Weather can still be iffy in February in the mountains of VA, NC, etc, so I would avoid somewhere like the Biltmore in Asheville. How about Charleston, Hilton Head, Greenville, SC, or Savannah. You could also go to Wilmington or Outer Banks.

Wilmington or Outer Banks will probably still be cold. Not much fun on the beach. I'd second Charleston or Savannah.

Well, if kids are coming (which I’d nix if it were *my* birthday, lol) it changes the entire dynamic. I would do something more active like skiiing...you could do Snowshoe or Sugar Mountain. Or I’d fly somewhere much warmer AND had things for kids to do like Beaches at Turks and Caicos or something. Nothing ruins a trip more than having to entertain bored teens! If no kids....totally Charleston. Golfing or shopping or touring during the day...amazing restaurants at night...yup.

It depends on where you're from as to where a destination might be. I'd think about LA/San Diego.

Call me crazy, but Disneyland in Orlando if kids are included. The places you are suggesting would not be a February destination for me.

If this is for THIS February, you might have problems with reservations.

Disney World in Feb would be nightmarish due to school vacations, and really the last place I’d want to be for my 50th bday (sorry eld, no judgment just IMO).

I’d leave the kids home and go to Savannah or Charleston. I’ve been to both places in March and the weather was warm (for a Bostonian!). So many great restaurants and rooftop bars, etc...

Or maybe Nashville? Lots of fun to be had there as well.

Teens would love Universal better than Disney. My sister and I had a great time a couple of years ago.

Although we are in a cold snap now, last year February was like April in terms of weather, so the NC/SC coasts could be nice. But then again maybe NOT! A couple of years ago my regional conference in Greenville SC mid-February was canceled because it was too hazardous for everyone to travel. There were 1,000 attendees who had to be refunded. The Carolinas are NOT good with snow removal and do not have the large fleets of trucks that are available up north. If it snows, we get a snow day and at least it melts quickly. That winter storm was an exception for sure. Last year we had no snow days. We may get one per year. I've also had a conference in Hilton Head mid-March which was COLD. I was able to walk on the beach, but I wished I had gloves. It should have been at least 50's & 60's at that time.

IMHO, if it's for the friend's 50th birthday, focus on something she would enjoy. If the kids come and they're bored, too bad. They have birthdays coming, too!

Donna

Well, the OP listed those specific states...actually, I’d figure out the kid thing first. And, again, if they DO decide kids...definitely a true cold place for skiing (WV.) None of the other options in those states are super fun for kids if it is cold or yucky.

You are right msmeow!! However, it would bug me if there were grousing teens/tweens around...that why my vote is “home with a sitter!”

I loved Kiawah Island - we rented a VRBO there. I'm not one for repeat visits to the same destination but that's one place I'd go back to.

I stayed at the Biltmore Hotel in Asheville for my 50th - it was fabulous but it was in May.

Sueb, if you haven't been lately, Disney has a whole new way of doing things than in years past. Much is coordinated ahead of time which eliminates those horrid long lines.

Also, there are many "Disney for Adults" activities, so it really is not a just kid's vacation.

Thanks for the ideas! We are late in the planning which is limiting our destinations. Charleston is a good idea. These teens and tweens are easy to travel with and not usually sullen or grumpy, but we're still deciding if they're coming or not. Totally up to the birthday girl, we're just looking for workable options.

I know many folks who have loved their visits to Charleston. But they were adults. Young adults, but still adults and nature lovers so they weren't as sensitive to weather things. They also loved the food and historical sights, neither of which are big kid draws. BUT, I'm sure Charleston has things to do there that are fun for kids . . .

We took our family of six to Charleston the week b/w Christmas and New Years about 4 yrs ago when our four kids ranged in age from 8-14. I was a little nervous whether they would enjoy it and was pleasantly surprised that everyone had a great time! We did a little of everything-toured a plantation, did a carriage tour through the historic district, visited the aircraft carrier across the bridge, did a day trip to Beaufort and a coastal state park just beyond it, shopped, and ate, and ate and ate! We went on a bit of a last minute whim and so glad we did. That said, I would love to go back for a girls’ weekend (I did go back last spring with my 18y/o dd and had fun just the two,of us).

coincidentally, I’m turning 50 this year and planning of trip with just a few girlfriends. Since we’ve all been to Charleston a few times, we decided to go to Napa instead. No kids, no spouses and I can’t wait! Since you are staying on the East Coast, I would definitely recommend Charleston, kids or no kids.

Kiawah Island is a nice place to stay if you don't want to be right in Charleston. I liked that it was close enough to see the tourist attractions but you could get away from all that to a more natural setting on the ocean.

I agree with jojo 100%! Go to NOLA! But I love Disney, too

SC and NC coasts getting hit by a winter storm today!

NOLA is a great suggestion, but I'd bring the kids, there is so much to do there for all ages. I would never plan a trip for my birthday or any occasion without my (now 19 yo) daughter or my husband, I would not enjoy celebrating anything or vacationing without either of them.

Im late weighing in and i dont know your budget but there are three resorts that may interest you.....The Homestead in Va, the Greenbriar in WVa....and not far off but in Pa....Nemacolin.