Part state park and part non-profit tourist attraction, Grandfather Mountain is the highest peak on the eastern face of the Blue Ridge Mountain range.  Its rocky summit has an elevation of 5,946 feet.  On a clear day, you can see Charlotte 90 miles off in the distance. Until 2008, Grandfather Mountain was privately owned and its tourist attractions were operated for profit.  In 2008, the state purchased the undeveloped part of the mountain and turned it into a state park.  Ownership of the developed portion was transferred to a newly created non-profit.  Today, the back country trails are part of …

Much to the chagrin of my husband, we have gone to the same Christmas tree lot in Charlotte for as long as we have lived here.  He wants nothing more than to go to the little lot at the church across the street from us, but I prefer a large lot with a huge selection and some additional holiday decorations and festivities.  And I like the tradition of going to the same place every year.  I have pictures of the boys sitting on the same sleigh in the same lot for the last 7 years and it’s fun to see …

Lake Lure is a man-made lake located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.  Its beautiful scenery is well-known in Hollywood and dozens of movies have been filmed here, including scenes from The Last of the Mohicans, Forrest Gump, and Dirty Dancing.  There is tons to do in the area, from swimming in the lake to hiking to the top of Chimney Rock.  It’s a great getaway weekend from Charlotte. This was our second trip to Lake Lure and both times we have rented a house with a group of friends in Rumbling Bald Resort.  The …

Charlotte is ideally situated for day or weekend trips to the mountains.  Drive about two hours west and you’ll find yourself at higher altitudes, cooler temperatures, and more mountainous terrain.  One of our favorite fall activities is to head into the mountains to pick apples. For years we went to Apple Hill Orchard in Morganton, mostly because it was the closest.  The kids always had fun there and the apples were good, but with so many other choices nearby, we decided it was time to explore somewhere new.  With the kids a little older, we were ready to check out …