Some lovebirds are adventurers at heart. Others prefer luxe leisure all day long. These three Arizona itineraries take you on romantic getaways that are alternately restful, refined and rugged.
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Getaway Style: Restful
Destination: White Mountains
If strolling under Ponderosa pines or watching snowflakes drift outside the window while you curl up by the fireplace sounds like heaven to you, head to the White Mountains in northeastern Arizona.
Eat: Open for breakfast and lunch, What's Cooking Kitchen and Bakery in Show Low makes almost everything from scratch, from the giant cinnamon rolls to in-house brined and smoked pastrami. The friendly staff at this family-owned restaurant will make you feel right at home.
What's Cooking Kitchen and Bakery 5171 Cub Lake Road, Ste. A-120, Show Low (928) 537-0673 What's Cooking's Facebook page
Stay: The cozy cabins at the 13-acre Whispering Pines Resort in Pinetop come furnished and stocked with the essentials, including wood for a crackling fire in the fireplace. Start and end each day on the porch: sipping coffee and watching wildlife in the morning, toasting cocktails and stargazing at night.
Whispering Pines Resort 237 E. White Mountain Blvd., Pinetop (928) 367-4386 whisperingpinesaz.com
Play: Few things are as rewardingly relaxing as the gentle sway of a horseback ride, so saddle up at Porter Mountain Stables in Lakeside for a leisurely excursion along creeks, through meadows and under treetops. The stables offer outings that range from 60 minutes to six hours; reservations are required during the winter.
In Central Arizona, the Verde Valley boasts stunningly beautiful resorts, award-winning wineries and chef-driven restaurants—enticements that attract visitors from around the globe. Only the area's red-rock vistas rival the high-end offerings.
Eat: A favorite with foodies, Nic's Italian Steak & Crab House in Cottonwood serves classic Italian fare (perfectly layered lasagna, lightly breaded eggplant Parmesan), premium steaks and fresh seafood. The ideal drink pairing? A deftly made martini, up, with a twist.
Nic's Italian Steak & Crab House 925 N. Main St., Cottonwood (928) 634-9626 nicsaz.com
Stay: It's all about exclusivity at Sun Cliff Sedona. This romantic one-bedroom home sits on 24 private acres and features patio loveseats, outdoor fireplaces, a soaking tub perched on a cliff's edge and a Jacuzzi that overlooks Sedona's famed Cathedral Rock. Not to mention the five-star touches throughout like luxury linens, his and hers robes, and evening turn-down service.
Sun Cliff Sedona 3400 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona (928) 282-4355 suncliffsedona.com
Play: Ever had a massage at a vineyard? The Winter Massage Package at Page Springs Cellars pampers couples with a 60-minute creekside session, followed by a chef-crafted meal paired with Page Springs Cellars wine. Upgrade to the Premier Package by adding a winery or vineyard tour before your massage.
Explore the great outdoors when you venture into the Southern Arizona wilderness surrounding Willcox. From remote camping to farm-fresh eats, the region is ideal for couples wanting to go off-grid.
Eat: Although the farm is closed during the winter, the Country Store at Apple Annie's Orchard welcomes visitors year-round. Shop for picnic-friendly goodies such as fruit, nuts, sandwiches and slices of made-from-scratch apple pie. Or dine on-site Monday through Friday.
Apple Annie's Orchard 1510 N. Circle I Road, Willcox (520) 766-2084 appleannies.com
Stay: Camp at Pillsbury Wine Company's 100-acre vineyard. It's rustic—no hook-ups, bathrooms or water—but you can pitch a tent under pecan trees and enjoy mountain views. Members of Harvest Hosts (a company that arranges agritourism overnighters at farms and vineyards) stay for free; non-members pay $15 per night. Call Pillsbury Wine Company at least 24 hours in advance; upon arrival, check-in at the tasting room.
Pillsbury Wine Company 6450 S. Bennett Place, Willcox (520) 384-3964 pillsburywine.com
Play: Chiricahua National Monument has some of the best hiking in Southern Arizona. Tackle the 7.3-mile Heart of the Rocks Loop Trail to see the unique rock formations the monument is known for. Or attend Wings Over Willcox, an annual birding festival featuring wildlife tours and seminars in mid-January.
Chiricahua National Monument 12856 E. Rhyolite Creek Road, Willcox (520) 824-3560 nps.gov/chir
Teresa Bitler is an award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler, American Way, Wine Enthusiast, and AAA publications. She is the author of two guidebooks and a contributor to Fodors Arizona & The Grand Canyon.
