This season, a growing number of travelers are approaching romantic getaways differently. Rather than booking traditional Valentine’s packages or large resorts, many are opting for destinations that offer privacy, thoughtful design and experiences that encourage time together.

From small coastal inns and Hill Country retreats to wellness-focused spas and immersive cultural trips, these destinations offer alternatives that feel more personal — and often more memorable — than standard romantic escapes.

There is a quiet appeal to places that don’t rely on spectacle. Instead, they offer comfortable surroundings, walkable settings and the kind of atmosphere that allows travelers to settle in quickly.

On the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ocracoke Harbor Inn fits that description well. Accessible only by ferry, the inn feels intentionally removed from the pace of everyday life. Guests wake to harbor views and spend their days exploring the village on foot or by bike, stopping at local shops or watching boats come and go. Evenings tend to revolve around simple routines — sunset views, unhurried dinners and conversations that don’t compete with schedules.

Texas offers similar options, particularly in the Hill Country, where small inns and retreat-style properties combine comfort with accessibility. In Fredericksburg, Cotton Gin Village features private guesthouses arranged around a restored 19th-century cotton gin. Fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and proximity to Main Street make it easy to balance quiet downtime with dining and shopping nearby.

In nearby Wimberley, Blair House Inn appeals to travelers who enjoy building a trip around food. Known for its cooking school and chef-prepared meals, the inn hosts culinary weekends that give guests the chance to cook, dine and linger at the table together. A few miles away, Creekhaven Inn & Spa offers a more nature-focused stay, with cottages set along Cypress Creek, outdoor soaking tubs and private water access.

Elsewhere in the Hill Country, Walden Retreats takes a modern approach to glamping. Private cabins, outdoor tubs and wide-open views create a setting designed for privacy and simplicity, making it a strong option for couples who want a quiet escape without leaving the region.

For many travelers, trips feel more meaningful when they include a shared activity. Learning a skill, exploring a local food scene or participating in hands-on experiences can give a getaway a clear focus.

In Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm offers an experience rooted in food, craft and landscape. The working farm and inn is known for its farm-to-table cuisine, wine program and hands-on experiences ranging from cooking demonstrations to guided outdoor activities. Set on expansive grounds, the property allows guests to balance structured experiences with downtime, making it a destination that appeals to travelers who enjoy learning and dining as part of the journey rather than following a fixed itinerary.

If you prefer to head south, Oaxaca City, Mexico, continues to attract travelers interested in food and culture. Spanish immersion programs paired with cooking classes and market tours allow visitors to practice the language while learning to prepare regional dishes such as mole and tlayudas. The structure of these programs provides built-in interaction, while still leaving room to explore the city at an easy pace.

For travelers drawn to food and wine experiences in the northeast, New York’s Finger Lakes region offers a quieter alternative to more crowded wine destinations. The area is known for its cool-climate wines, small tasting rooms and farm-to-table dining, with many inns and lodges located along the lakes themselves. Wine trails encourage unhurried exploration, while winter and early spring visits bring fewer crowds and a more relaxed pace

Experience-driven trips are also easy to find closer to home. In Johnson City, Carter Creek Winery Resort & Spa offers vineyard views, a winery and distillery, and a full-service spa, all on one property. Guests can spend the day tasting or relaxing, then gather for dinner without leaving the grounds.

For a more hands-on option, American Pioneer Ranch near Fredericksburg offers multi-day homesteading workshops that include lodging, meals and instruction in traditional skills. The schedule encourages participation and collaboration, creating a shared experience that feels different from a typical vacation.

North of Dallas, the Farm Resort in Whitewright combines boutique lodging with agritourism. Guests can explore organic gardens, pick flowers and take part in seasonal activities, making the stay feel both grounded and interactive.

Wellness-focused travel continues to appeal to travelers who see rest as an essential part of any getaway.

In Arizona, Castle Hot Springs blends historic accommodations with natural hot springs, spa services and wellness programming in a remote desert setting. Guests are encouraged to unplug, with days structured around soaking, hiking and shared meals rather than packed itineraries.

Texas travelers looking for a similar experience don’t have to leave the state. Lake Austin Spa Resort, located along the water just outside Austin, offers a classic spa setting with a wide range of treatments, fitness classes and wellness activities. The lakeside environment and flexible programming make it easy to tailor a stay around rest and reconnection.

Along California’s central coast, Post Ranch Inn pairs dramatic ocean views with a wellness-forward philosophy. The adults-only property emphasizes simplicity and sustainability, offering cliffside accommodations, guided nature walks and spa treatments designed to complement the natural surroundings. The setting encourages guests to slow down, unplug and focus on shared time, making it a natural fit for travelers who view rest as essential to connection.

Beyond couples-focused travel, more people are choosing trips centered on personal renewal or shared time with friends.

In Colorado Springs, the Garden of the Gods Resort and Club offers a full menu of wellness activities and events, spa and salon services, golf, pickleball and much more in a gorgeous mountain setting. 

Texas-based options include retreats such as a Weekend Mindful Reset in Marble Falls, which emphasizes gentle movement, guided meditation and time outdoors. Designed to fit into a short stay, programs like this appeal to travelers who want a mental reset without extensive travel.

In the Pacific Northwest, forest retreats modeled after destinations like Suncadia Resort in Washington offer a different kind of reset. Surrounded by evergreen forests and mountain landscapes, these properties emphasize nature-based experiences such as guided hikes, wellness programming, fireside dining and quiet cabin-style accommodations. The appeal lies in simplicity — time outdoors, comfortable spaces and an environment that encourages travelers to slow down and disconnect without committing to a structured retreat schedule.

Across the U.S. and Canada, similar retreats — ranging from coastal yoga lodges to forest-based mindfulness weekends — continue to grow in popularity, reflecting a broader shift toward intentional travel.

To help navigate the expanding range of options, platforms such as Tripaneer and Retreat Guru (retreat.guru) offer searchable listings for wellness retreats, culinary trips and immersive travel programs. These tools allow travelers to compare destinations based on interest rather than location alone.

In February, travel doesn’t have to follow a familiar script. For many travelers, the appeal lies in discovering places and experiences they may not have previously considered — trips built around time, space and shared moments rather than calendars and expectations.

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By Carrie Dunlea | Special Contributor

Kitchen upgrades are among the most common renovation projects homeowners tackle. Even so, it’s a big project for a first-time renovation, and the final results are sure to be stronger with some detailed planning from the start.

Take into account these five tips from the experts at Wellborn Cabinet to help first-time kitchen remodelers achieve the kitchens of their dreams:

1. Plan Your Budget

Establish a clear and realistic budget. Factor in costs for materials, labor and some extra for unexpected expenses. Sticking to your budget can help ensure you enjoy the outcome of the project while avoiding financial stress. Your contractor can help you strike a balance between your vision and financial resources. You may also find it helpful to consult with a real estate professional who can ensure your plans are in line with the overall value of your home and neighborhood.

2. Prioritize Functionality

Design with practicality in mind. Ensure there’s enough counter space and storage to create an efficient workflow. Consider the kitchen work triangle; that is, be conscious of the travel pattern among the sink, stove and refrigerator.

Additionally, look for opportunities to incorporate functional storage in unexpected places. One example is the exposed end of a cabinet run or side of the refrigerator, where there is often wasted space. One example is a shallow cleaning utility cabinet from Wellborn Cabinet that fits a broom, dustpan and everyday cleaning supplies neatly, giving you practical access to frequently used supplies. A variation on this cabinet offers a spice rack designed for easy access to cooking essentials. Other options in the line include an over-fridge cabinet with a combination of shelves, sheet pan or cutting board storage and a trash can-cutting board combination.

3. Choose Quality Materials

Consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements and compatibility with your design aesthetic when selecting materials for your kitchen. You may be tempted to cut corners and stretch your money further, but quality materials are a critical element of successful renovations. Prioritize high-quality materials that stand the test of time. Durable countertops, solid cabinetry and reliable appliances typically save money in the long run, and they’ll enhance the overall look and value of your kitchen.

4. Hire Professionals

Work with experienced contractors and designers. Their expertise can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your remodel meets all safety and building codes. What’s more, these professionals have likely encountered and overcome all kinds of challenges, which means they’ll be well-prepared to help you navigate unexpected obstacles and provide a wealth of knowledge from previous clients to help make recommendations for the perfect finished space.

5. Stay Flexible

Be prepared for unexpected challenges and delays. Stay adaptable and open to changes and remember patience is key to achieving the kitchen of your dreams. Materials go on backorder and paperwork gets misplaced all the time. Set a realistic timeline for your project that allows for some hiccups and try to avoid becoming too rigidly attached to any single element of the design, so if you have to make a modification, it doesn’t feel like a monumental sacrifice.

Look for more ideas and inspiration for your kitchen remodel at Wellborn.com. Family Features 

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The revision states that bulk items (such as mattresses) can be set out no earlier than 48 hours before the scheduled col­lection day. Brush, which in­cludes clippings of bushes and trees and similar items, can be set out no earlier than the Satur­day before collection.

As soon as staff codifies the changes, a six-month grace period will begin. City employees will use that time to educate homeowners and ensure that everyone understands the new system.

By Morgan Howard • [email protected]

Under the direction of own­er and head trainer Kai Handt, North Texas Equestrian Center has earned a reputation as one of the premier horse facili­ties in the Metroplex offering boarding and horse sales, plus all levels of lessons and com­petitive training from beginner to advanced.

In addition to training

For the full story, see the June 25 issue or subscribe online.

By Sonia Duggan • [email protected]

In 2008, Robin Thompson, of Wylie, formed the group after discussing the idea with some of her friends. To start a chapter a person must sign up to be a Queen, so that is what Thompson did. The group began with six members and has grown to the current membership of 25.

The Red Hat Society was formed in 1998 with the purpose of providing a social group for women over 50. Now, the international organization welcomes ladies of all ages.

For the full story, see the June 25 issue or subscribe online.

By Karen Chaney • [email protected]

When administrators figured out that summer camps would have to go online, Coordinator of Technology Applications Jasna Aliefendic got to work. She spent the past two months planning how to transform the annual Coding Academy and Video Game Design programs into digital formats.

“We planned our program to be in person, with lots of physical computing, student interaction, hands-on activities and a visit to leading technology companies in the area,” she said. “Since our original plan required students to be physically together, we had to reorganize the entire program and utilize web-based resources. The reorganization took some time, but our amazing teachers did a fabulous job of creating engaging and productive learning experiences for our participants.”

For the full story, see the June 25 issue or subscribe online.
By Morgan Howard • [email protected]

The runoff elections to decide the nominees from March 3 voting were originally scheduled for May 2 but were postponed because of COVID-19 safety concerns.

Most of the activity is in the Democratic Runoff that has three races to determine nominees.

By Joe Reavis • [email protected]