10 Charming Southern Weekend Getaways Every Woman Should Experience
Sometimes you don’t need a long vacation. You just need a few days away, a beautiful place to explore, something delicious to eat, and enough time to remember how good it feels to get out of your normal routine.
The South is filled with wonderful destinations that are perfect for a long weekend—whether you’re planning a girlfriends’ getaway, a romantic trip, or even a little adventure of your own.
From historic streets and charming town squares to beaches, boutiques and beautiful scenery, here are ten Southern destinations worth adding to your travel list.
1. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston seems made for leisurely exploring. Cobblestone streets, colorful historic homes, beautiful gardens and wonderful restaurants give the city an elegance all its own.
Spend a morning walking through the historic district, browse the shops along King Street, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and save time for the waterfront.
GGG Tip: Pack comfortable walking shoes and one outfit that makes you feel fabulous for dinner.
2. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah has that wonderful combination of Southern charm, history and just a little mystery.
Its beautiful squares, moss-draped oak trees and historic architecture make simply walking around part of the experience. Add wonderful food, interesting shops and inviting places to sit with a drink, and you have all the ingredients for a memorable weekend.
GGG Tip: Give yourself time to wander. Savannah is one of those places where some of the best discoveries happen when you aren’t following an itinerary.
3. Fredericksburg, Texas
For a Texas getaway with plenty of personality, Fredericksburg is hard to beat.
The Hill Country setting is beautiful, Main Street is filled with shops and restaurants, and the surrounding area offers wineries, scenic drives and plenty of places to slow down.
It’s especially fun for a girlfriends’ weekend.
GGG Tip: Leave a little room in your suitcase. Fredericksburg shopping has a way of sending you home with something you weren’t planning to buy.
4. Fairhope, Alabama
Fairhope is one of those lovely Southern towns that feels relaxed almost immediately.
Located along Mobile Bay, it offers charming streets, independent shops, restaurants, flowers and beautiful waterfront views. It’s a wonderful choice when you want somewhere pretty and peaceful without needing a packed itinerary.
GGG Tip: Plan time around sunset. The views over Mobile Bay can be one of the best parts of the trip.
5. Natchez, Mississippi
If you love historic homes and Southern history, Natchez deserves a place on your list.
Set along the Mississippi River, the city is known for its historic architecture, beautiful homes and distinctly Southern atmosphere.
Spend the weekend touring, exploring downtown and enjoying views of the river.
GGG Tip: Check tour schedules before your trip if seeing the historic homes is high on your list.
6. Hot Springs, Arkansas
Hot Springs gives you a little bit of everything: history, nature, relaxation and a walkable downtown.
Explore historic Bathhouse Row, enjoy the surrounding scenery, browse downtown shops and give yourself permission to schedule some genuine relaxation.
GGG Tip: Don’t overbook this trip. Hot Springs is especially enjoyable when you leave room to slow down.
7. New Orleans, Louisiana
There is nowhere quite like New Orleans.
The architecture, music, food and history give the city an energy that makes even a short visit feel like an adventure.
Explore beyond Bourbon Street. Walk through the Garden District, enjoy a memorable meal, listen to live music and take time to appreciate the neighborhoods and architecture.
GGG Tip: Comfortable shoes are essential. This is a city best experienced by getting out and exploring.
8. Oxford, Mississippi
Oxford combines small-town Southern charm with the energy of a college town.
The historic square is filled with restaurants, boutiques and bookstores, while the city’s literary history gives it a character all its own.
It’s an especially nice destination for anyone who enjoys good food, shopping and a relaxed weekend pace.
GGG Tip: Spend an afternoon around the square without rushing from place to place.
9. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs feels completely different from the typical small Southern town.
Its winding streets, Victorian architecture, unusual shops, galleries and beautiful surroundings make it a fun place to explore.
GGG Tip: Bring supportive shoes. Those charming hills and winding streets can give you quite a workout!
10. Seaside and 30A, Florida
When you’re craving the coast, Florida’s 30A area makes a beautiful weekend escape.
White-sand beaches, pretty coastal communities, bicycles, boutiques and relaxed restaurants create the kind of atmosphere that practically begs you to slow down.
Spend the morning near the water, browse the shops in the afternoon, and enjoy dinner while the sun goes down.
GGG Tip: Don’t plan every minute. Some trips are better with a beach chair and nowhere you have to be.
The Best Getaway Is the One You Actually Take
It’s easy to keep saying, “We should do that someday.”
But someday has a habit of staying on the calendar indefinitely.
Call the girlfriends. Plan the weekend with your husband. Take your sister. Or give yourself permission to go somewhere you’ve always wanted to see.
You don’t need two weeks, an elaborate itinerary or a trip halfway around the world to make wonderful memories.
Sometimes all you need is a couple of days, a change of scenery and the decision to go.
After all, that’s part of what Grace, Gather & Go is all about.
Live beautifully. Love fully. And every chance you get—go in style.
Grace, Gather & Go — Living Beautifully. Loving Fully. Going in Style.