Want a quick spring break trip? Try these towns within 3 hours of Charlotte

Evan Moore
·4 min read

Spring break is just around the corner, which means it’s time to plan your next vacation while you or your kids have a break from school.

If you’re not looking to venture too far away from Charlotte, there are plenty of places to explore the outdoors, sample some tasty food, learn about North Carolina’s history and enjoy quality time with family.

Here are 10 places you can visit during spring break that are within three hours of Charlotte.

Lexington, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 59 miles

What to try: There are plenty of things to do in Lexington, but you can’t leave town without trying its world-famous barbecue, cooked over hardwood coals and served with a ketchup and vinegar sauce. Once your stomach is full, you can take a stroll in uptown Lexington and visit art galleries, boutiques and shops.

Thomasville, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 70 miles

What to try: You can find a variety of relics in downtown Thomasville, and a wide variety of industrial decor, vintage and locally-made items. Your trip won’t be complete without a visit to The Big Chair, a large-scale replica of Duncan Phyfe armchair built in the 1950s, where former President Lyndon Johnson once delivered a campaign speech.

Elkin, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 75 miles

What to try: Grab a glass of Malbec or Merlot at a nearby winery, or rent a kayak and paddle your way through the Yadkin River. If you bring your pet along, be sure to reward them with a treat from The Barkery, a pet treat bakery in downtown Elkin, or check out Yadkin Valley Quilts and learn how to make your own custom quilt.

Winston-Salem, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 79 miles

What to try: History buffs can browse through the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, and the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. If your looking for nightlife, head to The Ramkat for a live show, or Top of Fourth to try a specialty cocktail while taking in the best views of Winston-Salem’s skyline.

Lake Lure, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 90 miles

What to try: Check out scenic views of the water at Lake Lure Beach, nestled in the Blue Ridge foothills, or visit the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, which is home to more than 2,000 species of plants and open to the public all year.

Blowing Rock, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 93 miles

What to try: Take a walk at The Blowing Rock, which features scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, or spend a day at Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West family theme park with a three-mile train adventure, live music, rides and a zoo. Wind down from a busy day with glass of wine a Grandfather Vineyard & Winery or Linville Falls Winery.

Greenville, SC

Distance from Charlotte: 101 miles

What to try: Explore historic districts in downtown Greenville on a self-guided walking tour, or grab a local brew from one of city’s 22 taprooms. For thrill seekers, stop by the BMW Performance Driving School or try your hand at the Gorge Zipline Canopy Tour that overlooks the famous Green River Gorge.

Boone, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 117 miles

What to try: Take a trip to Arborcrest Gardens, a 26-acre botanical garden with more than 14,000 species of trees, shrubs, perennials, ground covers and bulbs. You can also browse at one of four farmer’s markets, where locally-grown produce and hand-crafted goods are sold, or take in some history at The Jones House, one of the oldest homes in the high country.

Brevard, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 126 miles

What to try: Visit one of Transylvania County’s 250 waterfalls, from the 400-foot drop of Whitewater Falls to the signature beauty of Looking Glass Falls. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, check out other activities like hiking, rock climbing, and fly fishing.

Asheville, NC

Distance from Charlotte: 130 miles

What to try: The Biltmore Estate – the largest home in America – and Blue Ridge Parkway are must-sees for first-time visitors. The city is also known for its thriving arts scene, which you can see at the many museums and galleries it offers.

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