Have you ridden the Polar Express in Spencer, NC? The North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina is home to an impressive collection of trains, automobiles, aviation, and other transportation equipment representing over 100 years of transportation history. But every year as Christmas approaches, the North Carolina Transportation Museum transforms into a popular stop for the famous Polar Express. Climb aboard for a magical ride to the North Pole!
For a unique and completely charming holiday experience, Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries in Western NC is the place to go for the whole family.
It’s just two hours from Upstate, SC and three hours from Charlotte, NC. Go make some magical Christmas memories in Dillsboro, NC.
Thank you to Discover Jackson NC, Jackson County for inviting us to experience Lights & Luminaries.
Watch! Take a peek at Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro
Taking time to slow down during the weeks leading up to Christmas can seem like an impossible task but when you make the decision to do so and really experience the joy of the magical season, that’s when those special memories happen. And those memories await you and your family in the small, mountain town of Dillsboro, North Carolina, a beautiful two-hour drive from the Upstate in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
2025 dates are December 5-6 and December 12-13, 2025.
Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro
Lights & Luminaries in Dillsboro is the Hallmark experience you’ve been searching for. The quaint town twinkling by the light of sparkling radiance. The candles lit along the streets. The shops that carry all kinds of locally made goods that you can only find there. The kindest people you’ll ever meet who are happy to see you.
Dillsboro Lights & Luminaries encompasses all of that and more. The festival started in 1983 as a way to celebrate the holidays and has been going strong for 40 years.
There is a calming, magical ambiance at this festival. There are white lights Christmas lights everywhere, plus 2,500 candles in white paper bags along every street. It’s like you stepped out of your life and into a time from many years ago. The bagged lights are taken from a Scandinavian custom of lighting the way for the Christ Child.
There are carolers and horse and buggy rides. Santa & Mrs. Claus are available for timeless Dillsboro, NC Christmas photos. Nearly every shop sells only handmade goods from local artists or vintage items like cast iron cooking pans, antique furniture, and iron-wrought bed frames.
There are shops that look like the North Pole exploded inside. Cookies, hot apple cider, and candy were in many of the shops and along the streets. I finally had to put a stop to my kids eating their monthly allotment of cookies all in one night.
And for myself, I was elated to find a grown-up nativity set while browsing at one of the Christmas-themed shops. Everyone was so kind and helpful and wishing us “Merry Christmas”.
It all felt authentic and genuine and just lovely.
Where to Eat During Lights & Luminaries
There are a handful of restaurants in the small town that have everything from BBQ to pub grub to Greek and Italian cuisine. We chose the Quirky Birds Treehouse & Bistro because it looked really cute. We walked into a very cozy dining room and friendly employees. We had nachos, vegetarian chili, pizza, and grilled cheese. It was great! The nachos were my favorite as they had guacamole, cheese, chili, and sour cream. I thought the prices were reasonable, around $7-$12/person.
Dillsboro is small but mighty when it comes to food. Haywood Smokehouse is one of the Top 25 BBQ Restaurants in the country. We weren’t able to try it but it looks amazing. Next time!
Be sure to stop by the Dillsboro Chocolate Factory where you’ll be greeted by an array of handmade chocolates, fudge, and coffee.
Where to Enjoy the Outdoors in Dillsboro
Dillsboro is close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, home to nearly 900 miles in hiking trails. It’s also only a 20-minute drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where you can get to places like Waterrock Knob, the 16th highest mountain in the Eastern United States.
Cashiers, the Land of the Waterfalls, and a big favorite of us at Kidding Around, is about 40 minutes from Dillsboro. There are no shortage of gorgeous hikes and waterfalls to explore there.
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad
When we were pulling into our hotel, the Best Western Plus River, we saw the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad train and it was so cool! It was chugging along right in front of us, smoke billowing out from the top. It turns out the railroad is only 20 minutes away in Bryson City.
If your family goes on the Polar Express ride during November and December, Dillsboro is the perfect spot to enjoy time together, especially if you make the trip during the Lights & Luminaries festival.
Where to Stay in Dillsboro
Make it a weekend getaway! Use the map from Stay22 below to find great lodging options for your family. Through an affiliate relationship, Kidding Around earns when you book through this map.
Discover Jackson NC put us up in the Best Western Plus River Escape right on Tuckasegee River. Our room overlooked the river and it was so calming and peaceful.
The hotel is beautiful and you could walk to the town of Dillsboro if you wanted to. They have a heated indoor pool and hot tub, which we made good use of after eating all those cookies at the festival.
They also have a free, hot breakfast in the morning, which is pretty much equal to Christmas for my kids. They have eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy, yogurt, oatmeal, a coffee maker that will make pretty much anything you want, juices, pastries, and our favorite: a pancake maker that looks like it came from The Jetsons. Rooms are spacious and clean and the lobby has a beautiful fireplace and cozy chairs.
Planning Your Own Trip to Dillsboro
Lights & Luminaries takes place the first two weekends of December every year, each Friday and Saturday from 5-8 pm. The dates for 2025 are December 5-6 and December 12-13.
There is no cost to attend Lights & Luminaries either, which makes it a wonderful, low-cost Christmastime adventure with your family.
I think the biggest thing I loved about Lights & Luminaries was that it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, to enjoy the magical season, and to spend that quality time with my kids that I strive and long for. As I’m sure many parents can relate, the time we have with them goes quickly. I want to make the most of that time and this was a weekend well-spent.
Got a kid who loves cars and looking for “car things to do near me”? Because we’re located in an area where there are many car lovers, there are plenty of things to do and see in North and South Carolina. From museums to events to drag ways and speedways, your little car enthusiast will have so much oohing and aahing over classic cars, concept cars, race cars, and so much more. We’ve rounded up a list of some of the best things to do across the Carolinas for the kid who loves cars.
The BMW Zentrum Museum in Greer is a one-of-a-kind experience for any car enthusiast. Visitors get to experience BMW from its beginnings in aviation and motorsports to where it is now on a global scale. You’ll see BMW’s milestones, rare vehicles from the past such as the famous Isetta “Bubblecar”, and restored classics. You’ll also be able to explore current BMW vehicles through modern-day exhibits and displays. For safety purposes, vehicle doors remain locked in the museum. The museum itself is self-guided, but you can book guided tours of the plant and factory if you prefer that.
BMW Zentrum Museum Visit Details:
Hours: Select dates Monday – Friday from 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
Cars and Coffee is an Upstate SC gathering for car enthusiasts that takes place on the 4th Saturday of each month. Visitors have the opportunity to see sports cars, exotic cars, classic cars, and more. The gathering takes place at various locations throughout Greenville, so be sure to check the Cars & Coffee Facebook page regularly.
Cars and Coffee Details:
When: Every 4th Saturday of the month (winter months vary)
Local car groups and organizations frequently organize car shows at local venues. They are often free and sometimes include other fun things to do like trunk or treats at Halloween or benefit charities, like toy drives around Christmas.
To find car shows near you, check online and on Facebook. In Upstate, SC, you’ll find a list of some of the upcoming car shows at Upstate Car Shows.
The Greer Dragway, established in 1957, features a 1/8th mile concrete and asphalt strip and has Grudge Racing every Thursday and Bracket Racing every Saturday. There’s a weather radar, a concession stand, and clean restrooms on the premises.
The Charlotte Motor Speedway, located in Concord, North Carolina, is a motorsport complex featuring a 1.5 mile quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing. Events include the Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend, The Bank of America Roval 400 in October, and more. Ticket prices range from event to event, so it’s best to see the Charlotte Motor Speedway website for ticket details.
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord 800.455.3267
Find out what else there is to do near Charlotte, NC with our handy guide!
Affectionately known as “The Bellagio of Race Tracks,” the zMAX Dragway in Concord, NC is a venue at Charlotte Motor Speedway featuring the world’s first 4-lane drag strip for NHRA races and other events. Get up close and personal with some of the fastest cars in the world! Ticket prices range from event to event, so it’s best to see the Charlotte Motor Speedway website for ticket details.
AutoBarn Classic Cars is a 60,000-square-foot indoor showroom located at the Gibson Mill community gathering spot in Concord. It’s just a 10-minute drive away from Charlotte Motor Speedway and is a great place to browse classic and concept cars. And for an added bonus, race cars and classic memorabilia are up for sale.
Morrison Motor Car Musem is full of sports and muscle cars. There are more than 50 cars featured in this exhibit, all from the past century. There’s also a gift shop and opportunities to buy a collector car such as a Mustang or Camaro on the property’s lot.
This showroom carries an impressive collection of street classics. Guests can view street rods, muscle cars, vintage cars, and more. The 70,000-square-foot showroom has over 300 classic cars that are up for sale.
Streetside Classics Visit Details:
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 am – 6 pm / Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
The perfect place for Mustang lovers! Mustangs grace the museum floor, and the cars on display are magnificent! You’ll find various modified vehicles displayed throughout the year. The museum also hosts car shows and cruise events like the “Best of the Best Car Show’ and the “Mustang Chili & Cornbread Cook-Off.”
Mustang Owner’s Museum Visit Details:
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm / Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm *Closed major holidays
Ticket Cost: Adults $10 // Children 12 & under Free
Dale Earnhardt’s No. 2 car can be seen at Curb Motorsports Museum! The Curb Museum features a collection of NASCAR and Indy cars. The museum also holds cars that wrote pages in the motorsport history book including the car that Dale Earnhardt drove when he won his first Winston Cup Championship.
The NC Transportation Museum, located in the former Southern Railway’s Spencer Shops, is a transportation lover’s dream. The museum features history about all types of transportation: railroads, automotives, aviation, and more. Visitors will see the Barber Junction Depot (a train station built in 1898), the Bob Julian Roundhouse (the largest remaining roundhouse in North America featuring locomotives, passenger railcars, and a replica of the Wright Flyer), and so much more. The museum offers several seasonal and holiday events, including The Polar Express Train Ride.
NC Transportation Museum Details:
Museum Hours:
Tuesday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm
Beginning November 11, museum hours change to accommodate The Polar Express Train Rides. Please refer to the museum’s website for details.
Train Hours:
Regular museum train rides do not operate in November and December for The Polar Express Train Rides.
Home of the world’s largest zip line, Historic Banning Mills is a gem hidden just outside Atlanta, GA. We stayed for a weekend and have all the details on this location ideal for adventurers.
Thank you to Historic Banning Mills for hosting us!
Banning Mill is only an hour outside of Atlanta but feels a world away. And once you get there, you don’t need to leave for anything. You can have all your meals at the lodge. You can spend your entire time going from adventure to adventure or just relaxing.
It’s so close to that elusive all-inclusive experience that makes time away a true getaway because you don’t need to worry about going anywhere else or meals or entertainment – it can all be booked together ahead of time. And Banning Mills is just that: a true getaway. You get to experience nature in very unique and exciting ways and have that chance to reconnect with your partner or family.
Banning Mills is also well within easy driving distance from Greenville at just over three hours (could be a bit longer depending on Atlanta traffic).
History of Banning Mills
Banning Mills was a originally part of the Creek Indian tribe land, led by Chief William McIntosh, who was half Creek Indian. When the white settlers came in the early 1800s, Chief McIntosh fought alongside Andrew Jackson, dined with President Thomas Jefferson, and eventually became a wealthy businessman who owned a plantation very close to Banning Mills. In 1825, he signed the Treaty of Indian Springs, which infuriated the Upper Creek Native Americans, who came to his home and killed him. He is buried where he died at McIntosh Reserve, now a county park.
In the mid-1800s, a textile mill was developed along the hidden Snake Creek gorge, which operated through the Civil War. It fell into disrepair until 1878 when Arthur Hutchinson bought it and made it into a paper mill, creating the birthplace of the modern paper industry. It thrived and a town was built to accommodate all the families who worked at the mill. By 1895, Banning Mill had ten mills, including two pulp mills, a sawmill, and a grist mill – all of which were within a mile of each other. The town was also the first to produce electricity in Georgia. Historical documents state that people from Atlanta would ride down in their buggies just to see lights turn on and off!
On several trails throughout Banning Mills, you can see the ruins of the old mills and the crumbling chimney of one of the original homes of a family who worked at the mill. Many of the trails you walk on were old roads, now covered in years of dirt, leaves, dust, and roots, that connected the mills and the town. One of the trails, the Creekside Trail, was the trail used by the Creek Indian tribe to traverse Snake Creek. I learned that after my kids and I had walked on the trail and it was just a moment of reflection to think what that must have been like for the tribe. I get to see the same things they saw and I just felt connected to that history and those people, just for a moment.
Conservation Efforts
When Mark and Donna Holder bought the property in 1998, they were focused on conservation and didn’t really know about the history of the place. There are several unique ecosystems within the property plus wildflowers, mushrooms, and wildlife. When they started designing and building the zip lines, they were extremely conscious of working with nature rather than against it. This is entirely obvious when you walk the hiking trails and spot the zip line platforms – they are nearly invisible, which is exactly how they were meant to be when built.
Mark’s extensive military and flight career turned out to be an excellent background for designing and building zip lines and adventure courses. Both Mark and Donna run a high adventure consulting business where they help other adventure companies design and build their zip lines. They’ve helped design adventure parks all around the world with an eye on preserving nature and surrounding ecosystems.
The Birds of Prey exhibit and nature talks are also part of their conservation and education efforts as they seek to help people understand more about these birds and their habitats. In the spring, Banning Mills offers guided hikes to explore the wildflowers and other flora and fauna native to the area.
As the business grew, Mark and Donna’s four kids got involved in running and operating it, making Banning Mills a family-run business, which is actually a nonprofit so they can focus exclusively on conservation and adventure. Banning Mills is 300 acres but it’s right in the middle of more than 1,000 protected acres of wilderness, which I think is part of the allure of the place. As a guest, I felt like I was in the middle of nowhere, completely apart from the world and in my own little slice of paradise.
Adventures
There are endless adventures to be had at Historic Banning Mills. You could probably spend a week here and not get to all of them. All pricing is listed on the website. And the guides will take photos of you during your adventures so you don’t need to worry about documenting all the awesomeness. They are emailed/messaged to you for free afterwards.
Crazy Squirrel Course
There are two Crazy Squirrel rope and zip line courses: tier one can be done by someone as young as four years old and tier two is a lot more advanced and kids must be nine years old for that one. These are great for both kids and adults and are a fantastic introduction to the world of aerial adventure.
Tier 1 consisted of several bridges and obstacles and a few zip lines. After gearing up and going over safety precautions, my kids and I hit the course. Our guide, Jack, was super funny and very chill. He showed us a great time on this course as we navigated the shaky bridges and giant swinging balls. It was a lot of fun and took us about 45 minutes or so to go through the whole thing.
The safety features they have are a continuous belay system which means you are never disconnected from the cable at all. It took a bit to learn how to work them and get into our gear but once we figured it out, it was easy. I was definitely proud of my kids for learning how to do it on their own and saw it as a great confidence builder for them.
Tier 2 of the Crazy Squirrel did indeed look crazy. Jack said you are pretty much guaranteed a good three hours to go through all the obstacles on that course. We saw multiple platforms on the same trees as the level 1 course and many, many more obstacles. It looked like it would be really fun.
Eco Tour Spider ATVs
I knew my kids and I were riding spider ATVs before we went but I really had no idea what we were in for. So these spider ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) were created by a paraplegic engineer. He wanted a way to experience nature and the trails so he created the Swincar – aka spider ATV – which is controlled by your hands and where each wheel is on its own suspension system. This means one wheel could be in a ditch and other on level ground but the driver remains level. Plus, these things are powerful and can go over roots, rocks, dirt, gravel, you name it. The cars are all electric as well.
I drove one car with my youngest daughter in the seat behind me and our guide took my other daughter. After he explained how the cars worked and got us our helmets and made sure our seat belts were properly secured, it was off to the test track to make sure I could safely operate this thing. The test track was a short loop, off-road trail where I could get a feel for the car.
I was awful at driving this thing, which my daughter eagerly pointed out at every turn. Because it’s electric and controlled by just my fingers by pushing a small lever, even a little pressure makes the car go fast, which meant a lot of stopping and starting and jerking. I loved it.
Once I was comfortable driving the car, which took all of five minutes and more backseat driving from my kid, we were off to the woods. Not only did we traverse most of the 300 acres of Banning Mills but we did most of it on the trails, some of which my kids and I had hiked earlier in the day. I haven’t had that much fun in a while! And we got to go over bridges in the woods, see the three lakes that reflected the gorgeous leaves changing colors, and even rode over the 760-foot-long suspension bridge on the cars – twice. I only got stuck once and figured out how reverse worked so I think it was a win overall.
The whole tour lasted about 90 minutes, which included our guide stopping at historical points along the trail to show up the old ruins of the paper mill and town plus check out where the birds of prey are located at the property. Guided tandem spider ATV tours are $199 and single ones are $139.
Some of the spider ATVs are wheelchair accessible and are a wonderful option for those with lesser mobility. You must have a valid drivers license to operate the spider ATV and be at least 16 years old for the single car and 18 years old for the tandem car.
Hiking Trails
Historic Banning Mills is known for its amazing bridges and whoa, we can confirm that these bridges are amazing. The longest one on the property – 760 feet long – spans the Snake River where the original dam at the mill was placed. It’s a swinging bridge and quite the adventure crossing it. It definitely sways and is really high but we never felt unsafe. We really enjoyed the bridges plus they make for amazing photos. There are more than 100 of them on the property although most are on the zip line courses. But the longest ones you can cross without any equipment. On the long swinging bridge closest to the Main Lodge, you can see the Flight of the Falcon zip line, which is the longest zip line. We could see where it started on the big tower way above the gorge but we couldn’t see where it ended!
There are 15 miles of hiking trails and three ponds to visit at Historic Banning Mills. You can hike all over the property as a guest and while the trails are open to the public, it is $7/person to hike them.
We especially enjoyed the Creekside Trail as it was directly next to Snake Creek. We saw some people zip-lining above and had great views of some of the bridges.
World’s Longest Zip Line & World’s Highest Climbing Wall
Banning Mills is home to the world’s longest zip line at nearly 3,400 feet long (that’s about three-quarters of a mile!). It’s called Flight of the Falcon and you are in a horizontal position and can reach speeds up to 55 mph. I so wanted to do this but my youngest was too small so now we have to go back when she grows a bit. It looks so amazing. The zip line was so long when Banning Mills was installing it that they had to use a helicopter.
One of the other zip lines is about a half mile long and is called the Screaming Eagle. Guests go crazy fast on this one, about 75 mph. Again, on my list!
Banning Mills is also home to another record-setter: the world’s highest climbing wall. It’s 140 feet high with nine climbing lanes and two rappel walls. It’s part of the Adventure Wall and where guests will start their Screaming Eagle zip as well. My fearless 8-year-old was really hoping to do this one but she didn’t make the weight requirement (60 pounds). It costs $35/hour to climb this monster.
There are four levels of zip line adventures you can do at Banning Mills and if you decide you want to add on more things, you can do that as well. Each level increases in speed and height so you may not want to the fun to end. There are multiple packages and add-ons for zipline tours, which you can read through on their website. Be sure to take note of the height, age, and weight restrictions before you go so you know what to expect. Given this kind of high adventure experience, safety is the first priority, and the staff and guides are expertly trained. All of the policies are for the safety of the guests and guides.
Other Activities at Banning Mills
Horseback Riding
Banning Mills has stables on their property where they offer horseback riding through their trails. Kids have to be at least 10 years old to do this activity.
Birds of Prey
Banning Mills hosts Birds of Prey talks throughout the year where they have a Master Falconer come and give a talk and demonstration about the falcons, eagles, and owls they have right there on site hidden amongst the trees. I was so hoping we would have been able to see this since I have a fascination with all of those animals. You can see the owls and the bald eagle, whose name is Liberty when they aren’t doing shows. Shows are $7/person and kids 4 and under are free.
Kayaking
Banning Mills is very close to the Chattahoochee River and runs kayak trips over the summer. The trips are great for beginners since they only have Class I and II rapids (smaller rapids).
Night Zip Lining
These tours are only available a few nights a year and they look amazing. The lodge had one of these happening on one of the nights we stayed and it was so cool to see the guides with glow sticks on their helmets and hear the people whooping on the zip lines in the dark. All we could see were lights moving and zip line towers lit up with lights. I definitely want to do this also!
Accommodations
Stay in a Tree House
There are several tree houses at Banning Mills all over the property. Ours was a two-story tree house with a tub, king-size bed, and bathroom on the lower floor and up the spiral staircase was a room with a bunk bed. There was a microwave, a small table, and a balcony as well. It was just beautiful and really, who doesn’t want to stay in a tree house and fulfill that childhood dream?
We loved the gas fire stove and balcony especially. The leaves were putting on quite the show so we felt like we were, well, in the trees, as close as possible to the leaves and glory of nature. It was super cool and relaxing. Our tree house also had an awesome rope bridge as an entrance. My kids thought this was the neatest thing ever. I mean, I did too.
The entire place was well-thought out to provide for that getaway and relaxation that we seek when we go on vacation plus very comfortable to provide for ample rest so you have all the energy you need for your adventures. The tree houses also have a jetted tub, which would probably feel really great after a long day of adventuring.
Banning Mills has brand new tree houses as well that are a bit more spacious than the one we stayed in but just as relaxing and comfortable. There are truly plenty of options for you to enjoy a unique experience at this place.
Cabins & The Lodge
Other accommodations at Banning Mills are lodge rooms, which are more like typical hotel rooms and are usually booked when groups come in for retreats.
There are also pine log cabins and larger family cabins available for rent. Just remember these are not luxury accommodations. It’s not the Ritz. These are modern cabins and tree houses in the woods.
Dining at Banning Mills
All rooms except the family cabins, which can fit up to nine guests, include breakfast in the morning. The breakfasts we had were awesome – bacon, eggs, biscuits, fruit, coffee, oatmeal, waffles, sausage, and orange juice. There is a beautiful terrace room at the Main Lodge that overlooks the creek with some zip lines overhead so the view is perfect. Since we went in late October, the colors of the leaves were incredible. I could have stared out those windows all day.
For lunch and dinner, guests can reserve meals at the lodge but they must do so when they check-in or before.
There is a sit-down gourmet meal served nightly by reservation, which my kids and I did one of the nights we stayed at Banning Mills. We had to make our meal choices when we got there, which included an appetizer, salad, entrée, and dessert. They prepare these to be shared by two people but the kitchen can do single dishes. Kids’ meals of chicken fingers, pizza, spaghetti, and other items are also available.
If you’d rather enjoy a meal in your tree house or other accommodations at Banning Mills, you can order a souvenir backpack that you get to keep, two large sandwiches, chefs’ choice salad, cookies, crackers, and bottled water.
If you’d rather eat out, Banning Mills lists several location restaurants in their guidebook in your room that you can choose from that are 15-20 minutes away by car.
Packages
I did say in the beginning of this story that Banning Mills is so close to that elusive all-inclusive experience. And it is. You just have to be sure to add on everything you want when you book or when you arrive for your trip. Once you arrive, you don’t need to leave the property for the entirety of your trip if you choose to book all your meals and adventures there (I recommend you do because they are all amazing).
There are several adventure packages to choose from depending on what you want to do. There are a couple of getaways, adventure, and room packages which include meals, zip lining, eco-tour spider ATV tours, and lots more. Most are for two people but just call Banning Mills and they will help you to put together a package for your family or to fit your needs and desires. They are very accommodating and just a wonderful group of people who want guests to have an amazing stay
Best Ages to Experience Banning Mills
This is always something to consider when planning family getaways, right? You want something that is fantastic for everyone. My kids are 8 and 11 and my youngest could do limited activities because of her age and weight. She wanted to do the Flight of the Falcon but we’ll have to wait a few years. That said, we were able to do the Crazy Squirrel Tier 1, hiking trails, and the Eco Spider ATV Tours, which kept us quite busy. If we had gone in the summer, we would have been able to enjoy the swimming pool as well. So there were definitely enough activities to keep us active but also provide that downtime to just relax.
I think if you have teenagers and are looking for adventure, book this place. If you and your partner are always on the lookout for the next thrill, book this place. I’m already thinking of coming back when my kids are a bit older because wow, the options are endless for the super cool and unique experiences you can have together.
And the memories you could make here with your kids would just be so priceless. This is the opportunity to really connect with your kids/partner, to get away from technology for a bit, and to just be together while doing something super fun.
My Honest Mom Review
For myself, relaxation involves hiking or kayaking, or something outdoors. This was a relaxing weekend for me because I captured that elusive feeling of really getting away from my normal, everyday work, from deadlines I have coming up, and whatever else had been on my mind the previous week. Staying in a tree house, wandering around the hiking trails, learning the history of the property, and enjoying those amazing views from the swinging bridges was very special.
Connecting with my daughters, even while one was telling me how awful of a driver I was for an hour, was fantastic. Our time is short with our kids and intentionally making the most of the time we have together is of utmost importance. This is a truly amazing place to make that happen.
I also want to give a shoutout to the staff at Banning Mills. Everyone was so kind, considerate, and accommodating. I know working in hospitality can be hard but everyone we met was wonderful and friendly.
Are you looking for a beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors with your family? Consider a trip to Anna Ruby Falls. It is so worth the drive from nearby Helen, GA to enjoy this beautiful double waterfall. We love the paved trail that keeps this gorgeous spot accessible for so many. We have all the details to help you plan your visit to Anna Ruby Falls, Georgia.
About Anna Ruby Falls
Located adjacent to Unicoi State Park Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular twin waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The taller waterfall cascades down 153 feet and its twin drops about 50 feet. There are many gorgeous waterfalls in North Georgia, but this one is unique. Not just because it’s a double waterfall, but because the trail is paved making this a really family-friendly spot to enjoy nature.
The Anna Ruby Falls Trail
The paved hiking trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls Visitor Center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus several scenic picnic areas along the creek at the Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area.
It’s just under a mile hike along the paved trail to get to the falls and back.
The paved down-and-back trail to the falls has a moderate to steep incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined banks of Smith Creek to the falls. While there are a few steep sections, the trail is well-maintained and the pavement makes the trip much easier.
It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks and observation decks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.
Lion’s Eye Trail
Near the parking lot, you’ll also find the very short Lion’s Eye Trail. Its a 0.1 mile paved trail with braille interpretive signage.
Near Anna Ruby Falls
You’ll find Anna Ruby Falls just a short drive from Helen, GA and right next to Unicoi State Park.
How far is Anna Ruby Falls from Helen, GA?
It’s about a 15-minute drive from Helen, Georgia to get to Anna Ruby Falls. It’s a beautiful area. So whether you start your day in Helen and head to the falls, or begin with a hike and end with a trip to Helen, make sure to do both. The alpine town is quite unique. Check it out in our piece on Helen, GA.
We love to grab a pretzel when we visit Helen! The holiday decorations are always fun, too!
You’ll drive through a portion of Unicoi State Park on your way to the gate to Anna Ruby Falls. If you’re looking for more hiking, the hike around the lake at Unicoi State Park is pretty and family-friendly.
Our family always stops at Sweetwater Coffeehouse when we are in the area. The staff is so friendly and it’s just a super cute mountain town coffee shop. We found it by accident as we drove through the area on our first visit and now we make a point to stop whenever we are in the area.
They are open 8 am to 6 pm daily, and it’s about a 20-minute drive from the falls parking area to Sweetwater Coffee.
Anna Ruby Falls Recreation Area, National Forest 3455 Anna Ruby Falls Road, Georgia Fee is $5 per person aged 16 and up. Free for kids 15 and under. Open 9 am to 5 pm daily- last admission is 4 pm. Closed the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day.
Are you looking for bed and breakfasts near Greenville? Planning a trip to Greenville and thinking about a bed and breakfast? Or maybe you’re a Greenville local looking for a cozy bed & breakfast getaway not too far from home? This fantastic list of 5 of the best bed & breakfasts near Greenville will have you ready to pack your bags. This list is perfect for booking your next couple’s getaway. Let us know what you think!
Are you looking for a holiday getaway as a way to escape and do a little holiday season travel? Maybe a weekend adventure or even the entire holiday break from school? We have suggestions for both! You can find holiday bliss in the mountains of North Carolina or head a little further away.
Try a vacation cabin rental for Christmas this year, enjoy twinkling lights and all the Christmas trees. Snag a cup of hot cocoa, stroll through Christmas lights, or a holiday market. There’s still time left to plan a holiday getaway, and celebrate the best time of the year! We’ve done the research and included some favorites Christmas vacation ideas to help you get into the holiday spirit with your favorite people.
PLEASE READ: We have left vacation rental options in the WNC area on this list. Please make sure the area you would like to visit is able to welcome visitors. Some of these homes may not be abe to welcome guests this season due to the damage from Helene.
Have you ever panned for gold? Are you wanting to go gold panning in North Carolina? Did you know that Parts of Western NC are known for gems and gold mining and Lucky Strike in Marion, NC has both. We tried our hand at gold panning, and here’s how it went!
During our wonderful stay at Gold River, a glamping campground in Western North Carolina, only 90 minutes from Greenville, the kind owners recommended we go gold panning at Lucky Strike Gold and Gem Mine, just two miles down the road. I’ve done gem mining on a flume a couple of times, which is pretty fun, but it’s fast and not too hard. I thought gold panning would be the same. And did I think we would find gold? Absolutely not.
I was wrong on both accounts!
Where’s that gold?
Lucky Strike Gem Mine & Campground
Lucky Strike is located on the Second Broad River, a shallow, bubbling creek that apparently is rich in gold and mineral deposits. The place is a campground that has tent sites, camper pads, and cabins. It used to be a mining operation but switched in the late 90s to open up more to the public and amateur prospectors.
The owner, Liz McCormick, is one of the nicest people I think I’ve ever met. The woman is a wealth of knowledge about gold panning and the local area. She was so patient in teaching my kids and I how to properly pan for gold and sift through the massive bucket of dirt that we got.
The Miner’s Diner
I love me a good diner and Lucky Strike has a small diner with prices that will have you believing that you stepped back to the 1950s to match. They have coffee and breakfast sandwiches, grits, burgers, fries, hashbrowns, and sweet tea. It was too early for lunch when we went so we ordered a couple of bacon and egg sandwiches on biscuits. They were delicious!
Liz told us the burgers are what customers come back for. I almost went back there for dinner just to try the burgers (at $3 each, why not, right?) but we were so wiped out that we stayed back at Gold River to relax. Next time.
Panning for Gold
I honestly was not thinking we would find any gold. I mean, didn’t that already happen like decades and decades ago? Well, there is some gold left for us!
Gold panning lesson
First of all, panning for gold isn’t like gem mining. Gold flecks are a lot smaller than gems and precious stones so you can’t use those square pans with holes in them. You have to use concave discs that have ridges you use to create little sandy beds with the dirt. Then it is then sifted over with water and spun around a bit to separate any gold you may have from the sand. Liz explained this a lot better than I am.
There is definitely a method to figuring it out and it’s a slow process. I initially thought we would go through two 4-gallon buckets of dirt. We ended up getting one of them ($15) and more than two hours after we started panning for gold, we still had more than a third of the bucket left! I ended up giving the rest to a couple near us since we had to move on to another excursion. Between gold panning and eating at the diner, you could easily spend several hours here.
And we did find gold! When you do gold panning, you get a little suction thing to grab the gold and a small container to put it in so you can see your prize up close. It was so cool and my kids and I had such a blast doing it.
The gold we found
My kids, ages 11 and 8, really enjoyed it as well although my youngest seemed to be getting bored over an hour into it because she was having some trouble figuring out the whole panning technique. I think a lot of the interest will depend upon each individual kid.
Another cool thing about either choosing gem mining or gold panning is that you can do it rain or shine since the flumes are under a big, covered shelter.
Visiting Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine
Lucky Strike is open Monday through Saturday from 8 am – 6 pm and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. They are closed on Christmas Day. They have other things related to panning there as well but I honestly have no idea what they mean: high banking, group digs, and dredging. I did see a lot of heavy machinery there and big tubes and hoses but I don’t know anything about this topic to even guess how they are used. My gold mining knowledge only extends to a couple of Discovery Channel shows.
Lucky Strike has restrooms and a little gift shop on site.
If you’re up in the area, I highly recommend checking out Lucky Strike for the sheer excitement of trying your luck panning for gold and of course, grabbing a burger while you’re at it.
Have you heard of French Broad Chocolate? This unique chocolate factory is nestled in Asheville, NC. The Asheville chocolate factory gives tours of their factory complete with a chocolate tasting. And while you won’t see any Oompa Loompa’s on this tour, or float down a river of chocolate on your way to rooms in the factory, you will learn where cacao beans come from and see how French Broad Chocolate turns the beans into their delicious bars, bonbons, and sipping chocolate. We attended the Bean-to-Bar tour and we have everything you’ll want to know about this educational and delicious family activity.
Thanks to French Broad Chocolate Factory and Cafe for providing complimentary tickets so we could bring this review to our readers.
The French Broad Chocolate Factory Bean to Bar Tour
What will you learn on this bean-to-bar tour? Literally, how chocolate is made starting with the bean and ending with the finished bar or product. Since chocolate making actually begins on the farms where cacao pods grow, and we can’t hop on a plane to Costa Rica to start our tour, the bean-to-bar tour officially begins in a classroom at the French Broad Chocolate Factory with a brief presentation on cacao pods, farms, and the process of harvesting the beans.
The tour guide is extremely knowledgeable and encouraged lots of questions. We learned a little geography about the parts of the world where cacao can grow. And, then we got to see how cacao pods are opened which is a process that is not automated and must be done by hand, meaning every piece of chocolate you’ve ever eaten has started by hand.
The interior of a cacao pod is totally not what I expected, and the work that goes into harvesting the beans out of a single pod is pretty amazing. But I won’t spoil this part of the tour for you, because they will do a far better job explaining it than I will.
The Tasting
During this classroom time, guests have an opportunity to taste 4 different types of chocolate and a roasted cacao bean. Two of the chocolate pieces are single-origin meaning the beans used to make the chocolate came from only one location. It was amazing to taste the differences in the flavors of the chocolate that came from different places. Some flavors were fruity while others were more nutty or earthy. In fact, there’s a whole chocolate flavor wheel. Who knew?
The Factory Tour
So, the beans have been harvested, fermented, dried, packaged, and shipped. They’ve arrived at the factory, so now what? It’s time to tour the factory.
On the factory tour portion, the tour guide will take your group to large viewing windows at each room in the factory where you can watch employees and machines working to make the chocolate sold by French Broach Chocolate. Our guide told us what was happening in each room and what the equipment we were viewing was doing, beginning with roasting the beans, then separating the shell from the cacao nibs. You’ll see how the chocolate is moved through the factory through pipes in the ceiling for each step of the process turning it into the creamy liquid chocolate they need to make their bars, bonbons, chips, and more.
There is even a stop on the tour where the chocolate aroma is piped out of the room to just above the viewing window. Our guide referred to it as an “aroma shower”. Let me tell you, I went 10 years without a sense of smell due to a chronic disease called AERD, I was never so glad to have my sense of smell back as I was standing under that aroma shower. It was magnificent warm, creamy, chocolate perfection somehow all rolled into a scent. You could practically taste it. They should bottle it.
The Cafe at French Broad Chocolate Factory
When arriving for the tour, you’ll check in at the cafe’s register. There is a delicious array of chocolate baked goods, bonbons, coffee drinks, and hot chocolate to purchase at the cafe. Perhaps the coolest part is that you can take your treats to the bar across from some of the factory viewing windows and watch the chocolate being made, while you enjoy it.
Cafe items are not included in the tour, but we arrived about 30 minutes early to purchase and enjoy some treats before the tour. It was a good move. The macaroon my son chose was basically the size of his hand. He said the hot chocolate he also ordered was the “best ever” and I really enjoyed my chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookie and coffee.
The cafe is also where you can purchase boxed chocolates, bars, and other gifts like chocolate-scented soap, candles, and even tea and t-shirts.
You do not have to attend the tour to visit the cafe. So, if you’re in Asheville and craving something sweet, you can totally swing by the cafe. And, I definitely suggest that you do.
Restrooms are available in the cafe area.
Can I bring kids on the factory tour at French Broad Chocolate?
Yes! My 11-year-old son was very engaged throughout the entire tour and the tour guide welcomed his questions and observations about flavors during the tasting.
That said, the tour is about an hour long, split about equally between classroom time and walking around the factory. I wouldn’t recommend this tour for kids who wouldn’t be able to stay focused for that time, but, that’s really up to parents. There is no age requirement. For younger kids, you might just want to visit the cafe and check out a couple of factory windows visible from the cafe floor.
The tour would be an amazing homeschool field trip. My kids are homeschooled and I just love well-done educational opportunities like this. Could we have learned all that in a book? Maybe. But it wouldn’t have been as cool, he wouldn’t have been as interested, and we wouldn’t have gotten to smell and taste that chocolate. It was a great tour!
Want to go?
Tours and tasting opportunities are offered daily at French Broad Chocolate Factory and Cafe.
Bean-to-Bar tours are offered Monday through Friday at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm. Saturday tours are at 11 am. These tours cost $12 for adults, $8 for kids ages 8 to 12. Kids ages 7 and under are free. You must book before visiting! Book your tour on the French Broad Chocolate Factory website.
On Sundays, no tour is offered, but they do have special tastings on select Saturdays at 1 pm where you can taste chocolate, wine, and cider. Tickets are $40 for adults and only adults ages 21+ can attend these tastings.
Private tours and field trips can also be booked!
Parking is available on site, and the factory is located across from the French Broad River. There are numerous places nearby to park to enjoy the paved trails along the river before or after your tour.
Have you heard of the “Shadow of the Bear”? It’s exactly like it sounds but to see it, you have to be high up on Whiteside Mountain in Cashiers, NC, less than two hours from Greenville. Here’s what you need to know to catch the cool WNC shadow of the bear experience.
Every fall, a really neat phenomenon called the Shadow of the Bear emerges near Cashiers, North Carolina in the early evening, where Whiteside Mountain forms a shadow in the valley when the sun is at the right point that looks exactly like a bear.
Looking for more to do in Western North Carolina? Don’t miss our article on WNC’s Secret Season. You’ll find amazing adventures that are budget-friendly.
Courtesy of Stacy Redmon
I love Cashiers and have hiked and vacationed there with my family. Seeing the Shadow of the Bear has been a bucket list item for a few years. It’s such a unique sight that is not only fun to look at but also enhances the already beautiful landscape of brightly colored leaves during that time of year.
To see it, you need to head up Highway 64 to a place called Rhodes Big View Overlook. Be sure to get there a little before 5:30 pm when the shadow happens in the valley next to Whiteside Mountain. Weekdays are way better than weekends. And there has to be a fairly clear sky. The full shadow takes about 30 minutes to emerge.
Since it’s a good hour and 45 minutes from Greenville, staying overnight up there wouldn’t be a bad idea. Driving home in the dark through the mountains was a tad scary just because I was watching for deer and bears.
It’s pretty high up there as well – about 4,930 feet – so bring a jacket to stay warm as you catch the bear shadow. This only happens twice a year, from mid-October to early November and also from mid-February to early March. The timing of the fall Shadow of the Bear is splendid because it hits during leaf-peeping time.
Know Before You Go
The Shadow of the Bear happens mid-October through early November
The shadow won’t come out on cloudy days so only go when it’s sunny.
The bear starts to emerge about 5:30 pm in the valley next to Whiteside Mountain and takes 30 minutes to fully come out. Get there early (or later at 6:15 pm to see the full shadow) because there are crowds.
The best view is from the Rhodes Big View Overlook on Highway 64 in Cashiers. An “overlook” would be generous – it’s more like a glorified shoulder. You need to keep kids close to you since it can be dangerous if cars swing around that curve too fast (photo below).
Bring a warm jacket since it’s nearly 5,000 feet above sea level and chilly that time of year.
The shadow also emerges in mid-February for a few weeks.
