The 10 Best Places For A Multigenerational Vacation, According To Our Readers

Multigenerational Vacation Destinations — Photo:
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Traveling is a million times sweeter when shared with people you love. So it’s fitting that multigenerational trips have the potential to be some of the most memorable, rewarding, and meaningful experiences of your life. Seeing the sparkle in your children’s eyes as they experience something new is a joy in and of itself, but when you get to share that delight with the people who put that same sparkle in your eye, the effect is magnified. When it comes to family vacations, the more the merrier is a perfectly noble sentiment. However, in practice, it can be quite tricky to pull off. When you’ve got travelers ranging in age from 1 to 91 (coming from multiple households no less), finding that perfect balance of activity, rest, and perhaps most importantly space, can be challenging. If you’re gearing up for a big family reunion or want a change of scenery for Thanksgiving this year, take a note from our readers and plan a multigenerational vacation at one of these Southern destinations.

Black Mountain or Asheville, North Carolina

Boat house in the fall, Asheville, North Carolina, USA — fotoMonkee/Getty Images

The mountains around Black Mountain, North Carolina and Asheville, North Carolina are a popular spot for our readers, who love the option to house everyone under one roof by renting a sizable cabin in the woods. Said one reader, “We keep it kind of simple. We do a lot of hiking around, front porch rocking and laughing, playing games by the fire, cooking together, and eating around a big table.” Since the craft beer and dining capital of Asheville and the small-town wonder of Black Mountain are located within 20 minutes of each other, visitors get a three-in-one, choose-your-own-adventure experience that includes a city, a small town, and the great outdoors.

Savannah, Georgia

Loads of our readers recommended a vacation in the Hostess City of the South, also known as Savannah, Georgia. They praised the riverfront charmer for its excellent restaurants, fun night life, historical attractions, and the fact that you can find a beach just down the road in Tybee Island. One thing the entire family will love? Catching a Savannah Bananas game at Grayson Stadium. We guarantee no one will want to miss a second of this highly entertaining, highly acrobatic version of America’s Pastime. Tickets include all-you-can-eat concession goodies, which means everyone can get their fill of hot dogs, popcorn, and cookies without breaking the bank either.

Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, Alabama

Alabama’s neighboring Gulf Coast beach towns have long been a favorite family vacation destination. Their accessibility, affordability, and versatility made them slam dunks for readers looking for a place to bring the entire crew. Rent a house or book a multi-room condo unit, then set up for a week of fun in the sun. Adventurous families might venture for camping at Gulf State Park. If tents are a bit outside the group’s comfort zone, cabins, cottages, and rooms at the lodge are also options.

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Destinations that prioritized cozy cabins in the woods were a common theme for our readers, who time and time again named Gatlinburg as a top place for trips with the extended family. Of course home rentals are abundant in Gatlinburg, Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and the rest of the area surrounding Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, but readers were also impressed with how much there is to do in the area. “It had something for everyone!” one reader who brought her blended family to the area remarked. “There was hiking, shopping, amusement parks, an aquarium, and good food.”

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Hilton Head, SC puts your sand in the toes as the 2017 eclipse comes to an end. Rachid Dahnoun/Aurora/Getty Images

We already know sand and surf are a top priority for Southern vacationers, but of all the beach destinations across our region (especially in Florida), Hilton Head Island remains a beloved favorite. The island is home to 12 miles of uninterrupted shoreline, where little ones can play in the sand, go shell hunting, or splash around in the waves. Away from the water, the destination is home to some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. There’s also great boutique shopping, waterfront dining, and easy access to boat charters to keep everyone happy.

Jekyll Island, Georgia

The southernmost of Georgia’s renowned Golden Isles, Jekyll Island brings the best of the worlds as both a resort town and a state park. It’s a wonderful place to get acquainted with the natural world via ecotours ranging from kayak trips to ranger walks where you can learn about the area’s flora and fauna. Family member of all ages can appreciate the oddly beautiful landscapes at Driftwood Beach, and will love going shark tooth and fossil hunting at Sharktooth Beach.

Cape Charles, Virginia

Cape Charles Is The Best Little Beach Town in Virginia

Hailed as an “old-fashioned beach town” by one reader, Cape Charles is the kind of nostalgic vacation destination that families return to year after year. It’s a place where people rent the same home for the same week every year, and where they patron to their favorite seafood shacks and ice cream shops with fierce loyalty, too. Full of homes and buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, Cape Charles has maintained its Mayberry sensibilities despite venturing into the modern world. Families with little ones can rest easy knowing their youngest members can splash around in safe tide pools, and everyone can get around on a golf cart.

Helen, Georgia

This North Georgia mountain town was another frequent response from readers who praised the Alpine-themed destination’s charm and variety of attractions. While most folks opted for a rental home, a block of rooms at the expansive Valhalla Resort is another great option for families seeking amenities and the option to retreat to their own personal spaces. One reader suggested a number of multigen-friendly activities like floating down the Chattahoochee River, hiking to waterfalls, going gem mining, and visiting the famous Cabbage Patch Kids factory.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Tennessee - North Chick Blue Hole in Chattanooga — Courtesy of Visit Chattanooga

Similar to Asheville, where you get all the benefits of a city alongside the beauty of a gorgeous outdoor destination, Chattanooga continues to surprise and delight visitors. It was named our Best All-Around Place to Retire last year, so it’s proven to offer plenty for grandparents and older adults to enjoy. On top of that, there are a million ways to keep kids busy including a fabulous children’s museum, an incline railway ride to the top of Lookout Mountain, an underground waterfall at Ruby Falls, the Tennessee Aquarium, and incredible rock formations and trails at Rock City.

Corolla, North Carolina

Photo of Corolla Beach Houses on the NC Outer Banks — Photo Credit: John Greim / Getty Images

With 15 towns and villages sprinkled across roughly 200 miles, there’s plenty of room to spread out in the Outer Banks. The entire area is a dream destination, but our readers shouted out the town of Corolla particularly as one of their favorite places. Famous for its wild horses, nature preserves, and historic lighthouse, it makes a stunning backdrop for a week of memory making with your family. One reader reported that 19 of their family members, ranging in age from 6 to in their 70s, shared a house in Corolla and “had a ball!”

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