Pregnant in the QC: 5 places to have the perfect babymoon within 2 hours of Charlotte
Over the coming weeks, CharlotteFive writer Liz Logan will be sharing her thoughts on being pregnant in Charlotte, from where to eat, places to go out and finding a group of mom friends. Have questions or column ideas? Email Liz at lizloganeagle@gmail.com. Read her previous stories about finding your supportive ‘mom tribe,’ places to satiate your pregnancy cravings, four options for getting out of the house and having a little fun before the baby comes, and how to save money by buying things secondhand.
It’s almost here. Your due date has been looming over you the past few months. And while you’ve been doing important stuff like planning your nursery, deciding on baby names, making birth plans and picturing what the rest of your life will look like with someone whom you can claim as a dependent on your tax forms, now is the ideal time not to forget about you and your boo.
Just because you’re bringing a baby into this world doesn’t mean your world has to stop or suddenly begin revolving around this tiny adorable tyrant that hasn’t even been born yet. This is the perfect time for a babymoon.
The idea behind a babymoon is to keep you calm and centered, to remember life before all things baby, and to reconnect with your partner before things change forever. Here are five spots in or within two hours of Charlotte where you can have a relaxing weekend before the baby arrives.
(1) Asheville Glamping
I must admit I initially felt a bit basic for this one, but that changed after talking with Joanna Cahill from Asheville Glamping. A short two-hour drive from Charlotte, Asheville Glamping is a gorgeous and whimsical space for a vacation rental. Like any other rental, you’ll need to prep for meals, which is perfect for cravings-specific moms-to-be.
“Babymoons are becoming a popular concept,” Cahill said, “and people who stay with us appreciate a playful place to stay.”
Starting at around $100 per night, these private rentals are anything but typical, and with three properties (one in Alexander and two in Asheville), you’re just minutes from the food, fun and all Asheville has to offer.
(2) Downtown Greenville, S.C.
If you haven’t taken the 1 hour and 40-minute trek down I-85 to Greenville, S.C., now is the time, my friend. Greenville is great for a day trip and even better for a few nights to get away for some adult time. With tons of restaurants, coffee shops, ice cream shops and shopping, Greenville gets you out of the city and into a smaller town with tons of amenities. There are plenty of places to stay — cabins, hotels, camping — and the Greenville tourism website can guide you to the best possible spot for you.
(3) Airbnb Charleston
One of the best things I did for myself during this pregnancy was take a solo trip down to Charleston. I stayed in a private room in a quiet neighborhood and enjoyed the silence and the city before I got too pregnant to drive three hours or to be alone without fear of impending labor. Using Airbnb is incredible, for those who forget it exists, because of the privacy of the rentals. You’ll need to plan to hit up the grocery store, though, or just eat out for every meal at the many amazing restaurants Charleston has to offer.
(4) Biltmore Inn
Go ahead and treat yo’self with this one. You are about to have a BABY, for cripes’ sake — take some time to relax! This one is quite the splurge (rooms start at $149 right now) but worth every second and cent spent. Schedule a couples’ massage and enjoy fine dining in the inn’s restaurant or your room. Take advantage of valet parkng and laundry services — it’s the little things, really — and let someone else wait on you hand and foot before you begin doing the same for your new little babe.
(5) The Dunhill, Charlotte
Too far along to travel? Stay here in town! While it’s tempting to suggest the Ritz-Carlton or the Omni, the Dunhill is a Charlotte landmark that is perfect for your local babymoon. With beautiful and historic rooms (starting at around $149 a night), you’ll enjoy your city in a new light.
Sure, you could hit up uptown for dinner and head home, but why not go all out? Vacationing in your own city is a great way to be close to home (in case baby makes an early entrance) while getting to know your city a little better — and letting someone else make the beds and cook breakfast.
Photos: Courtesy of Asheville Glamping; Charlotte Observer file
This story was originally published January 24, 2017 at 9:07 PM with the headline "Pregnant in the QC: 5 places to have the perfect babymoon within 2 hours of Charlotte."