Traveling provides tranquility to a person. Life is all about exploring a new chapter. I mean, who doesn’t love traveling? There’s one such place you must visit to witness the utmost beauty of nature.
North Carolina mountains offer recreation for everyone. From beautiful Maggie Valley to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you can explore the beauty of North Carolina. If you want to connect to nature, there’s no better place than western North Carolina, floating down the French Broad River. Make sure to enjoy the mountain view and scenic beauty.
The Blue Ridge Mountains
Most of Western North Carolina is covered by epic mountain ranges that’ll just take your breath away. The scenery and landscapes you’ll find in the Blue Ridge Mountains are totally unique. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed making the trip out here. The mountains also extend North, touching Pennsylvania. One can spend the whole day watching the beauty of the Blue Ridge mountains. Visit the place because you deserve a break! Treating yourself to some Blue Ridge Mountain therapy is the perfect reset. The major peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains are:
- 1. Mt Mitchell: It may not look like much, but it is the highest peak east of the Mississippi River. The best thing is that you don’t have to be a super hiker or spend a ton of money to enjoy this place. Mount Mitchell is located 35 miles Northeast of downtown Asheville. You can easily reach Mount Mitchell through the scenic drive via Blue Ridge Parkway. The varied kinds of animals and plants are one of its specialties. This mountain is a part of the Black Mountain range, formed over a billion years ago. So if you’re looking for an easy, free adventure with some serious nature cred, put Mt. Mitchell on your list. Just be sure to pack some snacks – you’ll want to spend some time soaking it all in.
- 2. Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with an elevation of 5,946 ft above northwest North Carolina. This mountain is just 70 miles from Asheville. You can come here through the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge. This is located near the fun town of Banner Elk. This beautiful attraction has many fun things to offer. If you want to hike then you must arrive at the spot by 11 am. Always try to have plenty of time in your hand to enjoy the view of the scenic mountains.
What to Explore Other than Mountains?
1. Wildlife of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is like heaven to people who love outdoor adventures. There is a ton of various flora and fauna at this park. Along with wildlife and wildflowers, you can witness beautiful waterfalls near wooden trails. You’ll love the scenic drives that the place offers. The Roaring Fork Motor Natural Trail is a 5.5-mile-long trail. You’ll be in love with this magnificent view of the mountain. This trail has access to two waterfalls, Rainbow waterfall and Grotto waterfall. But remember to be cautious of black bears.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway: A drive to rejuvenate your soul. If you happen to visit the North Carolina mountains, have a magical drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Blue Ridge Parkway is known as America’s favorite drive. The parkway runs north and south of Asheville. The beauty of this driveway is that it caters to magnificent views of mountains. You can find various spots for roadside picnics here. There are 26 tunnels in the Blue Ridge Parkway, out of which 25 are in North Carolina, near Asheville.
3. Mountain Hiking and Camping: When you are in the North Carolina mountains, you are in the photo paradise of Earth. There are various campgrounds in North Carolina. A real crowd-pleaser is the Carolina Beach State Park campground. This spot is surrounded by beautiful pines and oaks, and it’s located right on Pleasure Island. Can you imagine waking up to that view every morning? Heaven. The campground is spacious so your whole squad can fit in and enjoy it. Some other campgrounds one can try are Hanging Rock State Park, Pilot Mountain State Park, Smokemont Campground, and many more to check out. No matter which one you pick, though, I’m telling you – spending a few nights under those Carolina stars is an experience you won’t soon forget.
4. Road Trip in Asheville, NC: Who doesn’t want to be called and become a wanderlust? The scenic drive of Asheville is home to woods, mountains, and rivers, and you can always stop by the forest and national parks. You can sail through the mesmerizing, curvy roads with beautiful mountain views. It’s a long way to go for hikes, but every mile you cover is worth it. Here, you don’t have to find a way to go on a scenic drive. Just go for hot springs or look out at Town Mountain & Elk Mountain. Venture from one historic town to another. This drive that you will witness will surely be one of your best.
5. Shopping: Of course, on your vacation, you want to carry the memories. You surely want to have some memories of shopping at a famous place in North Carolina. Visit the Biltmore Village of Asheville. This village provides you with a retro shopping experience. There is a blend of locally-owned boutiques and national chains. These offer you a variety of clothes, jewelry, home decor, and gift items. You can carry home the souvenirs of your trip from here.
Retail Bliss with a View: Scenic Shopping Destinations
Anthony Smith, the Founder of RV Properly, offers a perspective on combining shopping with mountain scenery in Biltmore Village:
“I find that the fusion of shopping and mountain scenery, like in Biltmore Village, adds a [whole] new charm to the retail experience. It caters to two pleasures simultaneously – the delight of shopping and the thrill of nature.
I have stumbled upon a similar experience in Colorado’s Estes Park. Here, the small-town charm blends well with the breathtaking views of Rocky Mountain National Park, providing both an indulgent retail experience and a fantastic outdoorsy feel.
In Vermont’s Burlington, the Church Street Marketplace offers an array of unique shops and [also] panoramic views of the Adirondack Mountains across Lake Champlain.”
6. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is the heritage of North Carolina. You can have an amazing day out here with your family. The passenger excursion has a depot in Bryson City. This excursion passes through the various beauty destinations of the wonderful countryside of western North Carolina. Begin your journey from Bryson City Depot. You will not be disappointed with this ride.
Relaxing Travel: Balancing Adventure with Family Time and Self-Care
George Lagkonakis, a Traveling Blogger at WorldTripVibe.com, speaks to the significance of relaxation and family activities in travel:
“We all need time to relax and recharge, and traveling can be a great way [to do that]. But it’s easy to get caught up in activities and sightseeing and forget to make time for family time and [real] relaxation. Here are some tips on how to make these parts of your trip more important so that you have a truly relaxing time:
- Learn to travel slowly: Don’t try to fit too much into your schedule. Let yourself stay in places for a while to enjoy the atmosphere and learn about the [history of the area]. When you move slowly, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.
- Make shared activities a priority: Pick things that the whole family can enjoy, like exploring a local market, going camping, or just spending time together at the park or pool. Shared events make memories that last a lifetime and bring family members closer together.
- Enjoy getting up early and staying [up] late: If you can, schedule your trips for the middle of the day so you have time to relax in the mornings and nights.
- Take it easy over breakfast, [go for a] walk in the woods, or relax by the pool before dinner. These times of peace can be very healing.
- Enjoy local comfort food: Instead of going from restaurant to restaurant, look for cafes and restaurants [in your area] that serve traditional meals.
- Enjoying the [food of the area] is a great way to get to know the culture and meet the friendly people [who live] there.
Here are some specific habits and actions that help me relax and recharge while I’m on vacation:
- Morning Meditation: To clear your thoughts, set goals, and find inner peace, start each day with a few minutes of meditation.
- Nature bathing: Get lost in the peace of nature by walking in a park, sitting by a lake, or just staring at the stars.
- Family Game Nights: Play popular board games or card games with your family around the table.
- Shared Cooking Experiences: Share a fun cooking adventure with someone by making a meal together, experimenting with ingredients from your area, or trying a new recipe.
- Creative Activities: Let your imagination run wild by painting, drawing, writing in a notebook, or just doing things that make you happy.
Remember that the best way to recharge on vacation is to find a mix between fun things to do and relaxing. Take the time to slow down, spend time with your loved ones, and enjoy the peace and beauty of the places you visit. Your trip will be better and more enjoyable than ever.”
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
