People travel thousands of miles to visit the wonders of the World, but there are at least that many wonders right here in the United States.
Have you or your fiancé seen them? This could be the perfect opportunity to visit some of our country's most incredible sites.
Grand Canyon
Known for its visually overwhelming size and its intricate and colorful landscape, the Grand Canyon is comprised of ancient rocks, which are incredibly preserved and exposed in the walls of the canyon.
Incredible, vast, enormous, and stunning are just a few of the words used to describe this landmark that will truly take your breath away.
The floor of the valley is reachable by foot, mule back, or by boat or raft from upriver. You can opt to raft the river, camp or hike, but you need to make your plans well in advance.Because of the erratic temperature ranges, most trips are planned between April and October.
If you decide to raft through the Grand Canyon,whether you want to travel for two days or ten, hike in or not, go on an oar craft, motorized boat or brave the class 3 to class 6 rapids, you can find the trip that meets your needs.
Hiking down to the river and back up to the rim in one day is discouraged by park officials because of the distance, steep and rocky trails, change in elevation, and danger of heat exhaustion from the much higher temperatures at the bottom.
Backpacking requires a permit with up to a 4-month lead time before your start date. Several options allow you to hike in or out, and with proper planning a mule ride up or down the canyon walls is also an option.>
Usually restricted to established campgrounds, camping is another way to enjoy this natural wonder (reservations are highly recommended). There is at large camping available along many parts of the North Rim. All overnight camping below the rim requires a backcountry permit from the Backcountry Office.
Each year Grand Canyon National Park receives approximately 30,000 requests for backcountry permits. The park issues only 13,000 permits. So if this sounds like the place for you, early planning is imperative. Please make sure confirm that you and your spouse can share accommodations. Some places are separated by sex.
Las Vegas
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. This city’s motto is true! There is so much to see and do, your senses will be ignited.
Your days can be spent visiting some of the region's fascinating sights—including Death Valley, the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, and Lake Mead. You can golf, play tennis, go to a spa, enjoy a hot-air balloon trip, ride horse back, or visit a circus. Las Vegas is there to be whatever you want it to be!
At night, you can go dancing, clubbing, see all types of shows and, of course, try your hand at Lady Luck. Please remember, though, this is not the place to try and win back the money you spent on your wedding. Plan how much you can afford to leave there and stick with it.
There are innumerable selections for accommodations, from high rise hotels to motels. Whether you want a condo or 6-star resort, you will find it here.
But the great thing about Vegas is that once you arrive, your accommodations and food can be done on a really tight budget. Everything else will cost you, but you don’t have to do it all.
Las Vegas can be your dream come true. What else can be said…Vegas is Vegas!
Redwood Forest
For a totally different type of honeymoon, perhaps the home of the world's tallest trees and more than 100 miles of stunning Northern California coast is the place for you.
You will also find loads of outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, bird watching, biking and scenic drives. There are quaint old towns, the arts, and amazing food and wine discoveries.
You can choose to wander among redwoods, some actually 50 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty! A fog-shrouded morning is an unforgettable experience. Sounds are condensed to the murmur of water trickling amongst luxuriant ferns and mossy rocks. Light recedes and shafts of sun hang like cobwebs. There is an abundance of campgrounds at which you can relax.
There are over 200 miles of trails weaving through a variety of environments, including prairies, old-growth redwood forests, and beaches.
You can visit Gold Bluffs Beach, Clam Beach, Big Lagoon, and Patrick’s Point State Park. They each have easy access to the ocean, hiking, beach combing and whale watching. You can walk and beach comb, picnic and fly a kite. You can even rent an RV to enjoy your honeymoon in the wild.
There are also myriad theaters, museums, galleries, studio, so your evenings can be just as full as your days.
Niagara Falls
One of the original honeymoon sites in the U.S., Niagara Falls straddles the New York/Canadian border. Made up of three different falls (American Falls, on the far left; Bridal Veil Falls, in the middle; and Canadian/Horseshoe Falls on the right), you will find the most attractions on the Canadian side. So don’t forget your travel documents, passport or other U.S. identification.
Whether you want the quiet intimacy of a B&B along the river, the elegance of a classy falls-view hotel, an inn, or a classic motel, there are plenty of options on your accommodations in Niagara Falls. There is a backpackers' hostel located in the downtown area and several campgrounds as well.
One of the best things about this “Wonder” is that it is less than 8 hours away from the Hudson River by car or train.
Whatever you have in mind is available for you to do. Bike? Go to the top the Skylon Tower? (This tower soars about 800 feet above the falls and offers visitors spectacular views. Dinner up there is fascinating with the falls lit up at night.) You can take a boat ride to the base of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls or mingle with the famous at a wax museum. Choose to hike along the gorge or walk through free flying butterflies at the Butterfly Conservatory. Did you know you can actually don a raincoat to tour and walk behind the Falls?
Thinking about a helicopter ride or playing in a massive water park—you can. Why not take a jet boat down the Niagara River? Or take a wine tour? Go on a horse and buggy ride? Learn some war history at Fort Erie Fort or Fort George? This wonderful town can be a beautiful back drop to your honeymoon just as it has been for so many other couples.
These are 4 of the 7 Wonders of the United States you can chose to honeymoon in. We will continue with the other 3 Wonders in just two weeks.
Photographs: Grand Canyon, Vegas, Redwood Forest, Niagara Falls
Emma McKnight is travel agent specializing in cruise vacations. View her website at: Cruise With Emma or contact her for more information.