Charlotte really is in the middle of it all. Living in Charlotte doesn’t mean you are stuck in a fast paced, big metropolitan city. In fact, Charlotte is only a short drive to many relaxing weekend getaway locations. This provides its residents several options for dining, shopping and recreation. So pack a bag and let Helen Adams Realty be your travel guide to easy vacation destinations.
A short two hour drive west from Charlotte sits Asheville, tucked in between North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This city is perfect for a weekend of art galleries, craft beer and natural beauty. The Downtown Art District is filled with museums and artist studios. A must see spot in Asheville is the iconic Biltmore Estate, George W. Vanderbilt’s French Renaissance estate with 250 rooms, lavish gardens and a basement with a swimming pool and bowling alley. The beautifully crafted home is America’s largest home and truly one of the most spectacular.
Two hours towards our neighbor state to the south, you will find Greenville, South Carolina. Falls Park on the Reedy is a picture perfect park located in downtown Greenville with acres of gardens, waterfall views and winding trails walking you through the scenic park. Art galleries, breweries and restaurants line the streets of downtown Greenville, making this up and coming city a popular area for visitors.
Blowing Rock is a small town northwest from Charlotte with activities for the whole family. Tweetsie Railroad is a family-oriented amusement park with train rides, petting zoos, arcades and live entertainment. The themed rides, including a Thomas the Tank Engine inspired train, are fun for the whole family and the restaurants showcase some of the south’s traditional food like Carolina style barbecue, old fashioned lemonade, caramel apples and funnel cakes.
Although Charlotte seems like the most active city in the state, we’re not too far from the actual capital of North Carolina, Raleigh. A little less than three hours from the Queen City you’ll find the Capital City. Raleigh is home to the Executive Mansion which has historically served as the residence of the state’s governors. You can tour the first floor of the mansion and learn about our state’s history and government. North Carolina Museum of History, Natural Sciences and the Museum of Art are also located in Raleigh, giving tourists and residents an opportunity to learn about a range of topics in the middle of the state’s capital. These stops provide an endless amount of activities in Raleigh without mentioning that it is a bustling metropolitan city lined with restaurants, shopping malls, galleries and more. You will never run out of options during a weekend getaway in Raleigh!
Aside from all of the excitement and activity in Charlotte, there are many options for the city’s residents to get out of the city and explore what the rest of the region has to offer. Charlotte is convenient enough for you to travel to different nearby hot spots for a weekend getaway, as long as you always remember your way back to the Queen City.
