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Spring is in the air — and if love is, too, a weekend getaway is never a bad idea. 

Here are a few of our suggestions on where to go for a romantic escape; best of all, they’re each within a 3-hour drive of Pittsburgh.  

(We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.)

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This Place Rocks, Erie
The three-bedroom cottage on Lake Erie features a one-of-a-kind patio carved into a bluff looking over the water. Oh, and did we mention the property is adjacent to a scenic waterfall? Of note, the cottage sits about 20 feet above Lake Erie. While that makes for incredible views, there is no fence or railing along the rock wall or bluff. Guests may access the water by carefully climbing down the natural rocks at the waterfall. The property also is close to Erie County’s numerous wineries and about 15 minutes from the natural wonders of Presque Isle State Park, where there’s a slew of recreational trails and beaches. Don’t forget to check out the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Built in the 1870s, the lighthouse still serves as a navigational beacon for passing ships.

Price: $305 average per night. Book now

PHOTOS COURTESY KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO PITTSBURGH

Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Pittsburgh
Be a tourist in your own hometown with a stay at the ultra-chic Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Located in Downtown’s Golden Triangle, the Beaux Arts-style building is within walking distance of noted cultural landmarks, among them the Benedum Center and Heinz Hall. Outfitted with luxury Frette linen, each hotel room comes with its own yoga mat, plus morning coffee and tea service. Guests may also order in-room spa services or join in the evening wine hour in the hotel’s elegant lobby. Grab dinner at The Commoner, the hotel’s American tavern-style restaurant or, in the warmer month, enjoy a drink on the open-air rooftop Biergarten. The hotel also is known for its playful, bold design, including its signature golden birdcage chandeliers. 

Price: Prices start at $169 for a standard room. Book now

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Getaway, Beaver Creek Ohio
Leave the rest of the world behind with a stay at one of Getaway Beaver Creek’s tiny cabins in Lisbon, Ohio. Located less than an hour from Pittsburgh, Getaway’s cabins, designed as “mindful escapes,” offer an unplugged experience set among 59-wooded acres. Be warned, there is no TV and no Wi-Fi; those hoping to stay off their phones may also use a wooden lockbox specifically for cell phones. Elegantly minimalist, each cabin comes with a mini-kitchen, bathroom and a private outdoor area with a fire pit and seating. There also are provisions and analog activities such as basic games and classic novels, plus a deck of cards and a complimentary s’mores pack. “The Journal” on the Getaway website offers insights on what to pack, campfire recipes, how to prepare for a disconnected getaway and what to do around Beaver Creek.  

Price: Rates vary by location, seasonality and availability; current winter rates start at $99 per night. Book now

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Luxury Treehouse, Ohiopyle
Unwind in the adult version of a treehouse. Located about an hour from Pittsburgh in Ohiopyle, the Luxury Treehouse features three covered patios surrounded by hardwoods and ferns. Guests may enjoy a morning hike on the cabin’s mile-long, private hiking trail that winds through a clear mountain stream, a rock garden boulder field and canopies of mountain laurels. Venture to nearby Ohiopyle State Park, or take a tour of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater. The cabin is also minutes from another Wright masterpiece, Kentuck Knob, as well as the Laurel Caverns and Lady Luck Casino. At the end of the day, relax in the treehouse’s hot tub. Worth noting: no pets are allowed at the cabin. 

Price: $350 per night. Book now

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Waterfront Log Cabin, Cherry Springs
You’ll see stars, literally, with a stay at the Waterfront Log Cabin in Cherry Springs. About a 3-hour drive from Pittsburgh, the tranquil log cabin is close to Cherry Spring State Park, a “dark sky” park renowned for its stargazing that has 10,000 stars visible to the naked eye on a given night. In particular, the park’s hilltop Astronomy Observation Field has a spectacular panoramic view of the Milky Way. Those wishing for a guided experience may also pre-register for official park events. Other nearby attractions include Rainbow Paradise Trout Farm, the Pa Grand Canyon, Kinzua Bridge Skywalk and Austin Dam. 

Price: $368 average per night. Book now