Now what to do with all of the above?  We find it easy broken up into pockets, so it's easy to visit certain sections at certain times.  

One look at this map and you'll understand why - its best to have a version of your own to highlight all your must do items and decide when to visit!

​If you're coming from an easy same time zone flight, maximize that with a morning flight and use the first day to hit the ground running. You can easily build a jam packed 4 day itinerary with this. But if you need an extra day for travel, take some time and location appropriate activities to maximize this into a 4.5 day itinerary. 

Day 1 - Arrival + Chelsea & Union Square
Jump on an early flight so you can maximize your time in the city.  We recommend flying into into JFK and taking public transportation to the city.  It's not everyone's cup of tea, but we couldn't think of a more appropriate way to dive into the city than hitting up the subway.  Just fall the the AirTrain signs, which requires a separate ticket that will take you to your respective subway stop. 

Depending on when you arrive, the time to get in will be the same AND it will be cheaper for a smaller group than taking a cab or ride share.  A taxi cost us $60 after tip from airport and we were quoted $85 at rush hour. A 10 trip AirTrain card (if in more than 1 ppl and going to the airport more than once/round trip in on stay); $25 (to use with subway)
$8 each way

Head straight to your lounging of choice - we always recommend a hotel and the closer to Midtown the better.  Midtown is a great option for bountiful options, being near lots of places to eat and near cabs & subways galore.  Plus, a bonus to hotel vs a vacation rental is ease of check-in.  Even if your room isn' t ready, you can drop your luggage and be ready to go! ​

Day 2 - Midtown
You had a running start to the first day, so use today to again ease into the city but also fill it up with activities. 

• Start the day early and head to grab a bite at a bakery and visit the Rockefeller tree - the earlier the better!  You'll find that there are no crowds if you make an early appearance.  
• Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral and take in the spendlor of this beauty during the holiday season.

Day 4 - Lower Manhattan
You're in the vicinity of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridget - so use today to sneak any of those traditional NYC icons in! 

• Head to the Statue of Liberty first thing in the morning to maximize your time. 
• Stop by Jingle Jangle for holiday drinks and even some lunch!
• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge for iconic views.​

Day 5 - Departure
Use today to finish doing anything you couldn't get in - or to even do some more traditional NYC sightseeing to finish up your holiday trip!  This is also a great chance to go on an organized tour or take a boat tour of the city.

Then before you leave, make sure that you save some time to visit the TWA hotel at JFK!  The hotel, a throw back to the iconic airline, is just a short walk from the departure terminals and is a great way to spend some time waiting on your flight.  Everything in this location is thrown back to the glory days of traveling, tied neatly with nostalgic memorable. 

The hotel offers a pool for pay per use access during the summer views, and every time a bar with the lounge of the hotel and Connie, the classic plane where you can have a drink as you escape!

​Another perk to flying in and out of JFK! 

You've booked a cruise! Now what?

[If you haven't booked a cruise, see our reasons for why you do need to take one!]

Just like any other vacation, prepping may feel overwhelming but don't let it be! Here are some tips to make your next vacation on the seas as relaxing as it can be!

In terms of what to bring, less can be more - in this case, make sure to bring more of the right things!

Your cruise is likely going to have themed nights, including at least one formal night - and if you're into that type of thing, pack accordingly! But this is a beach vacation, and we never think there's too many swimsuits, coverups or light wear you can pack, since it will be likely what you'll live in. Your cruise ship may also have laundry service available, so in case you didn't bring enough of one thing or need it for emergency purposes, you have options. Including shopping in port!

Outside the obvious, including sunglasses, sandals, toiletries, and anything you travel with for comfort, the following are items we definitely saw value in having with us!
​

• Battery pack - most cruise lines have gone digital for everything, including offering free wifi to exclusively access their onboard app to navigate. That said, you may be using your phone more than you intend to, so a battery pack for when you're on the go is a smart investment.
• Refillable insulated water bottle - you'll have to board with the bottle empty, but you can get all the water you need for free if you're willing to walk to the drink machines. These bottles were a lifesaver for us on excursions, as it stayed colder longer and saved us from aging to purchase overpriced bottles.
• Towel clips - on the moving vessel, nothing is more valuable than something that can hold your towels down for you (and clearly identify where you're sitting). Given that most cruise lines will also charge you a substantial amount for a lost towel, these clips will bring more than enough value.
• Snorkel gear - if you plan to spend any time in the water, bring your own gear! You may not be able to get your hands on some otherwise if the excursion is all booked out. Or you may deal with steep prices to get - it was roughly $45 to rent for a few hours or $25+ to purchase a kids set of snorkel gear (we found a full set with fins for cheaper at home).
• ​Small activities or card games - in case dinner takes longer than expected, nothing like an activity pack or card game (whether a deck or UNO) to keep yourselves distracted as you wait. Some of our dinners ran for a few hours, and with not more than a small puzzle on the kids menu, distractions made for the time to pass by optimally.
• Sand toys, floats, and googles - if you're traveling with kids, bring the toys along! It may feel like an inconvenience at first but it will save you from purchasing more (unless you already intend to make that a souvenir). Floats will not be able to be used in the pools onboard, but you can definitely make the most of those when visiting beach getaways. Also, some pools that are salt water based, so in case your kids want more comfort while swimming, goggles are a must! Yes, you can purchase on board but again, at a significant up charge).
• Mesh laundry bag- to carry said sand toys and/or pack all your dirty items to make it start to the washer once you're back home!
• Wet bag - on the same token, a wet bag for swim wear on the go or to keep your sunscreen in made life easier.
• Sunscreen and Aloe - this may sound obvious, but a reminder to pack this in plenty to avoid premium prices. Also suggest refrigerating your aloe for even more relief in case you get too much sun one day.
• First aid kit - you will have access to medical onboard, but its smart to have some basics for easy access like band-aids, creams, medicines (Tylenol, Benadryl, Tums) on you in case of emergency. Most of the essentials can be easily purchased via a vending machine, but if you rather not have to gamble with if what you need is there,, bring the essentials with you.
• Air freshener - all jokes aside, you're sharing a small room with your family for a few days. Unless they're kind enough to use public restrooms, you'll thank us for recommending a can of Poo-Pourri.
• Dryer sheet or a car air freshener - throw this in your suit case and allow it to keep your luggage fresh! We always have either sitting in our bag ready to go for any trip!
• Downy Wrinkle Release - have any items that need to be ironed or steamed beyond your stellar packing job? Irons and steamers are strictly banded items on board (due to fire hazard) so having the spray will at least help a bit with last minute touch-ups!
• Ziploc bags or containers - no need to bring food, unless you have picky kids or infants that are limited on what they eat. But instead bring something to be able to take some non-perishable items on the go. Cereals were only offered in bulk on board, so having either can allow you to create snack bags for your kids for excursions - just be mindful of any port rules about what types of food you are and aren't allowed to bring on shore (mainly meats, fruits and vegetables are banned).
• Thank You cards - you've had a great time and want to recognize crew members? These people work hard, and for little to no recognition! Make it a point to pick up a few cards to leave special messages behind (and also an opportunity to leave an extra cash gratuity for stellar service)!
• Pencil Case - buy a cheap zippered one that can double as a waterproof solution to protect important documents like passports and birth certificates. You can also later use if as a wet bag or other storage case once you’ve locked your documents on board! Or you can just have one ready to go per kid with a set of activities for easy take aways (for dinners or downtimes).

Some love to take advantage of shopping duty free - and cruising its so easy!

If you’re planning to purchase duty free items, we do recommend you do a bit of window shopping at home to decide if what you're about to buy on board/shore is a better deal than back home. Most of the times it is, but we have found a few items that were not worth holding out for.

Not big on souvenirs but need to bring something back? Some of our favorite things include the original Kinder Surprise (the eggs are banned in the US but you can enjoy on shore); Mexican vanilla because its the real thing; and we love to pick up unique handmade items to support the local vendors (and try not to haggle the price because they are worth every penny).

Cruise lines have in the past years cracked down on people trying to sneak drinks and avoid spending on board.

That said, most cruise lines will let you bring a case of sodas or water (canned) on the first day of your cruise for you to have. This is a great option for someone who wants their caffeine fix but doesn't want the price per glass. You can also pre-order either to be delivered to your room in case you feel like you will go through your allotment before your sailing ends.

On the same token, most cruise lines allow 2 bottles of wine or champagne (no larger than 750ml) per stateroom with an adult 21+ in. Note that Disney Cruise Line allow each guests 21+ to bring a bottle of wine or champagne OR 6 - 12oz beers on board at the beginning of the voyage AND and at each port of call (if you want to restock). These beverages must be packed in carry-on bags or luggage so we recommend a wine bag with your carry on. And pack an insulated wine cup so you can have something ready to go in your room (though you can ask your stateroom attendant for a wine glass to use as well). Just note that if you are going to open a wine bottle in the dining room, you will be charged a corkage fee. So opt for a twist top OR bring your own wine opener for your room and open before dinner.

Another option to consider if you're trying to drink but also save a bit is to order a bottle of alcohol to your room before traveling. You can do so on each respective cruise line’s website under their stateroom gifts option. These orders will be delivered the first day of the cruise and are subject to the rules of each cruise line. Then you can make your own drinks in your room for a fraction of the price of buying. While dining, you will also be able to order wine by the bottle, which can be a substantial savings from ordering by the glass. And if you don't top the bottle your meal, you can ask to bring it with you to your room OR your serving team will cork and store for the next time you join them for dinner. With either option though, you will not be able to bring any unfinished bottles off the ship, so make sure to never order more than you can have!

Finally, there's the popular "all you can drink" packages most lines offer that are worth considering. The price, though significant, can be worth it if you will be drinking the allotment. With most cocktails about at $14+ tax & gratuity and beers starting at $7+ tax & gratuity, the price for the package can easily break even after about 6 cocktails a day (if you plan to have that much). But note, most lines require that all passengers of age in one stateroom to commit, so sharing will be avoided, so a lot of deliberation may be in store depending what type of cruise you'll take. If you’re stopping on a private island with the package is honored, we recommend considering as it does being value!

I always, always, always recommend traveling with a passport! For your kids, it’s the only type of ID that has their picture on it - and for everyone in an emergency situation, the o my way you can fly home internationally.

If you are a US citizen on a US closed loop cruise (start and end at the same US port), you do have the option to bring a birth certificate and photo ID. Options exist for foreign born US citizens as well.

Remember. you are leaving the country, so its always better to have this priceless piece of identification ready to go. Also, it makes the whole embarkation and debarkation process seamless! With facial recognition software in much use, having a passport will save you lots of time when coming home. Just make sure you have at least 6 months left from the last day of your trip of your passport in case of emergency (a good standard to have when traveling anywhere in the world)!
​
If your stateroom came with onboard credit (OBC) - usually an offer working with a travel planner can get you - it has to be used on board. You can use if for anything you end up spending on board, including gratuities - so it may be a reason to not prepay your gratuity so you have some flexibility with this free money.

Excursions can be booked on the ship at a premium and with peace of mind (the ship will not leave without you if your excursion got delayed). But if you want to explore cheaper options or book with flexibility, check out tours for your destinations with my trusted partner Viator. You can also choose an excursion right at the port, where you can try to haggle the price a little - especially if you're okay with being completely spontaneous!

All this goes without being said, book with a travel planner - there's no additional cost, only additional perks, and you have an extra set of eyes to prepare you for your trip!

If you’re ready to explore an option for you, fill out the Cruise Form and we can get started on finding a cruise for you!

If you're already booked and interested in having your reservation taken over, fill out the Booking Transfer Form - it can easily be transferred with just your approval (as long as you're not in final payment)!

As an ambassador for Happyly, I'm proud to share ways to get families out and making the most of your time together.

If you're looking for travel plans to visit Paris, check out some of our recommendations for Dreaming of Travel: Paris. The city of lights is a magical place to plan an international getaway with your family - from the rich culture, abundant history, and kid-friendly possibilities, you’re going to fall in love with Paris!

As an ambassador for Happyly, I'm proud to share ways to get families out and making the most of your time together.  

If you're looking for travel plans to visit the National Parks, check out some of our recommendations for Dreaming of Travel: Arches and Canyonlands.  Both parks are located in the vicinity of Moab, Utah and make for a great summer trip for those looking to be out and about!

Flip Flop Dreams owners Cassandra and Ramon did a wonderful job of outlining everything we needed to know about renting their OG - original glamper. The listing lays out specifications, amenities, costs, etc about renting out their unit. And all is exactly as it seems!

Mind you, we had stayed out at Fort Wilderness before, but I did anything far from "roughing it" with the luxury of a fully equipped cabin and a bunch of pixie dust. Cassandra and I stayed in touch leading up to our date of arrival and she reassured me as I geared up for my first camping experience. I overpacked as usual, because on arrival, we had everything we needed provided by this dynamic duo!

We requested an early check-in and arrived at Fort Wilderness around 1pm to find that Disney had a spot ready. Cassandra and Ramon were on their way, and as we waited, we parked in the main lot and went exploring by foot. Not quite literally though - you can walk, though it is a bit of a walk. Disney also provides free bus service between the main areas and a few other loop bus stops. You can also rent a golf cart - and it is highly recommended to do so in advance, as it can book up before you arrive!

At check in, Disney will provide you with a loop (neighborhood) and a lot number. They'll provide you with guided directions on how to access, as well as additional information on how to contact Guest Services for any other needs. Once we had that spot number, we messaged Cassandra to check in with that information to access the grounds. After they arrived and set up, they advised us they were done and it was ready for us, so we proceeded to head back and check out our home away from home.

There is nothing more we can say about presentation on arrival!

We drove our car to our Preferred Lot (where the space is large enough for a vehicle or two) and found the OG set up ready to greet us!

They had the awning out and lit, the dust rug out with camping chairs set, table cloth on the table and candles lit - and if that wasn't welcoming enough, music playing. Presentation was perfect! What a way to be welcomed to a little piece of their heaven and a way to start your experience with them.

The camper itself is gorgeous! The color scheme and every bit of the details taken to heart and immaculately taken care of - the love in this just shines! The camper has a queen bed right off the entry way with two privacy screens. The kitchen and living area welcomes you to the main part of the cabin, where you can find a loveseat sleeper, booth dining table and kitchen with all the appliances you could need. Stove top, microwave, fridge/freezer, and sink - all fully stocked so you can cook rather than spend while clamping! The back of the cabin boosts a bathroom with shower stall and toilet, tastefully kept simple so the space doesn't feel cramped. And the hit of this all - the BUNK BEDS - four in total and secret hideaways that made my kids heart content!

Outside the camper, we found an outdoor kitchen with mini-fridge, sink, and griddle. So you have plenty of reason to keep you outdoors with the music playing and the drinks flowing. This is exactly what we did as we utilized the space we had at our lot - they come with picnic table, charcoal grill, and plenty of room to relax. We brought all the traditional camping foods and stayed put as we enjoyed what the two of these had to offer together!

Times are weird right now, so the below is all subject to change. But here is some of what to expect at Disney, plus what's been there in the past ... and we're anxiously awaiting to return!

Currently available (as of January 2021) - Hours can vary so check upon arrival

• Bike rentals
• Swimming Pools - Meadow & Wilderness

​​ ▪ Bring towels as they are not provided

• Playgrounds
• Fishing
• Pony Rides at Tri-Circle-D Ranch

▪ From age 2, starting at $8* (there are height and weight restrictions)

• Horse Back Riding

​ ▪ From age 9, $55/person*

• Canoe & Kayak Rentals

▪ Adult required for rental, $13/person*

• Evening Movie or Activities at Meadow
• Electrical Water Pageant on the Seven Seas Lagoon​

Temporarily unavailable (as of January 2021)
Horse Drawn Carriage Rides
Boat Rentals
Wagon Rides 
Campfire Lighting at the Meadow Chip-n-Dale Sing-a-Long ​

If you want to do more than cook, then Disney has some options in store for you!

• P&J’sSouthern Takeout - Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; mobile ordering available.
• Meadow Snack Bar - Food around the main pool
• Crockett’s Tavern – Beer, wine & bar food
• The Chuck Wagon - Food by the campfire (temporarily relocated by the Settlement)
• Meadow and Settlement Trading Posts - Forgot to purchase something? Stop here to pick up a variety of foods you can cook back at your camper or cabin!

Temporarily unavailable (as of 1/23/21)

• Trail’s End
• Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue

So, you're ready to go!  Let's get you set up!

We here at Adventure Somewhere will handle booking the site for you.  Start by filling out the Fort Wilderness site request form by letting us know who is going, when you want to go, and some of your preferences.  Don't know them all?  That's ok!  We can handle the details and can find the right spot for you.

We'll look for and hold the spot for you! With advance notice we can hold the spot at no charge, but the hold will expire in an specified amount of time.  We will communicate that to you as we work through securing the location. That gives you time to get your RV rental situated! 

But you save so much more time with a travel advisor! We can help find the right spot for you based off our travel experience. And because of our agency's unique relationship with Disney, we can pass on any perks they give to us, on to you!

Plus, we can help to fill your trip to Orlando with so much more to do!

Want to do more than Orlando? Let us know and we can see what’s available out there for you!

When booking a vacation on your own, you're not getting that level of service. AND it comes at no additional cost to you and with all the extra benefits!

Our itinerary brought us from Central Florida up north, but can easily be written around from the opposite direction, or any other.

​We try not to drive more than 8 hours, as we know that it can be too much on us and takes the enjoyment out of a drive.  So we highly recommend that if its going to take you any longer than this, to make a stop somewhere in between to make your trip worthwhile!

Day 1 - Orlando, Florida to Dahlonega, Georgia (8 hours) 
Day 2 - Dahlonega/Helen area to Asheville, North Carolina (8 hours)
Day 3 - Asheville up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the north entrance in Afton, VA (13 hours) 
Day 4 - Charlottesville, Virginia (30 minutes from Afton) 
Day 5 - Charlottesville to Savannah, GA (7 hours)
Day 6 - Savannah to Orlando  

Our first top took us to Dahlonega, Georgia where they have the most perfect wine region with mountains mixed in to feel like we escaped.  The drive from Central Florida (our starting point) is roughly 8 hours, but be warned - you'll hit Atlanta traffic if you like it or not, so plan accordingly! We made an early morning start of it and arrived right in early afternoon - enough time to get a few wineries in.  ​

Hofer's is a charming German Bakery right in the middle of Helen!  If you plan to eat here, come early as you will have to wait.  Otherwise you can stop in for a treat to go as you take in the sights  of Helen!

Feeling like a German feast? It doesn't get closer than at Bodensee ​in Helen!

Other Things to Do
Babyland General Hospital (for the Cabbage Patch fans)
Georgia Mountain Coaster
Tubing down the Chattahoochee
Anna Ruby Falls 

Where do we start with Asheville?  There's so much to say that we have recapped all you can do on Asheville in a post all its on. 

But for us, we had two goals in mind by coming here this time -
1. We wanted to jump on the Blue Ridge Parkway to attempt our full drive from here
2. Mainly, we wanted to spend Christmas at the Biltmore!

Wineries to Visit
With you daytime admission to the Biltmore, you'll also be able to access the Biltmore Winery for a free tasting.  

But if you're looking for more to do here, head over to Hendersonville and taste at Burntshirt Vineyards for some great wines!

​... or if beer is your thing, make a point to visit the staple breweries this city is known for as something to sample! We got a taste of Ginger's Revenge Fall Harvest and can't wait to come back to get some more!

Stay
Grand Bohemian Asheville is right in Biltmore Village - a short drive to the entrance to then take the long drive to through the estate! 

If you plan to exclusively visit the Biltmore during your stay, consider staying on site at either the Village Hotel or the Inn right in the hear of Antler Hill. 

I felt like this deserves a side note all its on, just to truly appreciate the visit, whether coming for Christmas like we did or any time of the year.

We hadn’t quite made it to see the Biltmore last year, so we were in for a surprise either way.  We’re so glad we chose to see it at Christmas and opted to see it at night by candlelight, which was an experience all its own!

With the nighttime visit, you still have full day access to the grounds - to enjoy all the same inclusions a day ticket will grant you!  But you also get to see America's largest home in a different light, all decked out for the holidays - and we all know decor looks better at night.  

So if opting to do this, I highly recommend a full day visit - to catch glimpses of the exterior of the mansion during the day, enjoy hikes around the property, visit Antler Hill Village - to shop and eat, and then partake in the wine tasting before heading to your own unique tour of the home. 

We drove up a good portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway taking in the last bit of leaves before they fall for the season. The whole parkway start to finish would take about 13 hours, without stops, but with shorter days we knew we didn’t have enough daylight. So we took it as far north before getting off at Blowing Rock as we could before reaching our next destination!

If you are opting to do the drive though, there are recommended stops along the course, with places to stay to break up the drive.  It would be best to start early, with the sunrise (though be careful with the fog) and take it slow so you can stop for some hikes or take in the peaceful scenic views.  

Also, beware of the time of year that you opt to go - though best enjoy from spring to early fall, you can still drive parts of the road during winter.  But chances are greater that you'll have closers along the way thanks to snowfall!  

Stay
Omni Charlottesville is right on the downtown mall, where you'll find plenty of places to eat and drink down a quaint street dated back in time!

Eat
Public Fish & Oyster
The Fitzroy
The Nook ​

Stay 
Hyatt Savannah is right on the river and accessible from Bay Street as well, so in prime real estate! It's surrounded by equally wonderful hotels, but being that we have stayed here a few times, we enjoy the ambiance of the hotel and appreciate the brand overall!

Things to Do
Savannah is a must walk city, as you'll truly get to experience all the hidden corners that give this city a charm. But if you'd like to view in other ways consider a tour of the city!

• View the city by Segway Tour or even on a Trolley Tour to take at your leisure!  
• Want to taste your way through Savannah?  Try a Culinary Tour!
• Into the supernatural?  See Savannah at night with a Ghost Tour
• Or even see it from the river, unlike anything else on the ​Savannah Riverboat​

It was a whirlwind trip - and yes, we got a lot accomplished in a short amount of time.

​So who's ready to go next? 

We took too much time to recap our trip to New Orleans, but no time like the present right?  Espeically since fond memories of our adult getaway were rehashed when we brought the kids back in this summer.  

They were two completely different experiences, even more watered down because of the circumstances that surrounded our latest trip.  But nonetheless, we were reminded why we fell in love with this city of old meets new!  And how it uniquely adapted its story to make it a vibrant city worth visiting - for any and all! 

You can't come to New Orleans without trying some of their world famous beignets! There are so many places you can find a variation of this sugar laden pastry on their menu  but you can't visit without trying one of the top stops. ​

​Cafe du Monde is synonymous with New Orleans so it goes without being said you have to pay a visit to see what its all about.  The French Market location right by Jackson Square usually has a line down the block, to order and be seated, so come prepared! But if you don't mind a to-go option, swing around with cash to their outdoor window and you can significantly reduce your wait time.  ​

Still undecided? We recommend stopping at both and trying them out for yourself - and don't forget to order the Café Au Lait alongside!

This city is truly a foodies dream!  From traditional Cajun vibes to top rated restaurants with vibrant menus, there's so many great staples to try here, it's difficult to say where to start.  Here were a few of our top favorite eats, all which came recommended to us, and now we pass on the recommendation.   

•Arnaud's - The Jazz Brunch!​  This was our one must do before we left - have a long brunch with lively music and truly feel that New Orleans' vibe.  We opted to try Arnaud's, though there are plenty of options in the city that all rank with the same kind of enthusiasm.  Offered on Sunday, the brunch is also dress code strict with a business casual recommendation - collared shirts for gentlemen, no t-shirts, shorts or athletic wear. 

The menu is a prix-fixed 3 course meal with plenty of options to choose from. The price of the brunch varies based off your entree option, but you can pair it with your liking of appetizer and dessert. We went for the Crepes Suzette to get the table side flambé experience again! 

If you've made room for more, we recommend a drinking tour of NOLA.  Whether self-guided or on a formal tour with wealth of information, make sure that you get to try the following.  We had a great time experiencing the best of what NOLA's bars had to offer - 

•Visit the neighborhoods of NoLA - Garden District, Magazine Street, Jackson Square, French Quarter
•Lafeyette Cemetery No. 1 - one of the oldest in the city 
•Legendary ghost and voodoo tour of city haunts
•Sail down the Mississippi on the Natchez
•Ride a Street Car
•Harrah's Casino - Feeling lucky?
•Swamp Boat Tour
•Mardi Gras Tour
 ... and so much more! 

This time last year, we made our way to Asheville to celebrate my growing family, but we also used it as a reason to explore a part of NC state we had yet to know!  So we loaded up the car and got ready for a quick long weekend - one that we've discussed many a time to recreate. And as a part of any roadtrip, we geared up with all the essentials we need to travel the long road ahead!  
 
For starters, this is a great trip from any part of country as the terrain is beautiful to see. But we were coming from the state of Florida, full on in summer mode and flat lands galore, so to be welcomed to crisp mountain air only a short (8 hour) drive away was amazing!   

But what all did this place have in store for us? ​Honestly, something for everyone!  

Love the great outdoors?  That's what it's known for - I mean, the changing colors made us fall in love (pun totally intended). 

Do you travel for food & drink?  They've got a great culinary scene - with plenty of wineries &  breweries for the picking!

Looking for arts & culture?  The city of Asheville is an eclectic city, packed with original art & music and unique design! 

Want to get wrapped up in experiences?  We found a little bit of everything to make this trip perfectly ours. 

Ready for more - read on to find our suggestions for what there is to do and see in this charming city nestled in the hills of western North Carolina!

Explore the Blue Ridge Parkway - Right in North Carolina, you will find some of the most stunning drives in the country wrapped through peaks and valleys.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is  a slice of the Appalachian Mountains but it feels like you're so much further away from the south. The Parkway itself starts a little ways down in Cherokee, NC, wrapped by the Great Smoky Mountains and winds all the way up to Afton, Virginia - right outside of Shenandoah National Park! And from there you don't have to stop - you can continue on to Skyline Drive to go even further north!

​We opted to wake up early and hit the road so we could catch the sun rising over the peaks. Sunrise somehow always ends up being a trip activity of ours, whether we intend it to or not, and thankfully because we have caught some spectacular showcase of colors!  We drove about 20 minutes from our the entrance to Craggy Gardens to watch the sky light up as we greeted a new day.  It is about 12 miles from the Folk Art Center, and the Blue Ridgeway Parkway Visitor Center, which welcomes you from Asheville onto the parkway. The visitor center provides you with a ranger to meet, more information to gather, and for our kids, an opportunity to get one more Junior Ranger badge to add to their travels.  

After sunrise, we drove the Blue Ridge Parkway for another hour, just taking in the scenery, and stopping off where we could to take a hike or two.  Though the conditions of our morning didn't make it all that possible, as we had lots of clouds, dew and adverse conditions that made us worry about getting too far into hikes with little ones.   But it is on our short list to come back to finish our trails and continue onward to Virginia - and so on!  

Eat and Drink through Asheville - ​Food, breweries and wine galore!

Who doesn't love going somewhere and finding something great to eat!  It's even better when there are more choices than you can handle! 

Burntshirt Vineyard is in Hendersonville, a short drive south of Asheville but with some great mountain vibes.  Situated on a quiet country road, the tasting room faces the vineyards and the grounds are as charming as you'd expect.  You can dive into a wine tasting experience, order by the bottle or glass, and enjoy food right on site!  

We were told about two well-known establishments to eat at while there - and we made sure we tried both!  We hopped over to Biscuit Head for breakfast one morning at their West Asheville location (there are also locations by the Biltmore and Hendersonville, and a location in Greenville as well).  It's known for what its name says - biscuits!  From biscuit sandwiches to biscuit donuts - but if you prefer the regular variety, the jam is also where it's at!  This breakfast was phenomenal - only complimented by the Maple Bacon Latte (it IS as delicious as it sounds)!

Our other eat was to Tupelo Honey where we chose a brunch time stop as well.  They're in quite a few states, but none near us in FL, so we knew we needed to stop.  Plus, this was able to take us into downtown Asheville where we had yet to explore and enjoy the experience surrounding it.  The cafe was eclectic and definitely reflected the vibe of the city, adding to the charm of this whole area.  We opted to try the Southern Shakshuka with a fully loaded Bloody Mary on the side. And if this sounds great to you, you're in luck - they serve brunch all day!

Last but not least, BREWERIES!  This is what they're all about and much of the appeal of visiting.  Everything from local favorites to brands you make recognize at home, you can find it here.   We went out our first night to experience the South Slope district and visit a few breweries true to the Asheville scene - Green Man Brewery and Catawba Brewing. But they are only two of the many that call this city home!  A little further out is New Belgium Brewing, best known for its Fat Tire brand. Visiting was a great change of pace as it was outside city limits and had grounds to run around (especially with little ones along). But if you're looking to relax with an opportunity to let the kids frolick, we hear that Sierra Nevada in Mills River (just outside of Asheville) is one of the best at providing a family friendly experience and atmosphere with amazing views. 

Apple picking is in season - It wouldn't be fall without pumpkins, apples, cider and doing all the great things that come with it!  We made sure that our plans included apple picking, a rarity for these Floridians, and the weather couldn't have made it more perfect. It was brisk and overcast, creating the perfect mix of that fall feel.  

We enjoyed our time at Stepp's Hillcrest Orchard, where they offered U-Pick apples by the basket -only fill up what you plan to take!  We ended up picking a whole basketful and taking home more apples than we could eat.  Needless to say, there were a lot of apple delicacies made back home - in combination with the goodies we purchased. on site their Farm Market. 

See Asheville  -  ​We had a jam packed weekend so didn't get to do EVERYTHING we wanted to - more breweries, more arts, more mountain hikes ... visit the Biltmore!  And that's all on  in addition to time relaxing and just taking in the wilderness! 

But we did find time to squeeze in time in Downtown Asheville and get a feel for the city that so many call home.  We explored during a quiet weekday morning where we got a good sense of what all it has in store - a mix of old world charm meets modern expression - and we can only imagine the energy this city exudes with street musicians, culinary tours, the arts and so much more!  

• Did you know that this is home of the Hunger Games?
• Spend a day at the Biltmore - the luxurious home of the Vanderbilts and the largest in the US!
• Not too far is Chimney Rock, a perfect place for a family hike!
• Asheville holds its on as one of the greatest music cities!
• There's so many great tours in and around Asheville to truly allow you to discover this area!

There's so much more here than we were given the time to see, so we leave you with this - plan wisely and make sure you spend enough time there to truly explore Asheville! 

The appeal of this destination is staying in a cabin, lighting a fire, and enjoying the surrounding wilderness.  What a dream!  If it's yours, BOOK AHEAD!  There is no time like the present to plan a few months (to a year) out as it does book up FAST!  

We opted to stay at a hotel - only because we were limited in how much time we'd be here, and more time would be spent out rather than in.  So we needed to stay in a place central to the Asheville and surrounding area, since we had a lot of commuting to do.  We chose the Holiday Inn East Asheville, right off Tunnel Road. And if you have an itinerary packed with things to do, this hotel is a great stay!  The Holiday Inn has really updated their brand  and we are pleased with all they have to offer, especially when traveling with kids and looking for conveniences.  This hotel is near the highway to take you into the city or the roads to lead you to the Blue Ridge - so even if Asheville is just a stop for you on a bigger journey, this place is the perfect gateway for a comfortable stay.

If you're looking for a destination that can provide you a true appreciation for the beauty of nature, as well as get you a chance to dine and drink new flavors, and allow you to appreciate art of all kind  - well, then Asheville is calling! 

So when are you going to go?