8 Romantic Getaways in Missouri: Cozy Cabins and Culinary Treats

Located on the western border of the state, a visit to Kansas City ushers in the smoky aroma of hand-cooked BBQ, the roar of the loudest outdoor stadium on record, and the sublime mix of roaming cattle and city stop lights. From the classy upscale Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, to the eclectic Crossroads Arts District and the always-buzzing Power and Light District, Kansas City offers plenty to keep an adventurous couple exploring for days.

Kansas City natives and current residents alike would heartily recommend a stay at the newly-revamped, upscale boutique The Raphael. The elegant bedding and luxurious guest suites preserve the architectural wonder of its Italian Renaissance revival style, complete with arched entries and the faint glow of soft white chandeliers. The Raphael’s pristine sidewalks connect its opulent front door with the Country Club Plaza, the first shopping center in the world designed to accommodate shoppers arriving by automobile. The Raphael is also a hand-in-hand stroll away from the VanGoughs and O’Keeffes featured at the Nelson Art Gallery.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, stay indoors and snuggle up in a booth at The Raphael’s in-house restaurant, Chaz on the Plaza. They offer an exquisite ribeye steak, fresh seafood, and modern regional cuisine. Eat up while tapping your toes along with the nightly live classic jazz and blues music.

About two and half hours outside of Kansas City, the flat drive gives way to the rise and fall of pale green hills decorated with orderly rows of deep red grapes. You’re in wine country now. Missouri has an incredibly rich wine history, producing more than any other state in the Union prior to Prohibition. Known for the irresistible aroma of hickory smoked German bratwurst and the sound of popping wine bottles dripping with deep red Norton and sweet Pink Catawba, Hermann is a two-stoplight town where you’ll be greeted by smiling neighbors, endless tasting rooms, and the promise of passion.

While in town, set down your luggage and put up your feet at the affordable, yet sophisticated brick front Hermann Crown Suites. Settle in for the evening in the collection of private “suites” where you’ll indulge in the warmth of an in-room jacuzzi while the clinks of wine glasses full of your favorite bubbly linger in the tranquil silence. Your stay in the Crown Suites also includes two drink coupons, a complimentary shuttle, and a hot breakfast of warm biscuits and sizzling bacon. Wings a Blazin’, Hermannhoff Winery, and other Hermann hot spots are close enough that you won’t break a sweat as you stroll hand-in-hand to find a few treasures to line your luggage (or your bellies).

The Hermann 1837 Cellar Bar, located down a set of creaky stairs full of stories in the Crown Suites, specializes in Hermann wines, Missouri craft beers, and German Pilsners. Pull up a seat with your sweetie, toss down your free drinks tickets, and get lost in the faint glow of the chandelier while you delight in the tales of the bartender, the beauty of the chiseled walls, and beverages so good they just seem to disappear. When the last sips of wine still linger on your lips, sneak outside and cozy up by the fire pit as you watch the sun slip past the edge of the horizon.

Located in the southwest corner of Missouri, Springfield is well known for its growing college campuses, the aquariums and wildlife museums at Bass Pro Shop, and other quirky local favorites such as Lambert’s — “the home of the throwed rolls” (fresh, doughy rolls tossed out to diners). Lovers looking to reconnect can lose themselves in the lights of downtown Springfield, where the peaceful hum of the fountains in Park Central Square is just one short chorus away from the spirited off-key shrieks of the crowd at Ernie Biggs Piano Bar.

When you’ve had all the dancing you can take, let your feet whisk you across the street and through the V-shaped door of the new Hotel Vandivort, the first urban boutique hotel in the city. Beneath the towering glass panels and twinkling lights, you’ll step into the pristine, open concept lobby, complete with exposed cast iron pillars and eclectic modern décor featuring brick walls and spotless tiled floors.

The Vandivort, located next door to the live productions of Springfield’s Little Theatre, offers comfy suites and unique stays for couples to enjoy after an evening exploring First Friday arts events, chuckling at bad jokes at the Blue Room Comedy Club, or catching a show at a theatre with your head nestled snugly on the shoulder of your partner.

The first floor of the hotel features The Order, a trendy restaurant with communal work tables repurposed from wood original to the 108-year-old building. The socially-minded design makes everyone feel like neighbors, so grab a seat and make memories (and maybe a new friend) over bacon-stuffed pancakes, cashew chicken kabobs, or a smoked old fashioned. Don’t leave without documenting the moment by shoving both of your smiling faces into the frame for an obligatory Hotel Vandivort Bathroom Selfie.

With a soft white cotton robe adorning your body and essential oils floating gently through the air, a pair of hands softly and slowly moves from your head to your toes, working out the kinks and stress of the day while candles lightly flicker in the corner of the room. Your heart rate slows and those pesky knots unwind as your eyes close and you picture the rest of your dreamy evening together.

Northeast of Kansas City, Excelsior Springs is named after the springs of water that bubbled up in a farmer’s backyard, healing his daughter, and shocking his fellow settlers of the era. Over time, 20 springs bubbled up in over 40 varieties of water, making Excelsior Springs home to the world’s greatest group of mineral waters. With this new fame came the need to host the mass arrival of visitors, and thus The Elms Hotel and Spa was born. Although the first two hotels burnt down in 1898 and 1910, respectively, The Elms remained resilient by opening its third, current hotel in 1912.

While staying here, take advantage of the same “Haven of Health” treatment that President Harry Truman did by booking the spa services that will pamper, rejuvenate, and refresh. The Elms offers a “romantic escape” package comprised of an overnight in a classic room for two, a relaxing 50-minute couple’s massage, souvenir Elms wine glasses, a bottle of wine, soft keepsake robes, melt in your mouth chocolates, and a diligent valet service. The short walk down the freshly-carpeted hallway back to your piles of pillows and welcoming king size bed should be the most difficult thing you do your entire stay.

If you’re an “out on the town” kind of couple who longs for bright lights, late nights, and partying into the morning, then Branson is the town you’ve been looking for. Also known as the “Las Vegas” of the Midwest, Branson has a wide array of allures: mysterious dark caves, the thrilling Silver Dollar City Amusement Park, top notch comedy, music, and dinner shows, and the crystal clear water of Table Rock Lake.

The newly-transformed Branson Landing offers the chance to claim racks of bargains at H&M, delight your taste buds with salty margaritas and spicy queso at Cantina Loredo, get a thrill opening locks in an escape room, let down your hair while belting out your best karaoke, or knock down a strike at Andy B’s. When you’re done tossing gutter balls and your pants are feeling a little snug from one too many tacos, even tired feet can handle the brief stroll to change into your sweats and unwind at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing.

Located on the banks of Lake Taneycomo, here you can glance out your window, arms wrapped around each other’s waists, and watch the fountains dance in a dazzling display of 120-foot geysers, blasting fire cannons, and choreographed lighting that dances along with music every hour from noon to 10 p.m. To make a wistful stay of cuddles and breakfast in bed at the Hilton Promenade even more indulgent, choose the Celebrate in Style package: complimentary sparkling wine or cider when you arrive, breakfast for two, early check-in, late check out, and use of the health club, pool, and whirlpool spa. Once you’re done being spoiled, toss on your tennis shoes and lose track of time exploring the quirky crevices of downtown Branson.

If you’re looking for a more rustic and secluded romantic getaway in a resort known for wood décor, family values, and slow and easy days of freedom, look no further than Big Cedar Lodge. Located on the reflective waters of Table Rock Lake in southwest Missouri, Big Cedar Lodge offers contemporary luxury in the midst of the surprisingly ornate Ozark Mountains.

If you’re lucky enough to visit in the prime of the fall season, you’ll be rewarded with deep orange and red pops of color painting the rolling hills as you rock slowly on the porch in a snug wooden chair. The lodge offers intimate privacy and impeccable comfort, with access to the prominent Top of the Rock restaurant and imposing Dogwood Canyon Nature Park. You’ll also have the option to embrace the outdoorsman in you by popping into a leather saddle, tossing a line into a stream, swinging clubs on the green, climbing up dirt paths, or simply enjoying a leisurely, serene walk.

While at the lodge, be sure to check out the two-hour couple’s package. Within this bundle, you’ll get a 60-minute massage, followed by another 60 rejuvenating minutes you can spend however you please: savoring the softly falling drops of a private shower, splashing in the semi-private pool of the cobblestone patio area, or stealing a few kisses while settled in front of a crackling fireplace.

Four hours east of Kansas City, the open grasslands and bellowing of cattle fade into the distance as the urban chatter and clamor of St. Louis emerges. Home of the famous Gateway Arch, malty Budweiser beer, and the legendary Cardinals baseball team, the city hosted the 1904 Olympic Games and World’s Fair, but has ushered itself into the new era of effervescent microbreweries and sky-high lofts.

Stay at The Westin St. Louis surrounded by the downtown stoplights and crowded crosswalks, where you can easily slip on your shoes and waltz over to Busch Stadium, Ballpark Village, the Scottrade Center, and Washington Avenue. The MetroLink light rail system stop is nearly on the doorstep, so you can easily explore the various neighborhoods the city has to offer, including the renowned Italian district “The Hill,” known for their spicy homemade spaghetti and the sweet smells of fine red wine and scrumptious toasted ravioli.

When you’re done stuffing yourself with cheesy garlic bread and sinful cannolis, The Westin’s revolving doors are ready to spin you and your sweetie into the red brick building’s loft style, high-ceiling rooms where natural lighting seeps through immense windows.

During your stay, be sure to visit the Clark Street Grill, nestled on the first floor of The Westin. The restaurant’s warehouse theme celebrates the brownstone’s heritage, but dishes like dijon panko crusted salmon and southwest seared tuna with mango salsa put a contemporary twist on tasty, traditional American food. Clark Street Grill even offers an interactive display kitchen to put your own chopping skills to shame.

Missouri has several glittering lakes where you can get caught up in the slow rhythm of the wake, ice cold drink in your hand, sun glistening down as your favorite smooth jams play and any worries you have swim out to shore.

One Southwestern Missouri waterfront getaway option is Lake Ozark. It may not be found on the sandy white beaches of Florida, but The Lodge of Four Seasons offers a true oasis and unparalleled amenities for a “beachside” style getaway — no matter what time of year. The Lodge of Four Seasons puts the typical “lake vacation” to shame, with a picturesque waterfront setting, boats full of smiling faces jetting by, the soft ripples of a tumbling fountain creating waves in the spotless pool where a lawn chair with your name on it waits patiently. You’ll be stunned that a place this beautiful exists in Missouri.

When you’re ready to tear your eyes away from the elegant outdoor scene, grab your sweetie and stroll down the wood-planked walkway and through the grand oak doorway of the on-site spa to enjoy the Shiki Package for Two. This luxurious haven includes the warm mist of a Himalayan Salt Foot Soak, followed by a signature Swedish Massage using essential oils and aromatic essences that treat the trouble spots and alleviate the overused areas. You’ll also satisfy your freshly softened lips with a tasty spa entree or lusciously rich dessert, paired perfectly with a glass of rich-bodied wine that swirls around your glass with ease as you twirl around the imaginary dance floor, nuzzled comfortably in the secure arms of your true love.