My Favorite Weekend Escapes: Asheville, NC; Charleston, SC; And Cumberland Island, GA

A weekend escape is still a possibility even though the the recession may have put a halt to your ability to take a week long vacation. If you live in the southeastern United States, there are great cities and towns - and even islands - that are perfect for a romantic or special weekend.

Weekend trips are some of my favorite vacations and here are the places that make the top of my list:

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is perfect for a weekend escape because it is beautiful any time of the year. There are always winter activities - nothing can beat sitting in front of the roaring fire at the Grove Park Inn or viewing the Biltmore House in all of its holiday finery. And because Asheville is located in the mountains, the summers are bearable here, too. Of course, the fall foliage and the spring tulips are some of the best anywhere.

Spend the day touring the Biltmore House, enjoying the variety of stores in the downtown area - Asheville is home to some incredible artists and high-end craftsmen - and be sure to take in dinner and some music because Asheville has a great music scene. Depending on the season there are also skiing opportunities nearby, as well as hiking, biking, and fishing.

January, February, and March are probably the cheapest months for a weekend getaway in Asheville but you can find deals throughout the year.

To find travel deals and more things to do, visit Explore Asheville.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston, South Carolina is my favorite weekend getaway when I just want to enjoy great food and a little Southern history and hospitality. The food is some of the best that can be found outside of New Orleans. Take a walk along the Battery enjoy the vendors in the market, or explore an old house or two.

Charleston is perfect for strolling or just sitting along the water. Other weekend possibilities include touring Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum, visiting the South Carolina Aquarium, or just enjoying the beaches nearby.

To find more dining and attractions, as well as special deals for your weekend escape to Charleston, visit the Charleston, South Carolina Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Cumberland Island, Georgia

Isolated and beautiful, Cumberland Island, Georgia is probably best remembered as the wedding destination of John Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette. They chose it for a reason. If you've ever dreamed about what it might be like to live on an island - with the comforts of home - consider spending a weekend at the Greyfield Inn. Rated in the top ten most romantic hotels by Travel & Leisure and Coastal Living magazines, your weekend stay on Cumberland Island won't come cheap - but we're talking about unforgettable memories here.

Room prices average $595 per night (meals included), you travel by ferry to the island, and just so you know, there is no phone service. And there is no other hotel.

If you love the outdoors, you will enjoy hiking and biking, looking for shells and watching the wild horses that run on the beaches of Cumberland Island. This getaway is for the super-stressed or the romantic who want to get away from it all.

If you'd still like to enjoy Cumberland Island but can't afford the room rates, you can do it a little cheaper. Stay in nearby St. Marys, Georgia or in Fernandina Beach, Florida and take a day trip by ferry to the island, instead.

For more on the prices and amenities for a weekend getaway on Cumberland Island, visit the Greyfield Inn and Cumberland Island National Park.

Sources:

Personal Experience
Explore Asheville, North Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina Visitor Bureau
Greyfield Inn, Cumberland Island, Georgia
Cumberland Island National Park
St. Marys, Georgia
Fernandina Beach, Florida