Two 50-ish women, one in Philly, one in Charlotte, want to meet somewhere for a 3-day weekend that doesn’t require a long plane ride (particularly for the one in Charlotte). Interests: shopping at artsy/boutique-y places in cute/quaint walkable neighborhoods (not malls), eating, craft fairs/festivals, ambiance, scenery, beautiful residential areas, and other fun stuff…what's a good destination?

About when would you be traveling?

How about Charlston, SC, Savannah, GA, or Wilmington, NC?

Sometime in April 2010 would be the timing.

I think Charleston and Savannah might fill your bill as would St Simons Island. Annapolis or Charlottesville and their surrounding areas would be good IF the weather is good. Last year it was regularly in the 70's in Richmond in April.

Of course, Washington DC has shopping, museums, food, interesting museums, etc.

Crafts, ambiance, scenery AND festivals all in one ‘mythical’ weekend? I do not mean to sound sarcastic but this is America, remember? Katie asked the most important question. When you will be traveling? I would think Palm Beach, FL would meet some, but not all, your requirements because it is beautiful and both of you can fly to into PBI without any hassle and spend your time browsing boutiques, art shops, galleries and enjoy the wonderful beach scenery as well. My second choice would be Charleston, SC. Not sure what ‘other fun stuff’ means. May be night clubs, in Miami Beach? Of course, D.C is always the best choice for museums plus it is a lovely city. I have not checked the flights to Savannah. I'd skip Wilmington.(sorry emmaloy). Annapolis is some drive from Baltimore or DC so you'd spend half of your week-end just getting there. And, how do you get from Philly or Charlotte to St. Simons Inland? And why?

Stephany--

Chill out!

Charleston has the Spoleto Festival USA (music/theater/dance), so they COULD have it all in one place in one weekend (except, of course, Spoleto is in late May/early June).

A non-stop flight from CLT to BWI takes less than 1.5 hours, and the drive from BWI to Annapolis can take as little as 30-45 minutes if there is no traffic. That is not exactly "half of your week-end".

Delta flies (via Atlanta) to Brunswick, GA (BQK), on the mainland opposite St. Simons Island. Flights take about 3.5 hours from CLT and about 4.5 from PHL. They each could instead fly direct to Jacksonville, FL (JAX) on US Airways and rent a car and be in St. Simons Island in the same amount of time (flight from CLT is only about 1.5 hrs to JAX and drive is another 1.5 hrs). In Brunswick/SSI they could enjoy beach/coastal scenery, food, shopping - much of what they are looking for.

Well, perhaps New Orleans 'Mardi Gras' Festival is an option.

Annapolis is at most a 30 min drive from BWI airport. Wow, that's an entire weekend!

I am very sorry, I meant say St. Simon is not convenient not Annapolis altough driving from Philly to Annapolis may be easier than flying. Also, there is a major art festival in Miami in a couple of weeks. Sorry, again.

Charleston is a favorite town of mine, pretty much any time of year. Walkable, historically significant, incredible shopping, great views...what's not to love? If you are garden enthusiasts, I recommend you read "Mrs. Whaley's Gardens" before you go. It will entertain you and give you some good insight in to Charleston society. Enjoy your trip.