DH and I are looking to get away (sans kids) for a long weekend over Labor Day (but not tied to that weekend). Thursday- Tuesday. We are in the mid-Atlnatic area and have a companion airline ticket to use .... so we are bound to the lower 48.

Looking for something relaxing, not necessarily hiking or big metropolis. I'm thinking ... cocktails, dinner, strolling .. you get the picture.

I was considering Charleston, SC, but have never been there .... or even the Oregon Coast, but that seems like a long flight for a weekend. As you can see .. I am open to suggestions.

We are early 40's and are looking to unplug.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

.. alexis

Most all the main attractions in Charleston, SC can be seen in 3 days. I did so, very enjoyably.

Savannah, GA can also be seen pretty thoroughly in 2-3 days as well. I did so in two, very enjoyably.

On a Thursday through Tuesday jaunt, you could easily see both.

For Massachusetts, you could visit Boston for this stretch of time and add in some close-in side trips.

So, what would sell you on Oregon?

passerbye

Hanging on the coast .. I suppose there would be some hiking involved. DH is not interested in the SPA type experiences.

Have any ideas?

Charleston is hard to beat. We love the city, and we love the coast. We like to stay out at Wild Dunes on the beach, and go into town for dinner and gallery walks. Or you can stay in town and escape to the beach for the day. No matter what, it is a relaxing and beautiful trip! Enjoy-

Hard to imagine a nicer beach to hang on than Cannon Beach, Alexis. Lots of good dining options too, after those long walks, either along the beach or in Ecola State Park (or Oswald West State Park). At this late date though, you might have difficulty finding lodging. That might be less of a problem at the Overleaf Lodge in Yachats; http://www.overleaflodge.com/. I don't know if there's a better setting on the Oregon coast than here. And with Cape Perpetua and Haceta Head to the south, plenty of hiking opportunities too. Catch is that it's three hours from Portland, whereas Cannon Beach is about half that.

i also love Charleston--but it can be very hot there,humidity is a killer.have you considred going somewhere to a nice resort in the mountains--Asheville is a great spot,and lots of really nice places around there to stay.Grove Park Innis incredible and a world class Spa as well.Im guessing closest ap would be Charlotte.WE recently stayed at Lake Chatuge,its about 2 hour drive from atlanta--very nice

RaleighLaura

if you stay at the beach, do you need a car to get to town .. or are their taxis .. or is it too far and too expensive. I'm not really looking to rent a car.

thanks

I think nature-type destinations like the Oregon Coast, that are mobbed on summer weekends and esp. on holiday weekends, are not your best bet. It will be very difficult to get a reservation at this late date. Oh, and I just saw you don't want to rent a car, which you definitely need for the coast.

Traveling to a city is a much better bet on a holiday weekend, since so many of us city folks leave for the long weekend. You can often find deals on hotels because obviously they are renting rooms to business travelers over the weekend, either.

I'm with bigbomoho: The Grove Park Inn in Asheville is very pretty, very relaxing, and will probably be a little cooler than Charleston.

http://www.groveparkinn.com

You can't beat New England for relaxation in September. The weather is usually picture-perfect, tourist crowds have dissipated and lots of special pricing on accomodations. Especially the weekend AFTER labor day.

Fly into Boston and drive down to Cape Cod, or fly into Portland Maine and head for Ogunquit or Kennebunkport. Strolling, relaxing, dining, and unwinding...can't think of any place I'd rather do all of that in September.

youll need a car, but we loved our Maine trip a few years ago.We drove up from Providence so we could see Newport,but Portland would cut down alot of driving--agree with Joesorce,its agreat time of year to go there.If you can, and like to hike, get up to Acadia,and stay at a hotel thats on the harbor--and eat all the lobster you can

thanks .. so much .... and keep the ideas coming

It's not that I am against renting a car .. it is just that so many of our trips involve a lot of driving and jumping around from place to place .. just wanting to chill.

I'll suggest Amelia Island or, one of the islands in close proximity to Charleston, such as Seabrook or Kiawah. Of course it is hard to beat the Keys for 'chillin', but all of these would require a car.

Personally I/we are headed to the Carolina Mts. It will be much cooler there but we'll still get some hiking & tubing in as well as a lot of relaxing. Lots of cabins & such & if you are in close proximity to Asheville or Black Mt. all the better.

Charleston, SC has always been a favorite of ours. We love Wild Dunes. They have a bar right on beach with live music almost every night and it’s a great place for a relaxing getaway. We love going into Charleston too, the restaurants are amazing and the city has so much history and charm.