Places to Visit around Charlotte, NC (25-Dec to 27-Dec, 2009) (Asheville: house, restaurants)

[1Light]

Hi All,

I need some suggestions on places to visit in and around Charlotte, NC between 25-Dec to 27-Dec, 2009.

Background:
We are a newly married couple and would like to know the best places to visit around Charlotte area. I am willing drive up to 5 hrs (one way) from Charlotte.

Suggestion for:
We would prefer to go to places where we can take a stroll, has scenic view of nature – like garden, mountains, water falls, beach etc, preferably where we can relax ourselves from all the city hustle and bustle, kind of a weekend getaway. Please suggest any best places considering the holiday time, weather and the time of the year.

Please let me know your suggestions.

[ex-burgher]

If you don't mind the cold, I would consider driving to Blowing Rock which has lots of shops and restaurants. You could take a winter hike around Julian Price Lake if the trail is open. Not much else in the way of nature at this time of year.
Another suggestions is the Congaree National Park by Columbia, SC. Its a large wetland with boardwalk trails:
Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
I was there in the winter once and it was nice.

If you are willing to drive 4-5 hours and want slightly warmer weather, you could go to Charleston, Savannah or Hilton Head. Check the weather: it's supposed to be pouring rain on Christmas.

[1Light]

Thank you for the reply. I heard about Smokey Mountains and Ashvielle, how about these places to visit.

[hedmed2000]

Might want to try the Biltmore House and Asheville. Biltmore House is always fun, especially at Christmas. Lots of things to do in Asheville also and lots of nature, etc.

[1Light]

Thank you for the reply. Any more suggestions, please let me know.