Best Southern Destinations For A Mother-Daughter Weekend
When it’s time for a vacation with your mom, you have your pick of great Southern destinations. If there’s one thing she deserves, it’s a relaxing and fun vacation where she can make new memories with her favorite child (that’s you, of course). From lively cities to charming small towns, there are a bunch of great places filled with antiques shops, spas, bed-and-breakfasts, cozy restaurants, and beautiful outdoor scenery that’ll have the two of you bonding anew. No matter what your favorite activities to do together are, there’s something here for you. From the classics to the more off-the-beaten-path locales, a vacation destination is out there calling your name. We owe a lot to our mothers and mother figures–isn’t it time you treated her to a vacation, just the two of you?
Charleston, South Carolina
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It’s a veritable choose-your-own-adventure story when you visit Charleston. No two vacations in The Holy City will be quite alike, but you can be sure you’ll have plenty to do and see while you’re there. Start with a shopping spree along King Street, then wander the streets to either side and marvel at the architecture as you make your way to the views from The Battery. Indulge in fresh seafood and soak up the coastal breezes to make the most of your trip to Charleston.
Eat: FIG, The Grocery, The Ordinary, Chez Nous
Stay: The Dewberry, The Restoration, Hotel Bennett, Hotel Emeline
Covington, Louisiana
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A charming small town with plenty of local flair, Covington is the weekend getaway you didn’t know you needed. It’s a relaxed spot with plenty to see and plenty to browse, including locally-owned art galleries, boutiques, and antiques shops. As a plus, the bustle of New Orleans is just a hop, a skip, and a jump away over Lake Pontchartrain.
Eat: LOLA, The Gloriette, English Tea Room and Eatery, Del Porto Ristorante
Stay: Southern Hotel, The Garden House, Blue Willow B&B
See: Tammany Trace, Abita Brewery, HJ Smith and Sons General Store and Museum
Dahlonega, Georgia
North Georgia is a great spot for a girls’ trip with your mom, and Dahlonega is an ideal hub to explore. There’s a charming downtown to wander through, fun shops for browsing, local restaurants for grabbing lunch, and beautiful scenery to take in on the drives to and fro. Embark on a hike along nearby Amicalola Falls to see even more of the beauty of the Georgia mountains. Don’t miss the area’s wineries, where you can enjoy both tastings and tours.
Eat: Corner Kitchen, White Oaks Barn and Bistro, Shenanigans
Stay: Hall House Hotel, Dahlonega Square Hotel, Mountain Laurel Creek Inn & Spa
See: Amicalola Falls, Frogtown Cellars, Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery
Greenville, South Carolina
A gals’ getaway to Greenville should always be in the cards. That’s because there’s so much to do and see in this energetic city. An ideal springtime escape, Greenville has parks, restaurants, and trails to keep you busy and having fun. For a perfect way to start your day, traverse the Swamp Rabbit Trail on bicycles after stopping into one of the city’s many stylish coffee shops.
Eat: Trappe Door, Aryana Afghan Cuisine, Soby’s, The Anchorage, Camp, Jones Oyster Co.
Stay: AC Hotel Greenville, The Westin Poinsett, Hotel Hartness, Grand Bohemain Grenville
See: Falls Park on the Reedy, Swamp Rabbit Trail, The Peace Center
Lexington, Virginia
Nestled in the rolling green expanses of the Shenandoah Valley, this small town has all you need for a laid-back Virginia vacation. Reach it via a winding and picturesque drive on the Southern-favorite Blue Ridge Parkway and adjoining thoroughfares. Then explore all Lexington has to offer, from boutiques and local restaurants to hiking trails and hillside photo ops in the midst of the postcard-worthy landscape.
Eat: The Red Hen, Pure Eats, Season’s Yield Farm at Haywood’s, Blue Sky Bakery
Stay: The Georges, Abigail Inn, Grace House
See: The Blue Ridge Parkway, Heliotrope Brewery, Natural Bridge State Park
The Palm Beaches, Florida
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What more can we say about The Palm Beaches? When you escape to these glitzy shores for the ultimate Florida getaway, you’ll be surrounded by opportunities to shop, dine, and lounge on the sands. Hit the sidewalks to browse the shops in this snowbird’s paradise, and don’t forget to book a tour to explore the historic corners of town. Then relax to your hearts’ content–you and your mama deserve it.
Eat: Green’s Pharmacy and Luncheonette, Ta-boo, Pizza Al Fresco
Stay: Marriott’s Ocean Point, The Colony Hotel, Grandview Gardens B&B, White Elephant Palm Beach
Savannah, Georgia
Long a favorite spot for weekend trips in Georgia, Savannah has even more to enjoy these days, from rooftop terraces atop new hotels to buzzy restaurants that’ll have you making return trips. Don’t miss the oak-shaded parks that can be found throughout the historic neighborhoods or the fantastic antiques shops that the city has in abundance. Wander the sidewalks to see the beautiful architecture, then stop by River Street for cobbled streets, waterside views, and Savannah-made sweets.
Eat: The Grey, Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, The Wyld
Stay: The Drayton Hotel, The Alida, JW Marriott Plant Riverside District
See: River Street, SCAD Museum of Art, The Paris Market and Brocante, E. Shaver, Booksellers
St. Augustine, Florida
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Towns don’t get much more historic than St. Augustine, which is known as the oldest city in the United States. Past and present mingle on every street, where new restaurants and old sightseeing stops elbow each other for travelers’ attentions. Take it all in, then head to the beach, which has sunny sands for lounging and greenspaces for picnicking.
Eat: The Ice Plant, Prohibition Kitchen, The Floridian, The Columbia, Boat Drinks
Stay: St. George Inn, Casa Monica Resort & Spa
See: Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, Lightner Museum, St. Augustine Beach, Anastasia State Park, Flagler College
