14 Weekend Destinations We’re Dreaming of Right Now
The VERANDA staff (and a few favorite designers) are sharing the first road trips we’re taking once it’s safe to travel again.
After more than two months of sheltering in place, we're all craving a change of scenery. (Just us? Didn't think so.) While we've fallen in love with our hometown's outdoor offerings like never before, there's nothing like hopping on the open road and traveling to a favorite destination—even just for the weekend.
Atlanta-based designer Beth Webb says a familiar place feels more right than anywhere else at the moment, and that couldn't be more true for our staff and a few of our favorite designers around the country. Whether it's a childhood vacation destination or a place where we've begun making memories once we started our own families, these places are dear to our hearts for the most personal of reasons.
We asked Beth Flowers, vice president of leisure for Brownell Travel, our burning questions about travel—most importantly, when we might be able to do so again.
"Everyone's looking for a change of scenery right now," Flowers says. "The most important thing to understand is that, along your route, you may have stops where you are asked by law enforcement where you are going and even made to have your temperature taken. Make sure you're comfortable with your route and know how to do it safely."
Flowers advises looking to the CDC and how the state you're considering visiting is handling travel during this season (even if it's your own). She says it's important to manage your expectations if you're thinking of booking a trip sooner rather than later, as your favorite resort, restaurants, and shops may not look or feel the same as the last time you visited. She says just because a resort has opened up for bookings again doesn't mean the spa is open, you'll be able to snag a chair by the pool, or that you'll even receive housekeeping services right now. Travel advisors can help you determine which amenities will be available at your favorite locations and help you determine if you should make a road trip there or hold off until later in the year.
"We are saying that road trips currently seem like they will be more successful the later and later you push them this summer," Flowers says. "Even though these places are opening, more of their services will hopefully be available and it will be worth making the trip in the coming months."
Here are the weekend getaways we're dreaming of right now, with hopes of visiting as soon as it's safe to begin road-tripping once more.
Charleston
“I’d like to go to Charleston,” says Ashley Leath, VERANDA copy/research editor. “We were supposed to go earlier this year but had to cancel. We’ve vacationed there for years, and the pairing of nostalgia and the sea are just the relaxing combination I need post-sheltering in place.” Discover the six must-see Charleston plantations here.
Coastal Maine
“We’re dying to get back to coastal Maine,” says William Woodcock, VERANDA photographer. “I love its beauty, food, and architecture.”
Southern Utah
Dallas-based designer Michelle Nussbaumer says she's dreaming of visiting Amangiri Resort in Canyon Point, Utah right now.
"Even though it's a resort, it's in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by all these hiking trails, natural pools and beauty," she says."
Nussbaumer says there are some amazing Navajo relics in the area, like ancient dwellings, paintings and other natural wonders that would make the road trip all worth it. She also plans to make a stop at the Grand Canyon on the way back home!
Lake Rabun, Georgia
“I am dreaming of spending all of July at the lakehouse my parents used to own at Lake Rabun in Georgia,” says Steele Marcoux, VERANDA editor-in-chief. “I may have to settle for a long weekend at the Lake Rabun Hotel or this amazing rental property.”
Adirondack Mountains
“I’m dreaming of a summer road trip to the Adirondacks and a weekend at the historic lakeside ‘great camp’, the Point,” says Dayle Wood, VERANDA style & market editor. “Exploring the rugged mountains and taking a dip in Saranac Lake will be the perfect antidote to weeks spent cooped up inside.”
Montecito, California
"My first road trip will be to Montecito to stay at the San Ysidro Ranch," says L.A.-based designer Schuyler Samperton. "It’s a magical, romantic spot with cozy, private cottages tucked in the foothills of the Santa Ynez mountains, where even visiting dogs get the deluxe treatment!"
Montecito is just a few miles away from Santa Barbara, where Samperton never misses the chance to pick up some vintage design books from Lost Horizons Bookstore. She also loves making a pit stop at Rose Story Farm in Carpinteria on the way home to pick up armfuls of its spectacular blooms.
Longboat Key, Florida
"There is no place that can make me as nostalgic as Longboat Key—and it's exactly what I'm dreaming of right now," says Lauren Wicks, VERANDA associate digital editor.
"It's my favorite place in the world, and I can't wait to safely shop St. Armands Circle, enjoy dinner with a view at Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, and watch the sunset from the Resort at Longboat Key Club hopefully one day soon."
East Hampton
Manhattan-based designer Sasha Bikoff says she's currently dreaming of Springs in East Hampton, which lies about three hours from her home.
"When I get there, I will hit up Springs General Store—my favorite place for coffee," Bikoff says. "It's an old gas station and the quintessential neighborhood spot. I also love to hit the farmers market on the front lawn of the white church and paddle board in Gardiners Bay to watch the most beautiful sunset!"
Asheville
“My wife and I are excited to take a long weekend trip to Asheville sometime in the fall," says Ian Palmer, VERANDA photo assistant. “It has some of our favorite restaurants (including Cucina 24, White Duck Taco Shop, and Buxton Hall BBQ), breweries (Burial, Zillicoah, and New Belgium), and hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.”
Sea Island, Georgia
"The first place I'd love to travel to is Sea Island, Georgia," says Atlanta-based designer Clary Bosbyshell. "My husband and I got married there, and we love staying at the Cloister. We usually spend our summers there."
St. Michaels, Maryland
"This quaint coastal town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland is a popular escape for many Washingtonians," says designer Marika Meyer. "My husband and I stay at the Inn at Perry Cabin several times throughout the year, and it feels like our home away from home. The inn is a draw in its own right, with fabulous food and accommodations, but their spa is what I miss most right now."
Meyer says a trip to St. Michaels isn't complete without a visit to Main Street, for shopping at Antiques on Talbot, lunch at Crab Shake, and ending the day at Bistro St. Michaels for a chic cocktail and the catch of the day.
Cumberland Island, Georgia
"Right now we are at our house in Bray’s Island, S.C. and that makes Cumberland Island in Georgia a boat ride away for us," says Webb. "The thought of being there with miles of deserted beaches would be my idea of social distancing at its best. The last time I was there, you could be on the beach for hours and see nary a soul, the wild horses your only company."
Webb says the historic Greyfield Inn is the perfect place to take refuge—plus, its limited cell service keeps you unplugged. She loves to simply enjoy Cumberland's 18 miles of deserted beaches, where one can bike, hike, swim, kayak, and sunbathe to your heart's content before collapsing on the front porch swinging beds with a cocktail as the sun goes down.
If you're up for some further exploration, Webb says the Plum Orchard Mansion and Dungeness Estate Ruins are must-see sights, along with the First African Baptist Church, where John F. Kennedy, Jr., and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy married.
Southern California
“I had a road trip planned in Southern California in March that I had to cancel,” says Rachael Burrow, VERANDA style & market editor. “I’m really looking forward to exploring the smaller towns, like Ojai, and their local shops, restaurants, and hiking trails when I'm able to reschedule.”
New Orleans
"My husband and I were planning to go to New Orleans for Jazz Fest this year to celebrate a dear friend's 50th birthday," says Dallas-based tastemaker Kimberly Whitman."Of course the trip was cancelled, but I'm excited to be able to go back to one of my favorite spots."
Whitman loves staying at the acclaimed Maison de la Luz in NOLA's warehouse district and says you can't miss a trip to the quirky Mardi Gras Museum, Cafe du Monde for its world-famous beignets, and dinner at Antoine's in the French Quarter. She says to always do your homework beforehand to make sure you can catch some incredible live music while you're in town.
Lauren Wicks is a Birmingham-based writer covering design trends, must-have products, travel inspiration, and entertaining. She’s obsessed with globally inspired textiles, hosting dinner parties, and French cocktails.
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