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Babymoons: A Perfect Mother’s Day Getaway for Soon-to-be-Parents

Posted: 20 Apr 2012 11:21 AM PDT

Today we are featuring, Amy Nicole, a freelance writer for Myrtle Ave. Pediatrics, a Florida pediatricians’ office serving Palm Harbor and Clearwater. She enjoys writing about travel, fitness, cooking, and home improvement projects.

For parents-to-be, a Babymoon could be the perfect way to spend a quiet Mother's Day weekend before baby arrives. While you could be limited with travel arrangements depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, there's no shortage of things you can do to pamper yourself when preparing for baby. For anyone looking to take a domestic Babymoon trip, here are some suggestions for destinations to visit this Mother's Day weekend.

If you're visiting the South…

…Savannah, Georgia was recently named one of the top 10 cities in the United States according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's readers. There are dozens of galleries and art exhibits for visitors to peruse while in town, as well as several museums. For those visitors looking for some true Southern-style meals, try Paula Deen's restaurant The Lady and Sons. The restaurant does take reservations for Mother's Day, so call ahead early. If you're looking for something to do in the evening, there are ghost walks and tours that run throughout the city at night. If you don't feel like walking, there are plenty of tours that take visitors around the city by horse-drawn carriage.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, was named one of the top ten Best Islands in the U.S. according to Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, and it's also known for being one of the top 10 family beaches in the country. While the island is only 60 square miles, it features more than 250 restaurants, 24 golf courses, and more than 200 shops. During the month of May, the island hosts the Bravo Arts and Cultural Festival, which offers performing arts events and other activities throughout the month. One spot that cannot be missed is the iconic Salty Dog Café that offers relaxing, waterfront dining.

Named one of the best Babymoon destinations by Parents magazine, Amelia Island off the Florida coast offers oceanfront Southern hospitality. Visitors can charter a private sunset cruise and fishing fanatics can arrange fishing charters through the Amelia Island Charter Boat Association. Couples can also take horse-drawn carriages rides through historic downtown or take advantage of the multitude of golf courses on the island.

If you're visiting the Northeast…

…see what attractions Cape Cod, Massachusetts has to offer. This historic beach town offers several waterfront adventures, including whale watching (for those future moms not suffering from morning sickness), guided water tours, walking and biking trails, and beaches galore. There's also no shortage of free attractions to keep you occupied, and you can travel to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard by ferry should you want to explore either of these historic destinations.

While you may not consider New York City one of the top Babymoon locations, the amount of food opportunities available at any hour of the day can appeal to any pregnant woman. You could also take in any variety of Broadway shows or sports events while on vacation. There are sightseeing cruises off the harbor if walking around the city isn't appealing, and there's the Sex and the City bus tour for any fan of the show.

Boston, Massachusetts, also offers a historic getaway option. Consider signing up for one of the famous Duck Tours that begins on the streets of Boston and take you into the Charles River for a waterfront view of the city. For those couples wanting to get some exercise in, you can walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile trail that features 16 historical sites, including Paul Revere's house, the USS Constitution, and the Bunker Hill monument. Sports fans can tour Fenway Park and catch a ball game (the Red Sox are playing the Cleveland Indians at home Mother's Day weekend).

If you're visiting the Midwest or the Northwest…

…Chicago, Illinois, ranked one of the top cities to visit in the United States, offers plenty of attractions for Babymooners to enjoy. For NPR buffs, you can go to a live taping at the Chase Auditorium in downtown Chicago. You can also stroll along the lake and visit the famous Bean Sculpture at Millennium Park. Consider going to visit Wrigley Field (although the Cubs aren't playing at home Mother's Day weekend) and visit the Shedd Aquarium, home to more than 32,000 animals.

St. Louis, Missouri, offers several attractions for visitors looking for budget friendly or free attractions. The St. Louis Zoo is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm and is free to the public with the exception of a few attractions. St. Louis is also home to Citygarden, a public garden in downtown St. Louis that occupies two full city blocks and features an LED wall for movie showings during the summer. Citygarden also offers audio tours of the art that appears within the garden. Babymooners can explore the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art and the St. Louis Art Museum. The Missouri History Museum also offers a local excursion to visit historical points within the city.

Seattle, Washington, another one of Travel Magazine's top 10 cities in the U.S., offers self-guided walking tours that explore the following Seattle historic districts: Ballard, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, Columbia City, and International District. Check out the world famous Pike Place Fish Market, as well as the Pike Place Market that features food, homemade crafts, clothing, and restaurants. You can also climb aboard one of the Washington State Ferries for a quick trip from Coleman Dock to Bainbridge Island. There's also the Kubota Gardens, which boasts 20 acres of gardens and water features.

If you're visiting the West Coast…

…pay a visit to the Golden Gate Bridge on your way to San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and War Memorial Opera House offer attractions for anyone looking to see what the local arts have to offer. The Bay One Acts Festival runs from now until mid-May and features performances from 70 local artists and 10 theater companies. Union Square is perfect for fashionistas looking to find some luxury items from Tiffany's and Saks Fifth Avenue. For those seeking a little more adventure, tour Alcatraz Island. On Alcatraz, visit the world's oldest operating lighthouse and enjoy plentiful gardens, bird colonies, and bay views.

Sante Fe, New Mexico, also offers plenty of outdoor activities for soon to be parents to enjoy. Tour some of the Indian pueblos or take a river raft down one of the rapids in the area. (Don't worry, there are tame waters for moms-to-be to enjoy.) There are also countless workshops and classes for tourists who don't want to let their hands go idle. Some of the topics these classes offer include oil painting, photography, watercolor, writing, cooking, yoga, Pilates, meditation, and even wilderness survival classes. There's also biking, hiking, golfing, and spas – a perfect destination for travelers with any interest.

Carmel, California, features beachside adventures any traveler will enjoy. Visit Point Lobos State Reserve and see sea otters, sea lions, and harbor seals. Check the horizon closely because you may see whales migrating along the coast. For anyone interested in biking, you can rent bicycles and travel the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail for a scenic ride along the coast. For the full California experience, visit 17-Mile Drive that runs between Carmel and Pacific Grove. There's also the Monterey Bay Aquarium should the sunny California weather turn gloomy.