South Walton, FL
Being on a travel hiatus is for the birds.
We’re creatures of movement and exploration, and now, maybe, it’s about time to get back out to what we do best. Whether you’ve had to abandon previous plans or spent days scrolling Instagram for inspiration, you’re ready to start scheming a trip. Before you book that flight or load up the car, do your research online as the restrictions are still lifting from state to state. Then, once you’re ready, consider these 12 alluring destinations, which are easy to access and sure to provide a much-needed escape.
Asheville, North Carolina
Getty Images
With its stunning vistas, mountain-town vibe, and abundance of nearby hiking trails, Asheville is one of our top retreats—and will be one of the first we hit when the time is right. A gem in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville has the best of both worlds: Easy access to the great outdoors coupled with a blossoming small-town city scene. It’s still considered Beer City, USA (there are now 50 breweries in town), with new arrivals like Forestry Camp, from Burial Beer Company, marking the scene’s evolutionary step of pairing stellar food and ambiance along with the brews.
The city is also home to Biltmore, a must-visit not just for the stunning home built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1880s, but also for its 8,000 acres of hike-able, ride-able, bike-able grounds. This time of year finds the property lush with wildflowers and the farms and gardens primed for harvest—much of the food grown on site goes to the property’s restaurants.
Downtown is as picturesque as the vistas, especially now with the reopened Asheville Art Museum, a handsome, modern addition to Pack Square Park, and the Kimpton Hotel Arras, which is now the tallest building in town and boasts an Art Deco façade. It matches up with the rest of the city’s skyline—Asheville has one of the country’s highest concentration of Art Deco buildings, which you can take in just by walking through town. exploreasheville.com
Captiva and Sanibel Islands, Florida
Supplied
Two gems set along the Southwest Coast of Florida, Captiva and Sanibel Islands have only been accessible to vehicles since 1963, when a three-mile-long causeway was built to connect them to the mainland. Before that, it was by ferry that one could explore the pair of shell-covered islands surrounded by glistening gulf waters. But the arrival of more visitors hasn’t disturbed this little sliver of Old Florida, where the unspoiled community of cozy cottages and resorts still exude a peaceful charm.
While the beaches themselves are a draw, it’s the relaxed vibe and family-friendly activities that entice many these days. There are miles of paved trails, so get out by bike to explore the length of the islands. Nearly 67 percent of Sanibel has been designated as conversation lands so you’ll be up close and personal with its unique and diverse ecosystem, especially if you make your way toward the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge. Many endangered and threatened species call the space home, as do more than 240 species of birds.
Wherever you wander, make the Tween Waters Inn Island & Resort your go-to resting place. There’s a causal, laid-back energy here, especially when gathered around the tropical poolside bar. sanibel-captiva.org
Charleston, South Carolina
Explore Charleston
We’ve spent the last few months dreaming of the day when we can post up Charleston’s The Darling Oyster Bar, order a huge platter of coastal Carolina oysters and a few glasses of sparkling rose, and watch the shuckers go to work. True: It might be a different world by the time we get there—but the beating heart of Charleston will never change. Few Southern cities beckon like the Holy City. From its endless shops and art galleries along King and Meeting Streets, to the historic markers and call-outs at every corner—no trip is complete without a stroll down Rainbow Row—Charleston allows you to escape while still feeling like you’re at the center of it all.
Part of the city’s charm comes from the low-slung layout—much of the city was built in a time when buildings couldn’t rise higher than the highest church steeple, making the downtown peninsula feel easy to navigate. It’s a daylong meander from the Battery to the Pineapple Fountain at Waterfront Park to Marion Square, especially when you stop for bites and drinks along the way. Throw in a final stop at the newly built Hotel Bennett, where a rooftop pool and Zen-like spa await, for the ultimate Charleston weekend. charleston.com
Raleigh, North Carolina
Supplied
With its abundance of museums, Raleigh has been designated the Smithsonian of the South—and we can’t think of a better way to break the traveling fast than with an art crawl through one of North Carolina’s top cultural destinations.
Start with an exploration of the sprawling North Carolina Museum of Art. Set on 164 acres, its broad collection spans from ancient Greece to contemporary local pieces, and even dots the landscape along paved outdoor trails. Ponder this moment in time in the room of Rodin sculptures; pore over the bound editions of Audubon’s Birds of America; or simply wander the grounds for a peaceful walk through art and nature.
In town, CAM is a non-collecting, constantly changing gallery, set near the Warehouse District, where you’ll also find an assortment of shops and restaurants, all housed in historic buildings. Hopefully, by the time you make plans, the city’s dynamite food scene will be coming back online—we’d put one of acclaimed chef Ashley Christensen’s spots, like Death & Taxes or Poole’s Diner, at the top of the list. visitraleigh.com
Amelia Island, Florida
Supplied
With its canopy of live oaks draped in Spanish moss, Amelia Island brings a little slice of the Lowcountry to Florida’s Eastern coast. One of the Golden Isles, it’s less than an hour from Jacksonville, Florida, or a daylong drive from Nashville, giving you access to its 13 miles of pristine beaches and top-notch resorts.
Locals will proudly explain that while the town was founded by the French and now sits in the U.S., in its history, it’s flown eight different national flags—meaning its charms have captured many hearts. One of the best ways to explore those charms is on the water with a paddle. The island’s many waterways are made for kayaking, which gets you closer to the natural ecosystem. You’ll hear the trill of marsh birds, including egrets, herons, and even hawks as you glide across the waterway. Outfits like Kayak Amelia can get you equipped and out on a guided tour; they also offer stand-up paddleboards.
On two wheels, you can cruise across much of the island on the Amelia Island Trail, which gets you from Peters Point Beachfront Point down to the southern tip of the island. It’s part of the East Coast Greenway, which is a network of trails that connect Florida to Maine.
Of course, if you came here to relax and dine well, The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island is a luxurious beachside retreat, which features a sea-inspired spa and top-rated restaurants. ameliaisland.com
Birmingham, Alabama
Getty Images
Long known as the Magic City, Birmingham has enjoyed quite a renaissance lately. And, since it’s just three hours down the road from Nashville, the drive feels like a breeze. Make plans to traipse around the walkable streets, get to know its history, and take in the sights, sounds, and flavors of a city that’s constantly reimagining itself.
One of the most powerful and reflective experiences remains the Civil Rights District where you’ll find the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute as well as the 16th Street Baptist Church—both experiences bring the city and region’s very tumultuous history into the present for a stirring and emotional visit.
For a step back, and a view of downtown, take a drive up to Vulcan Park and Museum, where you’ll find the world’s largest cast-iron statue. The park grounds are open daily for a hilly stroll and enjoying a picnic.
If all goes back to the way it was, the city’s culinary scene is one of the best reasons to make the trip. Stellar new restaurants, like Automatic Seafood and Oysters and Ovenbird, have joined stalwarts Highlands Bar and Grill and Chez Fonfon, giving the city a range of exceptional dishes. Check in with each before you head down—and hope for the chance to taste chef Frank Stitt’s luscious stone ground baked grits. birminghamal.org
Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Supplied
With its wide open beaches and lush landscape, Kiawah Island is one of our favorite South Carolina escapes—and will be for those looking to remain socially distant. Its 10 miles of uninterrupted beach are a comfortable place to stretch, walk, run, bike, and castle build. Whether you take the 9-hour drive or fly nonstop to Charleston, which is just 20 miles away, it’s a destination that’s worth the traveling effort.
The beaches are accessible to all visitors. Consider booking a villa, condo, or house through VRBO, Beachwalker, or any number of rental agencies—or through Kiawah Island Golf Resort. (The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island is now reopened.) Off the beach, there are world-class golf courses, as well as kayaking and biking. Explore the island on two wheels, cruising along the many connecting live oak-lined trails, or the beach itself, which is packed firm and easy to navigate.
Get out on a kayak for a trip down one of the many marsh-made channels set between the island and the mainland. You might spot dolphin breaching alongside you as wind your way to one of the small, pull-up beaches. Bring a picnic and marvel at the many marsh creatures you’ll spot, from terns and egrets to hermit crabs and terrapin. For a look at the island’s many alligators, get over to one of the open golf courses where they tend to laze in the lagoons. kiawahisland.org
South Walton and 30A, Florida
Supplied
As Nashville’s “unofficial beach,” South Walton is waiting for you to come back already. We could all use a refreshing, rejuvenating long weekend and this coastal stretch of the Florida Panhandle offers a string of beach towns where you can slow down, walk in the white squeaky quartz-crystal sand, and enjoy plenty of time outdoors.
One of the best ways to see the area is by bike. Ride your way down the easy blocks to get to the South Orange Street beach access, or make the quick trip to Rosemary Beach where shopping and restaurants await. You could also venture further out and hit up posh Alys Beach.
Another great way to get to know the area’s flora and fauna is on foot. Hit the trails at Point Washington State Park and meander among the scrub oaks and pines. Or take to the sea and spend a day fishing in Choctawhatchee Bay.
At the end of the day, take in one of 30A’s incredible sunsets—The Point on 30A offers one of the area’s best for its guests. The outdoor seating includes a fire pit and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico. visitsouthwalton.com
Atlanta, Georgia
Jamestown
The allure of visiting Atlanta comes from not only its constant newness, like the ongoing addition of new shopping and dining destinations, but also for the history that lives on there. So while a visit might include the Ponce City Market for its legendary food hall and shops, it should also include a closer look at the space itself—a former Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, which is the city’s largest adaptive reuse project.
Atlanta may feel like a glossy city but it’s also done the work to preserve history in modern ways. The Atlanta BeltLine, for example, is a 22-mile loop that was built along a former railroad corridor that once went around the city. You’ll find locals enjoying the entire stretch, which connects them to numerous parks, long-distance jogging and biking trails, and dining destinations, like Krog Street Market.
Once they’re reopened, the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Atlanta History Center are must-visit spaces as well. The Botanical Garden’s 30 acres of outdoor gardens is a playground for those inspired by nature. Exhibits are spread throughout the grounds, but don’t miss the Canopy Walk, which winds through the Storza Woods. At the Atlanta History Center, rotating exhibits share the city’s past, as does Swan House, a 1920s-era mansion. For a good night’s rest at the end of it all, the W Atlanta-Buckhead offers luxe accommodations within easy steps of the shopping destination, Lenox Square. atlanta.net
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Getty Images
Just a few hours south of Nashville, Chattanooga has seen its own fair share of development, which is turning the “scenic city” into a continually evolving place to explore. Our favorite part is the very walkable downtown area, where you’ll find family-friendly activities like the Tennessee Aquarium and the Chattanooga Choo Choo. And, right nearby, there are a plethora of chef-driven restaurants, cocktail bars, and a dynamic art scene—that is, when the time comes to revisit them.
For a weekend visit, it’s good to start with a walk through Chattanooga’s revitalized Southside neighborhood. The sprawling 33-acre Sculpture Fields is open from dawn to dusk and is peppered with several larger-than-life sculptures from around the world. The inspirational green space draws artists demonstrating their craft, or installing new works, as well as local musicians who provide good beats and energy throughout the day.
From there, you might take a drive into the mountains for views of the Tennessee Valley or to set out on the Tanasi Trail, a system of roads and trails that guides you to spots like Bald River Falls and the Unicoi Crest Overlook. Whichever path you choose, aim to end up downtown for a good night’s rest—Bode Chattanooga provides bedroom lofts in an historic building right in the heart of the city. visitchattanooga.com
Gulf Shores, Alabama
Getty Images
Set along the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama’s Gulf Shores is marked by its sugar-white sand beaches, and acres of preserved wildlife. Yes, there’s kitschy beach-town fun and plenty of shopping, but it can also be a retreat into nature.
Plan to anchor your stay at Gulf State Park, a 6,150-acre destination that stands out for its preserved ecosystem—as well as the many ways it allows visitors to connect with the nature around them. There are two miles of beach connected to the park, so you can walk, run and swim the surf there, but there’s also plenty more. The trails offer a range of methods for hiking in the park. A fishing and education pier is an easy place to drop a line. The park is also home to Lake Shelby, where more swimming and paddling await.
What’s more, you can stay inside the park itself. There are 20 cabins and cottages to rent, but if a resort experience is more your speed, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is now run by Hilton Hotels and provides all of the amenities of a beachfront resort—zero-entry pools, a poolside café, and comfortable lake- or gulf-facing rooms. Meaning, you can explore and take refuge in nature all day, then enjoy it from a cozy perch each night. gulfshores.com
Austin, Texas
Getty Images
“The Live Music Capital of the World” might be quiet for the time being but this fast-growing city has plenty to explore otherwise. With its abundant sunshine, Austin is the place to go if you want to get outdoors. Take in Lady Bird Lake, which stretches 416 acres alongside downtown and draws Austinites all year for fishing, paddle boarding, and boating. You’ll also find miles of hiking and biking trails around it. The north edge of the lake is where you’ll find hundreds gathered around sunset to watch out for a massive urban bat colony, which flies out en masse each evening until the cold hits in October.
If you’re there to beat the heat, explore the local natural pools, like Deep Eddy Pool, which is the state’s oldest spring-fed swimming hole. There’s also Barton Springs Pool, set within Zilker Park (the ACL festival site), a three-acre natural wonder that maintains a comfortable 68 to 70 degrees throughout the year. You can also take a 25-mile drive from Austin over to Lake Travis, where 65 miles of lakeshore await for sailing, boating, and relaxation. Rent your own place, or book a room at the waterfront Lakeway Resort and Spa for their pool playground and swim-up adults only bar. austintexas.org