North Carolina City Among Top 10 Best Places To Travel In The South Right Now
Some folks are on Spring break. And, others may just be looking for a quick getaway to enjoy the warmer weather. So, this North Carolina city among the top 10 best places to travel in the South in April makes a great choice.
Southern Living scoured the map to arrive at their list of ’15 Best Places To Travel In The South This April.’ And, two North Carolina spots made the grade. One of the cities seems to always be a favorite. However, the one that made it into Southern Living’s top 10 best places to travel in the South right now wasn’t one on my radar.
Number 8 Best Places To Travel In The South
So, sitting at number 8 on the list of best places to travel in the South, is Wilmington, North Carolina. The publication points out that Wilmington was voted as their number one ‘South’s Best City on the Rise.’ And, they say there are “a million reasons to love this North Carolina coastal city.”
What People Love About This City
Some of the alluring things about this hot spot among best places to travel in the South include its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Cape Fear River. So, visitors get not only a riverfront city but the beach, too. Plus, Wilmington’s many festivals and concerts move it up the list. In fact, the famous Cape Fear Garden Club’s Azalea Garden Tour continues through April 7. It’s not to be missed with access to beautiful private home gardens.
Hollywood Loves The Best Places To Travel In The South
Of course, we’re all aware of Hollywood’s love of Wilmington. And, it was the setting for one of our favorite shows in the ’90s. ‘Dawson’s Creek’ starring James Van der Beek and Katie Holmes was must see for us back then. And, one of my son’s favorite superhero films, ‘Iron Man 3’ used Wilmington as a backdrop. So, if you’re looking for beauty and relaxation in a laid back setting, this North Carolina city among the top 10 best places to travel in the South is a winner.
Another City Among The Best Places To Travel In The South
But, not to be overlooked on the list of best places to travel in the South, Asheville always shows up. It’s a bit further down the list at number 10. However, it’s a heavy contender always. We all know the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Biltmore Estate. Plus, if you love gardens, Biltmore’s are stunning.
Visit The Full List
So, to find out more about these and others on the list of best places to travel in the South right now, see the full article from Southern Living. And, start planning that getaway.
These Are 14 Of The Best Places To Travel In And Near North Carolina This Summer
1. Atlanta, GA
Kruck20
Total Score: 66.63
Travel Costs & Hassles: 9
Local Costs: 20
Attractions: 16
Weather: 15
About a 4 hour drive from Charlotte down I-85 Atlanta, is an easy and affordable weekend getaway. You can park your car at your downtown hotel and never move it. Attractions include the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum, Skywheel, and College Football Hall of Fame. There is also incredible shopping and dining, plus if you have the chance to catch an event at Mercedes Benz Stadium you won’t want to pass that up!
3. Washington, DC
SeanPavonePhoto
Total Score: 64.07
Travel Costs & Hassles: 21
Local Costs: 78
Attractions: 15
Weather: 19
DC is always a great vacation destination, whether you want to take advantage of all the free museums and rich history, or my personal favorite activity shopping and dining in Georgetown.
13. Greenville, SC
Total Score: 59.07
Travel Costs & Hassles: 13
Local Costs: 17
Attractions: 59
Weather: n/a
One of the trendiest cities in the Carolinas is the top ranked destination actually in either Carolina on this list. I still need to check out all there is do in Greenville, but at just about a 2 hour drive from Charlotte it’s an easy enough trip even for the day!
23. Raleigh, NC
Mark Howard
Total Score: 56.76
Travel Costs & Hassles: 42
Local Costs: 50
Attractions: 41
Weather: 22
Take into the history museum or Marbles Kids Museum, or enjoy a picnic and paddleboat at Pullen Park. Or perhaps visit the North Carolina Farmer’s Market. Or do what I do and attend any NC State sporting event. Go pack!
28. Virginia Beach, VA
Kyle Little
Total Score: 55.81
Travel Costs & Hassles: 16
Local Costs: 82
Attractions: 57
Weather: 26
A visit to Virginia Beach of course includes the beach and the boardwalk. Other fun activities include the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and First Landing State Park.
31. Knoxville, TN
Kruck20
Total Score: 55.27
Travel Costs & Hassles: 66
Local Costs: 7
Attractions: 80
Weather: 36
Knoxville isn’t too far from North Carolina, and this college town offers a gorgeous location on the Tennesee River as well as affordability. It’s my stopping point on drives to Nashville and I’d love to spend more time here and even attend a Tennesee game. Though to quote Sandra Bullock’s character in The Blind Side, “I will not wear that gaudy orange”.
32. Jacksonville, FL
TraceRouda
Total Score: 54.54
Travel Costs & Hassles: 59
Local Costs: 15
Attractions: 27
Weather: 61
At just 5 hours from Charlotte Jacksonville and the area beaches are closer than some North Carolina beaches. I spent my January birthday in Jacksonville a few years ago and loved it. From the warm enough weather to walk on the beach in shorts in January, to the zoo, and some fabulous restaurants I’m just waiting for an excuse to go back!
33. Charleston, SC
Sean Pavone
Total Score: 54.34
Travel Costs & Hassles: 81
Local Costs: 51
Attractions: 60
Weather: 3
I’m shocked it took this long to get to Charleston. This city full of southern historic charm is an extremely popular vacation destination. From the nearby beaches to gorgeous scenery and incredible restaurants it’s the city that keeps visitors coming back for more.
35. Augusta, GA
Kruck20
Total Score: 54.17
Travel Costs & Hassles: 64
Local Costs: 2
Attractions: 63
Weather: 29
If you’re a golfer Augusta is a must-visit, and even if you’re not there are still plenty of things to enjoy such as the Augusta Riverwalk and Meadow Gardens. Take an adventure scavenger hunt or hike at the phinizy nature park.
47. Charlotte, NC
Kruck20
Total Score: 52.53
Travel Costs & Hassles: 71
Local Costs: 27
Attractions: 26
Weather: 23
I’m desensitized to Charlotte spending most of my life here but there really is a ton to do especially if you’re not used to city life. From endless restaurants, bars, breweries, and shopping to the Whitewater Center, Carowinds, and NASCAR Hall of Fame.
48. Columbia, SC
f11photo
Total Score: 52.08
Travel Costs & Hassles: 55
Local Costs: 13
Attractions: 69
Weather: 28
Whether you are making the 90 minute drive down I-77 for the day or the weekend there is plenty to do. Visitors love the Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens or take in the history at the SC State Museum. Spend the day walking around the University of South Carolina campus or take a boat out on Lake Murray.
49. Nashville, TN
Jonathan Ross
Total Score: 51.56
Travel Costs & Hassles: 80
Local Costs: 53
Attractions: 22
Weather: 6
One of my favorite cities is about a 6 hour road trip from Charlotte. Even if you don’t love country music you’ll love exploring downtown, visiting Opryland Resort, shopping, and taking in the diverse music scene of Music City.
51. Chattanooga, TN
Kruck20
Total Score: 50.29
Travel Costs & Hassles: 74
Local Costs: 40
Attractions: 56
Weather: 14
Just under 6 hours away is the underrated destination of Chattanooga. Take a ghost hour, visit the Tennessee Railroad Museum, The Tennesee Aquarium, or Racoon Mountain Caverns.
59. Greensboro, NC
SeanPavonePhoto
Total Score: 49.14
Travel Costs & Hassles: 65
Local Costs: 18
Attractions: 82
Weather: 35
Another underrated fun spot is Greensboro. A lot of fun restaurants and bars have opened up lately. Kids and adults love Wet & Wild Emerald Park, relax at the Grandover Spa, and the Greensboro Science Center offers fun for all ages.
