3 Easy Carolina Weekend Getaways
Looking for a quick escape that feels miles away from your routine? These weekend getaway spots across North and South Carolina offer just the right mix of charm, scenery, and slow living.
- Beaufort, NC: Waterfront strolls, fresh seafood, and boat tours
- Hendersonville, NC: Apple orchards, mountain trails, small-town shopping
- Aiken, SC: Southern charm, horse country, and historic downtowns
Beaufort, North Carolina
Best Time to Visit
Spring through early fall offers the warmest weather and a full schedule of maritime and historical events. Summer brings beach days nearby.
History Highlights
One of North Carolina’s oldest towns (established in 1709), Beaufort served as a key coastal port. Legends even say pirate Blackbeard once visited the historic Hammock House, making it one of the state’s oldest standing dwellings.
Attractions
- North Carolina Maritime Museum – Dive into coastal history with maritime exhibits, ship models, and artifacts from Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge
Author’s Note: The NC Maritime Museum is currently closed for construction. Check the link above for opening date and visiting hours. - Beaufort Historic Site & Old Burying Ground – Explore nine preserved historic homes dating from the 1700s and wander through centuries-old graves
Hendersonville, NC
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal—mild weather, blooming apple blossoms in spring, and vibrant foliage in the fall.
History Highlights
Home to one of the nation’s oldest continuous farmers markets (since 1924), and historical roots steeped in agriculture, Hendersonville offers a mix of mountain heritage and small-town charm.
Attractions
- Henderson County Heritage Museum – Housed in the 1905 courthouse, this museum highlights local culture with artifacts and historic displays
- Mineral & Lapidary Museum – A quirky stop downtown featuring geodes, fossils, fluorescent minerals—and even dinosaur eggs
Aiken, SC
Best Time to Visit
Spring (for flowers and the Aiken Horse Show) and fall (for Steeplechase and farmers’ markets) offer peak cultural events .
History Highlights
Originally a 19th-century railroad town, Aiken transformed into a winter resort colony in the late 1800s. Wealthy Northerners built grand estates and brought polo, fox hunting, and equestrian traditions still celebrated today.
Attractions
- Aiken County Historical Museum – Learn about early days, horse culture, and pivotal moments like the Civil War’s Battle of Aiken
- Hitchcock Woods – A 2,100-acre urban forest perfect for walking, riding, or enjoying nature—reflecting Aiken’s evolution into an equestrian hub
These destinations are close enough to drive, but just far enough to reset your soul. Which one’s calling your name?
