V-Day Vacations in the Carolinas

We know, February 14 is not everyone’s favorite day. Even so, Valentine’s Day is a great excuse to get off-campus early in the semester for a mini-vacation with your significant other or your best friends for a Galentine’s Day weekend that would make Leslie Knope proud. 

Whether you want to book a stay for the whole weekend or are just heading out for a day trip, there’s something for everyone on the list we’ve put together. 

Asheville (approx. 3 hours)

If you’re looking to go a little further from campus, Asheville is the perfect place, but be warned: this list is only the beginning of what the city has to offer. 

• Go for a brewery tour with BREW-ed (if that’s your thing).

• Hike to gorgeous and scenic waterfalls cascading throughout the city’s mountainside.

• Hit Downtown Asheville to find incredible restaurants for brunch or a romantic dinner, super cool independent shops, art galleries and more.

• Explore the Biltmore Estate, which has its own winery and is currently hosting an immersive Van Gogh exhibit.

Banner Elk (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes)

If the mountains are more your speed, Banner Elk is the perfect little ski town getaway.

• Ski the slopes at either Sugar Mountain Resort or Beech Mountain Resort. 

• Hang out in Banner Elk’s downtown, which is walkable and complete with dining, shopping, and nightlife. 

• Head inside a mountain to see the Linville Caverns or hike one of Banner Elk’s many trails

Winston-Salem (approx. 45 minutes)

Perfect for a full weekend trip or to go and come back in a day, Winston-Salem boasts fantastic experiences and dining choices.

• Eat dinner at the gorgeous Graylyn Estate, the second-largest home in North Carolina. 

• Go for a wine tasting at one of the Yadkin Valley vineyards, just 30 minutes west of Winston-Salem.

• Walk around Downtown Wake Forest, lined with cute coffee shops, renowned restaurants and bars, and quirky stores.

Greensboro (approx. 30 minutes)

Okay, so this isn’t exactly a foreign city to Elon students but it’s perfect for a day trip or dinner date! We’re sure there are things Greensboro has to offer that you haven’t thought of. 

• Spend an hour or two at the Greensboro Science Center. It sounds silly, but with an aquarium and a zoo it’s so fun—and who doesn’t want to pet stingrays?

• Grab dinner or brunch in Downtown Greensboro after doing some shopping. 

• Trader Joe’s. Hear us out: it totally counts as a date.

Regardless of who you spend the weekend with, show us where you’re adventuring by tagging @theedgemag!