Drivable Destination Guide: from Birmingham, Alabama.
Have you been wanting to get away but forgotten what’s in your backyard? I’ve rounded drivable getaways for those of you from Birmingham, Alabama from as little as 2 hours to as far as 8 hours. I’ve also noted a few promotions *updated as of March 31, 2021*. If you live don’t live in the Southeast, get in touch, and I’m happy to help you brainstorm drivable destinations. Here we go…
Contact me if you’re interested in learning more about any of the hotel properties listed below or any others you’d like to learn more about. I can also point you in the right direction to the latest updates in COVID-19 protocols and how these should be considered when deciding where to stay.
2-3 Hours: Chattanooga & Nashville, TN
The state of Tennessee offers a great weekend getaway and should not be forgotten about. In fact, the New York Times has once named Chattanooga one of the "Top 45 Places to go" in the World. And it's no wonder. Tucked between the mountains of Southeast Tennessee, along the beautiful Tennessee River, Chattanooga is a breathtaking city and offers a world of outdoor adventure. Alternatively, grab your boots and head to Nashville to get immersed in the country music scene!
The Edwin Hotel (Chattanooga, TN)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities:
- Priority for complimentary room upgrade (based on availability upon arrival)
- Daily breakfast for two people. Hotel designates full or continental breakfast and venue.
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Noelle (Nashville, TN)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary American Breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
- $100 Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Thompson Nashville (Nashville, TN)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
- $100 Food & Beverage credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
3-4 Hours: Greensboro, GA
What’s in Greensboro, Georgia you ask? Georgia’s second largest lake located halfway between Atlanta and Augusta. Come to relax, cast a line, ride bike or get on the water by renting jet skis and boats. If you’re looking for a more laid-back option, you can also rent out kayaks, canoes and paddle board, or even have a captain take you around for a sunset cruise.
Ritz Carlton (Lake Oconee, GA)
Only 75 miles from Atlanta, it’s is the ultimate lakeside retreat and is open. It opens the door to spectacular golf experiences on five championship courses, a relaxing day of fishing or boating on Lake Oconee, unwinding at the spa, or dining on a patio under the stars.
Abbay’s Escapes amenities:
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 resort credit
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
4-5 hours: Walland, TN / Point Clear, AL / 30-A, FL / Highlands, NC
Blackberry Farms & Blackberry Mountain (Walland, TN)
Come for the incredible food, idyllic scenery, and warm hospitality. No detail is overlooked on this gorgeous property. You can explore the 4200-acre working farm on horseback, by canoe and mountain bike, or on walking trails. Quieter activities include a massage at spa, reading in a hammock, or fly-fishing in one of the best spots in Tennessee.
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- 15% off nightly rates
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast and dinner
- $100 Spa Services credit
- Welcome amenity
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa (Point Clear, AL)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary breakfast for two
- Welcome Amenity
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The Watercolor Inn (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
Situated on the pristine sugar-white beaches of South Walton, overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the inn provides the perfect combination of Southern hospitality, the intimacy of a bed-and-breakfast, and the fun of a classic beach house.
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom (available at The Gathering Spot OR through In-Room Dining)
- $100 food and beverage credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
The Henderson (Destin, FL)
The Henderson, a Salamander Beach & Spa Resort, boasts that elegant yet comfortable coastal vibe we love, AND it’s ideally situated along pristine beaches in Destin, adjacent to the Henderson Beach nature preserve. The reserve offers peace and privacy and handy nature walks.
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for two
- $100 Resort or Hotel credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Old Edwards Inn and Spa (Highlands, NC)
This property does not provide extra preferred partner amenities; however, we do recommend it and are able to book it for you as part of any itinerary.
5-6 hours: Asheville / Lake Toxaway, NC
Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville (Asheville, NC)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Daily breakfast for two
- Welcome amenity
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Greystone Inn (Lake Toxaway, NC)
This property does not provide extra preferred partner amenities; however, we do recommend it and are able to book it for you as part of any itinerary.
6-7 Hours: Savannah, GA and Bluffton, SC
Savannah, Georgia and South Carolina is each full of character and Southern hospitality. Think live oaks and Spanish moss, shrimp-and-grits, and raised houses with deep porches and tall shuttered windows. We think either is the perfect long weekend getaway or even a great week-long vacation to take in all the activities and spend time exploring each city.
Montage Palmetto Bluff (Bluffton, SC)
Life on the Bluff defines laid back luxury. It’s nestled along the scenic May river, just 20 minutes south of Hilton Head. You can explore fishing, boating, exploring the islands of the marsh, fantastic spa, bowling, biking, SUP’ing, kayaking, walking, shooting, paintball, bird watching, and not to mention a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course.
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- $60 daily breakfast credit per bedroom, served in restaurant & In-Room Dining
- $100 Resort or Hotel credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
*Promotion: For each night reserved, receive a $100 resort credit ($200 for suites, $300 for residences).
Perry Lane Hotel (Savannah, GA)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary a la carte breakfast daily at the Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market for two guests
- $100 Resort or Hotel credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
7-8 Hours: Sea Island, GA / Charleston, SC / Kiawah Island, SC / Amelia Island, FL
The Cloister at Sea Island (Sea Island, GA)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary breakfast daily served in the restaurant
- $100 Resort or Hotel credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Hotel Bennett (Charleston, SC)
Hotel Bennett’s guest rooms and suites are carefully designed with custom furnishings and design that reflect Charleston’s heritage – from designer pedestal tubs, pristine showers, luxurious bedding to locally inspired artwork. Bonus is the rooftop pool and cabanas with a panoramic view of Charleston.
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary Breakfast Credit ($30 per person up to two guests) daily served in the restaurant
- $100 Resort or Hotel credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
*Promotion: Complimentary 4th Night now through Sept 2, 2021, including amenities. Book by May 15, 2021.
The Dewberry (Charleston, SC)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Complimentary $30 daily breakfast credit per guest (max 2) per bedroom
- $100 USD Hotel credit to be utilized during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
*Promotion: 10% off rates, valid for travel now through Aug 01, 2021. Book by Apr 01, 2021.
The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort (Kiawah Island, SC)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily full breakfast for two guests per bedroom
- Welcome amenity: full bottle sparkling wine
- $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Ritz Carlton Amelia Island (Amelia Island, FL)
Abbay’s Escapes amenities include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Full breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Spa Services credit, to be utilized during stay (not combinable, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Abbay's Escapes is a boutique travel advisory company. As an independent affiliate of Brownell Travel (the oldest travel agency in the USA), we have preferred relationships with the industry's best hotels, resorts, and tour operators across the globe. This means VIP status, extra perks, and upgrades for you, our client.