Travel NC With Kids: 2019

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Winterfest at Carowinds Amusement Park on the NC and SC Border

Carowinds Winterfest Live Entertainment © Katrena

Carowinds, an amusement park on the North Carolina and South Carolina border located off interstate 77 began offering limited evening November and December hours in which visitors can enjoy holiday lights, entertainment, activities, and a parade. In 2019, visitors could either pay an entry fee or enter with a season pass. Some season pass holders could also have a limited number of guests to enter with them at a discounted rate. Carowinds charges $20 for parking unless you have a season pass with parking included.

Rides at Carowinds Winterfest © Katrena

Those who are only interested in riding coasters or other rides would do well to check the Carowinds web site before deciding to visit Winterfest. Many rides like Fury 325 and the Intimidator were not open; however, Copperhead Strike, Afterburn, fair-type rides, and many of the rides for small children were open. Winterfest was crowded both times we visited. With few larger rides running, the lines were long, sometimes longer than an hour wait, which is a consideration when the park is only open for a few evening hours.

Holiday Lights at Carowinds Winterfest - View from Carolina Skytower © Katrena

We thought the holiday lights were nicely done at Winterfest. Some lighted areas were themed, such as Candy Cane Lane and Celebration Plaza. One of my favorite ways of enjoying the lights was to ride the Carolina Skytower and see the motley array of festive colors from above. That ride will hold a large number of people, so even if there are lots of people standing in line, you probably won't have to wait a terribly long time before getting to ride.

Holiday Music at Carowinds Winterfest © Katrena

Live entertainment abounded at Winterfest. One indoor show, Charlie Brown's Christmas Spectacular, included singers and dancers who interacted with several Peanuts characters. My family enjoyed the show. Most of the other entertainers appeared in various outdoor areas throughout the park. A wide variety of styles from bluegrass, jazz, brass, drumming, and more were offered at various times throughout the park. We got a schedule of events but only planned around the Charlie Brown show. As we walked around, we had the opportunity to enjoy several musical numbers that were nicely done in that particular genre.

Fun Winter Activities for the Family in NC and SC © Katrena

Many employees were dressed in costume and offered photo opportunities for the shutterbugs in the crowd. Examples of other activities included a large tic-tac-toe area, a place to write a card for someone in the military, line dancing, and a Christmas tree lot with a Charlie Brown Christmas tree nestled in the middle. For an extra fee, visitors could go ice skating, ride Ripcord or Slingshot, decorate cookies, hang out in an "igloo," play several carnival-type games, or go for a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Fun Things to do over Winter Break © Katrena

Winterfest offers a parade near the end of the evening, but my crew opted to exit before the parade to avoid a long wait to get out of the parking lot. We saw a few of the floats near the south gate as we were leaving and it looked like the parade would have been fun to watch.

Fair Rides at Carowinds Winterfest © Katrena

Overall, my family enjoyed Winterfest. The lights and entertainment were festive and fun. I would recommend a season pass that includes free parking, especially if you wanted to go to Carowinds several times in a year.

Charlie Brown Christmas Tree at Carowinds Winterfest © Katrena

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Sunday, August 4, 2019

Mount Mitchell State Park - America's Highest Peak East of the Mississippi

Mount Mitchell State Park © Katrena

Mount Mitchell State Park boasts the tallest peak east of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet above sea level. Our Canadian friends would probably particularly like this state park because the weather and ecosystem resembles that of Canada. Six of the peaks in the Black Mountain range are among the highest top ten peaks east of the Mississippi.

Butterflies Galore on the Road to Mount Mitchell © Katrena

We visited Mount Mitchell in late July 2019, and I think we saw a million butterflies along the sides of the road. I think every thistle had a butterfly perched upon its bloom. These red flowers attracted lots of butterflies too. They were beautiful!

Summit Trail at Mount Mitchell © Katrena

I had not visited Mount Mitchell for years, but I remember how almost all of the trees near the peak were dead. After looking at the fact sheet on the NC State Parks web site, I discovered that the balsam woolly adelgid had infested and killed a large number of Fraser firs in the 1950s. I was pleasantly surprised to see that many areas of Mount Mitchell are now green again.

Mount Mitchell Welcome Center © Katrena

We drove to the welcome center and hiked the 280-yard paved Summit Trail. It is rare to see a paved hiking trail, particularly one that reaches the peak of a mountain. The trail was well maintained and short but fairly steep.

Wildflowers at Mount Mitchell State Park © Katrena

We saw a wide variety of flowers, butterflies, bees, and a few berries on the trail. I later saw on the brochure that visitors are allowed to pick and eat a few berries. I'm going to have to apologize to my daughter who loves raspberries.

Hiking Trails at Mount Mitchell State Park © Katrena

Several other hikers were on the trail. We were fortunate to arrive when we did because a thunderstorm was making its way toward us. Mount Mitchell is often covered with clouds. I believe the other times I had visited Mount Mitchell, the view was blocked by fog-like clouds.

Mount Mitchell State Park Observation Tower © Katrena

The observation tower has a sloping ramp to get to the top. On a clear day, the view from this point may reach 85 miles.

Black Mountain Range Peaks Seen from Mount Mitchell © Abigail

There were several signs that named the various peaks of the Black Mountain range that one can see when facing each direction.

Grave Marker for Dr. Elisha Mitchell at Mount Mitchell © Katrena

At the base of the observation deck is the grave of Dr. Elisha Mitchell, a science professor who worked many years to gather information that he felt would prove that this mountain peak was the highest in the area. He fell and died while exploring this rugged mountain that was named for him.

North Carolina State Parks Passport Program © Katrena

My family has a state parks passport book, and we get it stamped at the various locations we have visited within the North Carolina state park system. This location also qualifies for the mountains to sea stamp.

North Carolina State Parks Mountains to Sea Hiking Trails © Katrena

If you or someone you love is prone to motion sickness, be aware that roads leading to Mount Mitchell are winding mountainous roads. They curve back and forth along the terrain. Some people find it helpful to watch the road while riding; others find sea bands, going very light on any meal before the trip, or medications to be helpful. You might want to pack a bag or bucket...just to be on the safe side.

Mount Mitchell is Getting Its Green Back! © Abigail

Learn more about Mount Mitchell at the NC State Parks web site. Thanks for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog! Check out some of my other articles below:

Baymont Inn by Wyndham in Cherokee Smoky Mountains

Baymont Inn by Wyndham Cherokee Smokey Mountains © Katrena

Several people have asked me where my family has stayed for our trips to Cherokee, so I decided to write an article about it and share with others.

Baymont Inn Cherokee NC© Katrena

Baymont Inn is located at 1455 Acquoni Road in Cherokee. Turn onto Acquoni Road from Highway 19 and continue straight through the roundabout. You might notice a free action sports park with a skateboarding course on the right. The hotel is on the left a couple of miles from that traffic circle.

Nice Hotel in Cherokee NC © Katrena

We have stayed at Baymont Inn twice. I made reservations before arrival both times and have not had any problems with booking. For us, the location is ideal. It is close to many activities in Cherokee and also close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, yet the hotel is fairly secluded and quiet. Traffic on Aquoni Road was light both times we stayed at Baymont Inn.

View from 3rd Story Room at Baymont Inn Smokey Mountains © Katrena

This is the quietest hotel we have visited on our travels; it has free parking and wifi, and the area appears safe.

Hotel with Friendly Staff in Cherokee © Katrena

Staff members at the front desk are friendly and helpful. Connie, on the left in the picture, grew up in Cherokee and returned to this beautiful area. She and others working at the front desk have offered suggestions for fun things to do with the kids along with a map and directions.

Hotel with Free Breakfast at Baymont Inn in Cherokee NC © Katrena

The hotel has three floors and an elevator. The lobby is welcoming with several brochures highlighting various options for activities. A free breakfast with fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt, etc. is offered each morning.

Pretty Landscaping at Baymont Inn © Katrena

The entire hotel is non-smoking, which is helpful for those with lung conditions. Those who are traveling with pets would want to book elsewhere because this hotel does not allow pets.

Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies © Katrena

We stayed in a room with two queen beds - pictures of the room on their web site accurately depicted what they have to offer. The room also had a microwave and mini refrigerator. Roxanna did a nice job keeping our room clean during our stay. The room includes several items such as soap, shampoo, tea, and coffee with a small coffee maker in the room. A sign indicated that several other items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, etc. are available free upon request. A hair dryer and iron were also in the room. We definitely did not use the iron while on vacation!

Groundskeeper at Baymont Inn Cherokee © Katrena

The grounds are very well kept; hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers and feeders. Gerald, one of the groundskeepers, was hard at work both days we stayed in 2019. On both of our trips, we saw a rabbit in the grassy area on the back side of the hotel.

Clean Pool at Baymont Inn © Katrena

The pool was clean both times that we stayed at this hotel. I found it interesting that the pool also has a seat that can allow for transfers for people with certain mobility difficulties.

Elk Across Road from Baymont Inn © Katrena

When we stayed in 2019, we were delighted to learn that two elk had walked through the parking lot and decided to rest a while across the street.

Free Parking and Wifi at Baymont Inn © Katrena

If you are looking for a quiet, clean hotel with friendly staff, you might consider Baymont Inn in Cherokee. This hotel has won quite a few awards; I would not have returned to this hotel if my family had not enjoyed it. It is less than a mile from a gas station and also a strip mall with mechanical bull and black light mini golf. Mingo Falls is about 6 miles from the hotel and Unto These Hills is less than five miles from the hotel.

Relaxing at Quiet Hotel in Cherokee © Katrena

Thanks for reading my Travel NC With Kids blog! Are you looking for fun family activities in Cherokee? Check out some of my articles below:

Black Light Mini Golf in Cherokee

Black Light Mini Golf in Cherokee NC © Katrena

If you are looking for unusual indoor activities in Cherokee, you might consider black light mini golf or glow golf. My crew visited this course in August 2019.

Indoor Activity in Cherokee © Katrena

From Highway 19, turn onto Acquoni Road and continue straight through the roundabout. Less than a mile after passing Baymont Inn, you'll see a strip mall on the right that features a mechanical bull in the parking lot. The miniature golf is close to the mechanical bull.

Pay for the game at the store to the right of the black light golf entrance and you'll receive a golf ball. They have several bright colors of balls. We were offered score cards but decided we just wanted to play without worrying about the score. Golf clubs are located at the entrance of that shop.

As we entered the door with the sign for the black light mini golf, we walked through a large area that seemed deserted. That area was dark and looked like it had once been some sort of arcade. We kept walking until we saw a sign over a doorway that said Mountain Fun Mini Golf.

The course is on the right just past that sign. It includes 18 holes of varying difficulty. The course is decorated with paint that glows under the black lights. The balls and some articles of clothing also glow.

The course is dark, so those with night vision impairments might want to avoid this one. In addition to the bright colors on the course, the walls depict some Native American themes. Some glowing items hang from the ceiling as well.

The last hole collects the ball, so there is no need to return the ball to the shop next door.

Mountainous regions often get thunderstorms, so it is always a good idea to have a few indoor activities planned as options when vacationing in Cherokee.

We enjoyed watching a few people ride the mechanical bull while we were at this location. This strip mall also offers gem mining and a few coin operated rides for younger kids in addition to several souvenir shops and places to snack and eat.

Thanks so much for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog! You may wish to read additional articles highlighting fun family activities in Cherokee:

Soco Falls in Cherokee - A Short Waterfall Hike Off Hwy 19

Soco Falls is adjacent to Highway 19 between Maggie Valley and Cherokee. Highway 19 is the winding two-lane mountainous road that might leave folks from the Piedmont or coastal regions feeling a bit like you have ridden a Tilt-a-Whirl ride at the fair.

My family would always hike to Mingo Falls when we visited Cherokee during my childhood years, and I took my kids to enjoy Mingo Falls last year. I had never heard of Soco Falls until recently but decided it was worth the hunt to find it.

If you plan to visit Soco Falls, be on the lookout for a small blue sign on the side of Highway 19 as you travel. If you are traveling from Cherokee toward Maggie Valley, the sign will be on the right; if you are traveling from Maggie Valley toward Cherokee, the sign will be on the left. The sign can be easy to miss.

Each time I have driven past the gravel parking area for the waterfall, a couple of other vehicles have been parked there, which makes it much easier to find. As soon as we stepped out of the car, we could hear the rush of water.

We visited Soco Falls in August 2019 and discovered that if you stand in a particular spot in the parking area, you can see the waterfall from the side of the road, a good option for those with mobility issues. The sound of rushing water and a glimpse of the waterfall can be rather soothing to one's soul. After the leaves fall in Autumn, I can imagine that the waterfall is even easier to see from the road.

If you plan to hike, I recommend shoes with closed toes and closed heels. The terrain is somewhat steep, but the hike is short. The guardrail has an opening where the trail begins. I would encourage people to be aware of their physical abilities and limitations before setting out on any hiking trail, including this one. We hiked on a summer day when the trail was dry.

As you begin descending the trail toward the waterfall, you can turn to the left and walk down to the water that is near the waterfall but not at the base of the waterfall. I took the picture above to give an indication of the distance from the main trail and the terrain leading to that area.

If you continue straight for a few more yards on the main trail, you'll see a wooden observation deck on the right. The large part of the deck offers a particularly beautiful view of the waterfall. The first and last photos in this article were shot from that area of the deck. It almost looks as if the leaves of the trees have been cut out to frame the double waterfall. I suppose nature wanted to give folks a great view!

Another trail immediately to the left of the deck goes to the base of the waterfall. According to the web site, that steep trail is not maintained and not recommended. My crew opted to heed those warnings. There are no signs in the area encouraging people to avoid that trail, so it is helpful information to know before starting on the Soco mini-adventure.

While visiting Soco Falls, I would encourage visitors to slow down and enjoy the scenery while listening to the sound of the water as it cascades over the rocks.

Go to the Visit Cherokee web site to learn more about Soco Falls and Mingo Falls in Cherokee.

Thanks so much for visiting my Travel NC With Kids blog. Below are additional articles highlighting family friendly things to do in Cherokee: