During the fall semester, most weekends are consumed by the hype of football games. This season, however, there have been a number of away games, and two bye-weeks in the schedule. There are those who will continue the classic game day ritual in their living room or sports bar, patiently awaiting the next home game. For others, the call for a new adventure is on their minds. Thankfully, South Carolina is surrounded by endless opportunities for a unique and inexpensive weekend. Here are a few places calling your name, urging you to break from the beaten path.
Asheville, N.C.
A paradise for the eclectic soul, Asheville delivers endless opportunities for a great weekend without emptying your pockets. The two-and-a-half hour trip leads to a crowd-pleasing destination.
What to do: Want to break your normal routine but still have a taste for an ice-cold beverage? Then the Brews Cruise tour of local Asheville microbreweries is for you! There are different tour options based on the day you want to tour, and the breweries have their own unique spin on the beer-making process. Tickets cost $50 to $55 and tours last about three hours. Visit www. ashevillebrewscrusie.com for more information.
Harness your inner adventurer as you zip line across Asheville Treetop Adventure Park. Enjoy numerous obstacles, free-climbing walls and even a kayak zip line for $44.
Visit www.ashevilletreetopsadventurepark.com for more information.
Where to stay: Clean, modern and sweet as can be, the Sweet Peas Hostel on Rankin Avenue makes for a stay for the books. This spot offers dorms, private pods and private rooms, all equipped with free Wi-Fi and linens. Fetch your free cup of coffee in the morning in a fully furnished kitchen and hit the town! Prices start at $28 per night. (www.sweetpeashostel.com)
Savannah, G.A.
Only a two-and-a-half hour drive, Savannah is not a place to brush off. Rich in history, beauty and southern splendor, Savannah caters to those who love a little something different.
What to do: Hop on a trolley to tour “America’s Most Haunted City”. This nighttime ghost tour takes you through the haunting history of Savannah and the spirits that lurk its streets. Tickets are $23 and tours last about an hour. Visit www.ghostsandgravestones.com for tour and ticket information.
Kayak along the beautiful Georgia coast! Sea Kayak Georgia offers tours and rental kayaks that take you through a network of peaceful estuaries that are perfect for any nature-lover. While you’re at it, shake things up a bit and have a picnic on the water. Rental times vary from 3 hours to 10 hours (all-day) and prices from $30-$50. Visit www.seakayakgeorgia.com for more information.
Where to stay: Unlike Charleston and Asheville, a clean and cheap hostel is not as easy to come by in Savannah. However, many hotel chains as well as independent owners have taken advantage of the Savannah setting, and utilized its historic buildings to create some of the most unique inns around. The Inn at Ellis Square, located in the heart of town, gives you history, comfort and convenience for as little as $90 per night. (www.innatellissquare.com)
Where to eat, drink and play: Much like Asheville, there are too many great restaurants and bars to narrow it down to just one or two. Savannah is a wonderful city to explore. Areas other than the tourist frenzied River Street, such as Habersham, Broughton and Congress streets offer a number of fun places to eat, drink and dance the night away. Molly Macpherson’s Scottish Pub and Grill, located on Congress Street, serenades you with live music as you dig into home-style Scottish pub food and a perfectly chilled beer for under $20.
Charleston, S.C.
A mere two hours away, this southern gem, much like Savannah, is draped in history and culture, and offers endless opportunities to make any weekend a memorable one.
What to do: If you are looking for an eating experience that changes things up, sign up for a cooking class at Charleston Cooks!, where you are taught the ins and outs of making one tasty meal. Classes vary by what cuisine is being made, and tickets cost between $25 and $60. For class information, visit charlestoncooks.com
Tour the pubs of Charleston “pirate-style” on the Charles-Towne Pub Stroll. Guided by pirates and colonists, you will hear stories about Charleston during the Prohibition era, and learn about drinking habits from back in the day all while enjoying hearty pub food and brews. The walking tour lasts about three hours, and costs $20. Visit www.charlestonpiratetour.com
Where to stay: The NotSo Hostel in Charleston is an excellent way to save money without sacrificing comfort. Located on Spring Street, this one-of-a-kind spot offers dorms and private rooms, a tasty bagel breakfast, free Wi-Fi and even free linens. Crash in your dorm for only $26 per night. (NotSoHostel.com)
Where to eat, drink and play: The famous King Street is lined from one end to the other with every type of cuisine for just the right price. As there are many fine dining restaurants that cost an entire paycheck-and-half for one meal, there are a ton of cheaper options that are just as tasty, if not better. Check out the Happy Hour specials at places like The Macintosh, Fish Restaurant, and Rue De Jean, where drink deals are constantly flowing and entrees are no more than $20.
