Best Weekend Getaways In North Carolina Finds This Unexpected Hidden Gem

Living in the Carolinas as opposed to my home state of Texas has some advantages.  And, one of the best things is the ability to do quick weekend getaways to beaches and mountains.  So, if you find yourself getting winter cabin fever and in need of adventure, you're in luck.  Travel+Leisure helps out with their 15 Best Weekend Getaways In North Carolina list.  And, an unexpected hidden gem in North Carolina landed on their radar.

The spot suggested for one of the best weekend getaways in North Carolina is Bryson City in Western North Carolina.  Travel+Leisure points out it's known as 'the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.'  Visitors to Bryson City have so many things to choose from, including rail tours, whitewater trips or just relaxing.

And, this rings true from my experience.  A few years ago during the first part of February, some of our closest friends decided we needed a quick weekend getaway.  So, almost as if closing our eyes and pointing to a dot on the map we landed in Bryson City.  The Charlotte area received no snow to that point in the season.  And, my friend was on a quest to see some before winter ended.  So, we lucked out.

But, before we arrived in Bryson City, we stopped off at a few wineries along the way.  Of course, there's no way I remember all of them from that wonderful trip several years ago.  However, I did run across a picture of us at Burnt Shirt Vineyards in Hendersonville.  They also have a Chimney Rock location, too.  It's beautiful, and I can't wait to go back!

Then, we arrived at the most gorgeous cabin we rented for the weekend getaway.  Before heading to our cabin, we found some delicious Mexican food at an unassuming spot in a nearby shopping center.  I think the restaurant may have been Guayabitos. Great spot.

Next, off to the cabin.  The place had a huge porch with a fireplace.  So, we built a fire, made some drinks and plugged in our electric blankets on the porch couch and enjoyed the evening.

And, the next morning we awoke to the most beautiful blanket of snow.  It was magical.  We had no sleds.  So, we took the floor mats out of the SUV and used them as makeshift sleds!  We laughed until we cried.  A quick day trip into Bryson City followed with a delicious burger at a little local spot.  Although we wanted to do the train tour, we just didn't have time for the 2 hour trip.  But, next time!  Check out the aforementioned link for all the info.

However, I highly recommend a trip to Bryson City.  It's no wonder Travel+Leisure included this hidden gem on their list of 15 best weekend getaways in North Carolina.  And, make sure to see the full list for other spots they highlight.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/