Anniversary Getaways…Worth every penny.

Today is my anniversary.  I’ve been married for 11 years and have loved every single anniversary.  But only the last 6 have gotten truly high marks from me.  Why? Anniversary Getaways.  They are definitely worth every penny or THE penny if you only have one to spend.

For the first several years of our marriage, my husband and I couldn’t afford much for our anniversaries.  We’d “splurge” by going out to dinner at a restaurant that was a step up from taco bell.  While I can’t complain, when our 5 year anniversary rolled around, we went “all out”.  I found a room at a thematic bed and breakfast by our home.  We arranged for friends to take the kids, and we headed “out of town”.  Okay, it was only 45 minutes away, but it was magical. It was just us.  Our room was decorated in full italian style, including a bed in the shape of a Gondola.  Sparkling Cider and cheesecake greeted us when we arrived.   We had such a good time reminiscing and just being together.  It was so refreshing and rejuvenating for us as a couple.

It was that night that we committed to always find a way to get away for our anniversary.  Of course, when things were really tight financially, there were times when we were tempted to just have a nice dinner at home.  But, we searched the internet and found great deals on hotels (like $99 for dinner, a hotel room with a spa, and breakfast the next morning).  One year, we let each of our kids sleep over at a friends’ house and we turned our home into the getaway (that was the year it only cost a penny :))

Each year though, regardless how frugal, has been a blessing.  There’s just something about getting away and celebrating each other that is so worth whatever it costs.  I hope you have a chance to do it.  If you have any great ideas on places to go or places to stay or things to do, please comment.

As for me, I’m off to a hot springs resort today.  Can’t wait!