HIT THE ROAD: 5 family-friendly driving destinations that are 4 hours or less from Charlotte
Can’t swing the airfare for a cross country trip this summer? Not to worry. Charlotte is accessible to plenty of family-friendly destinations that are four hours or less by car. Whether you want to see some wild animals, go glamping, or feel the sand beneath your toes, we’ve got a place for your family.
This 5,000-acre gated community on the southern tip of Hilton Head Island is about four hours from Charlotte. Book a room at the Inn & Club at Harbour Town or rent a vacation villa for a bit more space. The resort has five miles of sandy beaches, golf, tennis, and an array of family-friendly activities like sea turtle beach walks, crabby encounters, and geocaching. Book a one-hour ride with The Alligator & Wildlife Boat Tour and learn about the island’s plant and animal life. If reptiles make your blood run cold, explore Calibogue Sound and the waterways surrounding Daufuskie Island by boat during a dolphin tour. 32 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC
The Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island
Pining for some fresh mountain air? Book a stay at this refurbished inn off Highway 321 in Boone. The 54-room motel has mid-century design details and campy (but not kitschy) accents like tree trunk nightstands, three-legged camp stools, and blue Coleman coolers. All rooms have Wi-Fi, a smart TV, and a mini-fridge, and certain king rooms have a daybed and can sleep a family of four. Explore the trails at nearby Grandfather Mountain, mine for gemstones, peruse the shops on King Street, or pack a picnic and bring it to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway. No matter how you spend your time, it’s a great place to recharge. 1377 Blowing Rock Road, Boone, NC
Located near Lake Lure in the Blue Ridge foothills of western North Carolina, Emberglow is roughly a two-hour drive from Charlotte. This is a place to explore nature, minus the less-digestible aspects of traditional camping (read: no toilets and running water). Lodging options include no-frills tent sites, restored vintage campers, yurts, tiny homes, glamping pods, and treehouses out of Swiss Family Robinson. Campers can watch movies on the lawn, splash in the resort-quality pool, play on the sand volleyball court, explore the nature trails, and tell stories by the community fire pit. 95 Pinewood Trail, Mill Spring, NC
Emberglow Outdoor Resort
This gated resort community 85 miles east of Atlanta is known for its championship courses, but it’s also a great weekend destination for families with kids in tow. Reynolds Lake Oconee has 11 onsite dining options, four full-service marinas, multiple swimming pools, and a range of activities for kids. Families that stay at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee can take advantage of the Ritz Kids program, which includes access to the Ritz Kids Clubhouse, where they can enjoy a range of arcade games and seasonal outdoor activities. This waterfront playground is a three-and-a-half hour drive from Charlotte and an ideal place to unwind in Georgia’s lake country. 100 Linger Longer Road, Greensboro, GA
Reynolds Lake Oconee
East For 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. Explore the farm at your leisure, visit with the animals, go for a hike, or take a dip in the pond. Cabins are equipped with kitchens and outdoor grills, so bring groceries if you plan to remain onsite. If you venture off site, book a historic barn tour through Appalachian Barn Alliance to view the barns throughout the area, pack a picnic and hike to Max Patch, or take in panoramic views from the top of the Rich Mountain Fire Tower after a hike on the Appalachian Trail. A weekend here is a blend of rugged outdoor adventure and peaceful downtime for the whole family. 215 Meadow Branch Road, Marshall, NC
East Fork Farm
