If your idea of a perfect romantic winter weekend mixes time outdoors and time snuggling, metro Atlanta has plenty of nearby escapes.
Each getaway offers a new place to explore or a new way to experience it together.Most importantly, they're in metro Atlanta's backyard, giving you plenty of time to woo one another once the travel is done.
Here are some favorites:
Yurts at Stone Mountain Park
Yurts were the preferred tents of nomads, but you can enjoy the circular homes at DeKalb County's granite dome without much travel.
Made of wood and canvas, the yurts feature heat, electrical outlets and a skylight for up to five people. You can enjoy lake views from outside decks and use your yurt to reconnect after a day of hiking, paddling and, during the winter months, Snow Mountain (starting Nov. 17). Running through early January, the event features activities such as snow tubing and, for the romantic touch, Snow Fire Point s'more roasting on Memorial Lawn.
Rates start at $122 a night. Reservations and more information: www.stonemountainpark.com.
Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Credit: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Credit: Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa
Two hours north of Atlanta, the Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa packs in nine miles of hiking trails, golf, fishing and horseback riding on its 503-acre expanse in Young Harris.
But the Equani Spa Suite is a destination unto itself.
The 825-square-foot suite includes a Jacuzzi tub for two that opens to a 46-inch flat screen TV and fireplace. The private retreat also includes a wet bar, 175-square-foot rooftop deck with panoramic views of North Georgia's Blue Ridge Mountains.
Add to the romance with a couple's massage inside the spa itself or just reconnect over the heated indoor-outdoor pool on your own.
Get more information about availability or book your stay by calling (800) 201-3205 or visit www.brasstownvalley.com.
Smithgall Woods State Park
Hot tubs and wineries are the stuff that romance is made of, and both are on hand with a stay at one of six cottages at Smithgall Woods near Helen.
Dukes Creek runs through the mountains along some of the cottages, while others have in-suite hot tubs. A private mile-long trail leads from the cottages to Dukes Creek Falls. Your cottage is also just two miles to the closest winery Habersham Winery) but no more than four miles from at least two more vineyards.
For more information or reservations, visit gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods or call 800-864-7275.
Yurts at Georgia State Parks
Credit: Georgia State Parks
Credit: Georgia State Parks
Georgia state parks have 39 yurt accommodations available throughout the state. The closest are in Sweetwater State Park, about 30 minutes east of Atlanta, and described in our glamping roundup.
Rates for state park yurts start at $95. Additional state parks that have yurts include High Falls State Park, Red Top Mountain State Park, Tugaloo, Fort Yargo and Cloudland Canyon State Park.
For more information: gastateparks.org/UniqueAccommodations.
Smoky Mountain retreats
Georgia hardly has a corner on the market of romantic getaways, as we explained in our Smoky Mountain rundown.
At just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Atlanta, Asheville is a popular destination for a serene winter retreat that includes as much shopping and restaurant hopping as skiing and hikes.
Insider tip: The surrounding mountains often protect Asheville from snow, so skiing and tubing would be more available about 20 miles away on higher peaks).
For romance, the city offers easy trips into downtown with Asheville Glamping listing unique accommodations such as vintage airstreams and domes tents.
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