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Today we’re hearing from Robb Wells, the President + CEO at the Greater Beaufort - Port Royal Convention and Visitors Bureau.

As summer begins to wind down, it’s time to start planning your last weekend getaway for the season. Labor Day is next weekend – and it’s the perfect time of year to slot one last taste of summer into that blank space on your calendar before autumn leaves start falling down and cool weather begins again.

A waterfront weekend is hard to beat, but sometimes planning can be stressful – we know the feeling all too well. Fortunately, these small, Southern towns speak for themselves with the perfect mix of energetic activity and leisure built to help you recharge. To help plan for the perfect end-of-season escape, here are four destinations to make sure you say goodbye to summer in style.

🚘 Beaufort, SC
⏰ ~1.5 hours from Charleston

Home to Spanish moss-lined streets dating as early as 4,000 B.C., Beaufort is the perfect getaway just a short drive from Charleston. Downtown Bay Street is filled with eateries, shops and Southern-made décor that is easy to enjoy while sipping on a Sweet Tea Float from Scout Southern Market—a Beaufort specialty. Plus, a variety of activities make adventure easy to find. Get your outdoor fix with both walking and bike-friendly paths on Woods Memorial Bridge – home to Forrest Gump for a famous stand-in scene – or with a leisurely walk through Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Once you’re ready to venture out of the woods, nothing beats Beaufort views from the water. Book a kayak, stand up paddleboard or sunset cruise to see the city limits seaside. Foodies, history junkies and outdoorsmen alike will love calling Beaufort home for the weekend with its quaint culture and charming presence.

Reynolds Lake Oconee | Photo provided by Reynolds Lake Oconee

🚘 Reynolds Lake Oconee
⏰ ~4 hours from Charleston

Located just 90 miles east of Atlanta, Reynolds Lake Oconee is home to 21 miles of walking trails, Georgia’s second-largest lake and an on-site Ritz-Carlton that compliments the beautiful lake and golf community. With four marinas, easy boat rentals and waterfront activities offered daily, Lake Oconee is perfect for families who love an idyllic weekend at the on the water. Sandy Creek Sporting Grounds sits on 100 acres of land to provide a one-of-a-kind experience during a relaxing weekend. Plus, the surrounding city of Greensboro, G.A. is always heading fun activities for its residents and visitors.

🚘 Fripp Island, SC
⏰ ~2 hours from Charleston

Only miles in size, Fripp Island is a great destination to escape the bustle of everyday life and the ideal spot to get away with family before busy fall schedules kick in. Park your car and hop in a golf cart to one of the many activities that Fripp has to offer including paddle boarding, yoga and even paddleboard yoga! Yes, you heard correctly – paddling out to the creek, anchoring the board and doing a series of yoga positions on a paddleboard. From horseback riding on the coast to playing a round of golf in the Lowcountry marshes and all of Fripp’s active wildlife, this small island town will steal your heart in just a few short days.

🚘 Hunting Island State Park
⏰ ~2 hours from Charleston

Prideful in housing the only publicly accessible lighthouse in South Carolina, Hunting Island welcomes visitors with open arms. Put on your walking shoes to enjoy an educational climb up 167 spiral steps to the top, where you’ll take in a panoramic view of the Atlantic coast and lush Beaufort forestry. With over 100 amenity-packed campsites on-site, it’s easy to understand why Hunting Island is the most visited state parks in South Carolina. Complete with a peaceful marsh boardwalk, a nature center, 70 miles of hiking trails and a beach to collect seashells or go blue crab hunting, Hunting Island State Park will keep you busy and calm on your final summer adventure.

Get out there and seize the summer day, Charleston.

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