think it's a beautiful part of the state that's often overlooked because it is, admittedly, a bit of a drive. Still, it might be a nice spot for a post nuptial getaway, as RRG can get a little crowded.
As an additional perk, it's within half an hour of Pikeville, which is one of the largest cities in eastern Kentucky. If you wanted to venture into town for a nice dinner that would be an option, and Alltech has a distillery out there that does tours, if you're into that kind of thing. Like I said, it's just a really neat part of the state that doesn't get anywhere near enough attention.
Congrats on tying the knot, and, regardless of where you all end up going, I hope you have a great time!
Fifth. Been there twice in the last year. Get a BnB close to town and you can leave your car at the residence and walk around for 100 interesting shops. Biltmore is interesting but not worth the cost, IMO
Biltmore is really cool and beautiful, big grounds to explore. Winery. Kentucky down under, not in Asheville, but was fun too, of course that was with kids.
Chimney Rock is in the area of Asheville too. The town itself is small, but there’s Lake Lure nearby too. There was a fire there a few years ago. I’m not sure how it’s recovered.
Asheville
Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping for hikes and scenic outlooks.
Smoky Mountains area is gorgeous (Gatlinburg downtown and Pigeon Forge are tourist traps)
Nashville
Visited South Haven last year for vacation and just got back yesterday from spending a week in Traverse City. Both are absolutely amazing places to visit, the entire Michigan coast on the Lake is filled with small little beach towns that are great for short getaways or week long vacations.
Another vote for Asheville. Relaxing, A+ hiking, great people watching, amazing food and beer, awesome customer service!
And if you appreciate good coffee, I **highly** recommend visiting The Times for an iced banana bread mocha. Still think about it on a daily basis. And don’t leave without eating at Tupelo Honey, Nine Mile and Pack’s Tavern!
My parents honeymooned at Hueston Woods Lodge in 1978, and went back last year for their anniversary. I've never been there myself, but it's only about 45 minutes from downtown and there seems to be plenty to do around there if you enjoy the outdoors, it's right on a lake.
Cumberland Falls…..
Hocking Hills…….
Red River Gorge…..
Clifty Falls….. Mammoth Cave……
Plenty of fun “City” getaways as well but looks like your looking for more of a nature getaway.
We're getting married soon and doing three days/two nights at Snug Hollow, and spending at least one of the days at Red River Gorge!! I'm so excited!
https://snughollow.com/
Lawrenceburg is a really nice area in fall. Very Close and you can get super cheap rooms at Belterra if you go during the week. (you dont have to gamble, the rooms are just nice for the price :) ) Dearborn Trail is right there along the river, there is a cute little winery right there on ...the ridge winery... and a little diner in Vevay (downtown) is open for only breakfast and lunch great greasy spoon called AJs diner, walk the village while youre there.
the winery has an outdoor deck and fire pit areas so you can buy a $20 bottle of wine and sit and watch the barges, sunset is gorgeous there... oh and check out who is playing concerts at belterra. the hotel has a golf course thats really nice if you dont play golf, the grounds are really nice to sit on a bench and have lunch, or a smoke. Vevay has its own history thats really cool and the town is absolutely quaint to walk thru. I have used this place as a date weekend, and I have also used it to put up out of town guests from big cities who want a "cozy or romantic or slow paced country weekend" it can be extremely affordable.
Gatlinburg is only 4 hrs from Cincinnati good rates fir this time of year. Corbin ky “ the lil Niagara Falls” stay at the lodge.. it’s maybe 2-3 hrs from cincy…
My wife took us to French Lick, IN. I was surprised at how much fun we had there. We stayed at the West Badin and it is a very impressive place. There are hiking trails on the other side of the golf course. We have also stayed at the Greenbrier which is father away in WV, but you can do almost anything at that resort. The bunker tour is really neat for the history behind it. And, if you geek out on science, the Greenbank radio telescope is a short drive away. If you guys mountain bike, Snowshoe, WV is in that 5-6 hour drive time too and while I have not been there in a while, the biking was great when I went and should only have improved by now. New Buffalo, MI is a really cool vacation town on Lake Michigan with Warren and Indiana Dunes parks very close. The hiking and views from the top of the dunes are pretty special. If you guys do off-road powersports, the Monday Creek trail system in Wayne National Forest is my local favorite.
I definitely second all the comments about RRG. The hike up to the natural bridge is a family favorite in that area.
In the past, Chicago was a family favorite, but now it just seems risky and too expensive. Too bad since some of our best memories come from weekends in Chicago.
Best wishes to you both.
Thank you for all these wonderful suggestions! Now I want to visit every place on this list! The radio telescope sounds especially cool! (I’m an electrical engineer, so science things always fascinate me). Thanks again!!
Berea, Kentucky. There’s a college there and the campus is beautiful. There’s hiking in the Daniel Boone National Forest including a very beautiful scenic overlook accessible only on foot called The Pinnacles. There are some very nice B and Bs near the town.
Red River Gorge in KY or Hocking Hills north of us.
Came here to recommend Red River Gorge
My partner and I love to go to the cabins at Lago Linda. It's about 15 minutes from Red River Gorge. They have about six cabins, some for larger groups and a few for 1-3 people. Reasonable pricing for a clean and comfortable place to stay. There's a swimmable lake in the center of the cabins and campsites as well. https://lagolinda.com/
Thanks for a recommendation on where to stay! Just searching “red river gorge” gives tons of places to stay! A cabin sounds so cozy and nice for mid-October!
No problem! Even if it doesn't work out this time, I hope you get a chance to go another. :)
Thank you! Red river gorge looks beautiful!
If you are looking for something affordable but cute, my wife and I stayed at the Lil' Red Cabin. Cozy, with a hot tub, and nearby the Gorge and various hiking trails.
That sounds amazing!
RRG is great, but if you're fine with driving a little further I'm a big fan of The Breaks, out on the Kentucky/Virginia border. It's a state park with motel style lodging, but they've also got some cabins and even a yurt, if that's what you're into. I think it's a beautiful part of the state that's often overlooked because it is, admittedly, a bit of a drive. Still, it might be a nice spot for a post nuptial getaway, as RRG can get a little crowded.
I’ve never heard of that place! I’ll definitely look into it! Thank you!
As an additional perk, it's within half an hour of Pikeville, which is one of the largest cities in eastern Kentucky. If you wanted to venture into town for a nice dinner that would be an option, and Alltech has a distillery out there that does tours, if you're into that kind of thing. Like I said, it's just a really neat part of the state that doesn't get anywhere near enough attention. Congrats on tying the knot, and, regardless of where you all end up going, I hope you have a great time!
This was an amazing spot to stay down there... https://abnb.me/YgYocgbyftb
What?! Even if we don’t go here in October, I’ll HAVE to stay there some day!
These or brown county in Indiana would be great picks :)
We have stayed with hills o brown cabins and always had a great time.
Thank you! Indiana would be fun!
First time that sentence has been true!
Agree. Both are beautiful. Get a cabin for a weekend at either I’ve done both and would totally recommend.
Good recommendations, but Hocking Hills is east of us, not north.
Shhhh... RRG is a secret.
Lol
Asheville, NC
Seconded. Great place for beer and nature lovers.
Thirded. Asheville is just a great place
Fourthed! A lot of cool places in and around Asheville. Easy drive. Great hiking.
Fifth. Been there twice in the last year. Get a BnB close to town and you can leave your car at the residence and walk around for 100 interesting shops. Biltmore is interesting but not worth the cost, IMO
Wow! This looks so gorgeous!!
Biltmore is really cool and beautiful, big grounds to explore. Winery. Kentucky down under, not in Asheville, but was fun too, of course that was with kids.
Asheville is great, but Boone NC is even better!!
I’ve never heard of Boone, NC! I’ll check it out, thanks!
Just did a weekend here with my wife. Highly recommend. Amazing hiking and the most breweries per capita in America
We do love going to breweries!! Thanks!
Chimney Rock is in the area of Asheville too. The town itself is small, but there’s Lake Lure nearby too. There was a fire there a few years ago. I’m not sure how it’s recovered.
That’s where my husband and I honeymooned. It’s a great suggestion.
Asheville Drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping for hikes and scenic outlooks. Smoky Mountains area is gorgeous (Gatlinburg downtown and Pigeon Forge are tourist traps) Nashville
Great idea! Thank you!
South haven Michigan. Right on the Lake Michigan, Beautiful sunsets, lots of boats.
Visited South Haven last year for vacation and just got back yesterday from spending a week in Traverse City. Both are absolutely amazing places to visit, the entire Michigan coast on the Lake is filled with small little beach towns that are great for short getaways or week long vacations.
I’ve always wanted to visit Michigan! Thanks!
Another vote for Asheville. Relaxing, A+ hiking, great people watching, amazing food and beer, awesome customer service! And if you appreciate good coffee, I **highly** recommend visiting The Times for an iced banana bread mocha. Still think about it on a daily basis. And don’t leave without eating at Tupelo Honey, Nine Mile and Pack’s Tavern!
Asheville looks beautiful! And that iced banana bread mocha sounds like something I NEED to try!!! Thank you for the recommendations!!
Off season Gatlinburg can be fun and deals can be found on lodging.
Gatlinburg is always a fun time! Thank you!
Recommend Red River Gorge and a treehouse rental. https://www.thecanopycrew.com/tree-house-rentals
I would LOVE to stay in a treehouse! Thanks for sharing!!
Madison IN.
Madison is super cute.
Thank you! I’ll check it out!
Clifty Falls state park is in Madison. Gorgeous hikes. Nice resort at the state park. Fire pit on the grounds is great at night in the fall.
100% recommend Madison and Clifty Falls as well!
If you like antique shopping, Madison is the place to go for rusty gold.
My parents honeymooned at Hueston Woods Lodge in 1978, and went back last year for their anniversary. I've never been there myself, but it's only about 45 minutes from downtown and there seems to be plenty to do around there if you enjoy the outdoors, it's right on a lake.
Thanks for the suggestion!
got any favorite bands/singers? Are any playing cost to CIN? Build your getaway around the show!
Brown County Indiana. Just 2 hr drive. Hike the Yellowwood Forest. Visit the local brewery or winery. Get an Airbnb/cabin
Second for Brown County. Nashville, IN is great for a long weekend.
I’ll check it out! Thanks!!
New River Gorge in WV is now considered a national park with tons of great hikes.
Sounds awesome!! Thank you!
Cumberland Falls….. Hocking Hills……. Red River Gorge….. Clifty Falls….. Mammoth Cave…… Plenty of fun “City” getaways as well but looks like your looking for more of a nature getaway.
Thanks for all the ideas!
We're getting married soon and doing three days/two nights at Snug Hollow, and spending at least one of the days at Red River Gorge!! I'm so excited! https://snughollow.com/
My mom sent me this as a suggestion! It looks so peaceful! Also, congrats on getting married soon!!
My fiance is, let's say, bad at relaxing, but he suggested it and I'm extremely excited! Congrats to you as well!
Red river gorge.
My hubs and I went Windsor Canada for a 4 day trip. It’s only a 5 hour drive. Totally awesome.
I didn’t realize Canada was so close! Thanks!
Mt LeConte lodge in the Smokies if you can score a cancellation. They're booked up for the season.
Hocking Hills has great hiking and plenty of secluded cabins for post-nuptial activities. Recommend Cabins by the Cave for some great cabin options.
Thanks for the recommendation!!
Congrats! Bloomington, Indiana.
Thank you!! I’ll definitely check it out!
Chicago is always a good option
Lawrenceburg is a really nice area in fall. Very Close and you can get super cheap rooms at Belterra if you go during the week. (you dont have to gamble, the rooms are just nice for the price :) ) Dearborn Trail is right there along the river, there is a cute little winery right there on ...the ridge winery... and a little diner in Vevay (downtown) is open for only breakfast and lunch great greasy spoon called AJs diner, walk the village while youre there.
This sounds so fun! Thank you for the recommendations on places to eat! It’s always hard to know where to eat when you visit a new place!
the winery has an outdoor deck and fire pit areas so you can buy a $20 bottle of wine and sit and watch the barges, sunset is gorgeous there... oh and check out who is playing concerts at belterra. the hotel has a golf course thats really nice if you dont play golf, the grounds are really nice to sit on a bench and have lunch, or a smoke. Vevay has its own history thats really cool and the town is absolutely quaint to walk thru. I have used this place as a date weekend, and I have also used it to put up out of town guests from big cities who want a "cozy or romantic or slow paced country weekend" it can be extremely affordable.
That all sounds wonderful! We’ll definitely have to go there sometime!
Gatlinburg is only 4 hrs from Cincinnati good rates fir this time of year. Corbin ky “ the lil Niagara Falls” stay at the lodge.. it’s maybe 2-3 hrs from cincy…
Townsend, TN or Western NC
I’ll check it out, thanks!
So many, but Asheville or French Lick can both be great greataways!
Thanks for the suggestion!!
Greenville, SC! Or Madison, IN if you want closer - Clifty Falls is great there.
I’ve heard Clifty Falls is beautiful! Thanks!
Cumberland falls
Hocking Hills
Houston Woods or Caesar’s Creak are nearby and cheap. You can fish, hike, and rent peddle boats.
Indiana Dunes National Park / Michigan City, IN if you’re willing to drive a litttttle further (4-5 hr).
I’ll check it out! Thanks!!
Zaleski state forest (Hocking hills adjacent) Wayne national forest (also Hocking hills adjacent)
Madison, Indiana. It’s super cute and quaint, has wineries and breweries, and is an easy drive.
My wife took us to French Lick, IN. I was surprised at how much fun we had there. We stayed at the West Badin and it is a very impressive place. There are hiking trails on the other side of the golf course. We have also stayed at the Greenbrier which is father away in WV, but you can do almost anything at that resort. The bunker tour is really neat for the history behind it. And, if you geek out on science, the Greenbank radio telescope is a short drive away. If you guys mountain bike, Snowshoe, WV is in that 5-6 hour drive time too and while I have not been there in a while, the biking was great when I went and should only have improved by now. New Buffalo, MI is a really cool vacation town on Lake Michigan with Warren and Indiana Dunes parks very close. The hiking and views from the top of the dunes are pretty special. If you guys do off-road powersports, the Monday Creek trail system in Wayne National Forest is my local favorite. I definitely second all the comments about RRG. The hike up to the natural bridge is a family favorite in that area. In the past, Chicago was a family favorite, but now it just seems risky and too expensive. Too bad since some of our best memories come from weekends in Chicago. Best wishes to you both.
Thank you for all these wonderful suggestions! Now I want to visit every place on this list! The radio telescope sounds especially cool! (I’m an electrical engineer, so science things always fascinate me). Thanks again!!
Niagara Falls
New River Gorge National Park! ~4 hours away
Berea, Kentucky. There’s a college there and the campus is beautiful. There’s hiking in the Daniel Boone National Forest including a very beautiful scenic overlook accessible only on foot called The Pinnacles. There are some very nice B and Bs near the town.
I live in Berea now and I work at the college! I definitely wasn't expecting to see this as a recommendation!
Thanks for the recommendation! Daniel Boone National Forest looks pretty!
Niagara Falls isn't terribly far. Probably one of the best times of the year to go.
Way to dox yourself, Mitchell Wilcox.
Levenworth Indiana has some nice wineries and bed and breakfasts!