< Back to Table of Contentsare t
Depending on your final destination, a road trip from Florida to the northern states might include a scenic drive along North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway.
adobe stock
Snowbirds
A Scenic Migration North
Seasonal travelers can embark on a leisurely journey with luxurious stays from the Southeast back to the Midwest.
by Stacey Zable
The winter season has come to a close for Florida snowbirds, but there is no need to rush to your northern homes. Follow my husband and me on the drive below, which starts about 55 miles north of Florida in Sea Island, Georgia, and ends in Chicago, keeping the excitement and beautiful weather of the past few months going a little while longer.
Aerial view of The Cloister at Sea Island, Georgia
Sea Island Company
Seaside History
at Sea Island, Georgia
Our first stop is at this stunning barrier island and a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island. The hotel opened in 1928 and has hosted U.S. presidents and celebrities over the years. A resident historian offers history tours via foot, bicycle or golf cart. What struck us immediately was the beauty of the island and The Cloister’s Mediterranean architecture and extensive art collection. We also recommend a walk or bike ride along Sea Island Drive to see the privately owned lovely and large “cottages” (some of which are available for rent) that reflect distinctive architecture. A walk over to the Beach Club appeals to sun, sand and surf lovers.
A must-do while at the resort is to visit the magnificent spa, with its tropical garden atrium. (Better yet—treat yourself to the 90-minute Sea Island Escape, combining massage, body brushing, and scalp and foot treatments). Or, if golf is your preferred pursuit, play on one of the resort’s three golf courses. The Hawk Walk, a unique offering, is an on-site falconry, where we learned more about Harris Hawks and watched one resident bird fly high and then glide gingerly onto our gloved hands.
Dinners at the Georgian Rooms at The Cloister, as well as Colt & Alison at neighboring The Lodge at Sea Island were delicious fine dining occasions for which guests dress elegantly to match the high level of food and service. The shuttle conveniently took us over to Colt & Alison, where we watched a sunset and listened to the daily bagpiper, who plays along the water at the back of The Lodge to mark the end of the day at Sea Island Golf Club.
Peaceful evening at Montage Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
MONTAGE PALMETTO BLUFF
Lowcountry Beauty
in Bluffton, South Carolina
We drove 110 miles to our next resort, this time the Montage Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina. Here, we enjoyed Lowcountry life along the May River. The property sits within 20,000 acres of maritime forest and includes 32 miles of waterfront.
We spent our time appreciating the resort’s natural beauty, starting with an Inland Waterway Ecotour led by a resident naturalist at the helm of a small Duffy boat. We cruised along the lagoon waters, where we saw alligators, a host of birdlife, and other local flora and fauna. We learned even more about Lowcountry wildlife and plants on A Meandering Naturalist walk with Palmetto Bluff Conservancy staff at the River Road Preserve. There are also plenty of trails to explore on your own, either on foot or using one of the complimentary bicycles for guests’ use. In addition, you can unwind at the hotel spa or hit the nearby links.
River View Cottage at Montage Palmetto Bluff
We stayed in one of the River View Cottages, where a big, screened-in porch faced the water. We loved relaxing there in the afternoons and evenings. We took part in other Southern traditions like late-afternoon “porching,” where we sipped on sweet tea and ate freshly baked hot cookies. There are also complimentary s’mores each evening around the fire pit in the inn’s backyard. We enjoyed more substantial food, and just as delicious, at River House, known for fine dining on steaks and seafood, and at Octagon and Buffalos for casual American cuisine. The nearby town of Bluffton is worth a stroll down historic Calhoun Street for more eateries, art galleries and interesting shops.
Sunset in Asheville, North Carolina
ADOBE STOCK
Art and Nature
in Asheville, North Carolina
After our next 305-mile leg, we found Asheville ideal for multiday exploration that combined some of my husband’s and my interests of art, good food, history and nature. We stayed at The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton, a former foundry that is walking distance to much of the downtown area’s attractions and top dining venues. AAA Members save up to 10% and earn Honors points when booking AAA rates. Must-try restaurants in this foodie city include Michelin-recognized Luminosa with a Green Star and Bib Gourmand for its mix of Italian and Appalachian influences using local ingredients. Farm Burger is a good option for a quick two-handed burger, while the rooftop bar at Wildwood Still provides a view to remember. Asheville boasts various galleries in interesting settings—many of which are historic. Downtown favorites for my husband and me included Woolworth Walk, which transformed the historic five-and-dime into individual booths of local artists’ works and even has a replica of the original lunch counter, where you can grab a bite to eat. The indoor Grove Arcade, which opened in 1929, mixes ornate architecture and an interesting array of stores. Our visit to the art studios in the River Arts District included RAD Rendezvous, where we met a local artist and heard his personal tales and inspirations.
Guests watch Luminere projected onto the Biltmore House under starlit skies.
THE BILTMORE COMPANY
The impressive, 250-room Biltmore House—the French Renaissance chateau envisioned by George Vanderbilt II that began construction in 1889—is synonymous with an Asheville trip. We were in awe of the design, treasures and history during our tour of the home, as well as its majestic setting on 8,000 acres surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. After the tour, we stayed for dinner at the Stable Cafe (set in the former horse stables) and the new evening light show, Luminere.
The Blue Ridge Parkway outside of Asheville, North Carolina
As part of our visit, we kept the road trip theme going, but this time as passengers in an open-air 1923 Ford Model T with Mountaineer Motor Tours. The drive through the city and its lovely neighborhoods gave us historical context and uncovered engaging stories. The scenic beauty of the region was the focus of another tour, this time out of the city with Hike Bike Kayak Asheville that combined a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway with a waterfall hike within Pisgah National Forest.
We added an easy, 15-mile day trip from Asheville to Black Mountain to see more of the region. The charming town with a lovely downtown is filled with independent stores, galleries and dining spots. I was so inspired by the art we were seeing here and in Asheville that I made my own glass paperweight and Asheville memento during a hands-on workshop at the North Carolina Glass Center.
The Greenbrier at sunset, West Virginia
THE GREENBRIER, AMERICA’S RESORT
Back in Time
in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia
Next for us was a 265-mile drive to The Greenbrier, a destination itself with incredible history dating back to 1778, when guests first came to enjoy its White Sulphur Spring. Visited by presidents (almost 30!), royalty and celebrities over the years, the hotel offers history tours that provide a glimpse into its fascinating past. We especially enjoyed the Interior History Tour that highlights the property’s public spaces, pointing out key works of art, antiques and decor created by designer Dorothy Draper following the hotel’s stint as an Army hospital during World War II. Her influence is very much still present today. The Bunker Tour explores the secret emergency Cold War fallout shelter and relocation facility built for Congress in 1958.
Beyond its history, the 11,000-acre estate is well-known for its championship golf, with legendary golfer Sam Snead sharing a long association, starting when he was the assistant golf pro in 1935 and 1936. It also boasts a spa, tennis, pickleball, casino, hiking trails, bowling alley, indoor and outdoor pools, croquet, falconry, fitness classes, and more. We enjoyed dressing in our finest and feeling a bit of nostalgia during our dinner in the beautiful Main Dining Room. More dining choices include Prime 44 West—an homage to legendary West Virginia basketball player Jerry West—and The Forum for Italian cuisine. Use lunch at Draper’s Cafe as an excuse to pair the meal with a massive ice cream banana split or ice cream soda.
Exhibits in the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force
Ty Greenlees
Don’t Miss
Dayton
It was a little over 300 miles to Dayton, Ohio, and our last overnight stop. We visited the nearby National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, which claims it is the world’s largest and oldest military aviation museum, with more than 350 aerospace vehicles and missiles. We also toured the Wright Brothers National Museum, seeing the original 1905 Wright Flyer III at the open-air, 65-acre Carillon Historical Park.
We left Dayton for our last 300-mile stretch toward Chicago and a fun-filled summer, after which we will drive south to Florida this fall to early winter.
Make the most of your next road trip—whether you’re planning a long drive or a short one. Discover small towns, scenic byways and unforgettable stops along the way. With AAA.com/TripCanvas, you can plan your route, purchase affordable audio tours, find things to do and unlock AAA Member savings on accommodations, car rentals and more.
Here are more great stories for you to read!
The Natural Wonder of Ocala National Forest
Weird and Wonderful Roadside America
Root Beer Floats: The Summer Treat Born in Colorado
Local Events—June & July
