2-3 day trip to NC mountains (Cary, Asheville: rentals, motel, camping)
Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, CaryThe Triangle Area
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Does anyone have advice on taking a 2-3 day trip to the NC mountains? I am thinking of taking my 10, 8, and 4 year old somewhere like G.father Mt. or Chimney Rock..but thought I'd ask here to see if anyone has taken a trip like this with kids and has other places/things to do to suggest. We'd be going in July (not the 4th). Thanks!
I think Grandfather Mountain has more to offer younger children than Chimney Rock. There is plenty else in that area too, such as Linville Falls/Caverns.
We love going to the mountains! Here's a list of things my kids have always liked doing over the years (and still love doing now at ages 18 and 12!)
They LOVE Tweetsie RR (I have 2girls). This has been a favorite since they were little! (it's a little pricey though)
Linville Caverns
Mystery Hill (This is sort of a cheesy touristy place, but for some reason my kids have ALWAYS liked it)
Linville Caverns
Hiking at Linville falls
Grandfather Mountain-there's a zoo there and then the mile high bridge that I will not go near!
Various places to go gem mining
Moses Cone Memorial Park and horseback riding
driving on the parkway and stopping at the various overlooks
There's a fantastic park right in the middle of downtown Blowing Rock
Horn in the West
Mast general store in Valle Crucis
If you google the area, Boone/Blowing Rock you'll find tons of stuff. Tweetsie, hiking, Grandfather mountain and its zoo, caverns, waterfalls, lots of restaurants (I highly recommend fish and chips at SixPence Pub), weird slanted house, mining for gems, etc. We were there last with 7 year old twins and they loved it.
No to motel swimming pools!! Find you a nice swimming hole or go tubing down the New River.
I recommend the Boone/Blowing Rock area, too, over Chimney Rock. Tons of stuff to do in the area — Hiking, tubing, gem mining, horseback riding, caving, Grandfather Mountain, waterfalls, etc.
Location: Chapel Hill, NC, formerly NoVA and Phila
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There's also a nice playground right in downtown Blowing Rock. Plus there is an ice cream shop that everyone seems to stop at. Nice to do both in early evening.
There's also a nice playground right in downtown Blowing Rock. Plus there is an ice cream shop that everyone seems to stop at. Nice to do both in early evening.
That's a Kilwin's. There is actually also one in Cary.
Agree with Boone over Chimney, but you might also check out Asheville and/or Brevard area if your kids are more nature/outdoor oriented.
Boone amenities have been listed, and would be great for most families.
Our family wasn't as into the commercial stuff, so Brevard was nice for camping at Davidson River. Town is only five minutes away, there is a swimming hole in the campground, a river to tube on (and rentals to be had). Cradle of forestry is right up the road, as is sliding rock. Looking glass falls is roadside and beautiful, and if you want to hike to a "secret discovery", there is Moore Cove Falls, we took our daughter there when she was five.
Asheville is just up the road, with plenty to do, and DuPont State forest is the other way. There is a cool craft center at the top of the hill on the parkway, and much other stuff to do.
Boone is the logical first choice, but this is another good option with MUCH to do. Just depends on what you like.
Don't even get me started on on Virginia, with Douthat State Park, and Natural Bridge and all that stuff.... :-)
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