9 Ideal Destinations For A 3-Day Weekend In the Mid-South
The Mid-South has a lot to offer from glimmering seashores to captivating mountain tops. A 3 day vacation is the perfect way to take in these locations and everything in between. Grab a guitar, eat a crab leg or two, hop on a horse or go deep in a cave, it doesn't matter what you prefer, the Mid-South has something for everyone.
Maryland: Assateague Island National Seashore
Camping near the ocean is a one of a kind experience. Located on the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Maryland, Assateague Island is a 37-mile long island that is famous for its vast sand dunes, beaches, birds and the active life of wild horses. Hire a ranger to provide a guided program or book a commercial tour. Sit back and relax while you watch the wild horses grazing during the day time and sunsets overlooking vast waters during the evening. Rent an over the sand vehicle or a kayak and you will wish you had more time in the Mid-South in this epic adventure. Visitors are responsible for all food and snacks during this vacation, leaving the menu pretty flexible. Break up the days by gaining some knowledge about the area and first hand experience with the different creatures that are native to Maryland by visiting the Chincoteague National Wildife Refuge. Explore the western way of the Mid-South in this wild Maryland adventure at Assateague Island National Seashore
Virginia: Skyland Resort and the Appalachian Trail
Skyland Resort is the place to book your next vacation if you are looking for horseback riding, Mid-South, Virginian escape down the Appalachian Trail with all the amenities included. Located in the Shenandoah National Park, Skyland offers lodging accommodations that vary from high-class premium rooms, basic rooms, special suites and detached cabins to meet your every need. Adjacent Big Meadow Lodge, Skylodge has everything that you could need including a gas station, a tap room and horse stables. Throw those boots on and jump to the Appalachian Trail where you can get in touch with the natural light and birdsong as you walk or hike through the longest footpath in the world, stretching from Maine to Georgia.
North Carolina: Blue Ridge Mountains
Relaxing under the blue skies and Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina on vacation in the Mid-South is an experience that you will not want to miss. Take a few days to experience the beauty of mother nature at work in one of the most breathtaking views known to man. The blue coloured fog appearance is caused by oaks and other trees in the area which release emissions that cause the blue tint that so famously earned them the name Blue Ridge Mountains. As a part of the Appalachian Mountains, there are thousands of places to get on the trail and walk your way through the art of the earth. The Blue Ridge Mountains are most often accessed from Asheville where The Omni Grove Park Inn is the most celebrated resort for its iconic spa, 5 star restaurants, and historic southern charm. Soak in all that the outdoors has to offer and unwind by unplugging on this luxurious nature based getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grab family, friends or go solo and spend a weekend enjoying the beautiful weather that North Carolina has to offer.
South Carolina: Charleston
Antebellum architecture, cozy port atmosphere and fun in the sun can all be found in the “Pearl of the South” Charleston, South Carolina. Get out on the water to watch the dolphins or take a walk down the old style streets to view plantations and mansions that played an important part in the beginnings of the United States. A historic getaway with a complicated past provides visitors with a number of opportunities to get in touch with everything that makes America what it is today. Stay in the French Quarter, steps from Rainbow Row where the homes are picturesque and painted vibrant and bright colors and stop in at a restaurant to crack open some fresh seafood. Stay on the waves on a sailboat in the day and hop on over later that day to take the streets in a walking tour of some of the most important places in American history. Experience the life that still exists next to century old mansions as you walk the cobblestone streets of Charleston. Consider a number of different water excursions including boat tours that provide historical commentary during their sailings. Take a weekend and experience everything there is to enjoy about the Mid-South in this historical time capsule.
Kentucky: Graceland
Experience the most famous rock’n’roll residence in the world by visiting Graceland, the home of Elvis Presely. One of the most influential faces of popular culture and music, Elvis Presley left his mark on the world with his love for Memphis, Tennessee and it is still one of the most important places to visit today. Relax and rack in the music knowledge as you walk through the streets of Tennessee, taking in the history of country, jazz, folk and almost every other style of music. Chill out with everything Southern when you stay at the Graceland guest house for the weekend. Live like the American royals for the weekend in one of the most opulent and luxurious spaces available in the Mid-South. Located a short walk away from the mansion it offers an outdoor pool with bar, a theater, restaurants and specialty peanut butter and jelly in celebration of the King of Rock himself. The property is a short drive from Beale Street where you can take in the historic sites of American History. Put on your dancing shoes and take a stroll down memory lane with a vacation to Graceland for the weekend.
Kentucky: Underground Caves
Get over the rolling hills and get into the world's largest known cave system, Mammoth Cave, a space full of deep river valleys and rich animal life. Spread over 52,000 acres in south central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the best places to visit for a weekend. The Bluegrass State will welcome you with open arms on one of its cave tours or ranger led programs. This hollow limestone labyrinth is a UNESCO world heritage site and worth the visit. Eerily beautiful, this adventure is good year round and will provide you and yours with one of the most captivated and life changing experiences with the earth. Book your stay at the lodge located directly next to the visitor center and opt for either a historic cottage in the woods or from a number of modern hotel rooms. Go under to get over any stress in your life by embracing the awe inspiring beauty of mother nature in the Mid-South. About 85 miles from either Louisville, Kentucky and Nashville in Tennessee, this spot is the best weekend location to capture the essence of what the Mid-South has to offer.
West Viriginia: Town of Harpers Ferry
Travel back in time to the town of Harpers Ferry which was the site of John Brown’s raid on the national arsenal in the Civil War. Check out the strong rivers of Potomac and Shenandoah while they rush in front of the epic Blue Ridge Mountains. A perfect weekend getaway, the Town of Harpers Ferry offers a site to see that will bring you back in history. Check out the John Brown Fort and take a boat through the once in a lifetime beauty of the outdoor feature called The Point where the rivers meet. The history of the neighbourhood, the abolition movement and the impact of Brown is built within the bones of architecture in the Town of Harpers Ferry. Grab a drink at the local pub and stay the night enjoying outdoor entertainment in the town square. While driving, make sure to look out for Seneca Rock in the skyline, a rock formation that stands 275 meters above the river and is located in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia. Get tickets to The Burbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad to go on mountain rail adventures through remote wilderness in steam driven and vintage diesel powered passenger trains. The Mid-South is captured in the heart of West Virginia and the core of the state is found in its historical sites. Take a weekend to visit the roots of American history in the West Virginian town of Harpers Ferry.
Virginia: Virginia Beach
The Atlantic Ocean meets Chesapeake bay in the coastal city of Virginia Beach. Experience Virginia for the weekend by spending time on the oceanfront and boardwalk that stretches over 40 city blocks. Take a moment to relax in the natural sunlight and spend time at Sandridge Beach where you can discover a hidden hideaway and opportunities to go hiking, fishing, kayaking and take part in other water activities at False Cape State Park and Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Chill out for the weekend while experiencing Pungo, an agricultural community just minutes from the beach where you can pick your own for a real Mid-South touch. ViBe creative district offers vibrant arts to view and contribute to throughout the Virginia Beach oceanfront areas. Given all that Virginia Beach has to offer, it is no wonder why tourists flock to the area for a perfect weekend getaway. Pack your bags and don’t forget your bathing suit because Virginia Beach is the spot to enjoy a weekend trip or getaway.
South Carolina: Myrtle Beach
Parasailing, beaches, kayaking, jet ski rentals and more can be found in South Carolina’s Myrtle Beach. One of the perfect weekend sunshine vacations, Myrtle Beach is located in South Carolina at the heart of Grand Strand, a 60 mile stretch of oceanfront beach. Take advantage of shopping, entertainment, nightlife, golf, dining and live theatre in this soft edged tourist location. An “autism friendly” city, this vacation hot spot is working to create the most sensory-friendly experiences for visitors. Home of Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, this military town offers piers with tons of food, entertainment and fishing. Check out camping opportunities close to the waterfront and take day trips to the popular port of Charleston, South Carolina. Get in touch with the city by renting electric vehicles such as segways and bike rentals to cruise the town. Although, this city is built on sensory friendly entertainment, it is golf that truly has a home in Myrtle Beach. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or an expert, Myrtle Beach has become home to some of the best golf courses and experts in the world. If you can think of entertainment or activity, Myrtle Beach probably has it. This is one of the top tourist destinations for weekend vacations around the world.
Cave diving, horse back riding, outdoor walks and historic places are all included in your next trip to the Mid-South. Grab a guestroom in Graceland, throw on your bathing suit and head to Myrtle Beach, take a day trip through the Appalachian trail or gaze upon the blue haze of the Blue Ride Mountain. A three day trip can be broken down to day trips or extended to an even longer vacation because of all of the amazing opportunities and experiences available. Pack a weekend bag and head to these destinations for the ultimate three day vacations to the Mid-South.
