Even when you live in a place where so many love to vacation, it’s always fun to get away and explore other areas - all seasons of the year. Taking a quick three- or four-day jaunt can be just
what the doctor ordered to alleviate some stress and get us through until that big summer vacay
or all of the coming days on the beach.
To give you some help I’ve compiled a list of six fast and fun drivable locations that allow for a convenient weekend getaway to start 2026 off with a travel adventure.
Helen, Georgia
This popular Bavarian village is nestled in the heart of Georgia’s Blue Ridge Mountains - set against a scenic backdrop of forests, riverbanks, and old-world nostalgia. A quick winter weekend getaway to Helen transports you back in time to the cobblestone streets and period architecture of Germany’s Bamberg or Lindau. Colorful mom and pop retailers and eateries dot the landscape and provide something a little different than any other weekend getaway. Make sure you check out the beer gardens and year-long haunted house… and watch out for the town bears.
Nashville, Tennessee
What can I say about Nashville that travelers and country music fans the world over don’t already know? In the time I’ve been traveling to and writing about this bustling city, it's gone from hot spot to epicenter in terms of the influence it plays across almost every sector of the entertainment industry. What was once the home of country music has become a primary hub for all types of music, film, television and worldwide tourism. The town offers visitors almost anything and everything they can think of to see, do, and enjoy, from the best restaurants to a busy downtown atmosphere of clubs, pubs, museums, and music venues.
Whether you are a fan of country music is now practically irrelevant when it comes to finding ways to have fun in one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the country. From great dining to a smorgasbord of tours, shows, sightseeing expeditions and sporting events, Nashville has it all. For the best time, be sure to wander off the tourist trap that is Lower Broadway and venture out to nearby areas, like Franklin, Brentwood, and Leipers Fork, to experience more of what the culture is really about.
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is best known as the western entrance to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. Winter is a great time to visit, as the crowds are smaller and allow for more enjoyable perusing of the area’s cool shops, museums, unique attractions, mountain handicrafts, and outdoor activities. There is no shortage of dining opportunities and shopping, though many visitors simply come to take in the serenity of the Great Smokey Mountains and a slower pace life, surrounded by nature.
Pigeon Forge, just north of Gatlinburg, is home to Dollywood, the namesake theme park of the icon herself, Dolly Parton, who hails from nearby Sevierville. Dollywood lies at the heart of a Pigeon Forge vacation, and is filled with rides, a water park, live entertainment, a bald-eagle sanctuary, a replica of Dolly's childhood home, mountain craft demonstrations and other attractions that showcase life in the Smoky Mountains.
Savannah, Georgia
The well-known old south town of Savannah is widely renowned for its historical features which stand as a gateway to its hidden charms. From the rich history to its delicious cuisine and walkable riverfront, Savannah has something for everyone to experience. The vast array of well-preserved historic mansions and centuries-old cemeteries add to Savannah's rich and colorful appeal; they’re a must-see for visitors experiencing the city for the first time or the tenth. A number of great accommodations exist, from old world guest houses to traditional B&Bs to recognized hotel chains in various price ranges.
Asheville, North Carolina
This famous North Carolina town nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains is the perfect weekend destination for anyone who enjoys the beauty, tranquility, and thrill of nature. No matter what your interest may be, Asheville is waiting and ready for you. Asheville has a vibrant downtown district with art deco eateries, cool shops, and great cultural offerings. You will find lots of spectator sport opportunities, unique shopping and a host of other attractions to fill your days and nights. Last, but not least, you must set aside at least a half day to tour the world-famous Biltmore Estate.
Completed in 1895, the estate is the largest private residence in the United States and is still family owned, giving a glimpse into the history of the famous Vanderbilt family, as well as how Asheville came to be. Upon visiting the estate, I was immediately in awe of how such impeccable craftsmanship and ornate detail could take place in a time well before modern machine tools and transportation. This, along with great dining, a vibrant downtown arts scene, lots of live music and picturesque views make this an ideal weekend getaway.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Beautiful and exclusive Hilton Head Island is the ultimate South Carolina oceanfront resort for those venturing from the Pensacola area but still wanting an upscale coastal vibe. Hilton Head offers miles of wide, unspoiled beaches, numerous golf courses, fishing, boating, shopping, dining, tennis, and practically every other form of fun that you could manage to pack into a long weekend. Just beware of the numerous European style roundabouts on the town square and other roadways, and don’t be surprised at the lack of bright lights and flashy colors on the signs of restaurants, stores, and other establishments. The city actually has an ordinance prohibiting neon and backlit signs, so everything you see and read will be in shades of khaki and brown, lending even more to the town’s coastal charm. Winter is a great time to visit Hilton Head, as it’s definitely less crowded, but the climate is still mild enough to get out, sightsee, and take in a different kind of beach town, where the sand isn’t white, the waters aren’t the same emerald green, but the beauty still abounds.