Every rose has its thorn, and for those in the Lowcountry, that thorn is hurricane season. To put it bluntly, these weather events are terrifying. From Hurricane Matthew in 2016 to Hurricane Helene last year, we’ve seen our share of intense storms in the past decade.
However, as with any collective trauma, the saying “If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry” applies here. So, let’s approach the scary concept of a hurricane evacuation with a lighthearted perspective.
To shift our mindset, we’re going to need to start with a visualization exercise. Close both eyes and cover your left eye with your right hand. Take a deep breath in and out five times. Now, let’s remove those pesky vowels “e” and “u” from “Mandatory Hurricane Evacuation,” and voila! It transforms into “Mandatory Hurricane Vacation!” It just has a better ring to it, don’t you think?
We all know that evacuations are crucial for our safety but recently they are also reminders that, unlike the salty Lowcountry locals of yesteryear, most of us aren’t equipped to ride out anything troublesome, let alone a massive storm. Technology and all its comforts have made us soft. The mere thought of losing power for just five minutes sends shivers down our spines. (A mandatory screen-free day with kids at home? No, thank you!)
Hunkering down requires grit, but most of us panic at the mere idea of scrambling for storm supplies, only to find ourselves at the grocery store, leaving with a bottle of merlot, a handful of Snickers bars, a roll of toilet paper, and a pair of cheap sunglasses snatched from the checkout counter at the last minute. In short, hunkering down is definitely not the best option. (Writer’s note: This is a hypothetical example and the sunglasses were too cute to pass up!)
Embracing the idea of a mandatory hurricane vacation is a better approach than having no plan at all. Being unprepared could have you embarking on a stressed-out, late-night journey only to discover a single motel off I-95 with a “No Vacancy” sign, leaving you no choice but to hunker down for the night in your minivan, parking lot style, with nothing but stray cats and bad gas station coffee to give you comfort.
So, if we need to embark on an unexpected mandatory hurricane vacation or if you are simply looking for a fall getaway, here are a few drivable destinations to consider. Remember, even when trying to make lemonade out of lemons during this tricky meteorological season, it’s important to check in on your neighbors and family. Bring them along. Let’s look out for one another. And, most importantly, if Jim Cantore happens to show up to any of these locations, obviously you’ll need to pivot to another spot.
Asheville, North Carolina (5-hour drive in normal traffic)
As we all know, hurricanes not only devastate property and homes, they wreak havoc on local businesses. Last year, much of Asheville faced the brunt of Hurricane Helene and, although their rebuilding efforts have been successful, the area is eager for visitors to continue to boost the local economy. Autumn in Asheville is breathtaking, making it the perfect time for a getaway that also contributes to their recovery efforts.
Asheville has many amazing spots to visit but Biltmore Estate is especially gorgeous and ready to welcome guests. With two hotels on the estate, there’s something for everyone. If you have the urge to splurge, The Inn and Spa at the Biltmore is a must-visit. You’ll be treated to luxurious four-star dining and breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains within a gorgeous setting of enchanting gardens.
For families or groups seeking a more laidback vibe, the Village Hotel is the perfect spot. The Village Hotel is located directly next to the farmyard, bike barn and Pisgah Playground. There are a handful of walkable restaurants, shops, and the Biltmore Winery with complimentary tours daily. Additionally, if you still want to indulge at The Inn, it’s just a short walk up the hill.
Both hotels grant access to the famous Biltmore Estate, the 250-room mansion built in the late 1800s by the Vanderbilt family. Daily tours, featuring an audible self-guided experience, transport guests back to the Gilded Age. The estate also has a variety of grab-and-go dining and gift shops.
With attractions ranging from farm animals to wine tastings, you can definitely spend a long weekend here. You won’t be disappointed. Well, you might find yourself a little envious of the Vanderbilts and their lavish lifestyle. That family definitely knew how to hunker down.
For more information please visit: biltmore.com
Greenville, South Carolina (4-hour drive in normal traffic)
If you are looking to escape to someplace where you can park your car and explore on foot, Greenville is for you.
This charming city is unique because of the vibrant downtown, with tree-lined streets that seamlessly blend urban life with the beauty of nature. Right in the heart of downtown is Falls Park on the Reedy River, where visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens along the river and walking trails that lead to local restaurants and shops. One of the highlights is the impressive Liberty Bridge, a 345-foot structure that crosses over the falls.
For a unique dining experience, head to the Passerelle Bistro, nestled on the banks of the Reedy River. It’s a most charming little spot – you will feel like you are dining at an outdoor bistro in Paris.
Greenville is not only pedestrian-friendly, it is also a great destination for families. The Mice on Main scavenger hunt, created by local residents and inspired by the children’s book Goodnight Moon, is so fun for the kiddos! Nine bronze mice are hidden throughout downtown. You can look for them as you stroll along Main Street (they are cleverly hidden in unexpected locations). Just a heads up: Be prepared for the onslaught of books, boardgames, and other goodies that accompany these critters. Depending on how invested your little ones are, this scavenger hunt could easily turn into an all-day adventure.
On Saturdays through October, the Greenville Farmers Market takes over two blocks to downtown, featuring more than 75 vendors offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to handmade crafts. All items sold at the market must be produced within 100 miles of Greenville!
For more information please visit: visitgreenvillesc.com; passerelleinthepark.com; saturdaymarketlive.com
Orlando, Florida (5-hour drive in normal traffic)
Sometimes stressful times call for aggressive measures and yes, deciding to flee to Disney World is quite the adventure, but it might be just what your family needs. For obvious reasons, vacationing in Florida during hurricane season requires a close eye on the weather. But if all the stars align, and your wallet can handle it, why not?
The most delightful aspect of visiting Walt Disney World in the fall is that the temperature is no longer 10,000 degrees! Another positive is Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party which runs through October 31. The Magic Kingdom transforms into a Halloween wonderland and many of the attractions are enhanced with a spooky vibe. Ride Space Mountain in pitch-black darkness, watch as the Mad Tea Party transforms with eerie lighting, and laugh along with Monsters Inc. Throughout the park, you’ll also find trick-or-treating, Halloween themed food, and Mickey’s Boo-To-You Halloween parade.
If the Magic Kingdom isn’t your scene, EPCOT has its own offering: the International Food & Wine Festival, held this year from August 28 to November 22. Indulge in culinary specialties, concerts, and wine tastings throughout the park. Options include kid-friendly and plant-based options.
Attention, RV owners! Don’t miss out on the campsites at Disney’s Wilderness Resort. With its convenient location to the parks and many onsite amenities, this is a great option and friendlier on your wallet.
Side note: For all things Disney-related, we’ve got an in-house expert, CH2 Publisher Maggie Washo. Feel free to reach out to her if you are bailing to Orlando this fall – she might even tag along!
For more information please visit: disneyworld.disney.go.com
Atlanta, Georgia (5-hour drive in normal traffic)
If you are looking to escape to a city that has almost everything, consider making your way to Atlanta. The possibilities for shopping, dining, and activities are endless.
Family-friendly attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Zoo, and Coca-Cola Museum are great destinations. If you have frequently visited Atlanta before and want a different adventure, opt to stay in Midtown or downtown to take advantage of the Atlanta Beltline.
This expansive 22-mile loop of trails and parks connects 45 neighborhoods, offering a unique perspective of the city. One of the standout features of the Beltline is its array of public art exhibits and galleries along the corridor. These art installations have become an extremely popular aspect of the Beltline. You can walk or rent bikes to explore and see the artistic displays.
Additionally, the Beltline is home to unique food halls. Repurposed buildings like Ponce City Market offer loads of dining and shopping experiences within the walls of a historic repurposed building.
As you navigate the Beltline, you’ll encounter a variety of eclectic neighborhoods, each with its own quirky charm with outdoor restaurants, breweries, and bars along the loop. Guided tours are available.
For more information please visit: beltline.org
While you’re in Atlanta, consider visiting the Atlanta Braves (home games continue through September 28). Even if you aren’t an avid baseball fan or if they aren’t your team, we all can sympathize with them because like hurricane season, some seasons have lots of ups and downs. Unfortunately, for the Braves, their 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the worst in franchise history. You can probably snag great ticket deals for any game at Truist Park. This venue is family-friendly and features the newly opened Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park, which offers more than 30,000 square feet of space dedicated to kids of all ages. Additionally, the Battery at Truist Park is packed with restaurants and shopping.
For more information please visit: mlb.com/braves
Washington, D.C. (8-hour drive in normal traffic)
Sometimes a mandatory hurricane vacation lasts longer than we expect. This is a good opportunity to travel a little farther – in the name of history. Washington, D.C. with the family is a great destination and surprisingly easy to get to – it’s just a straight shot up I-95.
Many museums in D.C. offer free admission. The Museum of Natural History and the National Air and Space Museum are popular destinations for good reason – both are located within walking distance of the National Mall. On a fall day, a stroll along the Mall is breathtakingly beautiful and kids love it. There is lots of soft grass to run around on. It is a simple but special way to spend the day.
If you’ve got it in you, take the walk along the Mall to the Lincoln Memorial (bring a stroller if you’ve got tiny tots). The long stroll is worth it. To see the Lincoln Memorial up close and in person is something not to be missed – you’ll remember it forever.
For more information please visit: washington.org
Want a truly unique D.C. experience? Check out Cherry Hill Park RV and Campsite. Cherry Hill Park is the closest campground to D.C. and has been family-owned since 1921. This kitschy RV park and campground has a small-town resort atmosphere featuring two heated pools, splash park, golf cart rentals, and the availability to hop on shuttles to go into D.C. and check out the sights. Cherry Hill is a fun way to experience D.C. and if you are traveling with kids, they will go crazy for it.
For more information please visit: cherryhillpark.com
