It's not a family vacation unless the kids are having fun, too. While parents may be most concerned with getting rest and relaxing, the kids will be most concerned with the next adventure. Fortunately, there are all-inclusive vacation getaway spots for the entire family in North Carolina that will keep both parents and kids happy.
Earthshine Mountain Resort alternately calls itself an "Appalachian Guest Ranch," a "Family Camp," an "adventure facility," and more. Built on an 83-acre, 100-year-old homestead bordering the Pisgah National Forest and facing a lake, the two-story, hand-built cedar log lodge features rock fireplaces, stained-glass lamps, and patchwork quilts. The kids will be completely occupied with the lodge's outdoor education programs that explore pioneer life on the frontier, while the adults relax fireside. Everyone will leave with memories to last a lifetime.
Earthshine Mountain Lodge
1600 Golden Road
Lake Toxaway, NC 28747
828-862-4207
earthshinelodge.com
Open April 25 to November 2, Bluff's Lodge and Restaurant provides a mountainside retreat as well as all-you-can-eat meals for your family during your stay. Featuring wonderful views of the Blue Ridge mountains from its balconies and patios, deer sightings are a regular occurrence. Fill up on country ham, fried chicken, and biscuits at the restaurant, which has a 1950s theme and most of the original furnishings.
Bluffs Lodge & Restaurant
45356 Blue Ridge Parkway, Milepost 241
Laurel Springs, NC 28644
336-372-4499
blueridgeresort.com
Located on the intersection of the Nantahala River and the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains, and within driving distance of Knoxville, Tennessee, Atlanta, Georgia, and Charlotte, North Carolina, the Nantahala Outdoor Center provides lodging and white water river rafting adventures for the entire family, as well as mountain bike trips and kayak and canoe instruction. The staff leads white water rafting trips on seven Southeastern rivers--the Chattooga, the Cheoah, the French Broad, the Nantahala, the Nolichucky, the Ocoee, and the Pigeon. The Center also offers adventure-learning programs such as rope course climbing, lake kayaking, fly-fishing, and hiking.
Nantahala Outdoor Center
13077 Highway 19 W.
Bryson City, NC 28713-9165
828-488-2176
noc.com
