Oh, to escape away as newlyweds to a beautiful, remote vacation spot...the peace, serenity, and romance.
Sounds lovely doesn't it.
Out of all the wedding planning you wouldn't think that the honeymoon would be the most source of stress and tension, but it has been. This past week we have gone back and forth between whether we can afford the dream honeymoon or not.
Both of us had already envisioned a perfect getaway; conjuring up images of what a honeymoon should be.
Basking in the sun on a secluded island.
Hiking through uncharted jungles.
Taking bike tours through Italy.
Snorkeling in the waters of the Caribbean
(man, I sound like a Sandals commercial)
With buying a house in the near future, we have decided that we will not be taking the fantasy honeymoon that society tells us we should take. Instead, we are heading out west and staying in the good 'ol USA. At this point I'm glad we are fortunate enough to even make a honeymoon happen. Regardless of what I had dreamt about when I was younger, I know that we will remember this trip for a lifetime.
Our destination as of now - Monterey & San Francisco.
Here are a few things we'd like to do at each place:
Monterey
Drive out to explore and hike Big Sur
Kayak through the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Stroll down Cannery Row
San Francisco
Ride on a cable car
See the Golden Gate Bridge
Baker's Beach
Chinatown
Shop at Crossroads and Buffalo Exchange
Visit the Golden Gate Park for tea in the Japanese Garden
For me, an ideal vacation would mostly entail absorbing the culture around me.
I adore exploring cities by shopping, tasting the local cuisine, photographing the beauty, sampling coffee, visiting vineyards, and finding those hidden hot spots that only the locals know about.
As a typical man, Zach craves adventure with his lady. His wish list contains anything from hiking, kayaking, mountain climbing, eating, drinking local brews, seeing sea lions, exploring and getting lost along the way.
We'd love to combine our ideas for the ultimate honeymoon.
Has anyone been out to Monterey or San Francisco and have recommendations for us?
I'd appreciate any help seeing as there is so much to do and we only have a week to enjoy ourselves!
Thanks! :)
Thanks! :)
i went to San Fran a couple of years ago and one of my favorite parts was visiting Sausalito! It is super cute and you can even take a ferry from San Fransisco there! Or if you drive (across the golden gate bridge) you can also visit Muir Woods (gorgeous Redwoods and a nice walk). my brothers also said they loved walking across the Golden Gate Bridge (I was absolutely terrified the whole time haha)
ReplyDeletehave fun!
Jon and I went to Greece for our honeymoon even though we were broke. At the same time we are no where near ready to think about buying a house. We're definitely going to be renters for at least a few more years. I guess it just depends on what your priorities are. When it comes down to it it's not about an exotic location, but about being able to spend some alone time together as newlyweds. I've only ever heard amazing things about San Francisco and I'm sure you two will have an amazing time!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds so lovely, Kate. I'm sure even if you guys stayed in Michigan, you would have a great time. What's love if you can't make the best of what you got, right? :)
ReplyDeleteI think it sounds dreamy. There's nothing wrong with staying in the country. You can always take romantic overseas getaways later :) I've heard lovely things about San Francisco, although I've never been. I'm sure you'll have a wonderful honeymoon! The vineyards sound like they will be a true experience.
ReplyDeleteride a cable car to the top of Lombarde street (the crooked one!) and then walk down it. adorable. also, don't miss alcatraz. i didn't think it sounded that exciting either but it is super cool. best audio tour ever.
ReplyDeletejust go for it! go for your dream honeymoon, don't stress! :)
ReplyDeleteI think that's a great idea! My husband and I went to Aspen. We were trying to stick to a budget too since we are now buying a house. You can be surprised what accommodations you can find and how well you can eat with the right planning. You can definitely have your cake and eat it too! Happy planning and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Friday!
B.
That Girl in Pearls
Coffee porn!
ReplyDeleteOh your honeymoon sounds amazing! I have always wanted to go to San Fransisco! You better take a million pics lady, I am excited for you guys :)
Your honeymoon sounds awesome. I know that its frustrating having to negotiate on your dream trip (we're handing in our dream of Greece for a week in the smokey mountains), but it will be amazing I'm sure, just because you're together. :) I've never been to Monterey or San Fran, but I am a frequent Buffalo Exchange shopper whenever I'm in a city with it, so be sure you go there. :)
ReplyDeleteThose all sound like great places! Here's a few other suggestions:
ReplyDelete-Take a trolley on your way to Fisherman's Wharf
-The Japanese Tea Garden is near the art museum and science museum (literally all right next to each other). And on Thursday nights the science museum basically becomes a bar.
-When you're in the Monterey Bay area, try to go to Santa Cruz and spend an afternoon on Pacific Avenue. You will love it. Couple of really great restaurants and the equivalent to ModCloth in a store (called Sway). There's also a Redwood
Forest very close by. (There's info on my blog about some of these places)
-When you go to Napa, check out the Artesa winery. Great views of the valley and the grounds and wine are great. There's also a really good cupcake place called Sift downtown. And tons of amazing restaurants too. (There's info on my blog about some of these places)
-Lila, A fellow Modsquader
Your honeymoon sounds awesome. I know that its frustrating having to negotiate on your dream trip (we're handing in our dream of Greece for a week in the smokey mountains), but it will be amazing I'm sure, just because you're together. :) I've never been to Monterey or San Fran, but I am a frequent Buffalo Exchange shopper whenever I'm in a city with it, so be sure you go there. :)
ReplyDelete