A Simply Awesome Day In North Cascades National Park Complex

August 29, 2024 Amanda Luhn

Diablo Lake in North Cascades Natioanl Park Complex. Take your kayak out and enjoy the scenery! — Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park Complex. Take your kayak out and enjoy the scenery!

If you drive just over 2 hours northeast of Seattle's airport, you will find my new favorite national park, the North Cascades. It has everything you could want from an outdoor adventure--hiking trails to breathtaking views, amazingly tall trees, pristine mountain lakes for kayaking, glaciers calling out for photography, and lots of uncrowded campgrounds.

10 Fun Things To Do At Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

August 17, 2024 Amanda Luhn

Rock hopping across Jakes Creek in Elkmont Campground in the Smokies — Rock hopping in Jakes Creek which runs through Elkmont Campground, as does the Little River. Splashing around in these waters is always a kid favorite.

Elkmont is one of our go-to campgrounds in the Smokies because it has so many kid-friendly activities to do at or near the campground. Hiking, swimming, biking, fishing, history… there is even a ghost town on site to explore. These are our family’s top 10 favorite activities when we camp at Elkmont.

A 2 Day Itinerary In Hydra, Greece With Kids

October 27, 2023 Amanda Luhn

The view from a coastal walk on Hydra, Greece. Text on picture says "Two Days in Hydra: A Complete Itinerary. What To Do with Kids On This Amazing Island" — The view from one of the coastal walks in Hydra. Not bad eh? You hardly miss a car when you get to do this.

A complete guide to your two days in Hydra with the family. Kid- friendly activities like best hikes and beaches on the island, plus where to eat and stay make planning your Hydra vacation a breeze. Slow down and enjoy the unique way of life on this car- free Greek paradise!

Weekend Getaway To Brevard, NC- All The Details!

October 13, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Triple Falls in Dupont State Forest in Brevard, NC

Brevard, NC is the ideal town for a couple’s retreat or getting the family outdoors with its access to easy hiking trails and scenic mountain vistas. Brevard’s charming downtown offers small cafes, shops, restaurants, and a couple of breweries so it’s perfect for a walk around. With its proximity to popular Asheville, Brevard could even serve as a base camp for a day trip to Asheville’s infamous Biltmore Estate and Gardens. We share all the details for a terrific weekend- where to stay, best restaurants, and things to do in Brevard, NC!

A Weekend Getaway to Bryson City, NC

October 9, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Sunset picture from our cabin rental just 5 min from downtown Bryson City, North Carolina. I love this charming mountain town for lots of reasons but the views of the Smokies is definitely one of them.

Bryson City, North Carolina is loaded with attractions that the whole family will enjoy-- between train rides, playing on the water, its proximity to the Smoky Mountains National Park, and the charming downtown with great food and a casual vibe. You will have a fantastic weekend!

A Fun Weekend Getaway In Asheville, NC With Kids

October 5, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Asheville is our family’s “go to” for a weekend trip. It’s a fun, artsy town with great restaurants and what seems like a craft brewery on every block. Asheville is known as a great weekend getaway for couples, but it’s also worth visiting with the family. Between stops at family-friendly breweries and restaurants, your kids will find plenty of things to do whether exploring the city’s downtown or venturing out to nearby hiking trails along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Short Hike To Amazing Views From Buzzard Rock in Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

September 19, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

This amazing high elevation hike on the Appalachian Trail to Buzzard Rock in southwest Virginia offers meadows, forests, and an open mountain bald. Add some amazing views and a bit of rock scrambling, and it’s a surefire winner for the family.

A Weekend Getaway In Abingdon, Virginia - Where To Eat, Where To Stay, And Things To Do

September 18, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Trestle on the Virginia Creeper Trail near Abingdon, Virginia

For my family, we repeatedly visit Abingdon for two main reasons: biking the Virginia Creeper Trail (a 34 mile rails to trails pathway) and hiking the trails at nearby Grayson Highlands State Park, famous for its soaring mountain views and wild ponies. Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy these two wonderful things to do on your next visit to Abingdon, Virginia - when to go, where to stay, and our favorite restaurants in Abingdon.

A Simply Awesome Day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

July 28, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Sunrise over Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — Cades Cove at sunrise. One of my favorite places to be in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Living just 30 minutes from the entrance to the Smokies, we are often asked about a one day itinerary for friends and family visiting the park. Although you could easily spend a week here, we think this one day plan captures the spirit and beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Everything You Wanted To Know About Elkmont Campground In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

July 15, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Camping in Elkmont Campground in the Great Smoky Mountains

Want to take a trip to the Smokies and camp in the woods but not sure what to expect? We’ll tell you everything you need to know about Elkmont Campground in exhaustive detail- what campsites are the best, how to reserve, and all the little things that will help you plan your trip. This family friendly campground is one of our favorites in the Smokies and we return to it again and again.

Cades Cove Campground In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 26, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Beautiful morning in Cades Cove near Cades Cove Campground — Cades Cove. This kind of beautiful scenery is not far from your campground and is why you camp here.

Use this local’s years of experience at gorgeous Cades Cove to find out everything you need to know about camping at Cades Cove Campground. Best campsites, best activities, how to explore the cove without people- all the hacks and know-how I have accumulated over the years to make your family’s trip the best it can be.

Hiking Alum Cave Trail To Mount LeConte With Kids- Family Hikes In Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 25, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Views from Alum Cave Trail on the way to Mount Leconte in the Smokies — One of many superb vistas from Alum Cave Trail before you even get to the top of Mount LeConte.

Want to hike to Alum Cave and Mount LeConte? Wondering if your kids can handle this can't miss Smokies trail? We have details, tips, and hacks to help you hike this spectacular trail, one of the most popular and iconic hikes in the Smokies.

Favorite Hikes With Kids In The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

May 24, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Our favorite family hikes in the Smokies are not too long nor exhausting and typically have a highlighted feature such as a waterfall, creek, or historic cabin that the kids will enjoy. There are many, many more hikes but we have narrowed down our recommended hikes for kid-pleasing, shorter, easier walks in the woods!

Easy Hikes at Grayson Highlands State Park

March 20, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

Grayson Highlands State Park is famous for its wild ponies and access to a beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail, but you’ll also find plenty of amazingly beautiful trails for those seeking shorter hikes.

Children especially enjoy the trails at Grayson Highlands, because some of the best trails are not only super short but all of them provide something fun along the trail like fun rock scrambling and typically lead to an incredible high elevation view or water feature.

You Go Sister! My Family's Favorite Historic Site Hike in the Smokies

March 3, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

The Walker Sister Cabin is my family's favorite historic site in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. It makes for a perfect afternoon outing for the family, and the kids (and you) will love walking through the cabin and imagining the lives lived here by the Walker sisters during the early 1900's.

3 Short Hikes In Badlands National Park Great For Kids

February 8, 2023 Amanda Luhn

You can arrive at this otherworldly landscape just 15 minutes after you left the car in Badlands National Park. This is Door Trail, one of 3 trails sharing the same parking area near the Northeast Entrance to the park.

Looking for something short and sweet to do in Badlands National Park? These 3 hikes- Door, Window, and Notch Trails- share one parking lot just 10 minutes from Interstate 90. All 3 trails are scenic and fairly easy trails that give a great taste of what makes the Badlands so special. Our kids really liked exploring them, especially climbing the fun ladder on Notch Trail.

Saddle Pass - Medicine Root - Castle Trail Loop Hike in Badlands National Park

February 6, 2023 Amanda Luhn

Overlook of Saddle Pass Trail — View down from a rock outcropping overlooking Saddle Pass Trail. One member of our group ran up but the rest of us elected to stay on the trail and wave up at him. You can see the trail ascending up the rock formations on the right of the picture.

Saddle Pass to Medicine Root Trail to Castle Trail is a nice day hike of about 4.8 miles that combines rock scrambling, strolling through the prairie, plus fantastic views out over the classic rock formations of the Badlands all in this one hike. Our family really enjoyed this hike - interesting and varied enough for the kids (but not too long) while the adults got to take lots of pretty photosand feel like they stretched their legs.

A Frozen Wonderland in the Smokies

January 6, 2023 Amy Ragsdale

The Middle Prong Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of our favorite hikes in the winter. If you’re lucky, you may even witness a frozen wonderland of icicles and cascades frozen in their tracks along the tributaries of the Little River in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. No matter the season, the Middle Prong Trail is an easy and pleasant hike in the Smokies.

Easy Hikes Near Blowing Rock, NC

November 7, 2022 Amy Ragsdale

Two of my favorite family hikes are located on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, NC. I have to admit, however, that I will always choose these hikes with or without the kiddos. They are just that good. Both Rough Ridge and Flat Top Tower trails offer incredible vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains and are worth every step.

A Simply Awesome Day In Shenandoah National Park With Kids: Spectacular Vistas, Waterfalls, And Several Easy And Fun Hikes

October 21, 2022 Amanda Luhn

View from rocks atop Bearfence Trail in Shenandoah National Park — This is the view you get a measly 25 min after you left the car on the awesome Bearfence trail, one of our favorites.

Looking for 360 views from the shortest hikes ever? Look no further than Shenandoah National Park. We loved our day in the park, hiking and rock scrambling and exploring the awesome and appropriately named Skyline Drive. It is easy to get Shenandoah from interstate 81, has lots of hikes for all ages, 5 campgrounds or 2 historic lodges to stay in, and some of the best sunset views from a park I have ever seen. Don’t drive past the signs for Shenandoah on I-81, stop for half a day (or several days) and get to know this fabulous national park.

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