Don't hate me ;-) my husband takes our daughter to visit a friend in Chicago every year. It just so happens that this year the trip is taking place over Mother's Day weekend. Frank's.y, I could not think of a better gift. I originally thought I'd rent an oceanfront cabin in the Outer Banks of NC (a favorite dream of mine----solo in my peace and quiet, painting and drawing with the waves crashing in the background, sipping wine) BUT has not been easy finding an oceanfront cottage that will rent for less than a week. So I have expanded my search to lakes, rivers, mountains with easy accessibility to wine, good food, etc. BUT I am still stumped. Does anyone have a good suggestion for me?

Franks'.y was supposed to be "Frankly".

Have you tried looking on airbnb??

Not sure where you are or how far your would like to travel but Northern Michigan has all that you are looking for. Traverse City maybe. It may be a bit cooler than NC but then again maybe not. It is almost 80 degrees here in Michigan today.

As gardendiva suggests, I think it would help if you shared where you are coming from and how far (and in what manner) you're willing to travel.

Yeah, I think it would have helped if I had provided more information. I live in Norfolk, VA, only about 90 minutes from the Outer Banks of NC and 30 min from Virginia Beach. I have scoured Airbnb and Homeaway. OBX rentals rent by the week, VA Beach is too close----I'd like to find a hidden gem of a town and then work from there. I prefer to stay on the East Coast since it is only a weekend and I would like to drive.