When one thinks of romantic travel, Pennsylvania is not usually the first state that comes to mind. Americans usually think of places like Paris, Hawaii, the Caribbean Islands or Las Vegas. However, these trips can be rather over-the-top and expensive, particularly if you’re traveling from the Northeastern United States. Sometimes couples living in Syracuse, New York/ Columbus, Ohio/New York, New York/ Baltimore, Maryland or Charleston, West Virginia need a weekend respite from their bustling daily lives. Pennsylvania’s close proximity to so many other states makes PA romantic vacations a desirable option.

There are many PA romantic vacations to choose from. In the Southwestern corner of Pennsylvania, you’ll find the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, which includes the counties of Bedford, Somerset, Blair, Cambria, Fayette, Green, Huntingdon, Indiana and Westmoreland. Here you’ll find colonial architecture, historic villages, museums, mountain drives, Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater” home, whitewater rapids and caverns in this romantic destination. You can sleep in a historic inn, a cozy bed and breakfast, a woodsy cabin, a Jacuzzi suite or a chateau-style hotel.

The ultimate in a Pennsylvania romantic vacation and most popular among honeymooners is the Pocono’s. In the Pocono’s Mountains, couples can be adventurous with white water rafting, kayaking, hiking at Bushkill Falls, golfing, fishing, stockcar driving and skiing. Or couples may just relax at the spa, enjoying a fine dining restaurant, soaking in a champagne glass shaped Jacuzzi or nestled up by the fireplace. There are always events happening at these resorts, whether it’s a hypnotist, a comedian or a musician like Michael Bolton or Billy Ray Cyrus. The best thing about romantic vacation packages in the Pocono’s is that many are all-inclusive, so you will know exactly how much to save for your getaway. For more information on these packages, visit www.caesarspoconoresorts.com.

Another romantic vacation idea is to getaway on Western or Central PA romantic vacations. In the Susquehanna Valley, you can visit the Mifflinburg Buggy Museum, the Watson Theatre, the Shade Mountain Winery, the Mind Body Spirit Salon & Day Spa, bike through Bald Eagle State Forest or relax in one of the historic country inns nearby. You’ll be surrounded by the beaches of Lake Erie, majestic mountain ranges, the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania and rapid flowing rivers. Accommodations range from country house b&bs and plush cabins to five-star resorts and budget motels.

Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed treating panic disorder as well as tips on the various anxiety disorder medications available at www.anxietydisordercure.com.