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So what does everyone like: the mountains, the city, or the beach? I think we are lucky to have all three (even though I don't really think of Raleigh as big city). And where are some of your favorite spots?
I'm a mountain person, definitely. I enjoy exploring the outdoors and breathing in clean mountain air. Unfortunately, we haven't taken many trips to the mountains, so I'm hoping that some of you can give me some ideas of where to take a fall trip. I enjoyed the beach the few times I was there, but I like the mountains much more.
A quiet get away?? I wish... no I'm thinking with kids. My 5 year old is a surprisingly good hiker and keeps up pretty well. We put the little one in a pack when we go out. So any kid friendly mountain spots would be most helpful.
What type of mountain place are you looking for . We have some favorites
I will share, but are you looking for a quiet get away or place for kids??
Actually, I'd be interested in both.
To the OP--I vote for the mountains, especially long term. We love going to the beach but it always seems crowded and I think, long term, I'd get annoyed with sand on a daily basis. I'd also be bothered about property maintance with coastal storms. I think that'd be less of a concern in the mountains.
It ranks like this for me: mountains, city, beach...but I do like all three. My preference for beaches is tropical rather than the NC coast, but I "tolerate" a week at the OBX each year...its really quite nice.
As for the mountains, I'm a sucker for the NC High Country. Due to its northern locale in the state and elevations ranging from 3000'-5500' the climate is near perfect IMO. You'll generally find temps there are between 10 & 20 degrees cooler than in the piedmont. Most areas are somewhat family friendly there...though Boone & Blowing Rock get very crowded in the fall between all the students & the "leaf lookers".
My personal recommendation would be Ashe County in and around West Jefferson. Quaint small town with decent food and a cool arts scene. Much slower and more laid back than other parts of the High Country, and there are tons of great cabins around that are ideal for a family. Just 30-40 min. north of there in VA, the Mount Rogers NRA & Grayson Highlands State Park offers some of the best hiking on the east coast...and its great for kids b/c there are huge balds and wild ponies everywhere! There's also Mount Jefferson SRA and the New River State Park in Ashe Cty, and the BRP is right there, too!
A favorite area of mine is Bryson City. Great place for family car camping, and plenty of houses, cottages or hotels if that isn't your thing. Smoky mountain railroad runs out of there, fun for kids, train ride through the mountains. Ducky/raft trips down the tuckaseegee, a very easy class 1-2 river, great for a 5 year old). Lots of great hiking nearby, but my favorite place is Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, about an hour from Bryson City, which is an old growth forest that will make you think you've been transported to the pacific northwest. Has a very easy two mile loop, perfect for little ones. Near Joyce Kilmer is the Cherohala Skyway, which is probably the most spectacular drive on the east coast...rises from 3000 feet to over 5500 feet, giving tremendous views of the southern smokies and the santeetah river valley. Several pulloffs along it's 20-30 mile length, with trails dropping off the ridge.
Beach, beach, and then night beach. OK so I'm a beach person. Nothing like the ocean waves pounding the surf over and over again on a hot afternoons sun till the sun set for yet anther day. Evening strolls on the beach watching the seemingly endless array of amateur beach fireworks and cool breezes!
I like the mountains that face the beach but none to be had in NC. uhhh-haaa...
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