Weekend Trip Ideas for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

January 14, 11:44 AMCarolinas Travel ExaminerPaul McDaniel

If you have the Martin Luther King Day Holiday off of work this coming Monday (January 19) and are trying to decide what to do – other than relax at home or exploring around Charlotte itself – you might consider taking a weekend trip. Charlotte, North Carolina is in a central location to many exciting destinations easily accessible for a day or weekend trip. Whatever your interests, you’ll be sure to find an enjoyable nearby destination. The mountains are only a couple of hours drive to the west for those who like hiking, camping, and dramatic scenic and outdoor beauty. The Atlantic coast and its beaches in both North and South Carolina (although a little on the cold side at the moment) are also within a few hours’ drive to the southeast and east.  If you want to explore another city, there are plenty of those within easy driving distance as well. Also, don’t forget that Charlotte Douglas International Airport is a hub for U.S. Airways. You may be able to find last minute airfare deals for non-stop flights to many far flung destinations from Charlotte this weekend.

The Mountains of Western North Carolina: Before embarking on your journey here, check for road or park closures in the specific areas you plan to travel to. Some roads are closed in the winter, particularly in the higher elevations. Several options to consider include an auto tour along the Blue Ridge Parkway (check road closures this time of year), and various hiking and camping opportunities along the Appalachian Trail, and in Pisgah National Forest, Nantahala National Forest, and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Be sure to bring cold weather clothing and gear for any journey to North Carolina’s High Country during the winter season. Also consider a drive up into the mountains of western Virginia as well as West Virginia. All of these mountainous areas are part of the Appalachian Mountain Range, which stretches from Georgia to Maine.

The Atlantic Coast: Although air and sea temperatures are on the cold side at the moment during the winter season, you may still enjoy a drive along the coastal region of North Carolina and South Carolina. Don't rule out a little visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Cities: Many cities would work well as a weekend destination to drive to from Charlotte, particularly on a long holiday weekend. A trip to Atlanta, Georgia would be quite fitting during the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend as you would have a chance to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, which is his birthplace and home in Atlanta. The King Center, also in Atlanta, educates the world about and advances the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Of course Atlanta has many other sights and activities for you to enjoy. Other cities easily reached from Charlotte by car include Columbia, South Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia; Wilmington, North Carolina; Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Greensboro-Winston-Salem-High Point, North Carolina; Asheville, North Carolina; Roanoke, Virginia; Cherokee, North Carolina; Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Knoxville, Tennessee; and quite a few more.

Last Minute Airfare Deals: Check for last minute airfare specials for non-stop flights from Charlotte Douglas International Airport where U.S. Airways has a large hub. A non-stop flight to a destination further afield from Charlotte would also make for an interesting holiday weekend mini-vacation. Considering the relatively cool winter temperatures lately, why not look into a weekend trip to a warmer climate such as southern Florida or other Southern U.S. destinations. Don’t rule out destinations off of the mainland either. U.S. Airways provides non-stop service from Charlotte to many Caribbean Island destinations, as well as to Mexico and Central America. Tropical destinations served non-stop from Charlotte include: Bermuda, the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Saint Maarten, Saint Kitts, Antigua, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Aruba, Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Belize, Cancun, Cozumel, and Mexico City. If you lack a passport, but still would like to venture down to the Caribbean, check flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, and to the U.S. Virgin Islands. Charlotte to San Juan, Puerto Rico, for instance, is just a short three hour flight. 

For More Info:

• U. S. Airways
• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site (Atlanta, GA)
• The King Center (Atlanta, GA) 
• Georgia Tourism 
• North Carolina Tourism 
• South Carolina Tourism 
• Tennessee Tourism 
• Virginia Tourism 
• West Virginia Tourism