A Mini Road Trip Through the Charming South: Charlotte, Atlanta & Greenville

We are not a classic road trip family. One of our kids gets carsick if we even talk about winding roads. So when we travel by car, we keep it tight. This little loop through Charlotte, Atlanta, and Greenville was just right. No one melted down. Everyone had a favorite part. It was simple, manageable, and full of moments that made the effort feel worthwhile.

Charlotte

Our first stop was Charlotte, just two hours from home. We checked into the Grand Bohemian Charlotte and stayed in a King Suite that was beautifully decorated, spacious, and very clean. The hotel’s bold and glossy lobby definitely has a strong personality, but the room itself felt calm and comfortable.

Grand Bohemian Charlotte

Grand Bohemian Charlotte bathroom

There was a bit of a hiccup around our rollaway bed request that took some follow-up and eventually led to a room change. Everyone we spoke with was kind and helpful, and once we were settled, everything went smoothly.

That afternoon, we visited the Museum of Illusions, which was a fun and easy activity for all of us. We had lobster rolls at Sea Level, got pedicures for the birthday girl, and brought snacks back to the room. We took turns soaking in the tub, watched a movie, and had a quiet night in.

Atlanta

Next up was Atlanta, where we spent two nights at the Hyatt Centric Buckhead. From the moment we arrived, the hotel felt fresh, modern, and welcoming. Our connecting rooms were spacious and well laid out for our family. The location worked really well. It was directly across from the mall, surrounded by restaurants, and only a short drive to downtown attractions like the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca Cola. The hotel also offers a complimentary house car within a one-mile radius, which is a nice touch.

Hyatt Centric Buckhead Atlanta lobby

On our first evening, we ate dinner at Terranea, a great Italian spot with gluten-free options for me and excellent pizza for everyone else. Afterward, we explored the Buckhead area on foot. The walk was longer than expected and involved crossing a busy road, so we took an Uber back to the hotel. Once we returned, we wandered through the mall across the street and picked up a few extra shirts for our youngest, who had already gone through more than we packed thanks to a ketchup mishap.

The next morning, we picked up breakfast from Hell Yeah Gluten Free Bakery, then headed downtown to the Georgia Aquarium. This was the whole reason for the trip, and it completely lived up to expectations. We spent a few hours learning about whale sharks, enjoying the exhibits, and watching the dolphin show. It was educational and engaging, and we are already talking about going back for one of their special experiences (swimming with whale sharks!) in the future.

After the aquarium, we walked across the green to the World of Coca Cola. It was not a highlight. We stayed about 30 minutes, half of which was spent in the tasting room. It is not something we would do again, but it was fine to experience once.

That evening, we walked to Flower Child for dinner, located in a cute plaza right near the hotel. After dinner, we wandered around the area a bit before heading back. We ended the day by taking the kids swimming in the hotel pool, which was the perfect way to wind down.

Greenville

Our final stop was Greenville and it was perfect. After being in two busy cities, we enjoyed slowing down. We stayed at the Grand Bohemian Lodge, which is tucked along the river with direct access to Falls Park. The location could not have been better. We stayed in the Falls Park Suite, which had a beautiful view and a peaceful, cozy atmosphere. The only thing worth noting is that our bedroom wall backed up to the gym. Even with white noise, we could hear the sound of weights in the early morning, so light sleepers might want to request a different room.

Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville

The view from our suite in Falls Park, Greenville

The hotel itself is full of charm, with a fire always burning in the lobby, curated artwork everywhere you look, and giant stunning crystals placed throughout. There are no resort-style extras here, but that is kind of the point. It is a perfect base for enjoying Greenville as it is.

We spent the afternoon walking along the trails, watching a live theater performance in the park, and exploring shops nearby. We had dinner at Green Fetish, a casual place with customizable bowls that worked well for all of us. It was so good that we went back again the next morning for brunch before hitting the road home.

Final thoughts

Four nights. Three cities. One aquarium birthday wish. This trip was exactly what we hoped it would be. A quick getaway with plenty to do and just enough room to slow down together. We would absolutely do this again.

Keep your drive times short and your plans flexible. Each of these cities has its own rhythm, so leave space to explore beyond the itinerary. If you have kids, pack extra shirts and snacks even for short trips. In Atlanta, consider using ride shares or the hotel car service instead of walking busy roads. In Greenville, slow down and walk the trails. The waterfall, live music, and park atmosphere make it feel special without trying too hard. Most of all, remember that a short trip can still feel full if you’re doing it together.

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