Family Vacations

WEEKENDER: Ponte Vedra Beach

Known as “the jewel of the northeast coast,” Ponte Vedra Beach is an oceanfront retreat about 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville in northeast Florida. The area is synonymous with golf and home of the THE PLAYERS Championship, which is held…

48 Hours in High Point

High Point, just 90 minutes north of Charlotte, is known as the furniture capital of the world. It’s also the first Certified Autism Destination (CAD) on the East Coast, and the second in the country. Becoming a CAD means tourism,…

WEEKENDER: East Fork Farm

East Fork Farm is in Marshall, NC, about three hours from Charlotte and 25 miles outside Asheville. The property spans 40 acres and is home to sheep, chickens, cows, and farm dogs that kids can see up close. A weekend…

WEEKENDER: Black Mountain

As Asheville’s population and tourism industry continue to grow, so does the cost of a weekend visit. You can access many of the same things you go to Asheville for—the Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor activities, good food and drink, art—without…

SPRING BREAK WEEKENDER: Key West

The two-by-four-mile island on the Florida Keys’ southernmost point is a bit of a departure from pristine resort towns like Palm Beach or Seaside. Pastel, conch-style houses dot the narrow streets where roosters are free to roam, and colorful murals…

SPRING TRAVEL: Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Virginia’s Blue Ridge encompasses the city of Roanoke and its surrounding communities, which include the city of Salem, Botetourt County, Franklin County, and Roanoke County. Roanoke remains so historically intact that it’s easy to imagine the city 100 years ago. Locally…

​​WEEKENDER: Reynolds Lake Oconee

Avid golfers flock to Reynolds Lake Oconee for its championship courses, but the gated resort community 85 miles east of Atlanta is also a great weekend destination for families with kids in tow. The property has 11 onsite dining options,…

WEEKENDER: Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Gatlinburg, Tennessee is often called the "gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains," and it sees more than 11 million visitors each year. It’s home to Tennessee’s only ski resort and puts you just a few miles from Dollywood and the…

HOLIDAY WEEKENDER: Durham

Your kids may be too young to watch the R-rated 1987 movie “Bull Durham” before a visit to Bull City, but they’ll still appreciate the sights and sounds of Durham. Restaurants, markets, and shops are within walking distance of the…

WEEKENDER: Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama earned the nickname “The Magic City” thanks to its vast supply of iron ore, coal, and limestone, the three elements needed to produce steel. It experienced rapid growth following the Civil War and into the 20th century, when…

WEEKENDER: Florida Gulf Beaches

As businesses reopen in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, residents just south of Tampa remain hopeful that tourists will visit the Florida Gulf this holiday season. Popular spots like Clearwater and St. Petersburg weren’t directly hit, and their beaches will…

WEEKENDER: Washington, DC

Much like Disneyland and The Grand Canyon, a visit to the nation’s capital is an essential family vacation. Washington DC teems with iconic monuments, sights, and museums that give kids a glimpse into the country’s history. Tour famous landmarks like…

WEEKENDER: Chattanooga

In 1941, Glenn Miller immortalized the city with his hit, Chattanooga Choo-Choo. Today it’s home to an expanded riverfront, aquarium complex, and one of the world's longest pedestrian bridges. Chattanooga is a six-hour drive from Charlotte (or a one-hour flight…

WEEKENDER: New Bern

If you drive toward the coast, about 4.5 hours east of Charlotte, you’ll find the waterfront town of New Bern, North Carolina. Nestled where the Neuse and Trent rivers converge, this small city is the state’s former colonial capital and…

Spontaneous Summer Fun

Summer may already be in full swing, but that doesn't mean it’s too late to plan some family fun. We’ve got a roundup of outdoor adventures and weekend getaways you can still add to your calendar. *See approximate driving time from Charlotte listed…

WEEKENDER: North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands

North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands encompass five barrier islands—Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, and Bald Head Island—along the southernmost stretch of North Carolina’s coast. It’s roughly three-and-a-half hours from Charlotte; from Ocean Isle Beach, you’re about halfway…

WEEKENDER: The Crystal Coast

  The Crystal Coast is an 85-mile stretch of beaches that encompasses Beaufort, Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Emerald Isle, Morehead City, and Cape Lookout. It’s roughly five and a half hours from Charlotte by car depending on which town…

WEEKENDER: Primland

Primland Resort is a two and a half hour drive from Charlotte and puts you in the heart of southern Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. The last 20 minutes take you through some winding mountain roads (pack dramamine if the kiddos…