When it comes to romantic getaways, Minnesota and Wisconsin destinations don't seem to show up high on the list of locations Americans consider visiting. That's kind of a shame, frankly! How can you beat a stroll down Main Street through a quaint small Upper Midwestern town, breathtaking natural scenery, or a quiet campfire while watching the sunset on a Northwoods lake?
While many around the country seem to find a beach getaway or trip to the mountains at the top of their list for romantic getaways, there is an undeniable charm to the "lesser-considered" places that still provide a romantic setting.
That's the premise of a survey conducted by a honeymoon advice & planning website called Honeymoon Always, which asked 3,000 Americans to name their favorite "alternative" romantic destinations they'd like to visit in 2023. Their survey results named a total of 175 destinations across the country, with four of them in Minnesota and two of them in Wisconsin.
I do feel like the respondents missed a couple of incredible gems, but overall, they did a pretty good job identifying some cities and towns that offer an overall vibe that is fitting to a romantic getaway.
None of the top 10 locations on the list from Honeymoon Always were in Minnesota or Wisconsin, with the top Minnesota destination ranking #56 and the top Wisconsin locale coming in at #63.
In case you're curious, most of the top 5 destinations feel like they aren't so "alternative' to me, but here they are:
- St. Augustine, Florida
- Paia, Hawaii
- Hilo, Hawaii
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Alright, here are the top Minnesota and Wisconsin destinations, with a couple mixed in that I feel like should be included: