The 4 Top Weekend Getaways Near Raleigh, NC

One of the best things about living in this area (and there are many) is Raleigh’s close proximity to a number of exciting vacation getaways. A quick drive and you’re at your ideal vacation spot — mountains or beaches. Whether you’re having a girls’ weekend, family outing, or romantic getaway there are more options than free weekends.

Explore Decadent Asheville
At just under four hours away, Asheville is the perfect getaway for a little romance or a trip with the girls, and the journey is as wonderful as the destination. While you could go directly via 40, you can also break up your trip by stopping at picturesque Chapel Hill (home to UNC) or Blowing Rock, a quaint storybook mountain village. Asheville exudes charm, has excellent food options, romantic accommodations, and luxurious spas. Don’t miss the showcase of the town – the Biltmore Estate, which puts on a dramatic display no matter what time of year you visit.

Experience the Thrills in Cosmopolitan Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and it’s the third fastest growing major city in the US. If you’re looking for rich opportunities to indulge in excellent food, cultural events, or sports, Charlotte is your kind of town. At just under three hours, it’s an easy drive to the Queen City. There you’ll enjoy Little Sugar Creek Greenway, a pleasant area inspired by San Antonio’s River Walk. Charlotte is also the home of NASCAR and its Hall of Fame. Kids love Charlotte’s Discovery Place, an interactive science museum. During the warmer months, visit one of the many botanical gardens in and around the city.

Relax at the Outer Banks
No matter where you choose to stay, the Outer Banks will help you slow down and relax. While there, stop by Kitty Hawk and see where the Wright Brothers’ famous flight occurred or take a Jeep tour to visit Corolla’s wild horses. Cape Hatteras, and the famous black and white-striped Hatteras lighthouse, draw plenty of visitors. Don’t miss details on the amazing story of its move in 1999 from the place where it had stood since 1870. If you’re a mystery lover, don’t forget exploring nearby Roanoke Island, home of the Roanoke Colony. Maybe you can figure out what happened to those early settlers on your four-hour drive back to Raleigh.

Hunt for Treasures in Seagrove
Seagrove is known for its pottery and is aptly named “Pottery Capital of North Carolina.” Several of its potteries are on the National Registry of Historic Places. Each year tens of thousands of visitors make the trek to this small artisans’ community. The town hosts an annual celebration of spring with tours of studios and potteries. In addition to the historic potteries, many of the larger homes in town have new lives as quaint bed and breakfasts making for the perfect getaway.

Raleigh places you near a number of historic, romantic, and charming vacation spots. With easy access to the ocean and mountains, you have your choice of ideal locales and you never even have to leave the state.

Image via pixabay.com

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