Planning the Perfect Carolina Weekend Getaway

I was raised on the belief that a weekend away from home every month or two, keeps the routine of daily life fresh and in balance, as well as provides a wider, more exciting outlook on life. Weekends out of town are such a fun way to spice up the month—whether it’s with your friends, your partner, or a solo trip. They spark fun conversations after returning home, break the routine of work and home responsibilities, and overall help widen the possibilities for what’s next in life. 

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P P Planning

When booking the next getaway, I like dividing daily planning into: Activities and Movement, Beverage and Meals, Meeting Up With Locals.

Those who know me best, know that I have a formula for creating my version of “the best day ever,” most days, whether I’m at home or away for the weekend, the elements stay the same…lots of movement, a morning andafternoon cup of coffee, connecting with family/friends through conversation, cooking and cultivating slow dinners, creating something crafty or trying something new, and always working towards personal projects to meet career and personal goals.

This has taken many years of trial and error to find what movement feels best for my body, foods that leave me energized instead of sluggish, relationships that lift me up, the value that is unlocked in self-time, endorphins and the feeling of released when trying new hobbies and crafts.  

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Activities and Movement:

Some of my favorite ways to move are through walking, yoga, playing catch with the football or baseball, biking, and overall casual, consistent movement. So, when I am not at home, I like to take advantage of the hiking trails, river walks, picnic/park areas, rental bike services, and local workout studios. This is a great way to quickly feel more integrated in the city. 

When thinking of activities, I start with checking if there are any concerts, sporting events, farmers markets, or festivals in the area. I great way to find all these events in one place is on the city’s website. I also look at local Instagram accounts and for events that I might not have considered. This leads me to my next planning pillar: FOOD/BEVERAGE. 

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Meals and Beverage: 

When I am trying to see as much of a new place as possible in only two or three days, I ike to opt for a quick breakfast at a café or local deli instead of a longer option. Breakfast normally looks something like a mid-morning coffee and pastry. This keeps me feeling light and ready to adventure throughout the morning. 

Two of my favorite lunch ideas are picnics (in a local park or place with a scenic view) or finding a “locals only” spot that has lots of sandwich and salad options.

After exploring and moving all day, dinner is the main food event. I like to head back to where I’m lodging around 4:00pm for a re-group to change clothes, charge electronics, get ready for evening activities, and leave just in time to grab a drink at the end of happy hour at a cocktail bar close by. Picking some tentative dinner spots ahead of time is a must when researching for a weekend getaway so reservations can be made as needed. I like to look at restaurants with seasonal menus and always check their social media accounts to see if the food looks like the descriptions online and to make sure the décor fits the feeling for the night.

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Meeting Up with Locals:

If a friend lives in my weekend destination, I always ask for a second opinion on restaurants, hotels, and other must-sees. There’s normally something not advertised online or in travel brochures that a local will know about. 

Upon arriving, I also often ask the cashier at a café or receptionist at the hotel what they recommend for lunch spots and other activities. It’s comforting feeling like an insider sometimes while visiting a new place. For example, my cousin lives in Charleston, and often gives me great dinner recommendations. One of my favorites so far is Melfi’s. Their fried cheese appetizer and pizza entrée selection are both “the camera eats first” photo worthy. 

Giving forethought to activities and food options, as well as asking for a local opinion before packing the car for a weekend away, are all ways to ensure a relaxing, memory-filled time away. 

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Weekend With Allie

A few recent weekend trips in the Carolinas: Charleston, Columbia, and Sumter. 

Charleston…

is one of my favorite places to visit when it comes to food, music, and shopping. Here’s a snapshot what my recent trip included:

-Upon arrival on Saturday, we drove to the Luke Combs concert in North Charleston. 

-Post-concert we stopped at a drive-thru for some quick bites before heading to bed.

-Sunday started with a ham + cheese croissant, chocolate raspberry dome cake, and latte at Hotel Bennet, followed by a long walk down King Street to admire all the magnificent houses and holiday decorations. 

-Then a turn onto the Battery for some beautiful sights of the Ashley and Cooper Rivers and a stop in a café for a lemonade.

Some places I have pinned for next time: 

-Felix for Brunch 

-Melfis for Dinner

-Charleston Riverdog Baseball Game

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Columbia

When growing up in South Carolina, most high school graduates decide between a few in-state schools to attend: College of Charleston, Clemson, the University of South Carolina (USC), or Coastal Carolina University (CCU). I chose the latter. College of Charleston wasn’t my style. Clemson was the rival school growing up. The weather was too hot at USC. But, CCU felt just right. After graduating college in 2021, I developed a new appreciation for Columbia, SC, and have spent many weekends there this fall. From USC football tailgates and games, the Riverwalk and Congaree National Park, to the yummy restaurants I keep adding to my “go back” list, it’s become one of my favorite cities. 

An ideal evening in Columbia: Di Vino Rosso bar for a happy hour martini, then walk a couple blocks to 929 Korean Cuisine for dinner, followed by a stroll along The Riverwalk. If it’s a weekend, there are plenty of going-out spots in the Vista and in Five Points.  

More food ideas…pick your style: 

‘Let’s Grab a Burger’ Buddy: The Whig

Brewery Junky: Savage Craft

Granola Girl Breakfast: Cool Beans

World Traveler: The Gourmet Shop

Midnight Bar Food Nut: Jack Brown’s

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Sumter

A Google search for “Best Bed and Breakfasts in South Carolina” (insert your state) will give lots of ideas for where to weekend next. When I searched this back in August, I hoped to find a historic town with lots of local character that would expand my weekend location list in SC. I found 1912 Bed and Breakfast in Sumter, SC, and the charm I experienced during my stay was unmatched. From the fairy lights strung up in the back yard, hospitable staff, private access to the upstairs balcony overlooking town, to the homemade breakfast that included two of my favorite breakfast items, cinnamon rolls and omelets. It’s a gem. 

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The 777

Life is more fun when you follow the 777 rule. I heard an interesting formula for increasing happiness on a podcast recently that relates to the importance of spending a few days away from home. 

To preface, this idea was spoken about through the lens of relationships but can of course apply to solo adventures as well. 

Every 7 days plan a date with a partner, friend, or solo. 

Every 7 weeks plan a weekend away. 

Every 7 months schedule a week-long vacation. 

The 777 seems to be is a built-in recharge system that brings balance and excitement to each season of life. 

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xxx Allie M