Weekend vacation options a few hours drive from Ashville, NC?

[shmoogrrrl]

My parents live in Hendersonville, NC, which is very close to Ashville, NC. My husband and I are celebrating our 10 year anniversary this year (Tax day!) and since we are taking our technical 'anniversary trip' next year on the Disney Dream, we thought we might like to do a weekend get away this summer.

Our kids would stay with my parents, so I am trying to think of places a few hours away from my parents that would be fun for us to go for a weekend (probably 2 nights/3 days). We go to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg twice a year when we visit my parents, have been all over Ashville itself, and we've been to Myrtle Beach the last few years so those two are out.

We both love History but we also love just relaxing. As a bonus, my husband is a Train nut, but trains aren't necessary either.

Any thoughts or ideas? I don't want to do anything longer than two nights, or too far away because I am a wuss and will miss my kiddies eventually.

 

[bicker]

I find Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg to be simply too touristy for my tastes. We stayed once in Townsend, and that was far superior AFAIC. It's "about the same" in some respect, since the big attraction is still the national park, but in case you've never visited it, as a history buff, touring Cades Cove would be a natural fit for you. I think it might be the only part of the national park that has a good amount of post-Columbian historical significance.

 

[DVCLiz]

From Asheville, drive down to Spencer, NC and let your husband have some fun at the train museum. Then, you could go north and find something to do in VA for a couple of days - visit a battlefield, etc. If you really wanted something pricey and wonderful you could go to the Homestead or the Greenbrier for the weekend, but you could also stay in a Hampton Inn near some hisotrical site and have fun. Have a great weekend!!

Oops, I see you live in VA so maybe that's not the best idea. You could go over to Chattanooga and see the choo choo, etc. It's a fabulous city!

Or, you could drive down to SC and see Spartanburg/Greenville for the weekend. Greenville especially has so much in the way of nice shops/restaurants, etc.

What about a weekend in Charlotte? Lots of big city offerings there - restaurants, theater, sports, etc. That would be a fun weekend not too far away.

 

[MIGrandma]

Well, since you mentioned trains...

There is a train ride in Bryson City, NC that DH and I were planning to do on our recent Smoky Mts. trip. Unfortunately either their website information was wrong or I wrote it down wrong, because there was no train running when we were there. I was so bummed. I think they are only running on weekends right now. Hopefully another trip we'll get to do it.

 

[sharlon]

Not sure how far you want to drive from H'ville (I'm in Arden which is between H'ville and A'ville), but it is only about 4 hours from here to Charleston, SC. You would have the beauty and history of the city, Fort Sumter, and the beach. You would have tons of lodging options from nice hotels to B&Bs to regular hotels. And the food, YUMMMMMMM
I think there might even be some train stuff for DH.
Happy Anniversary!

 

[golfgal]

Not sure how far you want to drive from H'ville (I'm in Arden which is between H'ville and A'ville), but it is only about 4 hours from here to Charleston, SC. You would have the beauty and history of the city, Fort Sumter, and the beach. You would have tons of lodging options from nice hotels to B&Bs to regular hotels. And the food, YUMMMMMMM
I think there might even be some train stuff for DH.
Happy Anniversary!

I was going to suggest this as well.

 

[mjaure]

My best friend just went to Dollywood this week for her anniversary and they had a good time.


--Mary

 

[lovepurple]

We love the train museum in Spencer, NC. And it's free! It does cost a few dollars if you want to ride on the train. It is a very short ride from one end of the property and back. The roundhouse with all the old trains is pretty cool. Some of them are so huge. And I love going into the old mail car and medical car and looking at the old private cars.

 

[minniebeth]

I also agree with The Greenbrier Resort, (WV) perfect for a romantic getaway (very pricey though!) and even has history attached to it. There is a lot to do there or you can just relax.

Charleston, SC is also a great suggestion. Obviously, a mecca of history and great things to do there for a couple. We just got back from there 2 days ago! It was wonderful, as always!

Greenville, SC is on my wish list of places to see as well.