This year, I have been bitten by the travel bug — and I’m not complaining! We have been fortunate to take several great trips during the first few months of 2022, and I’m always looking to plan our next vacation. Whether I’m traveling with kids, friends, or just me and Matt, it’s great to have some options that are viable for a long weekend without too much travel time involved. With that in mind, I’ve created a list of beautiful destinations — all found here on the East Coast! Soon, I have a list of my favorite Caribbean resorts to visit soon 🙂
Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation – Lake Oconee (Greensboro, GA)
This beautiful resort is located near Atlanta and many of Georgia’s beautiful lakes. However, you’ll find this area to be a bit quieter than nearby Lake Lanier. Reynolds Plantation is a newer development of luxury homes, and this resort is adjacent to the development. Amenities include spa services, a gorgeous golf course, and restaurant options with local offerings. I would love to spend a weekend at this beautiful and rustic resort!
Blackberry Farm (Walland, TN)
Where do I begin here? There is so much to see and do at Blackberry Farm. Whether you want to pamper yourself with a spa treatment and the best of the best in food and wine – or explore the property with a hike, bike or horseback ride, or fishing trip — you can do it all here and then some. Located in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, this resort is a true treat and is a must-do travel destination for me.
Jekyll Island Club Resort (Jekyll Island, GA)
I have often thought that this would be a great little getaway for a family trip. The accommodations are as elegant and beautiful as you would want, with plenty of things to do – several properties to visit with shuttle service between them, pool and beach options, croquet, a fire pit for s’mores in the evening, bike rentals, and more in this completely charming little town. So much fun to be had for kids and adults!
The Greenbrier (White Sulphur Springs, WV)
The Greenbrier is known as “America’s Resort” for a number of reasons. It is a National Historic Landmark, and with its proximity to Washington, DC, has been a favorite destination of many former Presidents! The resort’s interesting and colorful history is outlined here – definitely worth a read if you’re interested! The grounds are pretty spectacular. Personally, I am loving the Dorothy Draper-designed colorful and distinctive interiors! Amenities include a gorgeous golf course, restaurants of all kinds, a casino, and more. Whether bringing the kids or not (and many people do!), the Greenbrier is definitely high on my list. It’s a little tough to get to from where we live, but hoping to make it happen one day soon.
Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC)
This gorgeous property is located in South Carolina’s Lowcountry region. There are eight fine dining options, a spa, Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and plenty of options for families! Accommodation options include rooms, suites and cottages in various beautiful settings – so many unique ways to stay and enjoy. This resort spans 20,000 acres along the May River. I love the classic Southern feel of this resort and cannot wait to visit!
The Cloister (Sea Island, GA)
This one has been on my list for a while. Located off the Georgia coast, this resort, part of the Sea Island family, is a true gem. Literally any outdoor activity you would want, a number of incredible dining options, and cottage style living are all hallmarks of this experience. Not to mention, the village of Sea Island is just idyllic and charming. I have heard only wonderful things about this resort, and must see it in person to believe it!
The Omni Grove Park Inn (Asheville, NC)
The Blue Ridge Mountains is such a gorgeous area and the Grove Park Inn is a crown jewel. If you haven’t been, there is so much to do in Asheville – and a stay at the Grove Park Inn makes the experience unforgettable! The dining options are out of this world, and the mountain views from the resort are remarkable. I cannot wait to book a long weekend in this beautiful area – we so enjoyed our stay in Highlands (see below) and I have heard such amazing things about Asheville and its people! A tour of the Biltmore – especially during the Christmas season – is on my list of things to do!
Gasparilla Inn & Club (Boca Grande, FL)
This resort is “classic old Florida” and definitely gives a retro feel, reminiscent of simpler times! It reminds me a bit of the Greenbrier resort (above). No detail is overlooked here – from spa and shopping to tennis, croquet, and golf, there is no shortage of things to do. This resort is located in Boca Grande, Florida, on the southern Gulf of Mexico coast. Perfect weather year round, and a luxurious experience for families, couples and groups. Although the decor is definitely Floridian and inspired by warm weather, the holiday season is also a special time to visit this resort, and the decorations and activities available during Christmas are really special. I think my kids would love it here!
Castle Hill Inn (Newport, RI)
My girlfriends and I took the most beautiful and scenic trip to Newport back in 2016 and had the opportunity to stay here for a long weekend. It was the best trip, and I would love to take Matt and stay here again! This resort is relatively small, and is located on a private waterfront estate. There are several different types of accommodations. We chose a small cottage overlooking the beach, and it was perfect for our group of four. There are so many indulgent options here – incredible scenery, fine dining, spa treatments, and much more. This is such a beautiful area of the country, and my friends and I loved this trip. We were there in April, so it was still a bit chilly, but we still had a wonderful time. There would be even more options for activities during beach season! Since there are various accommodation types available here, The Castle Hill Inn would be perfect for a girls’ trip like ours, a couple, or a family trip. I can’t wait to return here!
Read a recap of our trip to Newport, with our stay at the Castle Hill Inn here.
Old Edwards Inn & Spa (Highlands, NC)
I visited this beautiful place back in 2015, for the wedding of one of my high school friends. It was the perfect place for a wedding! This is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, one of the most beautiful areas of the country. From Pensacola, we flew to Atlanta, then drove a couple of hours east to Highlands — not the easiest trip, but well worth it! Highlands is a great little mountain town, and the resort itself offers incredible restaurants, gorgeous grounds, and a beautiful spa – definitely a hidden gem! I visited with my mom previously, and would love to take Matt here next or even bring the kids as well.
Read a recap of our trip to the Old Edwards Inn here.
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