By Veronica Wold
Hey parents, looking for a quick getaway to find the sanity your in-laws and kids misplaced? Here’s a quick guide to fast getaways within a five-hour radius from your living room.
For the World-Class Wine-and-Spa Crowd 
Chateau Elan Winery and Resort – Atlanta, Ga.
This location has everything you want including a world-class spa, a championship golf course, a fully functioning winery and so much more. Consider couples photos in the winery, a couple’s massage, a wine education event or dinner under the stars and recapture your connection.
Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation – Greensboro, Ga.
Ranked as a Travel + Leisure 500 World’s Best Hotels in 2015, this resort is lakefront luxury at its best. Spend your day in the 26,000 square foot spa sipping champagne while you experience a couple’s massage and pedicure. Spend your nights in feather beds with marble baths and European bath products.
For the Outdoorsy Types
Steinhatchee Landing Resort – Steinhatchee, Fla.
Cottages with amenities including a gas fireplace, Jacuzzi bathtub and a grill are available on a tree-lined lane close to the river. This is truly getting away from it all! Only three miles from the Gulf, you can bring your boat and dock on site, kayak, hunt, ride horses or take a leisurely stroll through the historic downtown area.
Mountain Top Inn and Resort – Warm Springs, Ga.
Located near Callaway Gardens at the top of Pine Mountain and just under four hours from Tallahassee is this romantic resort. Choose from a log cabin or a lodge room, with a Jacuzzi, rocking chairs and porches overlooking the valley. You’ll find a wild animal safari park, horseback riding and a little presidential history nearby.
For the I-Need-Solitude Folks
GreyWeld Inn – Cumberland Island, Ga.
Located just three and a half hours from Tallahassee, this romantic gem will win you over quickly if you truly want to unplug. The inn is on an undeveloped island with no phones, streetlights or stores. Wild horses run free and you can watch them grazing nearby; just don’t get too close.
Elizabeth Pointe Lodge – Fernandina Beach, Fla.
If that is too remote, consider staying at the beautiful Elizabeth Pointe Lodge and take in a sunset cruise to see Cumberland Island. The lodge was built in the 1800’s and is directly on the beach.
For a Beachy Escape
Watercolor Inn and Resort – Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
All 60 rooms in the main inn face the beach, and if you’re on the first floor, they come with private patios and Adirondack chairs. Upper floors have sunset views and walk-in showers surrounded by windows. It’s Southern hospitality meets beach romance with attendants catering to your every whim.
One Ocean Resort and Spa – Atlantic Beach, Fla.
This resort is located directly on the beach in a little known area near Jacksonville. The resort fee includes unlimited snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, complimentary steam pressing and shoe shining, a temperature controlled pool and more. The area is reminiscent of a small town with art galleries, bars, restaurants and locally owned shops. If you go, skip the popular seafood restaurant with the long wait and head to Ragtime. You won’t be disappointed!
Veronica Wold is a licensed travel consultant and owner of Effortless Travel. For more information about travel ideas close to home and around the world, visit effortlesstravel.net.
