Life is crazy.
I’m sure that’s not news to you. Your life is probably just as hectic as mine is, if not more so. Usually I don’t really mind the crazies. They keep me from getting bored, after all. Yet every once in a while, when I fail to plan far enough in advance, they sneak up behind me, surround me on every side, and leave no path for escape.
That’s what happened this month. Monday is my 25th Wedding Anniversary. The silver one. The one that marks a quarter of a century of true love and partnership. It’s kind of important. What are we doing to celebrate?
Nothing.
And no, this is not my husband’s fault. All the blame resides with me.
You see, my husband surprised me with a wonderful waterfall excursion in the Georgia mountains last year. Just the two of us. Hiking. Viewing waterfalls. Riding a zip line. It was fabulous.
This year? Well, I chose to plan a family vacation to Disney World instead. The RWA conference was meeting in Orlando this year, you see, and my ever-practical self thought why not make a family vacation out of it and write off the travel and lodging expenses? I’ll go to the writing conference during the day and play with the family in the evening. We all love Disney. The kids are on board. I’m excited about it, too. But a big, expensive family trip means less for our anniversary.
No big deal. I’m easy to please. A nice dinner out. Maybe a movie. Date night, just the two of us.
Well . . . not so fast. My daughter decided to study abroad for part of the summer, and she will be traveling to Oxford for the month of June. (Yes, I’m extremely jealous. That would have been a great anniversary trip.) What day does she fly out? June 5th. Yep. That June 5th. And they aren’t flying out of our local airport, either. Nope. We have to drive to Dallas (3 hours, one-way) and meet up at the DFW airport. She needs to be there around 4:00 p.m. So my husband, who is the hero for taking her since I’ve been slammed at the day job lately, won’t be home until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. So much for our date night.
I’m sure we’ll find time to celebrate amid all the crazy last-minute packing the weekend before or perhaps in the days following, but I can’t help feeling like I’m letting an important milestone pass without giving it the attention it deserves.
Click Cover to Order
So – I’m asking you to help me. Design an ideal romantic getaway (no longer than a weekend) for me and my hubby. I’ll read through all your suggestions and the one that best fits my hubby and me will be declared the winner and the virtual romantic getaway Wes and I will enjoy on Monday.
And just because it’s always more fun to win when there is a prize involved, the winner selected will receive an autographed copy of Heart on the Line (the new release coming out on Tuesday – yes, one more reason I’ve had no time to think about my anniversary on June 5th because my book releases on June 6th).
So leave a comment describing the ideal 25th Witemeyer Wedding Anniversary Weekend, and help save my milestone.
(US winners only. I’ll announce the winner in the comments on Friday.)
Latest posts by Karen Witemeyer (see all)
- Wedding Joy - November 21, 2024
- How Faith Meets Dreams - November 7, 2024
- Giveaways Gallore! - October 17, 2024
The ideal weekend would be to get away from it all into the mountains where it’s quiet and peaceful.
Ooo – I do love the mountains. And the quiet. Sounds lovely, Vivian.
Would love to win
I’m not creative so I’ll extrapolate from personal experience and say that a weekend in Newport, Rhode Island and staying at Grace Vanderbilt hotel is a nice getaway. There’s something about all those Gilded Age mansions that bring out the romance even in those who are romance-challenged.
Nice! I’ve never been there, but my historical romantic self is liking your style, MH.
I propose a romantic getaway at a bed and breakfast in an area of Texas you enjoy–perhaps the Hill Country. By having no children along and having someone else fixing your meals, tidying your room, etc., you can just relax. Perhaps you could go hiking around the area seeing the local attractions, sampling local cuisine, and just kicking back. Have a great time, and happy anniversary!
Thanks, Suzanne. For a while, I did look into a bed & breakfast scenario in Fredericksburg, TX. Didn’t follow through, but one day, I would like to do that.
Well, I had to do some googling since all I’ve ever seen of Texas is airports. 🙂 But… how about going to the Hill Country and visiting Fredericksburg (http://www.fredericksburg-texas.com)? It looks like a pretty little town!
You could go hiking near there and see Enchanted Rock (http://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/enchanted-rock) which I didn’t know existed before now, but it looks gorgeous!
Ha! I just mentioned Fredericksburg in my last comment. Lovely idea, Amy. It is a very pretty area of Texas.
I don’t know anything about Texas, but my suggestion is going camping in a cabin, where you can fish, go for a walk holding hands, a nice picnic, and music under the stars swaying in your loves arms. Have a blessed and happy anniversary.
Thanks, Lucy. I love the picture you painted. So quiet and calm and just the two of us. Very nice. 🙂
1. Bed and breakfast/canoeing trip
2. Galveston beach/touring 1877 ship (writing research/write-off expenses 🙂 )
3. Fly to antelope canyon
Either way maybe hire a professional photographer. Get a few pictures of just the two of you.you both may hate pictures, but I bet your family would love them. 🙂
Interesting ideas, Megan. I’ve never gone canoeing. It sounds fun. And how clever you are to work in a research angle not just for fun but to help with the tax write-offs. And I’ve never heard of antelope canyon. Sounds intriguing! And pictures are always a must, though my husband tends to prefer grabbing a quick selfie. 😉
How about a weekend at a local bed and breakfast? Dinner out and a movie in the guest room that evening. 🙂
Simple and sweet. I like it, Melissa.
Life seems to get in the way of our celebrations doesn’t it? My daughter got married the year of our 25th anniversary so we didn’t do anything. Weddings are expensive!!
I think you should go to Niagra Falls, the quintessential honeymoon destination for a short 2nd honeymoon. Or Macinaw Island where you walk or ride everywhere. Beautiful place with a wonderful hotel. Plus they’re famous for their fudge, and who doesn’t like fudge.
I personally prefer the ocean, either on a beach or on a short cruise!
Congratulations by the way!!
Thanks, Gail. I’ve never done a cruise, but that is on our “someday” list. 🙂 My in-laws have done several river cruises in Europe that seem wonderful. My waterfall-loving self would love to see Niagra. Hubby has been there but I never have. And Macinaw Island sounds wonderful, too. Great ideas!
25th Anniversaries should be something special! How about a weekend stay at the “Inn on Lake Granbury” in Granbury TX. I’ve never been there, but it looks amazing! Not only is it beautiful but it also is walking distance to the lake, restaurants, and shops. Close by there is live theatre, art galleries, wineries, and of course the lake with activities like kayaking, jet skis, boating etc. Looks like a perfect retreat for a weekend anniversary getaway! “Happy Anniversary!”
Oooo – I just Googled the Inn. Looks lovely and luxurious. we might have to investigate. 😉
In our area we have a boat that does dinner cruises on the lake. That would be fun and romantic and a night at an expensive hotel. Just one night you can go all out. The main this is being together and enjoying each other!
That does sounds fun, Joy! What a great idea. You are so right about being together. That’s the most important part.
My husband was out of town working on our 25th anniversary. I planned something simple that I knew he would enjoy. It might work for you.
We had a nice dinner at a place where he could have crab legs, I’m seriously allergic to seafood so it was extra special. Then a movie that both of us would like. A little shopping excursion and a trip to the ice cream shop for dessert. For a more personal/private thing, I would suggest a little change in the bedroom decor. New sheets and duvet cover, change up the pictures in the room, maybe pictures from your honeymoon or early days of marriage. Just a reminder of where you began.
Happy Anniversary!
Mmm. Crab legs, movie, and ice cream. Three of my favorites! And what a neat idea to get out old wedding photos to walk down memory lane. Thanks, Andrea!
First of all, Happy 25 th Anniversary!! Life is good, isn’t it! Now, down to plans…..I am thinking Beavers Bend outside of Broken Bow, Oklahoma. I can picture the two of you in one of the glorious cabins in the woods. As night falls, it’s outside to a campfire listening to nature and making s’mores. Bright and early the next morning, after a delicious breakfast made by the hubby, ya’ll will take a cruise on the beautiful lake in a houseboat hubby has rented. Cruising, laughing, reminiscing about your 25 years together……a beautiful time. Now there are choices to make whether it is zip lining, hiking, miniature golf, canoeing or taking a paddle boat ride. What a great day for two great people! Enjoy!
That sounds lovely, Melanie! I love cabins, and the woods, the lakes, and breakfast made by my hubby. 😉 I’m relaxing just thinking about it.
how about renting a cozy cabin in the mountains for just the 2 of you! Hiking,night out on the town,relaxing with a hot tub( you get the picture lol)
That is my ideal getaway, Sheila. Love the mountains and cozy cabin, and my hubby loves the hot tub. 🙂
I think Waco would be a cute town to visit! It’s not too large and crazy, but there’s plenty to keep your interest. There’s the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Texas Ranger Museum, and lots of parks and shops. It sounds like a fun time for people who like to see the sights but still don’t want things to get too hectic.
Do you know . . . I’ve never visited the Texas Ranger Museum. I need to rectify that oversight soon. Thanks for the suggestion, Chandler.
I would propose a nice Caribbean vacation at Atlantis in the Bahamas. It’s quite a grand hotel.
Ooo – that sounds swanky. Love it! Thanks, Ashley.
You need to rent a sweet cabin on Central Oregon Coast. Tour the lighthouses. Walk on the beach. Eat at Mo’s and enjoy their famous clam chowder or fish baskets while enjoying the ocean scenery out the picture windows. Sit on the deck of your cabin and listen to the ocean waves while just enjoying each others company.
Oh – that sounds grand! I love Oregon. Such rugged coastlines. Clam chowder is delicious while watching the waves crash. And breezes cool enough to snuggle with my honey. I like it!
Arrive Friday evening in Bryson City, North Carolina (in the Smoky Mountains) and check into your one room cabin on Clear Creek. Have dinner at one of the many nice restaurants in downtown Bryson city. Saturday morning, have breakfast at the iron skillet across from the great Smoky Mountain Railroad Depot. After breakfast, get on the train and take a ride through the smoky mountains, returning to Bryson city later in the afternoon. Pick up groceries for a simple dinner to be made at the cabin that evening. After dinner, sit around the campfire listening to the sound of the creek running and the fire crackling. Get up the next morning and attend a local congregation to worship. Grab a picnic lunch and hike to one of the many waterfalls in the area to enjoy it, counting the wild flowers along the way. After this, it will be time to gather up your things and head home.
Wow – Charisa. That sounds heavenly! I’ve never visited the Smoky Mountains but always wanted to. My husband would love the train ride and I would be gaping at the scenery. Waterfall, secluded cabins, wild flowers – That’s top notch!
have a staycation:
visit a historical site an hour or less from your home that you’ve always been meaning to see
pack a picnic lumch or dinner
see a movie from the year you got married at home (because you’re pretending you are broke newlyweds:)
Simple. Easy. Creative. And cheap! I like it, JCP. 🙂
With the whirlwind of activity in your life lately, I would recommend a secluded cabin. Get off the grid! My husband and I enjoy being on our own, free from technology. The poorer the phone signal the better! Hiking, bon fires, sunset watching galore! It was a plus our cabin also had a jacuzzi and an armadillo under the porch. Happy anniversary and enjoy your time together!
That sounds perfect, Kristina. Wish I could just wave that magic want to take us away. Maybe we’d even find your armadillo. Ha!
http://www.blackwaterfalls.com/views_overlooks.htm
Beautiful cabin get-away!
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
That looks gorgeous, Laura! Great spot. 🙂
For me, I’d say a little getaway road-trip should suffice. Be spontaneous, and not plan on it. Pass by a B&B that looks good, go for it. See a local cute restaurant, try it. A little adventure land, step right in. Just wing it in terms of stops, but pick a destination, like drive towards a city, use all the back roads…etc.
Enjoy and happy Anniversary!!! What a milestone!
My hubby will love this suggestion, Annie. I am an obsessive planner. He’s much more of a spontaneous road trip kind of guy. Sounds adventurous!
Wow, sounds like you and your hubby need a break. How about finding a nice place to stay near a historical landmark that you’ve always wanted to see, somewhere not too far so you can drive there, take your time, have a picnic along the way, and one that has a nice pool. Check out airBnb for a rental or look at bed and breakfasts. They can be cozy and the hosts are usually helpful. We stayed at one that had bikes, and tried out a tandem. It was really fun. Plan to go out to dinner at a nice restaurant, so you can dress up once and enjoy a special time together. Happy Anniversary!
A tandem bike. That would be so fun! My husband loves to ride his bike and is always trying to get me to go riding with him. That would be a hoot! Thanks for the idea, Karen!
How about renting a cabin miles from anywhere? It will be backed up against a peaceful, burbling creek surrounded by birdsong and rustling trees. There’s a nature path to walk in the cool of the evening and a fire pit to build a cozy fire when you get back to the cabin. Peace and just the two of you 🙂
Happy 25th anniversary!!
Thanks, Trixi. That sounds like the perfect retreat. I just want to close my eyes and listen to the birds right now.
You sound like me, always trying to combine things to save money and time.
You need time just for the two of you. I’ve never been to your area, but these are two places I thought you might like to go:
The Bistro
Courtyard Marriott South Mall, 4350 Ridgemont Dr., Abilene 325-695-9600
Century Theatres
3818 John Knox Dr., Abilene 325-793-9292
Afterwards go find a place for a drink of your choice and reminisce about all of the years you’ve been together. God’s blessings and Happy Anniversary!!!
Nice, Jann. How cool that you researched Abilene. I’ve actually never eaten at the Bistro. Might have to give that place a try.
My husband and I have been married almost 41 years.
25 years deserves something special.
I would go to a nearby city, check into a hotel, and enjoy the sites that the city has to offer.
Congratulations on 41 years, Janet! That’s fabulous.
I for one really enjoy the sentimental little things. Like going to your first restaurant, or finding a little taco stand where you two can sit down at a little table. Another idea is a nice secluded picnic indoors or out with your husbands favorite meal.
My parents would always go and get ice cream at night and watch the city lights twinkle as the walked down the sidewalk. Another idea there ;).
What a sweet idea, Moriah. Love the ice cream and twinkling city lights. That is just so sweet. I can picture them arm in arm, strolling. Lovely!
Thank you! This year was there 10th anniversary!
Their *
Everybody’s suggestions are really great. They took mine! Happy Anniversary! Ours will be the 28th– 48 years. It doesn’t seem that long ago! The B&B sounds good!
Wow, 48 years. You’re coming up on the big 5-0. Congrats! It must be true love.
How about the Indian Lodge at Davis Mountains State Park? Indian Lodge is a full-service hotel, with 39 rooms, a restaurant and a swimming pool. The Lodge is within the boundaries of Davis Mountains State Park. Is that something you and your husband could enjoy?
That sounds lovely, Sabrina!
Seriously, one of the most romantic things to do is go to Niagara Falls. I think Niagara Falls is one of the most amazing and romantic places to be and if you have a AAA discount you can get pretty good rates as well. They have great rates on whole weekend packages !
Such a classic destination, and since I love waterfalls, it sounds like a beautiful place to go. Thanks, Mary!
A weekend getaway at The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island in Michigan. They have great deals this time of year. You can spend time on the beautiful long porch over looking the Straits of Mackinac and enjoying a great dinner at the hotel. There are no cars on the island, you can walk.or take a horse drawn carriage and snack on some of the fudge Mackinac island is known for. Happy 25th!
Sounds delightful. I love places where you can step back in time. Horse-drawn carriages, the Grand Hotel – sounds lovely!
Karen, how about driving up to the Ozarks for a romantic weekend? The scenery is drop-dead gorgeous, and there is hiking, fishing, haunted hotels, lakes, rivers, and good, old fashioned one-time good to munch on after y’all have worked up an appetite sight-seeing. The best part? Arkansas is really friendly on the wallet.
Supposed to say down home cooking lol
That sounds like my kind of trip – gorgeous scenery, old-fashioned sites, and wallet friendly. You’re speaking my love language, Debbie. 🙂
My first thought was you could go to Fredericksburg, though I see a couple of other people had that idea, since it’s a good one. Rent one of the little Sunday cottages and be sure to spend some time at Wildseed Farms. An alternate idea is the San Antonio Riverwalk.
I hope you have a happy anniversary, whatever you decide to do. It’s my brother and sister-in-law’s anniversary too (35th for them).
Congratulations to your brother and sister-in-law. 35 years is fabulous! We’ve been to San Antonio, but that is a classic place to revisit. Thanks, Pam!
You should stay at the Peaks of Otter in VA. It is a beautiful secluded hotel located in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains. With cabin/rooms with a lake view and lounge chairs under the trees facing the lake… it is perfect for reading or resting or just relaxing. Also there are trails if you like to hike 🙂
Oh – that sounds wonderful! Just the kind of place I would love. Relaxing. Gorgeous views. Hiking trails. And the secluded part makes it extra romantic. Lovely!
Make a weekend trip to Smokey Mountains. More specific to Servilleville, TN. Enjoy the quiet peaceful views in a log cabin & the go into town for a show at one of dinner theatre venues.
I’ve never stayed in the Smoky Mountains. I’d love to visit there. And dinner theatre sounds so charming and fun. Great idea, Betty!
Happy 25th Anniversary! I would suggest a sweet getaway in the mountains. There is a beautiful town in Colorado named Estes Park. It’s a tourist town with lots of romantic restaurants and fun shops. It’s also close to hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. It would be the perfect location for a 2nd honeymoon! Have a great Anniversary!
My in-laws have been to Estes Park several times and have bragged about how beautiful it is. I love the mountains, so I know I would adore it. Thanks for the suggestion, Alex.
A weekend getaway to San Francisco, I’ve never been but it sounds wonderful.
My husband would want to catch a baseball game while there, I’m sure. Maybe if the Texas Rangers were playing the Oakland A’s.
It’s hard to think of an idea for you. How about put all the good suggestions you like (because I know they will be more than one) in a hat and have your husband draw one out. Of course what eer you do have plenty of chocolate.
Una – You have the secret recipe. As long as I have my man and a little bit of chocolate, whatever we choose will be wonderful. Ha!
I don’t have any suggestions because I’m really bad at planning for anniversary things BUT I wanted to wish you a Happy Anniversary because mine is also on Monday, the 5th!It will only be our 13th year, though. And no, nothing special planned (see, I’m really bad about planning things!). Enjoy your day!
Happy Anniversary, Lis! We can celebrate with no plans together. Ha! Feel free to help yourself to any of the great ideas shared here. Maybe you and your hubby can create your own virtual (or real) romantic getaway.
So, I’m totally stealing this from my husband, because he did this for me one year for my birthday, but it was amazing, so …
Take yourselves away to a historic cabin – say, Civil-War era log, but updated with colotful quilts and running water – and spend a quiet weekend together. Simple meals, games by the fire, books and snuggling and naps and quiet time together.
That sounds heavenly, Amy. We love board games in our family. Although prying my computer nerd husband away from his laptop would be a serious challenge. LOL.
Ok, so my ideal get away is a little different. As much as I love a trip to the beach or the mountains, I have kids so that’s just a dream. LOL For me I’d say start with a nice long soak in the bath to unwind. Use a bath bomb from fragrantjewels.com and a good book. Then after your relaxed it will be easier to enjoy your evening. Do a dinner and a movie night. Then lick yourselves in with no phones or devices to distract you from each other. Pretend you’re in the honeymoon phase of your marriage again and enjoy. 😉
So relaxing without the stress of packing. I love it, Amanda. And this year, we just might end up keeping things close to home. Thanks!
Such great Ideas! We celebrated our 50th in 2015 at Cabo San Lucas with all the family – my daughter is my trip guru and planned it. We swam with the dolphins, rode horses on the beach, took a glass bottom boat cruise, and a cultural day through a market, ending in dinner at a restaurant. Our resort was all inclusive – wonderful! I know you can’t do it on a weekend, but keep it in mind.
I like the Granbury Lake idea above. Also the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Niagara Falls are all fabulous. Happy anniversary!
What a trip, Betty! That sounds so romantic and fun. Once in a lifetime kind of vacation. Beautiful!
Come to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula! I live near Marquette and there is so much to do and see here! Taquemenon Falls, all the waterfalls around Munising, Kitchitee Kippee (Big Springs) near Manistique, and best of all Northern Lights over Lake Superior – if you’re lucky!!
That sounds lovely, Kathy. I’ve never been to Michigan, but I hear there are wonderful things to see. You’ve certainly whetted my appetite. 🙂
WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT
All the ideas were so wonderful. You ladies know me so well with your secluded cabins and waterfalls and peaceful getaways. This was a really hard decision.
In the end, I decided to choose Karen R because of her tandem bicycle mention. My husband is always trying to get me to go on bike rides with him, but my small legs and smaller bicycle wheels have trouble keeping up. But a tandem? Romantic AND guaranteed to keep us together. I love it!
In fact, I did a search and found a lovely Victorian bed & breakfast down in Rockport, TX where we can stay in historical fashion, tour a coastal area I’ve never visited, and rent a bicycle built for two. Perfect! Here’s what I found: http://www.angelrosebb.com/ I’m not sure if we’ll actually get away this month, but they do have a room open in a couple weeks. It’s a 6 1/2 hour drive, but looks worth it.
If nothing else, we’ll go to dinner at home and take a leisurely bike ride around the neighborhood.
Thanks, Karen R! I’ll be emailing you for your address.
Blessings to all!
Plan a day at the Hershey Spa in Hershey, staying at the lovely Hotel Hershey. In the evening, or the following day, tour the Hershey Gardens and Conservatory (w/ butterfly house). Then visit Chocolate World and tour the town via trolley bus.
We had a writer’s retreat near Hershey, PA a couple years ago and had a lot of fun eating at the Hershey hotel. It was even showing at the time. (February) Beautiful, quaint little town. And who doesn’t love chocolate?
you are busy. at times like this my husband and I like to get away and see the botanical gardens. it can easily be an all day adventure. then we will take in dinner and stay at a hotel for the night. the next day we will take our time and make it just a day to catch up with each other. a truly relaxing weekend.