Floridians seem to know our secret… The North Carolina Mountains offer up a prime summer vacation.

Head WEST young families…Here’s why you should go to the NC mountains in the SUMMER!

Hiking, Fishing, Rafting, Horseback Riding, Camping, Cycling, Mountain Biking, Dancing, Learning, Touristing, Eating, Shopping, Amusement Parking …the list is endless. But unlike the Outer Banks, you won’t find yourself in a half-day line to enjoy them.

Hiking goes without explanation, except that you must do it. You cannot get close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and not tighten the laces for at least a quarter mile stroll (hikes range from leisurely to hard core).

The walk around Bass Lake with it’s stunning view of the Moses Cone Manor is completely satisfying. Grandfather Mountain’s Profile Trail will satisfy the other end of the hiking spectrum with it’s “chutes and ladder” feel.

If you own a fishing rod, bring it. With a fishing license and the proper bait you can drop a line at nearly any roadside creek or breathtaking crashing rapids. If you dream of owning a rod then call Foscoe Fishing Company, an Orvis outfitter, to book an unforgettable day on the water.

For those looking to get wet there are a number of streams and waterfalls to dip your feet in. From the hike down to Linville Gorge to the kid-friendly, shin-deep streams at Julian Price Campground.
If you want to stay abreast of your swimming strokes while vacationing, pay just a few bucks to jump into the Blowing Rock pool.

A more adventurous way to get wet is whitewater rafting. Rafting outfitters like “Edge of The World” cater to families looking for adventure. They have guided trips suitable for ages 4 and up.

Antiquing is best done by dropping into whatever roadside store looks intriguing.
Outdoorsmen will be pleased with both Boone & Blowing Rock’s “Footslogger” stores.
Funky shoppers head to Boone, upscale shoppers head to Blowing Rock.

The Mast General Store is a must see with it’s weekend bluegrass and nearby kettle corn stand.
Pack a picnic by grabbing a “Valle Scorcher”, “Hawksnest” or “Caitlin” at The Ham Shoppe.
Take your picnic to Valle Crucis Community Park, possible the best park I’ve been to. (bring your fishing rod, a soccer ball, scooter and dog)

While in the mountains, you don’t have to miss the Beech. Our newest secret spot is the Buckeye Recreation Center on Beech Mountain. An afternoon here offers up tennis, spin class, hoops…even…wait for it, wait for it…a children’s playroom! No more worries about what to do with the kids on a rainy day!

Top it all off with an unforgettable dinner at The Gamekeeper on Shulls Mill Road.

Are you packing your bags yet? Let me give you just one last push…
Consider this: The warmest month of the year on Sugar Mountain (oh yeah, bring your golf clubs to play this nice golf course) is July, when the average high is 69 degrees.
You’ll need a jacket when you take the breathtaking ski lift ride!

Enjoy reading my other Triangle TRACKer blogs.