2021 summer newsletter
Mermaids, Waterfalls, Magic and a touch of Europe- all in Southeast USA
In just about 800 miles, we set out to visit with mermaids (yes-really), find European flair in the U.S., explore fairytale-like places, and chase waterfalls.
RV travel has given our family the chance to explore more hidden gems, and spend quality time “getting there.” I couldn’t take the RV this time though--I am adventurous but not enough to RV with 5 kids without my husband (he met us halfway through). Using the RV over the last year has made me so much more comfortable with the idea of a road trip, and it opened me up to the idea of road-tripping in my car more as well.
Creating memories, spending quantity and quality time together, truly exploring and learning, while experiencing new things together is always the jumping-off point for my trips, and this one was no different. Each member of the family got to choose one thing they wanted to see, do, or prioritize and it made for a great mix.
Have you ever heard of a little Greek town in Florida? Well, it's called Tarpon Springs and it’s super cute! It is home to the largest Greek American population in the country. I had never been to Tarpon Springs before but heading north through Florida there are so many towns like this that are worth exploring! The community that settled here back in the late 1800s left an indelible mark with street names, restaurants, shops, bakeries, and sponge docks. The original Greek settlers came as sponge divers because this area was, and continues to be the natural sponge capital of the world! The most noticeable influence though is the typical Greek architecture—white buildings with blue roofs and doors— and Greek flags lining the Streets.
As we continued on our journey, we made our way to Asheville, North Carolina. We visited the Biltmore Home & Gardens which is the epitome of grand. The home took around six years to build and is the largest (privately owned) in the United States with 250 rooms in French Renaissance Chateau style. Tour the grounds, the home, and the village, and stay at the Inn to soak in the Gilded Age Biltmore experience. With gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains all around the 8,000 acres of Biltmore property, we had to go out and explore what else Asheville has to offer!
North Carolina has 350 waterfalls, and 250 of them are located in Transylvania County, hence the name “Land of the Waterfalls.” I love that you can wake up every morning and venture out to a new waterfall and new hike for every day of your trip and many trips to come.
The hike to Triple Falls starts from the top— you can see the majestic 3 waterfalls from here literally cascading into one another. Then you trek down and enter into it, where you only see the base of it and it’s stunning. Hike to it, swim through it, and take the time to be present in this very cool experience. Between Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Park, there’s just so much to choose from but Triple Falls was my favorite—for now. I can’t wait to come back and keep exploring.
About 30 minutes south of Asheville is Hendersonville. This area is also full of hikes and things to do, including a stay at the Horseshoe Farm. This was an awesome place to stay with the whole family and just enjoy being together. You choose a style of home to stay in and whether or not you’re in the mood to interact with other people staying on property. There’s a kids’ game room, adult game room, a super unique spa, ball fields, hike and bike trails, s’mores by the fire pit and so much more. The whole vibe was so mellow and people come out here for the night or a couple of weeks to really unplug and reconnect.
We then continued our journey down south with a visit to the Montage Palmetto Bluff. What sets this area apart is that there is no beach, there are no mountains, and yet there is something truly magical about it. Think marshland, lagoons, rivers, and forests. Welcome to the “Lowcountry” of South Carolina. You automatically relax just by driving through. It’s so calm and peaceful, washed in the most perfect light. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss create these cozy canopies and are the greatest place for a treehouse, or 3! My girls loved climbing the impressive multi-story treehouses on the property of our hotel.
It was hard to leave this fairytale feeling when we woke up on our last day in South Carolina but we knew more southern charm awaited us in Savannah.
My trip to Savannah last year left me wanting to come back. I love the beautiful squares, especially the one where they filmed the Forrest Gump bench scenes- it has such an old town southern feel. The parks, fountains, greenery, bookstores, and shops are awesome. Slow down with a carriage ride then indulge in a delicious meal at any of the incredible restaurants and top it off with a stroll through the beautiful town squares.
The further south you drive, out of Georgia and into Florida, it starts to feel less like “the South.” As the landscape flattens into rolling grass and stretches of road, you just need to know where to turn off to find something spectacular!
Florida has hundreds of natural springs and many of them are open for water activities such as tubing, canoeing, snorkeling, and more. But what if I told you you could get up close to some real-as-they-come mermaids? Picture a clear blue spring filled with mermaids performing while underwater and you sit in a theater that is a submerged auditorium. All of my girls were impressed by the performance of real live mermaids!
Then it was off to one of the best theme parks I have ever visited. In the shadows of other better-known Florida theme parks is a place that really adds in some magic! Legoland is great for little kids- and yes you should stay at their hotel for at least one night. Life-size Lego sculptures of animals, cars, and even a dragon are everywhere and they will leave you totally in awe. The hotel, to quote my kids, is “even better than the Disney ones,” because they are all about kids and Lego lovers. Don’t miss the waterskiing show—it’s a nod to Cypress Gardens and totally thrilling.Florida has hundreds of natural springs and many of them are open for water activities such as tubing, canoeing, snorkeling, and more. But what if I told you you could get up close to some real-as-they-come mermaids? Picture a clear blue spring filled with mermaids performing while underwater and you sit in a theater that is a submerged auditorium. All of my girls were impressed by the performance of real live mermaids!
Then it was off to one of the best theme parks I have ever visited. In the shadows of other better-known Florida theme parks is a place that really adds in some magic! Legoland is great for little kids- and yes you should stay at their hotel for at least one night. Life-size Lego sculptures of animals, cars, and even a dragon are everywhere and they will leave you totally in awe. The hotel, to quote my kids, is “even better than the Disney ones,” because they are all about kids and Lego lovers. Don’t miss the waterskiing show—it’s a nod to Cypress Gardens and totally thrilling.
After 7 stops in 4 states, 2 state parks, 1 national forest, 1 state forest, and a theme park, I can without a doubt say this trip was enchanting and beyond our imaginations. When I got home from this trip, I missed the vastness of the open spaces and big open roads. I really can’t wait to get out there again soon.
There is so much beauty all around, and although it’s not hidden, you just have to go out and find it.
There are a few weeks left of summer so pick a few spots you’ve never been to and pile into the car together to make memories that will last forever!