Midwest Winter Vacation
 

My fiance and I are looking to get away for his birthday weekend here later in December. We live in Iowa and want to stay in the Midwest. I'm 5 months pregnant so can't really go skiing or anything too active and don't want to be in the cold too much. But we'd like somewhere scenic, relaxing and romantic but still has stuff to do. Any ideas?

stanleyhotel,com for winter mountain views best

beautiful not too far lots to see and do.

classic.mapquest.com

or perhaps

Hor Springs NP Eureka Springs or Branson MO

all scenic lots to do warmer...

Congrats Happy deciding,,,

Tough call...where to go in December being pregnant, remaining in Midwest, not too active, staying warm. Yes, Branson or Eureka Springs (we just moved from Springfield to Boston). But I'm thinking depending on weather maybe just enjoying a few days in KC or St. Louis...maybe not scenic or romantic but isn't that partly something to seek out anywhere? Gosh, maybe even in Des Moines dining and movie?
(A grad of Drake Univ. btw many years ago).

Bill in Boston

Chicago, Chicago, Chicago....

Beautiful lake scenery, great restaurants, excellent music scene, friendly people, 2 wonderful zoos, dozens of of museums that will satisfy just about every taste, aquarium that will blow your mind right next to the Planetarium as well as great parks, and shopping, great public transportation, safe and very walkable downtown area and ethnic neighborhoods with interesting stores and restaurants, etc, etc.

Congrats on your new baby!!!

Here is a site, just to give you an idea what Chicago is all about

http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en.html

Black Hills in South Dakota (not really Midwest but close to you), North Shore of Lake Superior (Duluth to Grand Marais), both are scenic, have enough stuff to do for a weekend but might be too cold?

I like Chicago, just not sure if that would be relaxing/romantic, seems like it's more busy and all about the sightseeing instead of relaxing. But definitely a great place to visit.

Chicago is and can be very romantic.

Walking around Michigan Ave at this time of the year with all the Christmas decorations, having a dinner at the http://www.signatureroom.com/ with gorgeous views of the city and the lake or a dinner at one of 5* restaurants that are some of the best in the world. Walking the lakefront or the parks especially http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/i...4449057ea9.cfm or Navy Pier or taking in a very good jazz or blues show at many different small venues. Endless possibilities.

It might really depend upon your own likes. If you like big city or not. And its density and logistics. And cost.

Just because it is cold outside, doesn't mean it is always cold. For instance, there are tons of water parks now in the Mid-west. Some are in resorts and are not planned and operated just for the kids.

We did a 15 member group once and had a ball. But there were honeymooners present in the resort, as well.

WI has the most. We did Chula Vista in the Dells area.

But if you didn't want to drive as far- I believe there are some now in the Starved Rock/ Illinois River areas of Western IL. Do a google. Some have dancing and live entertainments.

St Louis - There are some quaint Inns - great restaurants/
There is a Monet exhibit in the ARt Museum now.
The Cheshire Inn has been renovated - It is an old world charm Hotel with a fabulous cozy bar and big roaring fireplace- You could have a hot chocolate! it is near Forest Park - The zoo is open with Holiday lights!
There are many City parks with Holiday LIghts Display - Tilles Park has a spectacular one - mid town.
Shopping is great too!