Unique Things to Do in the Southeast: 11 Unforgettable Experiences Worth the Trip
There are only so many times I can read another list of the best places to visit in the Southeast before I start wondering what we’re actually supposed to DO when we get there. Don’t get me wrong, I love a charming mountain town, a beautiful beach, and a good restaurant as much as anyone. But sometimes I want to come home from a weekend getaway with a story that starts with, “You’re not going to believe what we found.” Living in the Atlanta area, we’re fortunate to have so many incredible destinations within driving distance. My husband and I have always loved exploring, whether that means hiking through the…
Best Romantic Mountain Getaways in the Southeast: Hiking, Spas, Wineries & a Little Luxury
If you read this blog based solely on my Google traffic, you would probably assume I am a beach girl. And I do love a beautiful beach, especially if you give me clear water and somewhere to snorkel or dive. But mountains have always been home for Heath and me. When we lived in Colorado, we spent pretty much every free weekend hiking. We put thousands of miles on our boots, climbed several 14ers and thought absolutely nothing of disappearing into the mountains for an entire day. Then we had Coop and apparently decided a baby wasn’t going to interfere with this plan because he was in a hiking carrier…
Best Romantic Beach Getaways in the Southeast: Luxury Resorts Worth Leaving the Kids Home For
If you’ve spent any time around here, you already know I spend a ridiculous amount of time talking about beaches we can drive to from Atlanta. Usually I’m looking at them through the lens of a family trip. Where can Coop snorkel? Is there enough to do? Is the beach nice? Can we get there without spending an entire day traveling? But Heath and I celebrate our 14th anniversary next month, and this time I’m looking for something completely different. I don’t want the cooler, beach toys or a condo with a kitchen so I can somehow find myself making breakfast on vacation. I want someone to hand me a…
December in the South: Warm Weather, Warm Hearts
If you’ve been searching for winter getaways in the Southeast, December is one of the best months to escape the cold and soak in warm sunshine, small-town charm, and family-friendly adventures. While the rest of the country digs out scarves and snow shovels, we Southerners are still catching golden sunsets and sipping sweet tea on the porch. December down here doesn’t mean frostbitten mornings—it means cozy sweaters at sunrise and bare-feet beach walks by lunch. If you’ve been craving a little warmth before the year ends, these are the best winter getaways in the Southeast—close enough for a road trip, easy on the wallet, and full of that laid-back Southern…
Fall for Small Towns: Cozy Family Road Trips from Atlanta Before the Holidays Hit
Before the hustle of the holidays hits full swing, November gives us a sweet pause, that cozy window between Halloween’s sugar rush and December’s chaos. It’s when the air turns crisp, the fall leaves still cling to a few branches, and local bakeries start smelling like cinnamon and apple butter. If you’re craving one last family getaway before the calendar fills up, it doesn’t have to mean booking flights or breaking the bank. Some of the best fall escapes are within just a few hours’ drive of Atlanta — small towns with big charm, plenty of warm food, and the kind of slow moments that remind you what family time…
Why 2025 Family Beach Trips Are About Nature, Not Just Sand & Surf
The New Kind of Beach Vacation If you’ve been day-dreaming of sun, salt air, nature, and a stretch of sand all to yourself, you’re not alone. But 2025 family travel is rewriting the beach playbook. Gone are the days of packed boardwalks and neon souvenir shops; this year, families are choosing meaningful coastal escapes — places that let you breathe, wander, and reconnect with what actually matters. As a mom who travels with an 8-year-old and two furry beach-lovers (our goldendoodle and golden retriever), I’ve learned that a true break doesn’t come from crowds or chaos — it comes from space and simplicity. The best beach trips now blend sun,…
