Mid-South vacation?

April 18, 2007 6:13 PM

Needed: summer vacation for mom and son in NC, GA, Tenn--anything close to SC.

Trip occurring mid-May, lasting 3-5 days. We like shopping, sightseeing, antiques/culture, etc., but nothing terribly expensive as we are on a budget. This puts most of Florida out of reach for us as well...we'll be driving.

We've run the gamut in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Gatlinburg, so that's kind of washed out for us. Travel sites have failed us; can you recommend a destination?

posted by Phyltre to travel & transportation (17 comments total)

asheville is a great little town with lots to do in good weather. downtown is very charming and walkable, with museums, galleries, and shopping. there are a couple of grand old historic estates you can tour (the biltmore and the grove park inn) and lots of outdoorsy things if you like hiking or rafting.
posted by thinkingwoman at 6:56 PM on April 18, 2007

Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. Cheaper to stay in Boone - lots of chain motels. Try not to go during Mother's Day weekend, which is graduation at App State. Blowing Rock is a darling (but more expensive) little town with shops and restaurants. The Moses Cone house is adjacent to the Blue Ridge Pky and has crafts, trails and horseback riding. Tweetsie Railroad nearby if the son is a littler kid. A beautiful part of the state.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 7:00 PM on April 18, 2007

Another thought: I took the kids to Atlanta for spring break and had a good time. Zoo, Aquarium, World of Coke, CNN among the highlights. Six Flags nearby. We stayed in Buckhead to avoid business district hotel prices.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 7:01 PM on April 18, 2007

Just a note: I was curious so I looked at the asker's posting history and I think he's asking as an adult son looking to travel with his adult mother.

Just thought I'd clarify for anyone who might suggest little kid friendly stuff.
posted by MadamM at 7:03 PM on April 18, 2007

Me again: Cataloochee Ranch in Maggie Valley, NC. Lodging in cabins, fairly sparse but comfortable - a few one-bedroom or one-room. Lodging includes breakfast and dinner served family style. Very horsey - rides go out morning and after lunch. Swimming pool with gorgeous mountain view. Lots of hiking. Antiquing in Waynesville. Drive to Robbinsville (?) and take the Smoky Mountain RR train to Bryson City, both cute towns.
posted by Sweetie Darling at 7:05 PM on April 18, 2007

Thanks, MadamM, wish I'd thought to do that. In that case, I definitely recommend Boone & Blowing Rock out of the three I've posted. And will shut up now!
posted by Sweetie Darling at 7:06 PM on April 18, 2007

This thread has a bunch of stuff to do around the NC coast (as well as other locations). Although it was written for someone with a _young_ son, the suggestions would probably be great for just adults, especially the sites in Manteo - great outdoor drama, aquarium, ships/historical sites, outdoor activities -- and the thread doesn't mention the Elizabethan Gardens, which are also in the area.
posted by amtho at 7:30 PM on April 18, 2007

Second Atlanta for lots to do. Just get on I-20 and head west. Stay in the Conyers area, suburb area hotel rates and you'll only be about 15-20 minutes from the city. Another great option is Savannah or the Georgia coast. St. Simons and Jekyll island are hidden gems, not too expensive and lots of great historic stuff to see and do. The Millionare's Village on Jekyll is a great vacation site. Good Luck and enjoy!!
posted by pearlybob at 7:40 PM on April 18, 2007

If you decide to head towards Atlanta, and you like antiquing, check out the Big Peach Antiques Mall in Byron, Georgia. It has something like 400 dealers, and next door is a cool antique car emporium.
posted by Oriole Adams at 8:18 PM on April 18, 2007

Biltmore House and the Brevard Music Center (though their summer programs don't start until June -- great venue for some amazing student performances though)? Brevard is a wonderful little town.

Atlanta has the Aquarium, the Braves, and the Woodruff Arts Center.

And (depending on your politics, this may be a suggestion you have to take on faith as being wonderful), if Jimmy Carter is still teaching Sunday School down in Plains (which he did occasionally, at least a few years ago), that's a great day trip. I did that with my dad a few years back, and, even though I'm not really the church-going type, it was a great experience.
posted by socratic at 8:18 PM on April 18, 2007

Have you been jonesing to visit Aiken? It's a very pretty area with what you mentioned (boutiques, antiques, historic homes, cultural events, etc.). There's a Bluegrass Festival on May 11-12, and the following weekend, the Highland Games are on the 19th.
posted by rob511 at 8:50 PM on April 18, 2007

I'm a newly-minted Atlantan, and I'd rather go back to Asheville than explore my city. Really, Asheville is awesome in 2-day doses, especially if you like hippie stuff.
posted by TheNewWazoo at 8:50 PM on April 18, 2007

2nd Asheville...its quite unique.
posted by mmascolino at 8:55 PM on April 18, 2007

Helen, Georgia
"a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers"

Tallulah Gorge State Park
"The hard granite walls of this gorge fall perpendicular to the land above forming steep cliffs that astounded early settlers. 3 miles long and a quarter-mile wide the cliffs at one point drop 1200 feet to the bottom of the gorge. " (They also filmed portions of Deliverance there.)

Pan for Gold in Dahlonega, and then go rafting on the Chattooga.

Or if that's too much find a cozy place to stay and loads of good Southern food at the Dillard House. Use it as a base to explore places like nearby Highlands, North Carolina.
posted by MasonDixon at 8:56 PM on April 18, 2007

My partner and I just spent a weekend in Wilmington, NC and had a blast. The downtown area has a nice, historic feel--kind of like Charleston without being overly quaint or expensive--with lots of great shops and restaurants.

When you get tired of that, you can drive 10 miles east and spend a day on Wrightsville Beach, or 25 miles south to visit Southport, another fun little town. From there, you can take a $5 ferry over to Fort Fisher and drive back up.
posted by Diggins at 7:45 AM on April 19, 2007

The North Carolina Zoo in Ashboro is the largest walk-through natural habitat zoo and can take a whole day to fully explore if that's your thing. Alas, it's not really near anywhere that'll occupy you for the other days. But if you don't mind the drive you could then get to the coast or Asheville/Boone/Banner Elk in 3-4 hours.
posted by Martin E. at 9:57 AM on April 19, 2007

I have fond memories of Hilton Island, SC. Yes, it has an upscale rep, but you can find bargains. Otherwise, we'd never have gone.

We always rented a condo at The Breakers. They are nice, on the beach, and on the lower end of the rental range.

During the summer, kids love to hear Gregg Russell perform childishly naughty songs about picking your nose, chewing gum, etc.

Hilton Head is about an hour from Savannah, GA, which pretty much defines culture and antiques.
posted by GarageWine at 10:07 AM on April 19, 2007