Family Fun in Asheville, NC

We just returned home from a great family vacation in Asheville, NC.  Born and raised in the South, I thought I knew what to expect with this bustling North Carolina city, but the beauty and diverse culture really blew my expectations away.  Unlike some of it's Southern counterparts like Charleston and Savannah, Asheville has an edgier, more elclectic vibe.  The people aren't unfriendly by any means, but they are much more "you do you, I'll do me" than other Southern cities I know well.  I really enjoyed the laid back vibe of the city.

 

Because we were going with a large family, and because we are huge mountain fans, we rented a cabin just outside the city in Black Mountain.  I loved doing this as it really provided two vacations in one...a quiet mountain retreat as well as easy access to city life when the cabin fever set in.  The best of both worlds in my opinion, and much more economical when traveling with a large group.  The whole family enjoyed sitting out on the deck overlooking the beautiful mountains all around us, all while keeping an eye out for bears (which we disappointingly never saw!). 

THINGS TO DO:
There are so many activities in and around Asheville for the whole family to enjoy.  We spent a day at Chimney Rock State Park (http://www.chimneyrockpark.com/) where we hiked up the mountain to enjoy some of the most breathtaking mountain views I've ever seen.  We had a picnic under the covered tables and also treated the kids to ice cream after their tiny legs had done all that climbing.  There's also a rock wall and animal encounter for the little ones.  It felt great to unplug and enjoy nature together.

For some indoor kid friendly activities, there is the Asheville Pinball Museum (http://ashevillepinball.com/) where the whole family can view and play over 75 different games.  If you're looking for a break from the heat, there's also Asheville's Fun Depot (http://ashevillesfundepot.com/) with go carts, laser tag, mini golf, bowling and more.
 

Especially attractive during the blazing summer months, the Gray Line Trolley Tours offer a "Hop On Hop Off" option which is a great way for families to explore the city. Instead of little legs keeping up for miles and miles, the trolley will take you around to some key tourist attractions including the heart of downtown.  You will get some history and a breezy ride along the way (cheesy trolley tour guide jokes included for free!). http://graylineasheville.com/
 

FOOD:
Local food is always the most researched part of our trip.  A few days is only enough time to scratch the surface of this emerging heavy-hitter in the food world.  Along with the laid back vibe, Asheville is extremely kid and pet friendly.  This lends itself to many restaurants with sophisticated menus, but with a more casual vibe.  There are a ton of outdoor patios that have a mix of kid friendly fare and delicious menus with craft cocktails and brews for the adults.  The Tupelo Honey Cafe (https://tupelohoneycafe.com/location/downtown-asheville/) was great for brunch on the patio. The kids enjoyed banana pancakes while the adults enjoyed shrimp & grits, mimosas and golden tomato Bloody Marys.  If you find yourself able to sneak away for a date night (thanks grandparents!), enjoy a night downtown at Local Provisions (http://www.localprovisionsasheville.com/) or Curate (http://heirloomhg.com/curate/) and end the night at Wicked Weed Brewery (https://wickedweedbrewing.com/).

Our family really enjoyed the laid back, eclectic vibe of the city as well as the peacefullness of the gorgeous mountains and waterfalls all around us.  I highly recommend checking out this gem of a city when you get an opportunity! For more information on this vibrant city, check out https://www.exploreasheville.com/

Remy - Disney Dream Dining Experience to Remember

I've written about my family's love for Disney Cruises.  We've gone on the Disney Dream every year for the last 3 years, so it's no surprise that I've become the "go-to" person for advice for first time Disney cruisers.  I recently wrote another blog post here https://themoreplaces.com/travel/2017/4/15/disney-dream with detailed advice but wanted to write more specifically about the adult-only special dining experience at Remy.

 

I've been asked several times if one meal can actually be worth as much (or more!) as some people pay for groceries for a month. I always answer that you have to decide for yourself how much value you place on food and the dining experience as a whole.  I don't place a high value on things like clothes, shoes, handbags, etc for instance.  But when it comes to fine dining and travel, I'm suddenly screaming "take my money now!" 
 

If you do some research, you will find the stated cost for the meal is $95 per person.  Go ahead and multiply that number by 3-4 and you will have what you will actually spend, more if adding in the wine pairings.  Now it may be possible to stick with the $95 per person budget if you are very careful with your selections.  But if you have a husband like mine who is a little (ahem, a lot!) of an impulsive diner when surrounded by amazing food, you will have a harder time sticking to this budget.  
 

The menu was crafted by French Michelin 3-star Chef Arnaud Lallement and Chef Schott Hunnel from award-winning Victoria & Albert's at Walt Disney World. Each chef offers their own tasting menus--an American version and a French version.  So naturally, we get one of each and share so we can have the full tasting experience.  
 

The menu is seasonal and changes often, but I will say that after 3 years and 30 something courses, I've never had anything disappointing. So the answer to the question "is it worth it" really depends on your priorities.  If you place a high value on top quality ingredients, innovative dishes, wonderful service and fabulous views and atmosphere, you will not be disappointed with this experience.  Should you try it, it will no doubt be a top contender for best meal of your life!

Stephanie is a travel agent that specializes in Disney travel.  For all your planning needs for your own Disney Cruise, visit https://www.facebook.com/stephanieadventurewithmagic/

Top 5 Family Summer Activities in Atlanta

Atlanta is near and dear to my heart.  I was born and raised there and it will always be "home" no matter how many places we move to or where we currently live.  Atlanta is an epicenter of fun.  If I wanted to, I could name a fun family activity for every single day of the summer.  But that would be exhausting to read, so I'll leave you with my top 5 must sees if you're visiting Atlanta or if you live there and want ideas on how to entertain your kids over the summer.

No 5: Six Flags Over Georgia
 

Just the thought of Six Flags brings great childhood memories flooding back to me.  The Scream Machine was my first roller coaster ride when my dad lifted up my ponytail to meet the height requirement when I was an inch too short (this was before lawsuits were rampant, probably won't work these days!).  With rides for all ages, a water park to keep you cool, shows and lots of dining options, a day at Six Flags will definitely be one to remember!  Daily tickets start at $46.99 (https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia)
 

NO 4: Atlanta Braves Game
 

Whether you are a baseball fan or not, an Atlanta Braves game is entertaining for everyone of all ages.  They have a brand new home this year, SunTrust Park, that looks amazing.  I can't wait to go and check it out with my family this summer.  The stadium features restaurants, party deck, club level seats, and Hope and Will's Sandlot.  This is a huge kids' area that has lots of kid-friendly activities and games, including a zip-line! Check the website because some nights, they even have a fireworks show after the game! Family Value Packs start at $75.  (http://atlanta.braves.mlb.com/atl/ballpark/suntrust-park/) 
 

No 3: Stone Mountain Park
 

Located just outside Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park boasts 3,200 acres of natural beauty to explore.  There are numerous rides and attractions for all ages including a petting zoo, Swiss cable car ride, miniature golf course, scenic train ride, ropes courses, 4-D movies and more!  Be sure to bring a picnic lunch and find a spot at one of the many covered pavilions.  After all the exploring, end your day with the world's largest light show with a fireworks finale.  I have so many great memories of attending the laser show with friends and family growing up, it's a fantastic experience.  There are options for lodging at the park, so you can make a whole weekend out of it! Visit the website for complete information. (http://www.stonemountainpark.com/) 
 

No 2: Zoo Atlanta
 

One of my favorite childhood pictures is at Zoo Atlanta where my parents would take me to see my favorite animal, the famous around Atlanta gorilla, Willie B. I spent many summer days walking around in awe at all the wildlife and beautiful animals. These days, the zoo is packed with rides and attractions, cool closeup animal experiences, playgrounds and special events.  Day tickets start at $16.99 for children, $22.99 for adults for advanced purchase.  Get more information at https://zooatlanta.org/  

No 1: Georgia Aquarium
 

By far one of Atlanta's best family attractions, the Georgia Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.  It houses tens of thousands fish and sea life.  The aquarium is divided into exhibit areas, each with different themes.  In addition to exhibits, it features a 4-D show, "behind the seas" tours, and numerous animal encounters. Make sure to get there early, as it gets busy throughout the day. Tickets start at $30.95.  Check the website for more details.  http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/

5 Essential Experiences for Foodies in Charleston, SC

Charleston, SC is a beautiful city brimming with rich history and stunning architecture. From Georgian homes to colorful pastel row homes that show the city's influence from Barbados, there is no shortage of beauty everywhere you look. In the last few years, Charleston has been making a name for itself as a top food destination for travelers looking to sample elevated Southern dishes.  A weekend is only enough time to scratch the surface of discovering all the culinary wonders that lie within the Holy City, so some strategy has to be involved. Here are my 5 essential ways to experience Charleston - food lover style.     

Culinary Tour:

We dove right in to the food scene as soon as we arrived through a food tour of Upper King Street presented by https://charlestonculinarytours.com/.  I was pleasantly surprised by the historical and cultural knowledge of our tour guide and equally surprised by the portions at each place we visited.  Definitely arrive on an empty stomach!  We toured 4 places and had several small dishes at each restaurant. The stops included calamari and flatbread pizza at HoM http://www.homcharleston.com/ then we moved on to steamed mussels and frites with fried brussle sprouts at Rue De Jean http://www.holycityhospitality.com/39-rue-de-jean-charleston/ .  We then made our way to Smoke BBQ http://smokebbq.kitchen/ for a tasting plate full of goodies like a smoked chicken wing, red-skinned potato salad, coleslaw and a Cuban sandwich.  The final stop on the tour included a delicious scoop of ice cream from Jeni's Ice Cream (the Brown Butter Almond Brittle is to die for!)  https://jenis.com/scoop-shops/jenis-king-street/

Shopping:

While Charleston has an abundance of antiques and fine art galleries, the food related shops got our attention.  Up and down King Street, you'll find unique shops featuring local ingredients.  Charleston Mix specializes in Bloody Mary mixes, Food for the Southern Soul sells grits and BBQ sauces, Low Country Olive Oil features delicious oils and vinegars, and The Spice and Tea Exchange (http://www.spiceandtea.com/) has a variety of spices for dips, rubs, oils and gifts.  There's something for every food lover with the variety of shops downtown.
 

Rooftop Bars:

The city has it's share of rooftop bars with amazing views.  Afternoon cocktails and appetizers are especially pleasant during the fall and spring.  Our 2 favorites were the Market Pavillion (http://marketpavilion.com/) for it's gorgeous views of the harbor and it's magnificent infinity pool that gets turned into a dance floor at night with the help of plexiglass and The Rooftop at The Vendu (http://www.thevendue.com/dining/the-rooftop/) which is known as Charleston's Art Hotel.  Everything is beautifully decorated and the views of the city at night are spectacular.  
 

Brunch:

There are too many great brunch spots in Charleston, and too little time on a weekend to experience them all, so I'll post my favorite two. The first is Cafè Framboise (http://cafeframboise.com/) a French cafe with everything from quiche to sandwiches to sweet and savory crepes.  Oh and their macarons are almost too pretty to eat. Our other must go to brunch spot is the Hominy Grill (http://hominygrill.com/). There are no reservations, but there is a place to grab a mimosa or bloody Mary while waiting on a table, so the wait goes by pretty fast. They're known for their shrimp and grits and they were great, but if you're into biscuits and fried chicken, do yourself a favor and order the Charleston Nasty Biscuit.  It.is.amazing!!
  

Chef's Tasting at McCrady's:

There are some food experiences that will be permanently etched into your happy memories, and I can promise you this is one of them. James Beard award-winning chef Sean Brock creates not only a meal, but an experience in this 22 seat space in downtown Charleston restaurant McCrady's (http://mccradysrestaurant.com/).  It's a 14 course tasting menu that begins as soon as you sit down with food hidden within the tabletop flower decor.  The wine pairings enhance the experience.  I loved the relaxed vibe mixed with the elaborate, creative bites.  Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable not only about food, but with Charleston's history and current happenings.  We were blown away with the entire experience top to bottom.      

Charleston, SC Family Fun

Charleston, SC Part 1: Family Fun

Charleston, South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the best cities to visit in the US. It's got rich history, beautiful beaches nearby, friendly Southern hospitality around every corner and some of the best food you'll find anywhere in the country, hands down. It's a great spot to take the whole family for a relaxing vacation, with things to do for every age group. 

We visited Charleston over the 4th of July week, and let me tell you, it's hotter than the hinges of Hades...which if you're not Southern and need translation just means it's flipping hot. And humid. And this is coming from people that lived in Florida for a decade. So in order to make sure we had access to water activities, we chose to stay at the beach which was a short drive away from downtown Charleston. There are a lot of beaches close to the city: Sullivan's island, Folly Beach, Kiawah Island and Isle of Palms to name a few. We chose Isle of Palms and it was perfect for our family. It was clean, quiet and calm and made for an excellent stay. 

We drove back and forth into downtown Charleston on several days to check out some sights. We really enjoyed the South Carolina Aquarium. It's located right on the harbor so you can take in the gorgeous scenery before or after your visit. The aquarium is large, clean and has a ton of interactive activities for the kids. They even got to pet a baby alligator (a highlight for them, scary for mama). They also house the Sea Turtle Care Center where they rehabilitate injured sea turtles. Overall, it was an enjoyable time, especially as it gave us a break from the blazing sun. 

We also took time to stroll down Historic King Street for some souvenir shopping and a stop at a cute little ice cream shop. We found the Charleston City Market where local merchants displayed arts and crafts for purchase. 

After all the walking in the sun, we boarded up on a horse and carriage ride through Palmetto Carriage. It was a nice break from walking and we got a narrated tour around some of the historical landmarks from a friendly and knowledgeable guide, complete with deep Southern accent and dressed in bow tie and seersucker for authenticity. 

There are plenty of other attractions in the city to keep a family busy for days. Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began, has daily tours. The Magnolia Plantation has beautiful gardens, a petting zoo and mazes. And for the older kids that don't easily get scared, there are ghost tours that run in the evenings (don't know about these, I want my kids to continue to sleep through the night!)

I can't leave a post without some good food recommendations. Now Charleston is a foodie's dream come true, especially if that foodie (me) is into seafood. We are actually returning next week for a food-filled adventure for adults only, so that will be part two of my Charleston series. For some good bets with kids, we found several spots worth stopping by. In downtown, we found Hyman's Seafood. It's over a hundred years old and has a cute little market attached to it. Fleet Landing is a great spot right on the water. It has some solid Southern seafood staples. Try to get a patio seat if the wait's not too long, it's worth it. Other notable spots are a short drive away on Sullivan's Island. Poe's Tavern is a quirky literary themed restaurant named after Edgar Allen Poe who lived on the island for some of his life. The craft burgers and bacon coleslaw are amazing! Right down the street is Beardcat's Sweet Shop. They have tons of delectable desserts to try, but I was partial to the red velvet ice cream. Yum!! 

Charleston is a fantastic getaway spot that will have you longing to return. Join me next week for my second part: adult-style Charleston getaway!