As much as Charlotteans love our unique and vibrant city, some of us haven’t left home in far too long. With The Palmer’s convenient location near Charlotte Douglas International Airport, you can make a quick weekend getaway to some of the country’s coolest cities. Check out our list of five easy and budget-friendly travel destinations to feed your travel fix.
Asheville
Head up to the Blue Ridge Mountains to explore one of North Carolina’s other awesome cities: Asheville. Pick from several flight options every day and hop on an easy, hour-long flight to get there before you can finish a movie on your iPad. When you arrive, you can tackle Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains, then soak up Asheville’s artsy culture at the boutiques and galleries downtown – and don’t miss the Asheville Pinball Museum. A charming mountain town offering plenty to see and do, Asheville makes for a killer weekend trip.
New Orleans
A two-hour flight away and a world apart, New Orleans is just waiting to embrace you with its distinctive culture and exceptional eats. Tune into world-class jazz music on Frenchmen Street, and live it up exploring Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. To get a different viewpoint, you can even hop on a kayak tour through the swamp. No doubt you’ll have a memorable time in the Crescent City. Just make sure to catch the return flight!
Austin
Among cities with their own flavor, Austin comes in right at the top. Several flight options can get you from Charlotte to Austin in three hours – about the same time as it’ll take you to fall in love with the Texas capital, affectionately known as Hippie Haven. If you’re the touring type, queue up to see the Texas State Capitol, or take a street art walking tour and see some of Austin’s character by foot. Cool off at Barton Springs Pool, take out a SUP on Lady Bird Lake, and reward yourself with some of the country’s best barbecue.
Boston
A town unlike any utha, Boston should make any shortlist of great vacation cities, with its unique blend of American history, local culture, and fanatic sports fans. On top of that, budget-friendly airlines can get you there from Charlotte for under $200 round trip. You’ll want to pay a visit to two of the country’s premier museums in the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, catch a game or take a tour at historic Fenway Park, and stroll the Freedom Trail for your educational sightseeing. When you’re worn out, you can look forward to lounging in Boston Common or kicking back for a pint.
San Diego
A little bit pricier but a lot sandier, sunny San Diego might be calling you on your next vacation. Pacific Beach, La Jolla Shores Beach, Ocean Beach, Coronado Beach – if you want great beaches, San Diego has them. You can grab some top-notch food while you’re there, too, whether you’re looking for a nice pasta dinner in Little Italy or some tasty Cal-Mex. Find your favorite taco shop or dig into the Surfin’ California Burrito from Lucha Libre Taco Shop. The french fries put it over the top!
Bon Voyage!
For more articles on travel, local hot spots, and ways to enjoy Charlotte, make sure to check out The Palmer’s blog.