Pennsylvania prides itself on being a romance-friendly state.
There are gorgeous romantic getaways everywhere you look. You will easily stumble upon a boutique inn, park, or romantic bed and breakfast.
My partner and I, and indeed most other couples, love the occasional intimate and quiet getaways.
We discovered some fantastic romantic destinations that are hidden away and off the path for most travelers.
Read on to learn about the best-kept secret Pennsylvania romantic getaways.
1. Lititz
Lititz is a small town in Lancaster County and is easy to miss if you do not know it. While often overlooked by tourists, Lititz is a perfect romantic destination.
It is a charming little town that promises a fantastic time for you and your significant other. Its intimate atmosphere provides a fantastic backdrop for a romantic rendezvous.
If you and your partner are history buffs, then you are bound to have a blast in this historically endowed town. The Lititz Museum and Lititz Historical Foundation will provide you with fascinating historical insights into the past of the town.
There are many attraction sites in Lititz where you can visit and make memories with your person. One of the best ones is Lititz Spring Park, where you can take a walk hand-in-hand with your partner as you relish nature.
The park is endowed with:
- Flower gardens
- A spring-fed lake
- An oasis with walking trails
This makes the tranquility of the park unmatched.
While there, ensure you enjoy unique boutiques, delicious chocolates from the Wilbur Chocolate Candy Store, and pastry from the Julius Sturgis Pretzel bakery, the oldest commercial pretzel bakery in the United States. For your accommodation, you can consider one of these places to stay.
2. Cook Forest State Park
Located in the Northwestern part of Pennsylvania, Cook Forest State Park is off the beaten path for most people.
So, it is not easy to stumble upon it. Luckily for us, our explorative nature led us straight to one of the most gorgeous parks in the state.
The tranquil atmosphere of Cook Forest State Park creates the mood to bond and connect with your sweetheart. Sitting on 8500 acres of land, Cook Forest State Park boasts scenic beauty and ancient forests.
There are a lot of activities you can partake in in this park. You can take strolls together or leisurely hike on the designated trails. You can also prepare a picnic along Clarion River, which flows along the park.
There are cozy cabins within the park where you can kick back at the end of the day as you reminisce on your day with your partner.
While there, we were lucky enough to catch a clear sky at night. The picturesque display of stars had us stargazing for long minutes.
Besides the river and the beautiful trails, there are other places that we loved experiencing in the park.
They include:
- The Seneca Trail
- The Forest Cathedral
- The Cook Forest Fire Tower
- The Memorial Fountain
- The Henry Run Sawmill Dam Falls
- The North County National Scenic Trail
- The Swinging Bridge
3. Eagles Mere
On our excursions, we stumbled upon a hidden gem in the form of a beautiful village called Eagles Mere. The breathtaking site of endless Mountains is literally to die for.
We were greeted by a lovely lakeside community, which was quite scarce. Despite its exquisite beauty, few people live here, making the place even more appealing for peaceful and intimate getaways.
You would be amazed to learn that there are only 120 full residents in the village.
One of the best things about Eagles Mere is its pristine lake. It brings a sense of peace and tranquility, which is the perfect atmosphere for you and your lover to spend some quality time together.
There is a myriad of activities that you can take part in here; we particularly enjoyed boat riding. You can rent a canoe or a paddleboat for an adventure.
We took a stroll around the town and enjoyed the eateries, got souvenirs from the shops, and learned about the town’s past at the Eagles Mere Museum. There is also a lot of natural beauty to explore as you hike away on the designated trails.
4. Cherry Springs State Park, Coudersport
Cherry Springs is arguably my favorite destination on this list. It is so surreal, especially at night.
Cherry Springs is the place for you if you want to have a mind-blowing stargazing experience with your special person.
Hidden away in a remote area of the East Coast, Cherry Springs boasts exceptionally dark skies at night, making it one of the best stargazing locations in the world.
Read next – 7 Best Stargazing Spots Around The World
Designated as a Gold Level International Dark Sky Park, the park is protected from light pollution. So, you will view about a gazillion stars in the night sky.
The 82-acre park, which is named after its black cherry trees, is a very romantic spot. You and your partner can snuggle up under a blanket and enjoy the sky view. You will catch rare glimpses of northern lights, constellations, and meteor showers if you are lucky.
There are camping sites on sites, which are my preference. However, if camping is not really your thing, you can opt for nearby rentals. While the park is open all year long, it is advisable to make reservations beforehand.
5. The Glasbern Inn Fogelsville
Sitting on 150 acres in the Lehigh Valley, The Glasbern Inn Fogelsville is a luxurious getaway that is not widely known. It is like a well-kept secret. Fortunately for you, we don’t mind revealing this hidden gem.
The inn, while luxurious, also features a rustic touch. The accommodation, for instance, is a blend of luxurious and rustic, with wood-beamed ceilings, soaking tubs, and beds.
Moreover, it brings in that countryside feel with its antique farmhouses and barns. You will likely encounter friendly farm animals as you stroll around the place.
The food here is amazing. It is made to order, and the cooking ingredients are obtained from the local farms.
More photos on booking.com
We particularly enjoyed the inn’s signature breakfast, which is made up of the following:
- Yogurt
- Fresh fruit
- Scones
Note that the inn is only open to people above 18, which is ideal as you can leave the younglings at home and enjoy some peaceful quality time with your significant other.
6. Rainbow Mountain Resort: East Stroudsberg
Just as the name suggests, this hotel is LGBTQ-friendly and has been operational since 1981.
Located deep in the Pocono Mountains, the resort occupies about 26 acres of land. It boasts a classy outdoor pool, a gym, a hot tub, and a nightclub.
Many things stand out in this resort, more so the staff members. They are incredibly friendly. If you wish to travel with your furry buddy, you would be delighted to learn that the resort has dog-friendly cabins with private decks.
More photos on booking.com
As one of the most fabulous gay hotels in the United States, Rainbow Mountain Resort hosts live entertainment most nights, such as drag shows. At the onsite restaurant, you will get to enjoy themed dining nights and sample different culinary delights.
This hotel provides the perfect atmosphere for couples to embrace and explore their love freely. Note that check-in time is 4 pm and check-out is at 1 pm.
7. Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center
If you and your partner are nature lovers, then you will enjoy spending some here at this serene nature reserve.
Located in Bushkill Township, Northampton County, Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center is the perfect romantic setting for nature lovers.
Set on 473 hectares of fields, creeks, and forests, there are plenty of things you can do in the park. You can take a stroll with your sweetheart along the scenic trails.
You can also set up a picnic by the stream and enjoy each other’s company and the picturesque surroundings. You may also catch sight of various wildlife in your time at the park, so keep an eye out.
There are also guided walks or workshops to learn more about nature. As peaceful and tranquil as it is, the park also hosts events and festivals at different times of the year.
8. Lake Nockamixon
Lake Nockamixon in Bucks County is not a very well-known place, so it is perfect for a couple looking for a quiet, intimate time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Sitting pretty in Southeastern Pennsylvania, Lake Nockamixon is nestled with Nockamixon state park, so you will be able to enjoy the best of nature.
At the lake, there are many activities that you can engage in with your partner. Boating is one of them, and you can rent a vessel at the marina boat rentals onsite.
We particularly enjoyed angling as there is quite a variety of fish in the lake.
Some of the fish you can catch include:
- Bass
- Pickerel
- Walleye
- Muskellunge
- Channel Catfish
- Various Panfish
You can also set up a picnic in one of the designated picnic areas.
The park boasts more than 50 miles of trail where you can hike, bike ride, and horseback with your person. There is also an 18-hole disc golf course, as well as an outdoor swimming pool.
9. Eagles Rest Cellars
Wine tasting with your partner is undoubtedly one of the most romantic activities you can do with your partner.
The Eagles Rest Cellars in Pocono Mountains provide you with that opportunity. The winery blends modern and traditional practices to make quality wine.
Established in 2008, the winery is owned and run by a family: Royce and Debra Fetherman and their daughter, Audra. They use varieties of northern grapes for the wine.
Besides wine tasting, you and your lover can book a private tour of the winery for an enhanced experience.
There is also an onsite restaurant with a menu that is inspired by local ingredients. A candle-lit dinner for two makes the experience even more romantic.
If you wish to spend the night within the winery, there are luxury accommodations that provide a bed and breakfast.
10. The Settlers Inn, Hawley
The Settlers Inn in Hawley is a warm and inviting spot for a romantic getaway.
Located deep in the Pocono Mountains, the inn is not well-known, so you can be sure there will only be a few people. Thus, the atmosphere is peaceful, intimate, and romantic.
The inn was built in the 1920s and exudes architectural prowess with its arts and crafts style. It boasts world-class elegance with its rooms, suites, and sitting areas. While the furnishing is antique, it provides modern conveniences.
More photos on booking.com
The dining experience is quite memorable, which is no surprise as the inn has an award-winning restaurant.
Enjoy farm-to-table cuisines that are made with locally sourced ingredients and flavors. You can also take part in tasting while here.
11. The Inn at Bowman’s Hill, New Hope
The Inn at Bowman’s is a secluded spot in New Hope, perfect for a quiet and intimate romantic getaway.
It boasts a selection of beautiful rooms and suites with timeless charm and impressive attention to detail. Comfort and relaxation are priorities here.
My highlight was the gourmet breakfast, served very timely in the morning. There are few things better than waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.
More photos on expedia.com
The dining experiences are also memorable, as the delicious cuisines are excellently prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
You can make your stay even more romantic by requesting personalized services from the staff. For instance, you could request a bouquet of flowers for your partner, a private candle-lit dinner, or an in-room couple’s massage.
Final Words
Couples need to spend some quality time together away from the usual hustle and bustle of life.
What better way to do it than head to a destination that is relatively hidden from the general public?
This article provides 11 such getaways – feel free to pick the one that suits you and your lover best.
