North Carolina, South Carolina Towns Named the Best to Escape the ‘Rat Race’

Small towns are such a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's really peaceful to escape to a place that embraces the quiet and peace, right? As it turns out, North Carolina and South Carolina have some of the best towns in America to escape the "rat race." If you're someone who wants a more peaceful life, you might want to check out these spots.

The study comes from Joyorganics.com. In it, they rank the 150 most sought-after towns and cities in the United States, for people who want to get away from the so-called "rat race." As they explain, "The desire to break free from the high-pressure demands of modern careers has been a common dream for many. As the pandemic brought in an era where remote work had become more accessible, many anticipated that a significant shift towards a more relaxed lifestyle would follow. However, the anticipated liberation did not fully materialize." To do the study, JoyOrganics.com surveyed 3,000 professionals.

The best city in America to escape the "rat race" is Kailua, Hawaii. Yes, please. What's more, "Located on Oahu, Kailua offers beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, and a laid-back atmosphere. It's ideal for a relaxed life away from the city's bustle," the publication states.

So, what about our state? Aiken, South Carolina, is No. 6 on the list, so a really great spot. "Known for its equestrian culture and historic charm, Aiken provides a unique blend of Southern hospitality, beautiful parks, and a vibrant downtown," Joyorganics.com states. Other South Carolina towns include Bluffton at No. 34, Georgetown at No. 38 and Greenville at No. 85. Also, when it comes to North Carolina, Asheville is No. 24 on the list, and Blowing Rock is No. 77. That's a pretty good showing for both North and South Carolina. Find the full list of 150 towns to escape to here.

It's never too early to start planning an exciting winter getaway, especially since the most popular winter vacation spots get booked up quickly. The good news, though, is that most people take vacations in the summer, so traveling in the winter can be a bit more relaxing. You are also able to usually find better travel rates during the winter season, except during the holidays. If you don't have to travel during the holidays, just don't, because it's a mess. So, what are the best winter getaways in the U.S.? North Carolina has one of them.

I've researched some of the most popular winter vacation destinations in hopes of finding the perfect spot. The following list includes not just sunny, warm getaways, but also some areas that people who love snow can enjoy. Honestly, many people who live in a warm climate like to flock to a snowy location for a bit during the winter to get that seasonal experience, even if that seems counter intuitive. Of course, those who live in the northern parts of America love to go to a warm spot and get away from their daily lives filled with snow and ice.

I'm a Michigan girl, so I'm very familiar with the cold and ice in the winter. Not that I like it. Each year, I say I'm going to escape, even if it's just for a few days, to a warmer location. But, I never do. Maybe this year will be different. Looking at vacation rates, it's fairly easy to find some good deals, again, if it's not during the holiday travel season. Read on for some of the bets winter getaways in the U.S., based on my research. What's your favorite winter vacation spot? Reach out to me on social media here and let me know. Have a fantastic winter, and stay warm.

If you're looking for a mild getaway, Savannah, Georgia, is a great choice. It's pretty mild in the winter, so not too cold or too hot. The Historic District is a popular winter vacation spot, too.

https://visitsavannah.com/

The beautiful area of Asheville, North Carolina, has plenty of gorgeous snowfall, and it's less dangerous than many other areas with snowfall. Lately, Asheville has one up in population, but it's still a popular tourist destination. One choice spot is the French Broad River, with lots of winter activities, breweries and restaurants.

https://www.exploreasheville.com/

If you want to enjoy a winter vacation and learn about history, Philadelphia is a great vacation spot. Sure, it's won't be like sunny Florida. But, Philly has lots of great museums and historical spots to enjoy indoors, while staying toasty.

https://www.visitphilly.com/

I know what you're thinking. Why go to Michigan in the winter? Well, if you love snow, then it's worth the trip. Traverse City, Michigan, is a quaint town, but it's big enough to have lots of things to do and places to stay. It's also cold in the winter but not as cold as, say the Dakotas.

https://www.traversecity.com/

If you want to get away from the snow and ice, go to Key West, Florida. It's considered one of the finest tropical spots in the U.S. during the winter months. Soak up the sun and have a margarita, because why not?

https://keywest.com/