OMG, we loved this place so much. We decided on a whim to visit Landrum, SC; Tryon, NC and Saluda, NC for our anniversary one year. We found beautiful country, a charming downtown (we even met the mayor!) and some really delicious places to eat. Harper’s Pub is amazing- plus, it’s in a really neat old building.
2. Saluda, NC
We visited this tiny little town and didn’t want to leave. If you go to Saluda, I recommend hiking to Pearson’s Falls, a 100-foot waterfall. It’s absolutely beautiful. Like nearby Tryon, there are some delicious places to eat. I also enjoyed rummaging through antique stores and visiting a general store.
3. West Jefferson, NC
West Jefferson is one of our absolute favorite places on the planet. Close enough to Boone to visit, but away from the hustle and bustle of Boone. It’s a beautiful little town with a charming downtown and gorgeous views. Also, while you’re there, you’d better check out Hole Lotta Donuts!
Picture courtesy of High Country Visitor’s Guide
4. Blowing Rock, NC
Blowing Rock is, quite possibly, my favorite NC mountain town. I’d move here tomorrow if I could. We love the scenery and the downtown itself- so much character and charm. I wish I could tell you a specific store to check out downtown, but there are so many neat ones, I’m just going to recommend you visit them all 🙂 There’s also a really nice park and playground for your kids. If you visit here, you need to go to Kilwin’s for some homemade candies and ice cream. Everything there is delicious.
Courtesy of Jackson County Chamber of Commerce
5. Sylva, NC
As a proud grad of Western Carolina U, I have to include Sylva on this list. This beautiful little town is home to the most photographed courthouse in the South- with the mountain views, the landscaping and the streetlights, it’s easy to see why. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent there- so many delightful places to visit and so much delicious food! Go to Speedy’s Pizza- the restaurant has been open since the 70’s and it’s fantastic!
I hope you enjoyed my favorite mountain towns! We love exploring our state and finding new places to visit.
This past weekend, we went to The Mountain State to see my grandmother and my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We didn’t get to see some of my more extended family but we will return in about a month to visit again.
We even got to see a little bit of snow while we were there. It wasn’t enough to play in but it was a lot of fun.
My girls dressed alike and looked adorable when we went to church with my grandmother. The littlest lumber didn’t want to participate in the photo festivities. 🤷♀️
We ate the most delicious meal at Savory Flavors in Bluefield, V.A.
And I found this sign that pretty much sums up my existence.
We played an antler ring toss game that had everybody cracking up.
And I managed to do something I’ve never done- walk out of Hobby Lobby empty handed. Not that I didn’t find a lot of things I wanted. I am just trying to be more intentional with my spending. I also didn’t want to buy something that might not survive the trip home.
We had a blast but we surely miss our family now. We will see them again soon.
We have recently taken a good look around and realized the younger members of the Lumber family are growing up…too fast. We have been trying to take the time to make some memories, and we’ve also been trying to explore some of our local area as well.
The little Lumbers have been asking to visit a pumpkin patch, and while there are two pumpkin patches within a short drive of our house, we decided to check out Smith Hollow Farm in Kernersville.
These two sweet sisters had a blast! They got to meet and even feed some of the farm’s many animals.
They both rode horses (It was the Littlest Lumber’s for the first time!!)
They also went on a hayride and got their faces painted.
We enjoyed the food and enjoyed walking around the pretty farm. Did you know they have weddings there? We didn’t.
The oldest Lumber tried her hand at archery- her Pop Pop would be proud.
And before we left, we chose two pumpkins to bring home and carve.
It was a great trip and didn’t cost us a lot of money. We had a great time and plan to go back.
Summer is quickly approaching, and for most of us, summer means pool and beach trips. Those of us with more than one child have a pretty good idea about what your tiny tot will need for a trip to the pool, but if you aren’t sure, I decided to share what’s in our pool bag.
For our toddler, we always pack the following items:
A snack (not pictured). We try to always bring a healthy snack for both kids no matter where we go. Dry cereal works well, as do small fruits (grapes) or veggies (carrot sticks), and things like granola bars or Belvita biscuits.
A swimsuit, a cover up (a hooded towel will work well for a small child), and sunglasses
A sunscreen for sensitive skin
Swim diapers and wipes (if your toddler isn’t quite potty trained. Ours is not).
Diaper ointment and lotion. Some kids’ skin is sensitive to chlorine, so it’s a good idea to have some lotion on hand to replenish their skin’s moisture
Pool shoes and goggles
Something to drink in a plastic, lidded cup
Detangler and a hairbrush (not pictured)
I always feel the most organized and prepared for anything when I create a checklist beforehand, run down my list, and physically check it off. I decided to share that list with you as well. To download it, simply right click on the picture below, save it to your device, and then print it. For best results, do not print larger than 8X10 inches.
Picture it: you’ve finally arrived at your destination on your long-awaited yearly family beach vacation…and you’ve arrived to complete and total chaos. Your hotel/accommodations weren’t what you envisioned, you can’t find half of what you’ve packed, your kids are hungry and grumpy, and you’re about to lose your mind. We’ve all been there, and it’s never pleasant. Sometimes, despite our best planning, our vacations don’t always go so well, and sometimes when you book your vacation the following year, you worry you’ll have a repeat experience.
Worry no more, because an organized family beach vacation IS possible.
The two major things that stress me out the most about vacationing are 1. Spending too much money, and 2. not properly planning for the needs of my family beforehand. Those are the issues I’m going to discuss the most today.
1. Save money before AND during your beach vacation by:
a. I’m a big fan of saving money on vacations. Although vacation lodging is expensive, you can actually save some money. Before booking, browse discount travel websites such as Expedia or Hotels.com. Many chain hotels/motels even offer discounts for military personnel, AAA members, and many other things. Sometimes hotels offer special packages for certain rooms or off site activities that could save you a little cash. You should certainly check to see what reduced rates, discounts, or special rates are available prior to booking your accommodations.
b. It’s super easy to blow your travel budget on meals if you manage to eat out for every meal. If you’re lucky enough to get a hotel room with a kitchenette, or rent a house/condo, you can utilize your kitchen and refrigerator to cook some lunches and breakfasts yourself. A trip to the grocery store for a few cheap, smaller meals is still cheaper than eating in restaurants for every meal.
c. Kids eat free at some restaurants. If dining out is on your itinerary, you may want to find restaurants that are family friendly. Depending on the age of your children, you may even be able to find a few restaurants in which your kiddo’s meals will be “on the house.”
d. Don’t go shopping. I know this one sounds crazy, as it’s one of the things some of us look forward to when we go to the beach. BUT, before you shop, ask yourself: is this something I can do at home? Is this really something I need to buy right now, on this trip? Are similar stores available back home? If you can answer yes to two of those questions, don’t shop. Wait until you’re home, where prices will likely be less in a “less-touristy” area.
e. Search up discounts before booking excursions or activities. Sometimes your hotel concierge or front desk staff will have an inside scoop on coupons or discounts for local fun and games. You’d be surprised how often you can find discounted rates on aquarium tickets, local mini golf attractions, or amusement park admission via your hotel’s front desk.
a. Researching the area before you book your trip. If you’re headed to a destination you’re already familiar with, skip this step. BUT, if you’re traveling somewhere new, you may want to make sure your family will have plenty to do. Make sure there are lots of fun activities that aren’t too costly your family can enjoy. You also want to research the area so you’ll know where nearby drug stores, minute clinics and pharmacies are in case you need them. Familiarize yourself with the area so you will not have to spend so much time looking for streets and landmarks.
b. Create checklists. Before you start packing, write out a checklist for each family member and what you’ll need to pack. Be mindful of any planned activities or excursions you’ll be participating in as you’re thinking about your packing list. Create a checklist as well for what you’ll need while traveling to your destination. For your kiddos, it’s a good idea to have some snacks and quiet activities on hand to curb boredom. Make sure when you pack that you aren’t rushed. If you’re in a hurry, you’ll be more likely to forget things. See also What to pack in your toddler’s pool bag! and Vacationing with kids: How to simplify.
c. Pack your vehicle the night before your trip, if possible. Packing the night before will save you some time, will cause you to be less stressed when you leave for your destination, and will give you time to realize you may have left something behind.
I hope you have enjoyed our travel tips. Tune in next week for our favorite products for traveling to the beach.
