7 Best Cities for an Affordable Babymoon

1. Omaha, Nebraska 

When you think romance, Omaha might not be the first city that comes to mind – but we are here to enthusiastically change that notion. This Nebraska city is home to several bed and breakfasts that don’t skimp on charm (and are super easy on the wallet). Stay in a cozy home drenched in history at Oft’s Bed & Breakfast for rates as low as $109 a night. If hotels are more your thing, stay at Hotel Deco right in the heart of the city for just $116 a night. 

If you want to head out on the town, you can pick up some last minute items for baby at locally-owned shops in the Old Market area after grabbing an $8.25 Croque Garcon Burger (Alton Brown’s favorite burger in the country) at farm-to-table restaurant Block16. You’re eating for two, and Omaha might just be the best place to do so! The city’s food scene is exploding right now with restaurants that rival those in famous foodie cities like San Francisco and New York City. 

Want more? Visit the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, which is known as one of the world’s greatest zoos, or take a leisurely stroll through North America’s largest indoor rainforest at Lied Jungle. If a swanky night out is more your thing, you don’t have to break the bank here. Omaha’s entertainment and theater scene is flourishing with everything from Broadway plays to comedy shows. You can have an NYC-style night out on the town here for a fraction of the price. 

2. Scottsdale, Arizona

For an inspiring and relaxing getaway, head to Scottsdale, AZ. The city of Scottsdale as a whole is like one giant art gallery as it’s home to 1,100 public art pieces. If you can swing it, plan your trip for November, when the city hosts a huge interactive arts festival called Canal Convergence. The best part? It’s free! Get away from it all at the romantic Prescott Pines Inn Bed & Breakfast, where a king room will only set you back $139 a night. Add on their Indulge Package for just $89 which includes a dinner voucher, a cheese plate or chocolate dipped strawberries and non-alcoholic sparkling cider. 

We highly recommend taking a day trip to Sedona to soak in the stunning scenery. (Hint: the iconic red rocks make an awesome background for baby bump pics!) For more art, go to the Cosanti Foundation, an Arizona Historic Site that was once the studio of Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentice. It’s completely free –and they offer guided tours.

3. Stowe, Vermont

For those parents-to-be who are looking to just cozy up by the fire with a steaming hot cup of hot chocolate, Stowe is the place. It’s no wonder this quaint city landed a spot on Livability’s list of Most Hygge US Cities. From ski lodges to resorts and everything in between, there are plenty of places to settle in here on a budget. The elegant Topnotch Resort offers an incredible babymoon package and rooms starting at $216 a night, and their Linger Longer promotion allows guests to stay a third night for free. The resort’s babymoon package includes breakfast, dinner for two, couples’ massage and late-night snacks (pickles included!).

There are many adventures to be had here without breaking the bank. Brave the snow and take a romantic carriage ride downtown, take a two-mile hike on the nearby Wiessner Woods trail, or head to Main Street and stop in Laughing Moon Chocolates for some of the best hot chocolate around and a free chocolate dipping demonstration. 

4. Hot Springs, Arkansas

Get ready for a day of pampering at one of more than 15 spas and salons on the city’s famous Bathhouse Row downtown. Nearby Hot Springs National Park is the oldest national park in the country, and features some excellent hikes and stunning scenic views.

Stay at the romantic Victorian 1884 Wildwood Bed & Breakfast Inn for just $149 a night and have access to a 24/7 butler’s pantry stocked to the brim with baked treats, hot coffee and cider as well as a three-course breakfast in the morning. The Bartee Meadow Bed & Breakfast offers a $499 two-night babymoon package for two featuring fresh flowers in your room, goodies for your little one, a picnic lunch, a dinner voucher and a bottle of sparkling cider waiting for you in your room. 

If B&Bs aren’t your thing, downtown Hot Springs has several chic boutique hotels within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment. A fan favorite is the historic Waters Hotel is located on Bathhouse Row priced at an easy $150 a night. 

5. Savannah, Georgia 

This charming southern city dripping in history is also one of the country’s most affordable. It secured a spot on Livability’s list of the US Cities With the Most Freebies thanks to its 24 unique public squares that are all free to take a leisurely stroll in. And don’t sleep on the lush Savannah Botanical Gardens, which are also free.

If you’re itching to stay in one of the city’s more historic buildings, any one of the dozens of bed and breakfasts here will do the trick. The Victorian-style Forsyth Park Inn overlooks the largest park in the Historic District with rates starting at $139 a night. Splurge a little and add on their “Taste of Savannah†package for $200 that includes two tickets for the Savannah Taste Experience tour, two tickets for the Prohibition Museum and a Savannah Candy Kitchen gift basket. 

Besides being known for its architecture, Savannah is known as a foodie city and has something to satisfy any pregnancy craving. Load up your plate with all the fixings at Mrs. Wilke’s Dining Room or visit the hip Atlantic for internationally-inspired comfort food. And it wouldn’t be a babymoon without a good mocktail! Jen’s and Friends is the “Home of the 300 Martinis,†and they offer pregnant women a non-alcoholic martini complete with whipped cream and a plastic baby garnish. 

6. Virginia Beach, Virginia 

For a babymoon with sand and surf without the huge price tag, head to Virginia Beach. It’s no secret that Virginia is for lovers, and there are plenty of romantic places to stay and unwind here. Book your stay at the Beach Spa Bed & Breakfast with rates starting at just $111 a night. The resort is a short two blocks from the beach and offers an add-on babymoon package for $199 that includes a prenatal massage, the use of an in-room pregnancy pillow and a dinner voucher to their award-winning restaurant. 

Speaking of dinner, fresh seafood is a must when you’re in Virginia Beach and it doesn’t have to be pricey. Fried calamari nachos at Blue Pete’s or the best she-crab soup in the city at waterfront Bubba’s Seafood Restaurant are two really tasty options.

For things to do on the cheap, you can take the stairs in the Cape Henry Lighthouse and enjoy the stunning coastal views or visit First Landing State Park for 19 miles of hiking trails. 

7. Durham, North Carolina

Dubbed the “South’s tastiest town†by Southern Living, Durham is an excellent babymoon destination for foodies. Durham is home to Brightleaf Square and the American Tobacco Historic District: two unique mixed-use developments comprised of restaurants, live music venues and bars. The giant, $10 locally-sourced burger at Geer Street Garden is a must. For delicious Italian fare, the aptly-named Babymoon Cafe is your best bet. 

The funky, 4-star 21c Museum Hotel Durham puts you in the heart of downtown for rates as low as $122 a night. The hotel’s rotating exhibitions are also free and open to the public. Durham’s famous romantic Arrowhead Inn will cost you a little more ($239 a night), but the fireplaces in the rooms, full gourmet breakfasts and complimentary snacks and beverages are definitely worth it. Their babymoon package includes an in-room massage and, of course, chocolate covered strawberries. 

Want more content about cool places delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Livability’s weekly newsletter!