You may (or may not) have noticed that it’s been relatively quiet around here for the past week. That’s because I’ve been mostly unplugged, vacationing with our family in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This was my first trip there, and it was absolutely beautiful! We had an amazing time hiking, exploring, and letting the kids splash in the rivers and creeks. We saw gorgeous landscapes with beautiful cascading waterfalls, and made so many memories with our boys and my husband’s extended family. We enjoyed spending the week with 17 people in one mountain house! Luckily, there was plenty of room. And although it rained a good portion of the time, we didn’t let it stop us from hiking and having a great time.
I wouldn’t call myself the “outdoorsy” type. To me, “roughing it” consists of hiking all day and then coming back to a nice cozy bed at night. But sometimes it’s easy to forget how amazing it can feel to unplug from the world and connect with nature for a while. If you follow me on Instagram, then you’ve seen some of my vacation photos already. I wanted to share them on the blog too, because some of the sights were absolutely breathtaking. Spending a large amount of time outdoors reminded me how much time is wasted staring at a computer screen when we should all step outside more often and take in the beauty of the world around us.
We stayed in Brevard, NC, and hiked in the surrounding areas including DuPont State Forest (where they filmed the Hunger Games movie) and Pisgah National Forest. One of my favorites was Triple Falls located in DuPont State Forest. We also saw 2 people kayak repeatedly over Hooker Falls (the one pictured above center, in the photo with my husband and son). That was pretty amazing! Our boys loved visiting the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah, where they went on a scavenger hunt followed by a picnic and hiking on the nearby trail. They had so much fun. We also took them to Talking Tree Trail located in Holmes Educational State Forest, where the trees “talk” and teach the kids about all of the different types of trees in the forest. Unfortunately it poured rain that day so I didn’t get any pictures. They loved it though.
It was a wonderful experience, and we are so thankful to my in-laws for taking all of us on the trip. Now, I am slowly returning to reality and playing catch-up.
How did you spend the 4th of July? Where is your favorite summer vacation spot?
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- Hilton Head Island & Tips for Traveling with Kids/Babies
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A bucket list wish. Some day I will go. but until then thank you for great pictures
Thanks Kathryn, it’s definitely worth a trip!
What a wonderful vacation! I hear you about roughing it. Trying to get better since it’s so nice to be outside!
Thanks for sharing beautiful pictures!
Thanks Kelly! This was about as close to “roughing it” as I’m comfortable with. 🙂
That all looks so pretty and relaxing! I live in NC but haven’t been there yet. I think I’ll put it on my list for our possible next vacation! =]
Runt
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Oh if you live in NC you HAVE to go!!! It’s beautiful there and so much fun.
I live in NC too, only about an hour or two from Brevard but have never been to DuPont; have been to Pisgah when I was a kid. Anyway, NC is BEAUTIFUL and we have wonderful beaches as well – that’s usually where we go!
Wow, 17 people in one house, it must have been big. i like creature comforts too but you are right it is good to get out into the wild.
What a beautiful area! It sounds as though you had a wonderful time with your family.
Looks like a great trip! 17 people in one house sounds like perfect chaos. Found you through the Haven link up and now following via bloglovin. Hope to see you next week!
Thanks Heather! Looking forward to meeting you!
I just stumbled onto your blog and while looking at some of your past posts I see you got to spend some time in my hometown! We actually spent today hiking in the forest. It’s funny though when you live here you don’t appreciate what you’re surrounded by until you see it through someone else’s eyes(lens).
What a wonderful place to call home! We will be returning to the area this summer, but we are staying in another town this time. I’d love to go back though! It was gorgeous and we had a great time.