What To Do On Our Staycation

Chuck and I were talking about going home to NY for a visit this 4th of July, but with the cost of gas and hotels, it's just not going to happen. :0(

But now I need to find ways to celebrate summer at home with our children, and here are a few ideas for my friends that live in North Carolina.

The NC Zoo in Ashboro.

We went with our church a few weeks ago, and let me tell you, I will probably never go again. At least, not during the summer months, because IT WAS HOT!!!  Plus this zoo is very naturalistic so to walk the whole zoo, you're walking 5 miles, and you can't always see any animals.  I was very disappointed.

Cherokee is a great place to visit.  Chuck and I went without kids a few years ago, and we will definitely go back with the kids this summer.  No, we did not go to gamble, because there is so much more there, like the museum, the village, and the drama "Unto These Hills".  You can read about our trip here, with pictures. :0)

Now to find new places for us to visit..

For years I have talked about taking a train ride through the Great Smoky Mountains...and this may just be the year.  Do you think my kids are too big for the Peanuts Pumpkin Event?  I hope not. lol

Right up the road from us is The Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite.  We've gone there several times, and always had fun for very little money.  When our out of state family comes to visit, they always ask to go mining....cuz you just never know when you might find the big one. hahaha

And no summer is complete without a drive on The Blue Ridge Parkway.  Not only are the views spectacular, but the history is interesting, and you must stop at Blowing Rock and then do some shopping and eating in the town of Blowing Rock.

Well, that should hold us over during the summer months.  What are your plans?

Be blessed,

Debbi