6 Babymoon Destinations Within Driving Distance

Since finding out you’re pregnant, your days have been filled with doctors appointments, preparing the nursery, reading baby books, attending classes, and spending time with your friends and family. But, sometimes, you just want a bit of one-on-one time with your significant other before the new addition joins your family.

Don’t worry, you’re not alone. In fact, wanting a vacation before your little bun leaves the oven is a completely normal desire and is what many expectant moms call a ‘babymoon’, or honeymoon for soon-to-be parents! And it’s possible to get away safely even with COVID-19 guidelines in place if you take some precautions.

Although there are thousands of places to have a babymoon, depending on your budget and how far along you are in your pregnancy, you may opt for a destination that is relatively close to home. We have compiled six of the best babymoon destinations within driving distance. So, pick your destination, pack the essentials, check COVID guidelines, and head out for a vacation of rest and relaxation before the big day!

1. Corolla, North Carolina (Estimated Driving Distance: 5 Hours)

Who doesn’t simply adore the feeling of sand between their toes and the view of a stunning sunset by the beach? In the Outer Banks region of Corolla you can expect just that—and more! Not to mention the stunning sight of wild mustangs which inhabit many of these beaches and run across the sand freely. The Currituck Beach Lighthouse provides visitors with an opportunity to stand at the very top and look out at the beautiful water and beaches below.

2. Asheville, North Carolina (Estimated Driving Distance: 3 Hours)

If you prefer the stunning mountainous terrain of southwestern North Carolina, then Asheville is the perfect place for your babymoon vacation. Nestled within the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the perfect destination to unplug and take in the scenery. While you’re there, take time to explore Biltmore Estate–America’s largest home built by George Vanderbilt. The Chateauesque-style mansion is situated on a beautiful 8,000-acre property with lush gardens. Asheville is also home to several museums including the Asheville Art Museum, Asheville Pinball Museum and the Asheville Museum of Science. Be sure to check out the River Arts District for a night full of beautiful ceramic work, metal work, fabric work, and various other paintings all before enjoying some of the local music and vibrant nightlife. For a more relaxing babymoon, book a spa treatment at the Omni Grove Park Inn whose 43,000-square-foot subterranean spa features cavernous rock walls, arches and tunnels, numerous mineral-based pools, and two therapeutic waterfall pools as well as a lap pool blanketed with 6,500 fiber-optic stars and underwater music.

3. Charleston, South Carolina (Estimated Driving Distance: 5 Hours)

Recently voted America’s #1 Small City for the eighth consecutive year by Condé Nast Traveler, Charleston truly offers something for everyone–from history and culture to food and charm. Twice a year, the city hosts Charleston Restaurant Week–the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the world-renowned cuisine of Charleston chefs with prix fixe lunch and dinner menus. Step back in time with a visit to one of the regions historic plantations and gardens, including Boone Hall Plantation which served as one of the filming locations for the movie The Notebook. Explore the sights with a harbor tour or by horse-drawn carriage, or relax on one of the area’s beautiful beaches. But, choose carefully because there’s no way you can explore all that Charleston has to offer in a single weekend. You’re guaranteed to leave wanting to come back for more.

4. Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia (Estimated Driving Distance: 2 Hours)

A short drive over the border in central Virginia is Smith Mountain Lake. Located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s the second largest body of freshwater in Virginia. There are resorts, condos, hotels, bed and breakfasts, cabins and campgrounds to suit whatever your vacation style may be. Enjoy fishing, swimming and hiking at Smith Mountain Lake State Park, or explore the areas countless antique shops for unique treasures to bring home. If you’re more of a history buff, check out this sample itinerary that includes a collection of museums and historical sites such as Historic Smithfield Plantation, Booker T. Washington National Monument and Homestead Creamery–known throughout the Southeast for its delicious ice cream.

5. Chapel Hill, North Carolina (Estimated Driving Distance: 30 Minutes)

Chapel Hill, located in north central North Carolina is the perfect spot for small town yet history-enriched babymoon travelers. With gorgeous streets and historic buildings surrounded by trees and flowers, this big town with a small town feel is perfect for rest and relaxation seekers. The Carolina Inn offers a romance package perfect to help you reconnect before the arrival of your new baby. The iconic hotel was built in 1924 and blends elements of antebellum Southern plantation homes with Georgian and neoclassical features. It features an on-site gourmet restaurant and near the North Carolina Botanical Garden and Ackland Art Museum. With over 250 shops, businesses, and restaurants to choose from, the Franklin Street downtown area is something you surely won’t want to miss.

6. Carolina Beach, North Carolina (Estimated Driving Distance: 3.5 Hours)

If Corolla sounded appealing, but you’re looking for a babymoon destination a little closer to home, consider a trip to Carolina Beach. Close to Wilmington, on one of the barrier islands, Carolina Beach is perfect for beach lovers and babymooners alike. With a more traditional look and feel, Carolina Beach is known for their beautiful and historic boardwalk full of quaint shops, restaurants, carnival games, amusement park rides, and other food stands boasting various local treats. Head over to Fort Fisher where you can take a step back in time and visit a Civil-War era historic site or the North Carolina Aquarium where you can learn more about the beautiful wildlife found in the region.

Know Before You Go

With six babymoon destinations within driving distance to choose from, we hope you carve out the time to rest and recharge during your pregnancy. Before you go, make sure you talk to your physician at Kernodle OB/GYN about tips for traveling while pregnant including how frequently to stop and stretch.

As with any time you travel during pregnancy, be sure to request a copy of your medical records from our office to take with you in the event you need to seek care at your destination. Wherever you choose to babymoon, remember, your dedicated care team at Kernodle OB/GYN is just a phone call away.