- Kate Dunne
23 Bucket List Worthy Weekend Getaways & Experiences For 2023
It’s that time of year again – when we start planning a new year full of adventures, relaxing weekends, and family affairs! Here are our list of 23 Bucket List Worthy Weekend Getaways For 2023 to inspire your New Year! 1. Take A Sunrise Stroll On Tybee Island 📍Tybee Island, Georgia
Looking for a place to escape the winter cold? Beat the summer crowds and head to Tybee Island in the off season to enjoy all that this small barrier island has to offer. Located just outside of Savannah, Georgia this island is known for its wide, sandy beaches. One of it's famous beaches is South Beach which features its' own pier and pavilion. Tybee Island is also home to one of my personal favorite restaurants, the Sea Wolf. I highly recommend heading there for dinner and a drink!
2. Girls Getaway 📍 Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is famous for being the perfect girl's trip destination! The Music City is known for being a great party town filled with music, dancing, entertainment, world class shopping, excellent food, and a whole lot of pink! The White Limozeen is one of the cities top brunch spots. This pink paradise is located on a rooftop with excellent views of the city, the perfect spot for your Girls Getaway!
If you are looking for an affordable place to stay just 10 minutes from downtown check out our Music of The River rental!
3. Have a Family Reunion in Savannah 📍Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is known for its' beautiful historic manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. Its historic district is filled with cobblestoned squares and parks such as Forsyth Park. The streets are shaded by oak trees covered with the Spanish moss. Spanish moss is so prevalent in Savannah that it has become a landmark in its own right.
If Savannah sounds like the perfect location for your next family reunion, we have the perfect place to stay! Our Retro Rainbow Retreat is located just 8.5 miles from downtown Savannah and a scenic 30-minute drive will take you to beautiful Tybee Island. We have 11 units with room to host the entire family while having room to spread out across 8 acres.
4. Stroll the Riverwalk
One of the most unique things to do in any Texas city explore The Riverwalk in San Antonio. Not only is the Riverwalk a beautiful cultural hub it is the largest urban ecosystem in the nation. Their are two ways to enjoy the Riverwalk, stroll its banks through the city or enjoy a peaceful river boat cruise.
5. Explore Your Wild Side at the Cincinnati Zoo 📍Cincinnati, Ohio
The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is the sixth oldest zoo in the United States and was founded in 1873. It is considered one of the United States best Zoo's and a must see if you are in Cincinnati! The Zoo features amazing animals and beautiful gardens. If you enjoy historic architecture our Dreamy on Donahue might be the perfect place to stay!
This charming 4 bedroom, 3.5 bathroom can comfortable sleep 17 people. It was built in 1888 and has been beautifully renovated to include all the modern amenities. It is located 3 miles from downtown and less than a mile from the University of Cincinnati making this the perfect location for getting around!
6. Get Out of This World at The U.S. Space & Rocket Center 📍Huntsville, Alabama
Houston, We Have A Problem..... The best place for space and rocket enthusiast ironically isn't Houston, Texas but rather Huntsville, Alabama - The Rocket City!
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center has one of the largest collections of rockets and space memorabilia on display anywhere in the world! Whether your kids are attending the centers space camp or if you are looking to learn more about how the world works this is a must experience for your 2023 Bucket List!
Rocket City's Original Space Dome
Enjoy being inside and out in this one of a kind Geodesic home on beautifully landscaped, secluded 1.5 acres just outside of Huntsville. This is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience!
7. Visit The University Notre Dame
Want to feel like you are in Europe but maybe this year you don't have a European Sized Vacation Budget? Head to an unlikely midwestern destination of South Bend, Indiana! The stunningly beautiful University of Notre Dame campus includes acres of green space and historic architecture. Iconic landmarks like the Main Building with its Golden Dome, Touchdown Jesus, the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes are must-sees. 8. Lake Life 📍Chapin, South Carolina
With the Winter weather outside being colder than it has in years it is hard to remember that warmer days are just a few months away. Nothing cools you off in the summer like a fun weekend getaway at the Lake! Outside of Columbia, South Carolina lies Lake Murray which is is approximately 50,000 acres in size, and has roughly 650 miles of shoreline. Patriot Family Homes has a few waterfront vacation rentals to choose from to ensure you get your moment in the sun! 9. Enjoy Some Southern Comfort Food 📍Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina and also a food capital for Southern Comfort food! If you are in town visiting The University of South Carolina there is more to enjoy than just watching a Gamecock Football Game! Head over to Mr. Friendly's New Southern Restaurant to try some updated twists to your favorite classic southern recipes.
10. Dive Deep Underground at the Luray Caverns 📍Luray, Virginia
Dive Deep Underground in the Luray Caverns! The Luray Caverns are the largest caverns in the eastern United States and should definitely be included on your 2023 Bucket List! The guided tour takes you along a lighted paved pathways through rock cathedrals with ceilings 10-stories high, towering stone formations, and natural wonders! The caverns are considered to be one of Geologies Hall of Fame! 11. Visit the Number 1 Theme Park in America - Dollywood!
" #1 Theme Park In The United States"
— Tripadvisor, 2022
Move over Disneyland and Universal there is a new top theme park in town! Dolly Parton's Dollywood has fun activities for the whole family! Wild roller coasters for the thrill seekers, live music for the musicians, and beautiful grounds located in the Smoky Mountains for everyone to enjoy!
Pinecrest Townhomes Come and enjoy a relaxing and well-deserved getaway at the Pinecrest Townhomes in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Nestled in the woods, but only a mile from Dollywood and the Parkway, our townhomes are perfect for your weekend trip, family Dollywood vacation, friends' getaway, or just some fun exploring the area! Located in the heart of Pigeon Forge, less than 2 miles from Dollywood and only a 20-minute drive to Gatlinburg, there are endless attractions with something for everyone! 12. Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark 📍Birmingham, Alabama
The Sloss Furnaces is a National Historic Landmark in Birmingham, Alabama it is a unique peak into the industrial past of The United States. The plant operated as a pig iron-producing blast furnace from 1882 to 1971. Sloss furnaces is free to walk around using their self guided tour or you can take a guided one hour tour for $10! 13. Hike Shenandoah National Park 📍Shenandoah, Virginia
We all love National Parks and they each offer a unique natural experience! If you are on the East Coast The Shenandoah National Park shouldn't be missed! There are a wide range of activities from hiking along the Appalachian Trail, fly-fishing, and rafting these outdoor adventures are all made possible in this national park.
The iconic scenic roadway Skyline Drive takes you through the 105 mile long park, the drive includes 75 overlooks with spectacular views. This drive is amazing all year long but is particularly impressive during the fall when all of the leaves are changing color!
Stay With Us! Immerse yourself in the wooded beauty of the Shenandoah Valley in our secluded 5 bedroom, two bathroom mountain home with a 3/4 wrap-around three-level deck, screened sun porch to escape the bug bandits, and a great firepit! This is the perfect spot to enjoy the rural and rustic nature of the outdoors and the Shenandoah area while still being only ten minutes from town -15 mins to Shenandoah and Shenandoah River Adventures, 40 mins southwest of Luray Caverns. We hope to host you! 14. Listen To Blues on Beale Street 📍Memphis, Tennessee
You really can't go to Memphis without making a visit to Beale Street! Beale street is the Home of The Blues! This iconic street has been enjoyed throughout time by musicians, to include Elvis Presley, in America. You can listen to music into the wee hours of the night or enjoy some smooth Jazz in the afternoon!
15. Look Far and Wide at Lookout Mountain
Just minutes from downtown Chattanooga, TN, Lookout Mountain is the perfect destination for a unique outdoors adventure and beautiful scenery. At the lookout you have an amazing unique opportunity where you can “See Seven States”! While you are there be sure to checkout Ruby Falls the tallest and deepest underground waterfall! Ride the Incline Railway, one of the world’s steepest passenger railcars. These are all separately ticketed attractions and that should be kept in mind when planning. 16. Watch a Race at the Indy 500 📍Indianapolis, Indiana
Nothing gets the heart beating faster than the roar of the engine and the cheers of the crowd! This uniquely American sporting event should be on everyone's bucket list! The IndyCar Series is scheduled to have 17 races in 2023, highlighted by the Indianapolis 500 on May 28. Patriot Family Homes has 5 different houses in Indianapolis to choose from to make your race day dreams a reality.
17. Relax and Rewind at Mentone 📍Mentone, Alabama
The sleepy town of Mentone invites you to slow down, sit back, and return to a time when front porches opened up to friends as well as vistas. With 5 beds, 3 baths, Ruby's Roost provides ample room for both entertainment and relaxation inside and out.The 2nd home, Magpie Nest sits high in the trees above our detached garage. With a private entrance this cozy home has an apartment living feel w/1 bedroom, one bath, and a fantastic view!
18 Celebrate Mardi Gras in it's Birthplace 📍Mobile, Alabama
Did you know that New Orleans isn't the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States? It is actually Mobile, Alabama where it originated in 1703! The annual occasion is celebrated with majestic parades, colorful floats and flying Moon Pies. Beautifully decorated floats with masked participants, and marching band parade through downtown Mobile and surrounding areas. This year Mardi Gras will be celebrated on February 21, 2023!
Be sure to book your stay soon!
19 Watch The Great Rivals Duke vs. UNC 📍Raleigh, North Carolina
If you love college basketball try to score some ticket's to one of the biggest games in the Nation - the Duke vs. The University of North Carolina Basketball game! Mark your calendar for the big game on February 4th, 2023! Even if you can't be in the Basketball Stadium Raleigh -Durham is still an excellent city to be in during this weekend. The entire area is full of excitement and all things basketball! 20 Visit Helen, Georgia 📍Athens, Georgia
The perfect day trip from Athens, Georgia does exist! Only 60 miles north of Athens is Helen, Georgia. This little tourist town is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains but will make you feel like you have been transported to Bavaria, Germany! The entire village is adorned with carved bears, steeply-pitched roofs, and wooden balconies. If you visit in the summer be sure to pack your swimsuit so you can go tubing down the Chattahoochee River for a relaxing day! If you want something with a little bit more adrenaline, mountain biking is a popular local activity with many trail available! 21. Relax in Paradise 📍 Pensacola, Florida
Crystal-clear beaches and pearly white sands create the perfect warm weather destination to add to your 2023 Bucket List! Pensacola is a beach-goers paradise offering everything you could need!
Fisherman be sure to also add this to your list of weekend getaways! The waters of Pensacola are also famous for fishing. The area is known as the “Red Snapper Capital of the World!"! , local seafood restaurants are amazing serving freshly caught fish daily.
22. Visit The Old Mill in Arkansas 📍 Little Rock, Arkansas
The Old Mill is famous for the opening scene in the movie, "Gone With The Wind", made in 1939. (It is believed to be the only remaining structure from the film.) This three-acre site, officially known as the T.R. Pugh Memorial Park and Pugh's Mill, is more commonly known as the Old Mill. This is an amazing place to visit particularly in the spring when all of the flowers are in bloom! This park is free to enter and you are able to go into the small mill.
23. Tour An Aircraft Carrier 📍 Corpus Christi, Texas
If you have never been on an aircraft carrier and want a unique experience and/or you have an interest in the military, you should visit this historic site! The USS Lexington , nicknamed "The Blue Ghost", is an Essex-class aircraft carrier built during World War II for the United States Navy. This ship is located in the bay of Corpus Christi right next to the Texas State Aquarium and just mins from downtown.