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By: Visit Beaufort. Beaufort sits 70 miles south of Charleston and 40 miles north of Savannah and was named South Carolina’s best small town in Southern Living.
With the Fourth in the bag, summer has again proven to fly by, leaving us with the perfect excuse for one last weekend away. Every town has their own way of soaking in the season, but a destination with activity, leisure and history truly makes celebrating the last few weeks of summer in the South second to none. We’ve already decided your destination—here are five dreamy getaways just a quick drive from Greenville.
Lake Oconee, G.A.
The unique thing about summer at Reynolds Lake Oconee – besides the world-class golf and Georgia’s second largest lake – is the curated daily calendar of activities and fun that every guest can enjoy. With an emphasis on wellness and outdoors, guests at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee or the Reynolds Lake Oconee cottages can experience an environment filled with brilliant tennis facilities, 21 miles of walking trails, and an unmatched 100 acres of countryside at Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds. Balance out the day by enjoying Reynold’s many restaurant choices or explore the surrounding town with a craft beer at Oconee Brewing Company.
Beaufort, S.C.
Located between Charleston + Savannah, Beaufort is rich in history and full of Antebellum charm. As South Carolina’s second oldest city, Beaufort has unmistakable coastal traditions that it shares with locals and visitors alike. Paddle boarding, sailing + dolphin tours are just a few of the many reasons to head to the water, with Beaufort offering plenty of outdoor recreation options. Named home to some of the best fishing in the southeast, spend a morning out on the sea with a fishing charter from Bay Street Outfitters or experience the views on more solid ground with a stroll around Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Take in Beaufort’s waterfront views and set-aside some time to unwind before the business of fall.
Fripp Island, S.C.
Three and a half miles long and a half mile wide, Fripp Island exudes small town charm. Golf carts are the preferred method of travel + an abundance of wildlife keeps every day interesting. Whether it be climbing the 167 steps to the state’s only publicly-accessible lighthouse on Hunting Island or booking a horseback riding trip along the coast, the views everywhere you turn are breathtaking. Driving distance from Beaufort, Saint Helena and other state landmarks, Fripp Island is guaranteed to be the perfect home-base.
Asheville, N.C.
Summer doesn’t always have to be spent on the water, proven by the breathtaking town of Asheville. Home to 8,000 acres of the Biltmore Estate + the beautiful Smokey Mountains, the summer is the perfect opportunity to visit America’s Largest Home – kids receive free admission all summer. Experience the wilderness with Biltmore’s Outdoor Adventure Center, which provides opportunities from biking, Segway tours and floating river trips for all. End the day with an evening at Antler Hill Village and Winery enjoying the live music, award-winning wines and cuisine made from estate-raised ingredients. Or, leave the kids at home and find out why Asheville is one of America’s capitals for craft beer by exploring any one of their 30+ breweries.
Atlanta, G.A.
It’s not the beach or the mountains but if you’re craving delicious food, beautiful sites and lots of walking, Atlanta is the place to be. Home to the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Atlanta Botanical Garden, Centennial Olympic Park and the Mercedes Benz Stadium—there’s plenty to do to fill up a weekend itinerary for the whole family. Plus, summer is the best time for festivals in one of the South’s busiest metropolises—check out the Grant Park Summer Shade Festival and the Piedmont Park Summer Arts Festival in August to get started.
The end of summer is drawing near and we refuse to let it pass by with regret – be spontaneous, pack your bags and live a little this summer, Greenville.
