Some destinations shine in a weekend sprint. But others come alive when you stop rushing and surrender to their pace.
In Savannah, Boone, and Naples, you’ll find that adapting to the local rhythm means slowing down, staying put, and letting local character color your stay.
Destination 1: Savannah, Georgia
Downtown Savannah’s small footprint means you can pack a lot into 48 hours. Speed walk the two-square-mile Historic District, shop for art and jewelry at River Street’s boutiques, and brave a ghost tour through Savannah’s haunted cemeteries.
But Savannah is a genteel, romantic sort of place, more about atmosphere than checking boxes. With an extra day or two, you can get lost in quiet squares, historic residential streets, and luxurious meals that last all night.
What Day 3 Unlocks in Savannah
Instead of a bagel to-go, give breakfast its due at Foxy Loxy Café, a bakery & Tex-Mex cantina with a pretty ivy-lined courtyard. Fuel up with iced horchata and a sausage scramble burrito!
Don’t rush through Forsyth Park on your way somewhere else! Take a leisurely stroll under the oak trees, draped with tendrils of Spanish moss. The beautiful 30’ fountain dates back to 1858, and it’s the ideal spot for people-watching.
Don’t try to see everything—pick just one of Savannah’s innovative museums to explore properly. The SCAD Museum of Art exhibits boundary-pushing works of sculpture, collage, and photography. Or explore the marvelous Jepson Center, a striking building of curves, light, and floating walkways. Inside, you’ll find highlights from the Telfair Museum’s modern art collection.
Back on Savannah’s lush boulevards, explore historic neighborhoods with no destination in mind. Jones Street is a particular gem—red brick sidewalks, wrought-iron details, and street-side gardens that lead to stunning 19th-century mansions.
When evening arrives, settle in for a feast. Relaxed gastropub Cotton & Rye makes traditional eats the slow way. Savor standout shrimp and grits and crispy fried chicken in a casual atmosphere best enjoyed with friends. For a more luxurious affair, head to Local 11ten Food | Wine for seasonal farm-to-table fare. Linger over spicy mussels or a grilled ribeye at intimate candle-lit tables that invite whispered conversation.
Wrap up your day at Leopold’s Ice Cream, a local favorite since 1919. Don’t get your scoop to-go…pick a song on the jukebox and share an old-fashioned banana split while you peruse old photos and movie posters on the walls.
Where to Stay in Savannah
Two-time MICHELIN Key recipient Perry Lane Hotel brings Savannah’s sophistication into the modern day. Enjoy slow afternoons by the rooftop pool, midday naps after exploring the Historic District, and patio cocktails overlooking the city at sunset.
Soak up the city’s riverfront energy and vibrant nightlife at The Alida, just steps from the restaurants, shops, and bars of River Street. Explore the city on complimentary bicycles, or wander through the park squares of north Savannah.
The Gastonian combines two 1868 homes into one stunning mansion, with exposed brick and marble fireplaces. Savor the fresh daily breakfast before going out for a romantic stroll around nearby Forsyth Park.
Destination 2: Boone, North Carolina
There are plenty of reasons to visit Boone, the “Heart of the High Country.” Spectacular views from the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway draw visitors from around the world, while Appalachian hikes wow with waterfalls, rocky outcrops, and sensational overlooks.
But since so much of Boone’s beauty is outdoors, a day of inclement weather can quickly derail your plans. So give yourself a little extra time to take in the views, explore charming mountain towns, and indulge in the wild side of Appalachian dining.
What Day 3 Unlocks in Boone
Instead of jumping straight into your itinerary, start slow at a local café. Espresso News has that classic, cozy coffee shop vibe with big windows overlooking downtown—perfect for a latte and a homemade blueberry muffin. Or try bright and modern Hatchet Coffee Roasters on the east side of town, where you can plan your day over a hearty breakfast burrito and seasonal cinnamon cappuccino.
Spend a mild morning enjoying an easy walk through the carriage trails at Moses H. Cone Memorial Park. These inviting paths lead through historic parkland, offering striking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and picturesque pastures. Or head to Price Lake Loop Trail, an approachable 2.3-mile path with spectacular scenery across the still water and up to Grandfather Mountain.
A longer visit leaves time to explore nearby mountain towns, too! In Blowing Rock, spend an afternoon at Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park complete with thrill rides and historic trains. Or discover local masterpieces on the Art & Sculpture Trail, with 16 unique stops from bronze statues to chainsaw-carved wooden animals.
For local history, visit Valle Crucis, an entire community on the National Register of Historic Places. Shop for classic candies, gifts, and a $0.05 cup of coffee at Mast General Store. Then soothe tired muscles in the wood-fired sauna at River Birch Nordic Sauna, followed by an invigorating cold plunge.
A local pint is the perfect afternoon mountain ritual. Grab a seat at Booneshine Brewing Company’s roomy beer garden and sip a High Country Honey amber ale, brewed with Sourwood honey. Or stay downtown at cozy brewpub Lost Province Brewing Co. A fruit-forward Hipster Juice hazy IPA tastes even better with views of Howard’s Knob from the upper deck.
Then drive up, up, up into the mountains for a luxurious dinner at Gamekeeper Restaurant. This 1950s-era stone cottage is now a cozy dining room with an adventurous menu…you might find grilled elk Denver leg, bison short ribs, or even emu fillet.
Where to Stay in Boone
Stay near the action at The Horton Hotel, a downtown boutique with a modern feel in a historic setting. Sweat out stress at the infrared sauna, sip a local pint at the rooftop bar with 360° views, and walk to the best of downtown Boone.
For that classic mountain retreat rhythm, Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock offers rustic warmth on 75 lakeside acres—plus a luxe spa, indoor pool, kayaks, and horseback rides through mountain trails.
Destination 3: Naples, Florida
No one thinks, “I want to rush through my sunny beach escape!” But a two-day stint in lovely Naples leaves you doing just that…watching the clock during your “relaxing” beach morning, speed running the luxurious shops on 5th Avenue South, and racing to catch your sunset catamaran.
Naples is all about the luxury of having nowhere else to be. Let a beach’s personality unfold over an entire day, linger over fresh Gulf seafood, and adapt your plans to whatever strikes your fancy—without feeling like you’ve missed out.
What Day 3 Unlocks in Naples
Naples puts a whopping 40 white sand beaches within reach, so don’t be satisfied with just one! Family-friendly Lowdermilk Park is a local gem, with a playground and sand volleyball courts to keep things lively. Or for a quieter beach day, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve, with 342 undeveloped acres. The beachfront here is a protected nature area, so you may spot tortoises or shorebirds while you lounge.
A longer stay also lets a single beach reveal itself across the hours. Watch the light slowly spread across the water at sunrise, and stroll the beach as the sun slowly sinks into the Gulf at sunset. The same stretch of sand becomes an entirely different experience.
Meals in Naples are meant to be savored. Linger over a lunch of house-made seafood tagliatelle and chilled pinot bianco in Campiello’s sunny courtyard, shaded by crisp white umbrellas. Or make the ocean your mealtime soundtrack with a resort-style lunch at Turtle Club, where blackened fish tacos are served right on the sand.
An extra day means you can venture into nature experiences beyond the beach. Walk the 2.25-mile boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, snaking through the towering forest of bald cypress trees. Or take a half-day Guided Swamp Walk to plunge right into the remote wet prairie and spot rare orchids, wildflowers, and aquatic wildlife.
With time on your side, let the dinner conversation take center stage. At USS Nemo, the fun submarine theme—portholes included—will give you something to talk about. The Miso Broiled Sea Bass with citrus-ginger butter sauce is a must-try!
Steak aficionados will be in their element at luxe steakhouse The Continental, tempted by Black Angus, Wagyu, and Piedmontese cuts. Cocktails poured from mysterious orbs, towers of chilled seafood, and caviar-topped soft serve will keep the conversation going.
Where to stay in Naples
For walkable access to Naples’ best dining and shopping, Inn on Fifth puts you in the heart of 5th Avenue South. Unwind by the rooftop pool between excursion days, pamper yourself at the onsite spa, and let the valet drive you to the nearby beach in a golf cart.
To go full resort mode, Naples Grande Beach Resort has everything on-site. Split your days between three pools, the resort beach, tennis courts, and watersports. You could easily spend half your stay soaking up resort amenities, then venture out to explore the rest of Naples.
