Road Trips to Remember

Many of us are certainly ready to travel after a long break from normalcy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some will choose to resume life as usual and book a vacation without hesitation that includes roundtrip airfare. But others might feel more comfortable getting to that first post-sheltering in place destination via road trip. Rob Merlin (@smartflyerrob) with SmartFlyer compiled a list of his favorite places to drive to that don’t feel like it would take an eternity to get to!

1.  Stonewater Cove - It’s like finding Fiji in Missouri! Situated just a little farther west from Branson, Shell Knob is still on the beautiful Table Rock Lake. In just under five hours, you’ll uncover where rustic elegance meets modern luxury on Table Rock Lake. @stonewatercove

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! #stonewatercove #jmak #memorialdayweekend #privateretreat #tablerocklake #wildernessadventure #marktwainnationalforest #poolside #may29opening #relaxandunwind #ozarkmountains

2. Salamander Resort and Spa - June 18 is the day this lovely Virginia getaway reopens for the summer. Get there from St. Louis in about 12 hours and be ready to enjoy fine food, wine, wellness and authenticity. @salamanderresort

We are delighted to announce the re-opening of Salamander Resort & Spa on June 18. Following the guidance of local and state officials, we have developed Our Commitment To Well-Being, which you can read in our bio. We have missed you and are looking forward to once again making memories with and for you. #SalamanderMoments #SalamanderExperience #LoveLoudoun #VisitVirginia

3. Nemacolin Woodlands Resort - This luxury resort is just ten hours from St. Louis, located on a beautiful landscape of 2,000 acres in Southwest Pennsylvania. The resort has spa, golf, shooting, fishing, a Wildlife Academy and skiing in the winter. @nemacolin

4.  Primland Resort - The Virginia mountains are calling! Just eleven hours from St. Louis, Primland Resort is about simple pleasures in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountain focused on luxury and nature. @primlandresort

Help us celebrate your favorite moments at Primland by participating in the Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Readers' Choice Awards! Simply select Primland under the Hotels & Resorts category and answer a few brief questions about your most cherished moments in the Virginia mountains. The survey closes Tuesday, June 30, 2020, so be sure to cast your vote via the link in our bio! . . #Primland #PrimlandResort #Hotels #CondeNast #Virginia #VirginiaMountains #VisitVA

5.  Sea Island - A personal favorite of both Rob Merlin and Sophisticated Living, this oasis is a little farther but so worth the drive. In just under 14 hours, you’ll arrive in the southeastern coast of Georgia where you’ll be greeted with five miles of private beaches, tennis, a Yacht Club, Shooting School, and Camp Cloister.  @seaisland

Sea Island is re-opening its guest resort operations with Cottage rentals on June 5, The Lodge on June 10 and The Cloister on June 11! We now understand the excitement that our team must have felt when they opened the doors of The Cloister in 1928. Join us at the link in bio as we highlight our tradition of providing Gracious Hospitality for over 90 years.

6. Kiawah Resort - Not too far from Sea Island but also about 13.5 hours from St. Louis you’ll find Kiawah Island, SC. Restaurants serve food with local ingredients, there are two oceanfront pools, a spa, and five golf courses. @kiawahresort

Who's ready for a dip in the pool?! 😎 ☀️ Night Heron Family Pool opens for the season today, and Night Heron Children's Pool will open on Sunday, March 15th!

7. Inn at Perry Cabin - Guests are already staying again at this getaway, situated 14 hours from St. Louis in St. Michaels, Maryland. Turndown service includes freshly baked cookies, the spa uses local ingredients and you spend time relaxing in Adirondack chairs. @innatperrycabin 

Smiling faces and birthday celebrations as we welcome the Blume Family; our first guests to the reopening of Inn at Perry Cabin. Happy Birthday, Mr. Blume! Thank you and your family for celebrating this special occasion with us! We are honored to welcome you.

8.  La Cantera - Open for guests! It’s a bit more of a trek but tack this 14 hour trip onto another stop and enjoy Texas Hill Country. It has golf, 12 restaurants and bars, pools, cabanas and a spa.  @lacanteraresort

Three words that never felt better to say: WE ARE OPEN! Check out our last post for details about our Clean Touch initiative and what to expect around the resort this week. #lacanteraresort #visitsanantonio #visittexas #texashillcountry #travel #resort

9. Ritz Reynolds - It’s paradise wherever you go at Lake Oconee, just ten hours from St. Louis. Guests golf, fish, shop and spend time in the lake. @ritzcarltonreynoldslakeoconee@staceycoco 

Find paradise wherever you go via @zalexanderphotography #rcmemories #lakelife #ritzcarlton #lakeoconee #sunset #sky #lake #travel

10. Four Seasons Resort Dallas - It’s hard to believe Dallas is just ten hours from St. Louis. So pack up the athletic gear and use the golf courses, pools and sports facilities to relax. For a more exclusive and private experience, inquire about the stunning villas available.  @fsdallas@fdoulcet

Today we welcome back our @FourSeasons family. Our villas are open and we invite you to come experience our spacious and safe environment. As a part of our LEAD WITH CARE program, we have enhanced procedures to protect the health and safety of our guests, members and employees. So come avoid the crowds, play a round of golf, tennis, or simply relax by the pool with a cocktail before enjoying a great meal at @LAWRestaurant. We're ready when you are!