5 Best Weekend Getaways from Savannah

Sure, it’s only a 2-hour drive away, but Charleston’s unique charm and history set it apart from its southern neighbor. Charleston’s downtown also happens to be haunted, so if you’re looking to avoid the hearse crowds, you can certainly get a taste of some American history by touring Fort Sumter, which is the starting point of the Civil War. But you’d be remiss to visit Charleston without saving your appetite to tour its several amazing eateries. Global cuisine through a southern culinary tradition makes for unique takes on classic dishes.

How about a weekend getaway in the big city? Atlanta is one of the South’s biggest cities, and boasts a cultural influence in popular American culture. You may recognize it from the popular zombie show, The Walking Dead, and there are plenty of apocalyptic tours that visit the sights. Or you may even encounter some Stranger Things landmarks to bring sci-fi to reality. But there’s plenty of American history, too. Atlanta is home to many civil rights landmarks, and tours of famous neighborhoods with art, culture, and food will bring this experience to new heights.

Asheville has gained some serious name recognition as of late for a burgeoning art and music scene and famous regional cuisine that brings in out-of-towners from all directions. And what’s best is that the city is nestled in a little valley in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains. There are plenty of outdoor hiking tours that feature waterfalls and views of the iconic mountain range (ohh, so that’s why they’re called Blue Ridge). Once you got your nature fix, you can head to the legendary Biltmore Estate and its surrounding gardens to see the staggering 178,926-square-foot (16,623-square-meter) mansion that once housed an esteemed Vanderbilt family.

Just a 7-hour drive down the Atlantic coast and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. Miami is one of the cultural capitals of the south, with a vibrant Cuban community that influences the music, food, and art found throughout the city. You can start by exploring Little Havana on foot to get a taste of the famous eateries. You can also check out the iconic art deco architecture throughout the city (with a cocktail in hand, of course). If something more pastoral floats your boat (ahem), then you can take an airboat ride through the Everglades to see this pristine UNESCO World Heritage Site ... and maybe even some gators if you’re lucky.

If you feel like decamping for a long weekend, then the Outer Banks might be up your alley. Situated on the outer coastline of North Carolina, these line islands are a truly unique landscape with plenty of ocean views. Spend a day out on the open ocean with a deep-sea fishing expedition, or keep it close to shore on an open-air tour of a wild horse conservancy. And why waste all the access to open water without a kayak expedition or two? Our quarantine selves deserve the fresh air.