Great Weekend Getaways Around Huntsville for Couples (Birmingham, Florence: house, rental)

[autobahn]

Anyone recommend any great weekend getaways around Huntsville for couples? My wife and I try to get away at least once or twice a year when a grandparent is in town to watch the kids. Anything within 2 hours is probably reasonable. Let's say any place that allows for a weekend rental is acceptable to be listed - which puts off the list any week long cabin rentals. Places should be great for Valentines, Anniversary, etc.

[autobahn]

3 Years ago, we did the Joe Wheeler State Lodge for Valentine's. It is only an hour west. All rooms overlook the lake and they have a great buffet. The other thing is that they keep the prices steady, even for holidays like Valentine's Day.
Joe Wheeler State Park, Rogersville, AL

[autobahn]

Next year, we are going to try Lake Guntersville State Lodge for Valentines. Anyone stay there yet since the renovations?
Alabama State Parks

[autobahn]

A few years ago, we stayed at the Marriott Shoals Hotel and Spa soon after they opened. We got a great deal for Valentine's weekend. Rooms were awesome and they had an indoor pool and hot tub. The outdoor pool is closed in the winter, however the outdoor hot tub is open year round. All rooms have a great view of the river. I checked last year and they have increased their prices - so not sure how much of a bargin it is any more. We ate at one of their restaurants to stay out of the cold, and if we did it again - we would probably try a restaurant in downtown Florence.
Florence Alabama Hotel: Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, An Alabama Golf Resort in Florence

[autobahn]

Check out Franklin, TN. We did the Marriott there one year for a special getaway. There are some old factory shops and the newer malls to check out. They also have a Wild Oats grocery store. Recommend the Franklin Chop House for dinner. Also, enjoyed a side trip to Leipers Fork on the Natchez Trace Parkway where they have the General Lee parked out front one of the stores. There are tons of hotels in the area including an Embassy Suites. Also easy to hit the Cheesecake Factory in Nashville from there. Only about 1.5 hours from Huntsville.

[autobahn]

Anyone stay at Gorham's Bluff near Scottsboro? Southern Living had a neat review of them a few years back. Have never been back in there to check it out, although we have hiked to the double waterfall nearby in the town of Pisgah.
Accomodations at Gorham's Bluff: Lodge Rooms and Cottages

[Southlander]

autobahn, you keep answering yourself! And with some mighty good recommendations! Chattanooga is only an hour away, although it's really nice for a family trip. But it's AWAY! You might try Birmingham. Lots of wonderful places to eat. Visit Vulcan, the art museum, maybe take in an event at the historic Alabama Theatre...the Barber Motorsports Museum has an awesome collection of motorcycles, as well as interesting vintage cars. Take in a little nightlife at workplay...stay at the Tutwiler, or at the Highland Hotel, or the Rennaissance with a visit to the spa...

[Huntsville_secede]

Originally Posted by Southlander

autobahn, you keep answering yourself! And with some mighty good recommendations! Chattanooga is only an hour away, although it's really nice for a family trip. But it's AWAY! You might try Birmingham. Lots of wonderful places to eat. Visit Vulcan, the art museum, maybe take in an event at the historic Alabama Theatre...the Barber Motorsports Museum has an awesome collection of motorcycles, as well as interesting vintage cars. Take in a little nightlife at workplay...stay at the Tutwiler, or at the Highland Hotel, or the Rennaissance with a visit to the spa...

The people on this forum are hilarious, especially the great Philosopher of our time San from Birmingham.

[autobahn]

Originally Posted by Southlander

autobahn, you keep answering yourself! And with some mighty good recommendations! ...

Figure I would start things out by throwing out my experiences for what I hope becomes a lengthly list of suggestions. Always looking for new places (hotels/B&Bs/lodges/etc) to get away. We had a getaway trip booked this year to Birmingham, but cancelled it and instead checked out Hot Springs, NC. It does not meet the criteria I stated above, but I highly recommend them: Hot Springs NC Honeymoon Cabin Rental with hot tub near Asheville and The Biltmore.

[rnc76]

The Mentone/Desoto State Park/Little River Canyon area is a great weekend getaway. It is only about 1.5 hours away. There are lots of cabins to rent along the ridge at Lookout Mtn in Mentone. Of course, the ones on the rim are a little more expensive, but in the off season they are pretty reasonable. Most smaller cabins seem to have a 2 night minimum. Mentone is a very small arts and crafts village with a few restaurants. Desoto State Park is nice, the falls are beautiful and there a lots of hiking trails. The scenic drive along the west rim of the Little River Canyon is very nice as well. There is plenty in the area to fill a weekend.