Southern Jaunt: On the Road
Montage Palmetto Bluff
For TLF IC, Elizabeth Walsh, the American South isn’t just a destination, it’s a way of life. From the magnolia lined streets of Charleston, to the golden shores of Georgia, to the rural hills of Appalachia, Liz has a knack for uncovering southern charm anywhere she goes.
Back in January, 2020 looked like it was shaping up to be a promising year. I was projecting the most successful year of my travel business to date and was excited about a few personal trips I had in the works. We kicked off the year with a family trip to New York City, our beloved home from 2006-2019, where we celebrated our second son's baptism. I remember the weekend so vividly. The weather was unusually mild, people were out and about, the city was alive, and we felt energetic and optimistic about the coming year. Little did we know that weekend in New York would be our last little getaway before COVID-19 put the world on pause.
Then, travel came to a standstill and the only phone calls I received from clients between March and early May were cancellation requests. While I understood the seriousness of the virus, I also knew that travel would make a comeback, and until then I'd find a way to enjoy this unusual ride. During my professional lull, for the first time ever, I focused on enjoying the luxuries in my own backyard with the people who matter to me the most. Optimistic that America would reopen by June, and always planning ahead, I was determined to fill the second half of the year with epic adventures. Unclear at the time whether flying was safe, we decided a good old fashion road trip was the best way to navigate the beauty of the American South and destinations beyond within a worthy reach.
Navigating up and down the East Coast this year with my husband and two sons was an adventure filled with excitement, stress, toddler meltdowns, and some parental disputes. Most importantly, our summer on the road was filled with loving memories and zero regret, and a list of what we'll do better next time. The Walsh Family will continue to explore where we can in this new world of travel and I look forward to sharing our journeys with you.
The Weekender
The GreyStone Inn
Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
The Greystone Inn in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina was one of the best food experiences I've had since moving to the south. It's the perfect summer retreat for weekenders looking to escape the stagnant heat of the mid-Atlantic and southern states. The “inn” is really more of a lakefront boutique hotel, located inside a members-only, resort- style country club. Only members and hotel guests have access the club's luxurious amenities such as boat rentals, tennis and racquet ball, golf, and club house dining.
I T I N E R A R Y
Length of Stay: 3-4 nights
Perfect For: Families, couples, golfers, boaters, foodies
Getting There: 3-hour drive from Charlotte and Atlanta, 1-hour drive from Asheville
Pairs Well With: The Cloister at Sea Island on the front end of the trip, then ditch the salty heat for some fresh mountain air
The One-Two Punch
Perry Lane Hotel + Montage Palmetto Bluff
Savannah, Georgia + Bluffton, South Carolina
Only a 30-minute drive from one another, Savannah and Bluffton are a natural pairing. Enjoy a few days soaking up Savannah’s history (and food scene!), while staying at the Perry Lane Hotel, a newcomer in town just steps from historic Chippewa Square. Then, head over to Bluffton for a few days of relaxation at Palmetto Bluff. Located on the May River, the Montage is a plantation-style inn sitting on 20,000 acres of serene lowcountry beauty. The resort encompasses an extensive nature preserve, walking and biking trails, a charming village, marina, several restaurants, and a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. As a family, our favorite activities included the dolphin tour on May River and bike rides around the property with views of the river and Spanish moss dripping perfectly from every tree branch.
I T I N E R A R Y
Length of Stay: 4-5 nights
Perfect For: Families, couples, group of friends, boaters, golfers, leisure cyclists, spa lovers, foodies, history buffs
Getting There: 1-hour drive from Charleston, 3-hour drive from Charlotte, 4-hour drive from Atlanta
The Long Haul
THE LAKE House canandaigua
Finger Lakes, New York
Nestled on the northern shore of the 15 mile long Canandaigua Lake, The Lake House brings world-class luxury to the western stretch of the Finger Lakes, a region full of refreshing waterfalls, beautiful gorges, sun-kissed vineyards, and crystal clear glacial lakes. My family's beloved lake home is only a short drive from The Lake House, where we were lucky enough to relocate to for the month of July. After fulfilling the state’s mandatory arrival rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we enjoyed sunny days on the boat, docked for drinks at The Lake House’s infamous Sand Bar, discovered new waterfalls, jumped in pools of spring water with our oldest son, and of course found time to trek the wine trail to taste our favorite local blends.
I T I N E R A R Y
Length of Stay: 3-4 nights
Perfect For: Families, couples, group of friends, boaters, foodies, wine enthusiasts, hikers
Getting There: 2-hour flight from Charlotte and Atlanta, 40-minute flight from NYC (options include: sea plane + commercial) or 6-hour drive from NYC. *Note: In July, we opted for a 12- hour road trip from Charlotte with a night at The Salamander Resort & Spa to break up the two day journey
Pairs Well With: The Point a historic Adirondack camp on Saranac Lake to properly complete your upstate NY experience (but leave the kiddos at home for this one!).