There is something so relaxing about many of the southern cities in North & South Carolina, it's no wonder why they tend to be vacation hot spots. Some offer a small town feel & others more of a big city packed with adventures. No matter where you decide to explore, all offer wonderful accommodations, delicious eats, fun cocktails & unique activities.
One of the things that makes Charlotte so enticing to newcomers is the proximity to the beach & mountains. It is ideally positioned to make both locations an easy drive. Even if you would like to make last-minute travel plans, these 5 destinations are easy to get to from the Queen City.
NO. 1 | BANNER ELK, NC
Our Favorite Spot | Exclamation Pointe | Property Video
Eat Like a Local | Artisanal or Sorrento's Italian Bistro
Attractions | Hawksnest Zipline or Hawksnest Tubing
Place to Stay | The Villa at Banner Elk Winery
Local Drinks | Banner Elk Winery
Distance From CLT | 2 hours, 30 minutes
Mountain Home Needed | Love Banner Elk as much as we do? Maybe it's time to consider a Mountain Home! We have several great options for you. Exclamation Pointe, also our favorite spot, has some of the High Country’s finest views! Located just outside the town of Banner Elk. Enjoy the privacy of this luxury, mountain estate with 360° views of Banner Elk, Beech, Grandfather & Sugar Mountains, Valle Crucis & within minutes of everything the NC mountains has to offer for all four seasons, shopping, dining, hiking, fishing, rafting, skiing, snow tubing, golfing, ziplining & so much more! As you enter the gates, experience a property like no other featuring a main house with almost 8,000 sq.ft. with 7 bedrooms, 7.5 bathroom (with heated floors), guest cottage, art studio, state-of-the-art barn. The incredible estate spans almost 20 usable, acres with a pond, winery & multiple locations to enjoy all year round! View the Home Tour of this property! We also have two stunning custom homes in Silver Springs Farms Estates: 726 Silver Springs Drive & 128 Snow Fox Lane. Not quite ready for a second home or would like to customize your own? We have a variety of lots available with breaktaking views: Silver Springs Farm Estate Lots.
NO. 2 | KIAWAH ISLAND, SC
Our Favorite Spot | Oceanside
Eat Like a Local | The Ryder Cup Bar at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Attractions | Golf at Turtle Point or watch the sunset
Place to Stay | The Sanctuary
Drink Like a Local | FortyEight Wine Bar
Distance From CLT | 3 hours, 50 minutes
NO. 3 | TOPSAIL BEACH, NC
Our Favorite Spot | Soundside Park
Eat Like a Local | Topsail Steamer
Attractions | The beach
Place to Stay | Rent a beach house
Drink Like a Local | The Breezeway
Distance From CLT | 4 hours, 15 minutes
NO. 4 | GREENVILLE, SC
Our Favorite Spot | Falls Park on the Reedy
Eat Like a Local | Cantina 76 or Passerelle Bistro
Attractions | Greenville Zoo or South Carolina Botanical Garden
Place to Stay | Marriott Downtown Greenville
Drink Like a Local | Pineapple Peach Mojito or Limoncello at Grill Marks
Distance From CLT | 2 hours
NO. 5 | CHARLESTON, SC
Our Favorite Spot | Waterfront Park in the Downtown District
Attractions | Horse Carriage Tour around the Holy City hosted by Old South Carriage
Place to Stay | Zero George Street
Drink Like a Local | Old Fashioned at The Belmont
Distance From CLT | 3 hours, 20 minutes
___________________________________________________
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Our Favorite Spot | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Distance From CLT | 6 hours, 20 minutes
ASHEVILLE, NC Our Favorite Spot | The Biltmore Estate
Distance From CLT | 2 hours, 15 minutes
Our Favorite Spot | Carriage rides through the beautiful Beaufort streets
Distance From CLT | 3 hours, 48 minutes
Our Favorite Spot | Walk & shop along the Riverwalk
Distance From CLT | 3 hours, 25 minutes
Our Favorite Spot | The North Carolina State Capital & surrounding downtown area
Distance From CLT | 2 hours, 40 minutes
Our Favorite Spot | Enjoy the beach or Brookgreen Gardens
Distance From CLT | 4 hours, 4 minutes