From the NC wine country, to wet and wild water parks, here are 7 day trips when you just need a change of scenery! These are all less than 2 hours away (some much closer) but far enough to feel like you’ve really gotten away for the day…
1. Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe, Greensboro. $42.99 if purchased online.Trip time: 1 hour 32 minutes.
Get wet and cool off- blame it on the kids and spend a fun day at the water park! They have tons of different water attractions- 36 in all. From splash zones, a lazy river to Daredevil Drop and Twin Twisters- there are plenty of ways to splash or just chill out. Pro Tip: They also have smart day tickets for $30.99, good on select Wednesdays. Check it out…
2. Greenville, SC Driving time: 1 hour, 39 minutes.
If you haven’t been to Greenviile, you need to check it out. Touted as one of the 10 best downtowns in the U.S. by Livability magazine. With wide sidewalks, outdoor plazas and streetside dining, downtown Greenville offers a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere that has been compared to that of a European city. Lots to do and see- the Peace Center downtown is a beautiful venue and has first rate performers and shows. The Liberty Bridge in Falls Park is definitely Instagram-worthy. Greenville is what a lot of small to middle sizes Southern cities would like to be when they grow up.
3. Raffaldini Vinyards, Driving time: 1 hours, 29 minutes. Wine tasting is $14 per person, plus tax.
If you’ve never been to Tuscany, this place is a close second. Beautiful any time of year, but especially summer and fall- this a popular spot for wine enthusiasts, and also a very popular wedding and event venue. There are several other wineries within 1-30 minutes driving distance, including MenaRick and Piccione Vineyards. More here..
4. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Driving time:10-15 minutes. $14.95 adults, $12.95 seniors.
So this is a great attraction right here in town- and I am surprised at how may folks tell me they haven’t been there. I’m not the worlds foremost green thumb, but I love beauty and the outdoors, and this place has both. Take a leisurely day or half day to stroll the gardens, or to attend one of the many events and classes they offer. The garden is available for weddings, corporate events, and retreats as well-it is truly a Gaston County treasure. More info…
5. Biltmore House & Gardens, Driving time,1 hour 52 minutes. Admission $75 for Adults, $10 off for military and seniors, $10 off if you buy online 7 days in advance. Kids 16 & and under free through September 2nd.
Completed in 1895, George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. Biltmore House is truly a wonder of architecture and hospitality. As a guest, you’re invited to enjoy a self-guided tour of the house, as well as the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding it, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.The grounds, gardens, and views are spectacular. There really was a Gilded Age..if you had the means to participate, and George Vanderbilt certainly did. Find out more…
6. Lake Lure, Chimney Rock N.C. Driving time: 1 hour, 33 minutes. Lake Lure, free. Chimney Rock Adult ticket, $17, Youth ticket, $8.
Lake Lure is known as the Crown Jewel of North Carolina and has a 5 out of 5 Stars on Trip Advisor. You probably knew this already, but Lake Lure is where part of Dirty Dancing was filmed, especially the “lake lift” scene. Lake Lure offers public parks, a public beach and water park, as well as a marina and boat launch. Chimney Rock offers spectacular views, rock climbing, and hiking trails. Chimney Rock info here…
7. The North Carolina Transportation Museum Driving time: 52 minutes. Admission with train ride: $12; 60+ & Military $10, Children 3-12 $8, Under 3 -free.
Maybe more popularly known as the “Train Museum”, four exhibit buildings represent the remaining structures of historic Spencer Shops, once Southern Railroad’s largest steam locomotive repair facility on the east coast. The massive, 90,000 square foot Back Shop features aviation and automotive exhibits. The Bob Julian Roundhouse, with 37 stalls, is the largest remaining roundhouse in North America and features steam and diesel locomotives, rail cars, & more. The size and scale of these trains, both steam and diesel, have to be seen to be appreciated. Best of all, riding the train is a blast!
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