Good day to you all!
I trust you are relishing in the delightful beginnings of the Spring Season!
Recently, my kids were all out on Spring Break and my husband and I had a pretty simple plan for the rest of the break. He had to work and I had to make sure the kids survived a few days together without fighting too much 😂 Yet things rarely go as we plan around here. We were invited on an unexpected adventure to a cabin in the serene landscapes of North Carolina! Despite the short notice -less than 24 hours to be exact- we eagerly seized the opportunity to join our friends on this escapade!
As a family of six, finding accommodations that suit both our needs and our budget can be a challenge. However, the prospect of staying in a spacious cabin that would allow both our family and our friends’ family was too good to resist, even if it meant embarking in a 12-hour drive with all four kids in tow. Sounds like quite an adventure, doesn’t it?
Well, we packed up our family in a few hours and set out on our journey. Knowing that half of us are prone to motion sickness, I made sure to stock up on the best car sickness medications available, specifically, Dramamine for both kids and adults. Driving through the night proved to be a blessing , as the kids slumbered for most of the ride, sparing us and them any discomfort.
Day 1
Upon arrival at the cabin, our first order of business was a quick trip to the grocery store followed by a well-deserved rest for the exhausted adults. The children, on the other hand, were more than content with the array of games and the pool table awaiting them in the basement. Exploring the surrounding mountain terrain provided opportunity for leisurely strolls, although we quickly learned to beware of the thorny plants – our shins bore witness to that lesson. 😭
Day 2
The following day, we embarked on an outdoor expedition to the Deep Creek Loop Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. This beautiful trail treated us to amazing views of three stunning waterfalls and afforded us some quality bonding time with out kids as my husband taught them the art of skipping rocks across the water. Whole most of our kids were able to manage the 2.3-mile hike, our toddler understandably reached his limit after a mile. A sturdy wagon or heavy-duty stroller would’ve been invaluable for helping our little ones. We returned to our cabin that evening, to indulge in the simple pleasure of roasting marshmallows and crafting delicious s’mores – a fitting end to a successful day of exploration.
Day 3
On our final full day in North Carolina, we set off on yet another adventure, this time to the WNC Nature Center – a charming wildlife sanctuary where we encountered native species like the Black Bear, Cougars, and Otters (my personal favorite!). Following our wildlife excursion, we headed into Ashville, where we enjoyed the laid-back ambiance of Burial Beer Co., indulging in some delectable fries and a variety of craft brews. Our escapades continued at Ashville Brewing Co., where we devoured a mouthwatering pizza before bidding farewell to this unexpected vacation.
As we set off on our journey back home, we opted for a daytime road trip, avoiding the challenges of an overnight drive. Thanks to our trusty Dramamine, our return journey home was smooth sailings.
Reflecting on our spontaneous adventure, I couldn’t help but be in awe at the joy on my kid’s faces as they reveled in the simple pleasure of childhood. Watching the courage displayed by our little ones emulating their older siblings was a testament to their spirit of adventure.
I wholeheartedly encourage seizing the opportunity for a surprise getaway, if it presents itself. The memories forges and the bonds strengthened are priceless.
By the way, As an affiliate partner of Amazon, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this blog. This comes at no extra cost to you but helps support the maintenance of this site and allows me to continue providing valuable content. Thank you for your support!