Only A Day Away

Only a Day Away

GET AWAY FROM IT ALL WITH JUST A DAY'S DRIVE

Everyone loves a long weekend away, and the Northshore is a great starting point for getaways within a day’s drive. We’re conveniently located close to beaches, mountains, rivers, big cities and inviting small towns. Read on for a few favorites of the many summer driving destinations that are beloved by Northshore families, along with what to do once you get there. With a little planning and a sense of adventure, you can explore new places and create unforgettable memories on your next road trip.

SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, FLORIDA

PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT SOUTH WALTON FLORIDA

Located along a 26-mile stretch of white sandy beaches in Northwest Florida, South Walton encompasses 16 distinct beach neighborhoods, each with its own visual style, amenities and charm. South Walton is home to four state parks, one state forest and more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails. Renowned for natural scenic beauty, turquoise waters and sugar sand beaches, South Walton was named one of the “Secret Florida Beaches” by “Travel + Leisure,” but is easily accessible as a drive-to destination or by flying to nearby airports. Learn more at VisitSouthWalton. com or follow @visitsouthwalton on Facebook and Youtube or @southwalton on Twitter or Instagram.

PHOTO CREDIT: VISIT SOUTH WALTON FLORIDA

SLEEP.

• From beach homes to condos, bed & breakfasts to resorts, there is something to fit everyone’s vacation.

• Hotel Effie Sandestin

• The Pearl Hotel

• The Pointe on 30A

DINE.

• Great Southern Café

• Farm & Fire

• Scratch Biscuit Kitchen

• Cuvee 30A

• Emeril’s Coastal Black Bear Bread Co.

• Basmati’s Asian Cuisine & Sushi

• The Perfect Pig Pescado

• Want to cook at home? Get everything delivered by The Beach Butler.

DO.

• Art scene showcasing everything from art galleries, digital projection festivals to live music and on-stage theatrical performances.

• Check out the rare coastal dune lakes that dot the coast.

• A collection of championship golf courses.

• Set up a beach bonfire through a local company.

• Charter a boat for a day of relaxing or fishing.

FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA

PHOTO CREDIT: FAIRHOPERS.COM

Listed by “Southern Living” as one of The South’s Best Small Towns, Fairhope is filled with a rich history and undeniable charm. Explore flower-lined streets, unique shops, and local eateries. Take a stroll under the canopies of moss-covered oak trees. And finish the day with a breathtaking sunset over Mobile Bay. Whether traveling on a family vacation, looking for a romantic getaway destination or a weekend of fun and adventure, Fairhope is the perfect destination. To plan a trip to Fairhope or learn more about the area, visit Fairhopers.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: FAIRHOPERS.COM

SLEEP.

• The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa

• The Fairhope Inn

• Cottages & Vacation Rentals

DINE.

• The Wash House

• Provision

• Warehouse Bakery & Donuts

• The Hope Farm

• Panini Pete’s

• Thyme on Section

DO.

• Shop at local boutiques and antique shops on Fairhope Avenue

• Catch a sunset over Mobile Bay

• Fish off the Fairhope Municipal Pier

• Spend the day relaxing at The Spa at The Grand Hotel

• Explore the Eastern Shore Art Center

• Canoe along the Bartram Canoe Trail

FREDRICKSBURG, TEXAS

PHOTO CREDIT: BLAKE MISTICH/VISITFREDERICKSBURG.COM

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German settlers. That heritage continues to influence the small-town Texas community with a unique blend of Texas heart and German soul. Fredericksburg has continuously been named the Best Small Town in Texas by “Southern Living,” and with more than 50 award-winning wineries in the vicinity, the town of 12,000 is truly the heart of Texas Wine Country. To plan a trip to Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country, or request a free visitor information packet, visit VisitFredericksburgTX.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: STEVE RAWLS/VISITFREDERICKSBURG.COM

SLEEP.

• Blue Skies Retro Resort

• Hoffman Haus

• Albert Hotel –Opening Spring 2023

• Stonewall Motor Lodge

• Contigo Ranch

• Plenty of home rentals available as well

DINE.

• Hill & Vine

• Sunset Cafe

• Otto’s German Bistro

• Cabernet Grill

• Vaudeville

• Woerner Warehouse •

Backwoods BBQ

DO.

• Take a self-guided or private tour to visit some of the 100+ wineries in the area

• Browse more than 150 locally owned stores, boutiques and art galleries along Main Street

• Check out the Enchanted Rock State Park for hiking and rock climbing or the Lyndon B. Johnson State Park for hiking and history

• Explore the beauty of hill country from the saddle of a horse

ST. FRANCISVILLE, LOUISIANA

PHOTO CREDIT: WEST FELICIANA TOURIST COMMISSION

Nestled in the rolling hills on the east bank of the Mississippi, St. Francisville is the perfect getaway for any type of traveler. With rich history, delicious food and fantastic shopping, your time here will be worthwhile. Spring is festival season in Louisiana, and St. Francisville has no shortage of events to fill your calendar. Events such as the Tunica Hills Music Festival or the Angola Spring Rodeo will give you an experience to remember. Learn more about what St. Francisville has to offer at explorewestfeliciana.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: WEST FELICIANA TOURIST COMMISSION

SLEEP.

• St. Francisville Inn

• 3-V Tourist Court

• The Myrtles Plantation

• The Lodge at the Bluffs

• Greenwood Plantation

DINE.

• The Francis Southern Table & Bar

• Magnolia Cafe

• Birdman Coffee & Books

• Restaurant 1796

• The Saint Restaurant & Bar

DO.

• Tour the Audubon Historic Site where John James Audubon sketched his famous series of birds

• Hike in the Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area

• Take a tour of Rosedown or The Myrtles

• Shop around the downtown area, and don’t miss the popular Grandmother's Buttons

• Fish, hike and look for wildlife at Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS

PHOTO CREDIT: ENRIQUE LEAL/SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

Spring is a perfect time to plan a family vacation to South Padre Island. Coastal breezes and refreshing water are the perfect counter to the Texas heat. There are plenty of hotels and inns that offer extra amenities such as onsite restaurants, gyms and pools. If you prefer a home-like feel, vacation rentals are available throughout SPI. There’s plenty to do around the beach and bay. On a leisurely beach day, try sandcastle building, surfing and fishing. Adrenaline junkies can parasail or rent a jet ski. Mainland activities include ziplining, go-karts and horseback riding. Learn more about what South Padre Island has to offer at sopadre.com.

PHOTO CREDIT: ENRIQUE LEAL/SOUTH PADRE ISLAND CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

SLEEP.

From vacation rentals and hotels to luxury beach resorts and high rise condominiums, there are many options to suit your budget and needs.

DINE.

• Senor Donkey

• Ceviche Ceviche

• Liam’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar

• Sea Ranch Restaurant & Bar

• South Padre Brewing Company

• Josephine’s Kitchen

• LongBoard Bar & Grill

• F&B South Padre Island

DO.

• Let your furry friends enjoy the beach on SPI’s pet-friendly beaches

• Find year-round fishing nearshore and offshore, and enjoy surfcasting fishing on the beaches

• Check out the Sandcastle Trail where you will find 30 sand sculptures throughout the Island

• Enjoy a family-friendly interactive pirate adventure on the Black Dragon Cruise

• Take a horseback ride along the beach, zipline through the skies or interact with birds and animals at The Adventure Park

• Dive into the world of sea turtle conservation at Sea Turtle, Inc.

CAN'T MISS EVENTS

FAIRHOPE, AL:

March 17-19: Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival

First Friday Art Walk – the first Friday of every month

FREDERICKSBURG, TX

March 27-April 21: Wine & Wildflower Journey

April 1-2: Fredericksburg Spring Arts & Crafts Faire

April 15-16: Lavender Festival at Becker Vineyards

June 1-3: Bluegrass in the Burg Festival

ST. FRANCISVILLE, LA:

March 25: Tunica Hills Music Festival

April 9: Easter Sunrise Service at Hemingbough

April 16: Historical Society's Polo Match

April 22-23: Angola Rodeo

April 27: Spring Garden Stroll

SOUTH WALTON COUNTY, FL:

April 13-16: Sandestin Wine Festival

April 19-23: Seabreeze Jazz Festival

April 27-30: South Walton Beaches Wine & Food Festival

May 13-14: Artsquest Fine Arts Festival

May 19-20: Digital Graffiti at Alys Beach Festival

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TX:

April 15-16: Texas State Surfing Championship

May 12-13: Shallow Sport Fishing Tournament

May 20: The Jailbreak Beach Escape at South Padre