Where to Honeymoon When

JANUARY
Just a few hours north, Birmingham, Ala., puts you in touch with nature. See the state in a new light with stunning views from Vulcan and the Temple of Sibyl in Vestavia Hills, and relish in the gorgeous landscape of the falls at Desoto Caverns Park. Those interested in history can tour the Civil Rights District, Southern Museum of Flight or participate in the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. 

FEBRUARY
If an extravagant honeymoon is out of reach, a “mini-moon” in the Port City during the month of February is a fun staycation. Let the good times roll as Mardi Gras festivities fill the streets of downtown, and splurge on delicious eats at local favorites Noja and Little House Midtown.

MARCH  
What could be more exciting than celebrating your nuptials in the Big Easy? New Orleans hosts festivals of all sorts nearly every week of the year. In March, hit up the Tennessee Williams Festival, Road Food Festival and the Old Algiers Riverfest. Enjoy food, music and fun at Wednesday at the Square in Lafayette Square, or embrace cajun history with cemetery and Voodoo tours. For those in touch with their inner child, the New Orleans aquarium is a walk away from the French Market, and the zoo is just a short drive away near the outskirts of the city.

APRIL
Honeymooners spending time in Atlanta, Ga., will have no problem finding things to do in the spring. The Atlanta Braves gear up for another season of baseball and the World of Coca-Cola allows guests to get a behind-the-scenes look at the process of bottling Coke and taste Cola from every country around the world. For a relaxing evening, enjoy performances by the Atlanta Symphony and Ballet and Orchestra.

MAY
Clarksville, Tenn., is a honeymoon city for newlyweds on the go. Visit Sango Mills, a working farm where visitors can pick fresh fruits and vegetables and watch the sorghum cooking process. Beachhaven Vineyards and Winery is the place to be with Jazz on the Lawn, free wine tastings and tours of the vineyards and the wine-making process. Historic downtown Clarksville is home to art galleries, restaurants and locally-owned shops; be sure to check out their free weekly concerts too.

JUNE
June honeymooners will find beach, bare feet and bliss in Orange Beach and Gulf Shores. Enjoy the many shops, restaurants and Ferris wheel at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Dining alfresco is a must this time of year, with live music or concerts at nearly every venue.  What more could you ask for?

JULY
The Mississippi Gulf Coast offers a number of places to stay cool in the sweltering southern heat. Press your luck at the casinos in Biloxi, located about an hour from Mobile, or take a tour of Jefferson Davis's home. Weather permitting, scuba diving and fishing are fun options on the shore. 

AUGUST
Close out summer on the sandy beaches of Pensacola, Fla. The Pensacola lighthouse offers weekly tours including the couples-only Sunset Toast at the Top. Each tour includes music, sparkling non-alcoholic wine served in keepsake champagne flutes and light hors d'oeuvres. August is also home to the Bushwacker festival, the World of Beer and Pensacola Bay Brewery. Bottoms up!

SEPTEMBER
Stone Mountain, Ga., is a nice option for couples who want a change of scenery. Stone Mountain National Park offers a number of activities to keep anyone busy, including a train ride around the mountain, hiking, a sky ride to the top of the mountain and a laser show every evening.

OCTOBER
If you have your sights set on adventure, October is the best month to make your theme park dreams come true. Enjoy small crowds at notable places in Orlando, Fla., including Disney World, Sea World and Universal Studios. 

NOVEMBER
Vicksburg, Miss., lets you travel back in time. Tour Historic Downtown, Antique Doll and Toy Museum, National Military Park or the many Civil War Homes to brush up on the days of yesteryear. In November, the town also has an Old Fashioned Open House to prepare for the Christmas season.

DECEMBER
Asheville, N.C., is an ideal winter destination for newlyweds. Though nine hours from Mobile, Asheville's attractions are well worth the extra travel time. Tour the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, and visit the property's winery, beautiful gardens, restaurant and shop. Weather allowing, spend a day in the great outdoors. The Smoky Mountains offer hiking, mountain biking and zip line canopy tours. Peruse the city on one of the town's historic trolleys and be sure to make stops in the Basilica of St. Lawrence and the Antique Car Museum.

Allison Woodham