Only an hour from the Upstate, Wilderness Cove Campground in Saluda, NC feels a lot further away. Let the river soothe you to sleep, hike the Green River Gamelands, or go tubing over the summer at this fun campground.Â
Thank you to Wilderness Cove Campground for inviting us out to do this review.
I have tubed down the Green River a few times and have always loved it. Staying on the Green River is just as much an adventure and one you can do right at Wilderness Cove Campground all year long.
We’ll tell you what they offer, things to do in the area, and how to book your trip.
About Wilderness Cove Campground
You may already know about this place because it’s one of the big tubing outfitters on the Green River. But maybe you didn’t know they offer riverfront cabins, bigger family cabins, tent sites, and glamping tents. Wilderness Cove Campground is owned by Outdoor Adventure Retreats, a family of campgrounds throughout the Southeast offering unique access to outdoor recreation, led by Andrew Garcia and Ben Cohen.
They offer tubing over the summer and the campground is open all year. They also offer some neat classes like fly fishing.
Accommodations at Wilderness Cove
The campground is right along the Green River but not all the rentals can hear those soothing sounds. We stayed at one of the small riverfront cabins where we could hear the river, which was awesome. The cabin has a full bed plus a loft, which has a twin bed. There’s a fire pit, Keurig, and a mini-fridge but these are rustic cabins. It’s basically camping but indoors with beds and electricity.
Heating and air are provided, as well as linens, but you’ll have to walk to the bathhouse or pit toilets.
The bathhouse is nice. It was clean and had both toilets and showers. Bring your own towels and flashlights.
The glamping tents are a lot closer to the bathhouse but we didn’t stay in those so I can’t give a firsthand review. They did look pretty awesome though.
Here are how many people each place/site can accommodate:
Glamping Tent – 3 people (max of 2 adults)
River Cottage – 3 people (max of 2 adults)
Large Glamping Tent – 4 people (max of 2 adults)
Standard Cottage – 4 people (max of 2 adults)
Double Glamping Tent – 6 people (max of 4 adults)
Deluxe Cottage – 6 people (max of 4 adults)
Green River Guest House – 7 people
Individual Primitive Campsite – 4 people
Group Primitive Campsite – 20 people
RV Sites – No preset limit. Up to 2 adults and 3 children included at no extra charge. After that it’s $5 extra per person.
The campground does have WiFi but we found it to be a bit spotty at some points. Cell service is minimal at the campground.
Things to do at Wilderness Cove Campground
The campground is located adjacent to the Green River Gamelands, which has almost 17 miles of beautiful trails. I’ve hiked all through there and the Narrows trail is my favorite because you can watch the kayakers tackle the huge rapids (it’s extremely steep to get down and up though – there are ropes). But there are miles of other trails to hike at all levels.
You can access the Gamelands across the street from the campground itself. Or you can hike the six-mile round trip hike to Milton Bradley Falls. The trailhead is just steps away from the riverfront cabins and camp store.
And, of course, over the summer, you can go tubing on the Green River. Tubing season is usually Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend.
If you have a NC fishing license, you can fish in the river as well.
If you love kayaking, you can rent a kayak from Wilderness Cove and run the river. We saw some kayakers who had ran the river that day staying at the campground. The Green River is well-known for its kayaking opportunities.
Things to do Nearby
Hendersonville is just a short 25-minute drive from Wilderness Cove and there are so many things to do there: apple picking, snow tubing, free museums, the Team ECCO aquarium, more hiking, and shopping. We have a big list of Things to do in Hendersonville to give you ideas.Â
Flat Rock is also close by, where you can play with the goats at the Carl Sandburg Home or hike on the property for free. Grab a pizza or baked good at the Village Bakery on your way home.
Saluda, NC is close as well. The small town has great restaurants like the Purple Onion and Wildflower Bakery.
We didn’t do this although I’d like to but the Gorge Zipline is just down the street from Wilderness Cove. I love ziplining and this place has excellent reviews.Â
Wilderness Cove is also not far from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pisgah Forest, and miles and miles of amazing trails to enjoy. Since we went during leaf season, we headed up about an hour and 15 minutes to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Craggy Gardens to see some fall foliage and we were not disappointed. I love staying at places that are great base camps for adventures.
Prices per night start at around $91/night for the riverfront cabins and glamping tents. Tent and RV sites are cheaper while the cabins that hold more people go up from there.
Please drive slowly down to the river. The road is very curvy and sometimes you can’t see around the curves.
Does an indoor pumpkin farm maze and play space sound like fun for the kids? Bring the little ones to Linda’s Plants & Shrubs in Hendersonville for their super cool hay bale, indoor, Pumpkin Maze. They also have free hot chocolate and coffee, and pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers. And, while you’re there you can pick up some super gorgeous pumpkins, mums, and fall plants.
What does Linda’s have for Fall 2023? Lots! Pick your own pumpkins off the vine. Wander through the sunflower field, you can pick your own, too! Enjoy the pretty view and then head indoors and feast your eyes on gorgeous pumpkin displays with mums and all kinds of fall plants. Enjoy a free cup of coffee and then head for the INDOOR pumpkin maze.
Picking Pumpkins
Want to pick your own pumpkins off the vine but don’t want the big fall crowds at large farms and orchards? Linda’s is your answer. The small pumpkin vine field has pumpkins you can cut yourself. The sunflower field is beside that, and you can also pick your own sunflowers.
But, if you can’t find the exact right pumpkin on the vine, no worries. Linda’s Plants and Shrubs shop is full of gorgeous pumpkins in every size, color, and shape you could imagine. They have lots of fall-themed photo opportunities both inside and out.
The Pumpkin Maze
Linda’s pumpkin maze costs $5 per person going through the maze and using the play space. The maze, made out of hay bales, is loaded up with Halloween and fall characters with audio and lights, inflatables, and bubbles.
Crawl through tunnels and tires, once you make your way out of the maze, a slide into a pool full of dried corn is waiting at the beginning of the play area.
In the play area you’ll find construction trucks ready to drive through and move that dried corn, an additional pool of dried corn, and space to play.
Do the maze as many times as you’d like. We saw kids having a great time with a game of hide and seek in the maze, and we have to admit, it does seem like a pretty perfect place for hide and seek! You could also have an epic game of I Spy in here.
There are benches in the maze space so parents can chill with that free cup of coffee while the kids play.
Plants and More
Linda’s is personally one of my favorite places to go for fueling my plant addiction. They have a large selection of both seasonal indoor and outdoor plants, plus local honey, sauces, pots, and a small selection of decor items.
Christmas Events at Linda’s
Linda’s Plants and Shrubs is always a fun place to explore. Here’s what they had in 2022 for the holidays. Check back soon for their 2023 holiday happenings,
The Christmas Maze at Linda’s in Hendersonville, NC 2022
Greenhouses are not just for growing plants. Linda’s Plants and Shrubs has converted one of its large greenhouse spaces into a Christmas maze and play area for kids. No matter the weather, it’s dry and toasty at this maze made of haybales and decorated with tons of holiday decorations and inflatables. Kids must wind through the maze and crawl through a tunnel and a tire on their way to a climber and slide that goes right into a pit of dried corn.
For the construction-minded and truck-loving kiddos, there is also a place to play in the corn with large provided dump trucks. Parents can play along in the maze or relax on the benches while the kids play.
The maze and play area are totally free to visit. Younger kids, toddlers, preschoolers, and younger elementary will especially enjoy this area.
Santa will be visiting Linda’s on December 4th, 2022 from 12 pm to 3 pm. Don’t forget your free hot chocolate at the checkout area near the maze.
Trees and Plants: Holidays 2022
When you walk into Linda’s the first thing you’ll experience is the fresh, piney smell of Christmas trees and wreaths. Smells are free, too, and totally worth a pause even if you don’t need a tree. But if you do, these trees were beautiful!
Next on the list, Christmas cacti. Linda’s has so many blooming Christmas cacti and other holiday plants, like Poinsettias. I love Christmas cacti and I have five or six in my house. I’m lucky to get even one to bloom. So, today I added another, a big beautiful, already fully in bloom Christmas cactus to enjoy right now. Yay!
The poinsettia table screamed Christmas in the best possible way, and my husband picked out some other blooming holiday plant that I have absolutely no idea what it is or what to do with it. But, you know, it’s pretty. And, you can never have enough pretty plants, really. Then, my kids found a few succulents to add to their collections, of course.
Linda’s also has some adorable little pots for your new plants, and also some farm goodies like jams and honey.
The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC has so much to explore! See animals, build, learn about physics, space, gardens and more! We checked it out and have all the information you need to enjoy a fun day here as a day trip from Greenville, SC, or Charlotte, NC, or anywhere in between!
Ever since I got my Roper Mountain Science Center membership, I’ve started planning day trips and homeschool field trips according to where my family can get in for free or half-price using the reciprocal membership benefits. The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC was on the list so that’s where we went.
Did you know there is a free model railroad museum you can visit in Hendersonville, NC? The Apple Valley RR Club is located in the historic train station in Hendersonville and visitors can check out the indoor and outdoor model trains, and climb aboard a real caboose, totally free. Read on to find out all the details to plan your visit to the Apple Valley Model RR Club.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I planned a stop on our day in Hendersonville, NC at the Apple Valley Model RR Club. But, I figured with free admission and several kids who enjoy model trains, it was worth a stop.
Wow, was it worth the stop! The station is full of some of the coolest displays we’ve seen. How rare it is to find something like with without an admission cost! We loved our time watching the trains and look forward to stopping by again.
Take a Peek!
Here’s a fun video from our visit so you can see some of the trains at the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club.
Things to See at the Apple Valley Model RR Club
The model train displays at the Apple Valley Model RR Club flow through the several rooms that make up the historic train station. In one room you can watch club members work on trains and scenery and beyond that are rooms full of elaborate scenery, tunnels, and HO scale model trains.
The station is filled with the sounds of running trains chugging and whistling across the displays. Train lovers young and old can watch as the trains go by, and meander from room to room to check out the different displays. Take as much time as you’d like, it’s free and there is a lot to see!
Outdoor Train Display at Apple Valley
A G-scale model train runs outdoors behind the station and there are some very special features of this outdoor display. First, young ones should head here to visit both Thomas the Train and Percy. They both chug through the large outdoor display.
Next, notice the mirrors along the back of the display. You’ll be able to watch the trains moving behind the display on their way to the other side.
But the biggest special feature is the onboard camera running on one of the outdoor trains. You can see this onboard view from the lobby. My kids enjoyed positioning themselves outdoors to be seen on the camera while their siblings watched for them in the lobby.
Climb Aboard the Caboose
Beside the train station is an old caboose. When the station is open, the caboose is also open. Climb aboard and check out the interior with its coal stove and storage, benches, and even a toilet.
Where to Find the Apple Valley Railroad Club
The Apple Valley Model Railroad Club is located in a historic 1902 train station beside the railroad tracks in downtown Hendersonville, NC. There is free parking beside the station and it is an easy walk to or from the restaurants and shops on Main Street.
Visit the Apple Valley Model RR Club
Admission is FREE!
Hours: Wednesday 1 pm to 3 pm and Saturday 10 am to 2 pm
If your family is looking for a quick fall or winter getaway that’s a little easier on the bank account and within a couple of hours of the Upstate, we’ve found a few options in the Western North Carolina mountains. From hiking to waterfalls to fly fishing to history, there is something the whole family will love.
Just north of the Upstate lies the
gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Land of the
Waterfalls, an incredibly beautiful part of North Carolina that is within easy
driving distance for Greenville families and full of opportunities to explore
the outdoors and make wonderful memories together.
The window between late fall and the end of the winter is the off-season, or Shoulder Season in some places, for the area, when leaf-peeping crowds head home and the chillier weather sets in. This is the time for budget-minded families to hop in the car and escape for an off-season getaway because prices for almost everything are so much cheaper than other times of the year.
Free Things to Do
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most visited in the country, is just beyond Cherokee, NC or Bryson City. There is no admission costs and while the road to the Clingman’s Dome, the highest point in the region, is often closed during the winter, there are free hikes to enjoy as well as the Junior Ranger Program at the Sugarlands Visitor Center near Gatlinburg.
If you love unexplained mysteries, your family needs to check out Judaculla Rock, a huge boulder with unexplained petroglyphs said to be carved by Indians possibly thousands of years ago. It’s located in Cullowhee, NC.
The kids will remember a trip to the Jackson County Green Energy Park where they will be able to see glass blowers, potters, and blacksmiths all at work harnessing otherwise harmful greenhouse gas from landfills into clean energy to create their art. Pretty cool. Tours are available and the park is located in Dillsboro, NC.
Outdoor Adventures
Waterfalls
Cashiers is located in the Land of the Waterfalls – we love this area and you can read more about our week-long trip to the area, also called Sapphire Valley – and there are truly beautiful waterfalls to see. During the wintertime, if it’s cold enough the water will turn to ice and the falls become a whole other kind of stunning. Silver Run Falls is essentially a no-hike waterfall, perfect for swimming in the summer but just as pretty in the winter and located right outside Cashiers.
Silver Fun Falls in wintertime. | Photo courtesy of Jackson County TDA.
Schoolhouse Falls is in Panthertown Valley and around a three-mile roundtrip hike. The falls empty into a huge pool of water that is popular for fly fishermen and you can also walk behind the falls if the water level is low enough.
Mingo Falls in Cherokee is another stunning waterfall. It’s only a quarter-mile hike to see the falls but you have to climb 161 stairs!
For a more challenging hike, head to Rainbow Falls in Gorges State Park, a huge 150-foot waterfall that is amazing. It’s a four-mile somewhat difficult hike, especially on the way back to the car, but totally worth it. I’ve taken my kids, ages 9 and 6, and they were able to do the hike in the hot summer weather, so it depends on your family’s abilities (and patience).
Fly Fishing
Even though I’ve never fly fished, although I’d love to, I enjoy watching the fishermen on the water whenever I see them during hikes. They look so relaxed. The Tuckaseegee River flows through a scenic mountain valley and several quaint communities up in Western NC. Jackson County is known as the North Carolina Trout Capital and home of the Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail.
The river is very accessible for fishing and teeming with brown, rainbow, and brook trout – the river is stocked with almost 93,000 fish annually. Winter is actually prime fly-fishing time and because they are often feeding more during the day and since the state stocks the river in the fall, you have a really good chance of getting bites. You can bring your own equipment or rent from local outfitters.
Fly fishing at Schoolhouse Falls in Panthertown Valley
Snow Tubing and Skiing
I’ve just started getting into snow tubing with my kids (partially because I’m terrible at skiing) and it’s so fun. All you need to do is get in a giant tube and slide down a mountain. Most places let even small kids do it so it’s perfect for the whole family. You can see our reviews of Moonshine Mountain near Hendersonville and Wolf Ridge in Mars Hill, NC, and learn about what to do when you go and how to prepare for all the fun you’ll have.
Moonshine Mountain snow tubing
Up near Cashiers is also the Sapphire Valley Resort, which has snow tubing and skiing. Before your visit, check the webcam to make sure the slopes are white. Those who prefer a tube will enjoy the 700-foot, multi-lane tubing run with steep walls on both sides to allow for more control at Frozen Falls Tube Park. Lift tickets are available for $70 for adults and $44 for children 12 and under. Those interested in partaking in the adventure that awaits at the Frozen Falls Tube Park can do so for $30 for a 1.75-hour session. Don’t miss the Outhouse Races in February.
Parades & Holiday Fun
Cashiers has a wonderful Christmas parade near the beginning of December, which is the perfect day trip. We love it so much we have a story about this cute Cashiers’s Christmas Parade.
Cashiers Christmas Parade. | Photo courtesy of Jackson County TDA.
Other holiday events in Western NC are the Lights and Luminaries in Dillsboro and Christmas in Sylva.
A reader-favorite holiday activity is the Polar Express at the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad in Bryson City. They start rides in November.
It’s a holiday tradition for many families in the Upstate and something both kids and adults alike look forward to. The other fun Polar Express train runs out of the North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC – our readers also love this one!
Where to Stay
Lodging options in this region
include everything from cabins, hotels, bed & breakfasts, AirBnBs, motels, yurts,
and even campgrounds.
I’ve stayed at homes at the Sapphire Valley Resort that was booked through Airbnb and VRBO.com. You can search for hotels and motels online – a quick search for Western NC hotels in early December came back with prices from around $89/night up through the $180s/night depending on lodging options. Almost everything will be far less expensive in summer and fall.
As a STAY22 Affiliate, Kidding Around earns when you book through some of these links.
Up in Dillsboro is the Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites, which sits right on the river and where many of the rooms overlook the waterway. It’s also only 30 minutes from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, has a free hot breakfast every morning, and an indoor heated swimming pool.
A favorite lodging option is Sky Ridge Yurts in Bryson City. Not only are the yurts plain cool and unique, but they are also comfortable, clean, and have amazing views of the mountains. They book up quickly during prime Polar Express weekends but may have some weekday availability, especially during the winter and into January/February.
The Hot Springs Resort is on our bucket list – this is a place where you can soak in natural mineral water. Ahh, so relaxing.
Sky Ridge Yurts
Where to Eat
Slab Town Pizza in Cashiers is a favorite of mine. Their pizza is perfection and they also offer calzones, salads, and sandwiches. Buck’s Coffee in Cashiers is great if you need some hot chocolate or baked goods while enjoying the Christmas parade. Whiteside Brewing Co., also in Cashiers, has a family-friendly atmosphere with good food and drink.
And Papas & Beer near the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville is fantastic. They serve affordable and tasty Mexican cuisine and are only about an hour from Greenville.
You can explore Lake Glenville, the highest elevation lake in the Eastern US, in Jackson County, North Carolina by boat with Lake Glenville Scenic Scenic Waterfall Cruises. We did the beautiful boat tour and will tell you all you need to know to enjoy the scenic lake. We have information about Lake Glenville, including: What you’ll see on the waterfall tour Tips for your boat trip How to book your waterfall tour
Thanks to Jackson County, North Carolina for hosting us and providing the opportunity to take the boat tour.
There’s something really special about mountain lakes. Maybe it’s that crisp mountain air, the ancient hills that loom in the distance, that clear water – whatever it is, that’s where I want to be. So when I had the opportunity to take a boat tour with Captain Mark and his scenic boat cruise on Lake Glenville – the only boat tour company that operates on the lake – I was all in. We got to see waterfalls, a bald eagle nest, and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Cashiers, so you can add it to your itinerary when visiting the area.
Have you ever wanted to walk the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz? Well, your chance to walk that Yellow Brick Road, meet Dorothy, and so much more about three hours from Upstate, SC. We have all the details on what to expect, where to eat, and where to stay when you head to the Land of Ozthe last three weekends in September 2024.
This review is a combination of trips in 2019, 2022, and 2023. Thank you to the Land of Oz for providing media tickets so we could write this review.
Where should you go to see some colorful fall foliage near Greenville, SC? In Greenville, we’re lucky to live close to a variety of hikes and drives that showcase this vibrant seasonal display of colors. Plus, nothing is better than the Western North Carolina leaves changing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. So, grab your camera and hit the road for what promises to be another fantastic year of color! We have compiled everything you need to know for fall leaf peeping, including: 2023 fall foliage timeline 15+ fall hiking trail ideas Packing for your fall foliage search
Have you visited the Lake Lure beach and water park? The combination of a mountain lake with a sandy beach along with waterslides that run right into the cool mountain water is spectacular! Plus, you only have to pay one admission fee at this famous lake in North Carolina.
A local mom visited Lake Lure with her family. They had a blast! Read about their trip and catch all the tips so you’ll know just what to expect when you visit.
Find a place to stay in Lake Lure, NC. This article contains Stay22 affiliate links.
Getting to Lake Lure
After reading all about Lake Lure and its nostalgic filming of the movie “Dirty Dancing”, I was intrigued to make a day visit. From Greenville, Lake Lure is a little over an hour but well worth the beautiful scenic drive up into Chimney Rock State Park. From Greenville, you will use 25 North to I26 West to 2724 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746 (I also recommend using Google Maps for directions).
Also, don’t forget to bring a packed lunch as well as buckets and shovels for the kids, as the sand beach is ideal for sandcastle building. Once you get close to the Chimney Rock area, you will drive through a quaint little town and see an array of restaurants, shops, and gem mine stores for the kids. It has an old Western-type feel with the picturesque backdrop of Chimney Rock in the background.
Having arrived at the lake around noon, we noticed that parking was filling up quickly but luckily there seemed to be several spots across the street in front of the historic Lake Lure Inn. Once we parked and gathered our beach gear, we headed through the main entrance where we were banded after paying the daily fee.
The admission for adults is $10 and kids 4 to 12 was $8, with under 4 free. You can find pricing and information on the Lake Lure website. The price of admission includes the water park and beach access.
Lake Lure: Beach and Water Park!
The kids spotted the water slides right as we entered and sped off. I noticed a lifeguard at the bottom of the slides in the water as well as a lifeguard standing by the swimming area in the lake. In addition to the slides and swimming is a splash pad, as well as a water balloon zone. You can purchase water balloons for an additional cost at the ticket counter. There are also restroom facilities and showers.
The water is roped for designated swimming and there were many people with rafts and water toys. You can easily spend all day at the beach with plenty to do for kids and adults. And of course, no trip to Lake Lure is complete without doing “the lift” from the movie Dirty Dancing, which was filmed here.
Lake Lure Boat Rentals
If you’d like to cruise around the lake in a kayak, paddleboard, or hydro bike, you can rent one on site. Stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and two-person kayaks are $20/hour or $85/all day while single kayaks are $18/hour or $70/all day. Hydro bikes are $12/hour. Rentals are available at the beach from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
If you want to bring your own non-motorized watercraft, you will have to pay a daily fee of $25, a weekly fee of $50, or a yearly fee of $100.
The Flowering Bridge at Lake Lure
Having swam, slid, and sunned our day away, it was time to head back, but not before uncovering an enchanting (and free) roadside attraction.
On the way out from the resort area, there was a nice little surprise awaiting us, called The Flowering Bridge. It is free to walk the bridge and is filled with gardens of all types of flowers, plants, and scenery. We all enjoyed reading about the bridge’s history and learning about the various flowers.
There were little cutouts of secret gardens and sitting areas. Each section of the garden has cute facts pertaining to plant life with a list of every type of plant and flower. You may even spot a few butterflies! It was the perfect ending to a perfect day trip from Greenville.
Have you ever been to Lake Lure?
Love a great mountain beach? Check out our list of Upstate mountain beaches for an excellent time with your family!
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Nestled in the WNC town of Hayesville, NC lies the Magical Mountain Resort, a whimsical and fun world where fairy tales come to life in cottages set in a forest and along a mountain stream. If you want to add a little magic to your trip, this is the place to do it in Hayesville, NC.
I’ve always enjoyed the whimsical aspect of stories – enchanted forests, drinks that make you grow tall or shrink to fit through minuscule doors, exaggerated characters like the Queen of Hearts, time travel, and gigantic mushrooms and flowers. All of that and so much more greets you at Magical Mountain Resort in Hayesville, North Carolina, just a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Greenville. Plus, it is a great location any time of year! Our most recent visit was in February, and it was wonderful.
About Magical Mountain Resort
Set in 11 acres that back up to Nantahala National Forest, the Magical Mountain Resort has multiple options for lodging, some of which are still in progress. The owner, Shannon, bought the property after selling investment properties in Florida. She moved the day after Hurricane Ian hit and looked for properties with cabins on them in the woods.
Once she bought the property in Hayesville, North Carolina, she set to making her whimsical fairy tale dreams a reality. And $1.5 million later, she’s well on her way.
I’ve met a lot of creative and innovative people in my life but Shannon ranks pretty high on that list. I was floored at the intricate details that are the hallmark of the property. Literally, no detail was overlooked from the giant mushrooms at the entrance to the property to the glow-in-the-dark teacups high in the trees next to the cottages to the hand-painted and hand-carved signs that tell you where to go around the resort. And that’s just on the outside. Wait till you see what’s inside all the cabins!
Sometimes I think that when one seeks to make their dreams a reality when it comes to fairy tales, it can come off as overdone and cheesy. Not this place. When you visit Magical Mountain Resort, you’re leaving your life behind for the time you’re there and get to step into a world that makes it easy to get caught up in the details of another time and place.
Places to Stay at Magical Mountain Resort
At the time of this writing, there are four cottages and one bus to stay at: Alice’s White Bunny Cottage, Alice’s Queen Cottage, the Caretakers Cabin, the Snow White Cottage, and the MidKnight Buss. All have bathrooms and kitchens. The Snow White cottage is the smallest and the Caretakers Cabin is the largest. During our first trip, we stayed in Alice’s White Bunny Cottage, which was amazing. I’ll get to that in a minute. We had the opportunity to stay in Alice’s Queen Cottage as well more recently, and the attention to detail was stunning!
New in 2024, there are now an additional 5 RV slips available! The pull-in spots are perfectly situation along the creek, so you’ll have the wonderful sound of the water flowing while you camp. Each slip has a picnic table creekside, and a small firepit, and is close to the family-friendly area where your kids can play giant chess, create a fairy mini world in the fairy garden, or relax in the hammocks strung amongst the trees.
Keep in mind that the resort only opened mid-May 2023 so some construction is still ongoing and some of the lodgings are not quite ready. I’ll tell you what’s open and what isn’t. However, as of February 2024, the candy cottages are almost near completion, and they are looking truly magical!
Stay in a Bus
Shannon is a collector of very interesting items at Magical Mountain. The double-decker bus on the property, the MidKnight Bus, she has outfitted into a Harry Potter-inspired stay was once owned by Disney way back in the 1950s. The history of it alone is worth its own story but the short version is just that this bus is really darn cool. It is decked out with three beds on the lower level, stained glass windows, a kitchen, bathroom, and a lounge area. There’s a magical fire pit outside plus a deck and chairs to relax at while you contemplate how cool you are that you get to stay there.Â
Shannon has three other buses she is either currently renovating or that she’s expecting to be shipped in, including a Magic Schoolhouse bus!
Stay in a Candy House
Remember the game, Candyland? Shannon has outfitted two cabins to look like they belong in that game. Both of them are not ready for visitors yet but we got to see them in progress and they are adorable. I felt like Hansel and Gretel coming up on the enchanted candy cabin in the woods (thankfully no witches here that eat kids).
The outside has steps that look like gumdrops, gingerbread people that greet you, and lollipops that you can see from the front steps. These are camper cabins and will not have bathrooms but they do have a mini-fridge, and microwave, and are outfitted with heat and air conditioning. The resort is currently building a dalmation-themed bathhouse that should open around the same time that the cabins are available.
Stay at Alice’s White Rabbit Cottage
While I got to see most of the accommodations at the resort, we stayed at Alice’s White Rabbit cottage, based on Alice in Wonderland. From the moment you see the pink house with white railings, glass flowers, teacups and teapots in the flowerbeds, and a hand-carved front door, you will absolutely forget you’re in the real world.
The cottage is outfitted with a small kitchen, full bath, queen-sized bed up in the loft, and a pink leather pullout bed on the bottom floor. The light fixture has teacups on it and all the plates and cookware are the same color pink as the house. The coffee pot and tea kettle are pink and the bathroom has a white rabbit painted on the pink toilet seat while there’s a pink clawfoot tub if you want to enjoy a soak.Â
Outside, you’ll have your own private porch with flowers that have faces from the movie: the Cheshire Cat, the white rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts. While you enjoy the babbling stream right in front of the cabin, your kids can color or enjoy a snack at the glass table and pink and white bouncy chairs.
At night, the trees behind the cottage light up purple, and the tea cups suspended in the branches glow in the dark. Solar lights line the pathway to the door and the flowers also light up.
No detail was overlooked whatsoever. I have zero knack for design or creativity when it comes to decorating and I’d never ever come up with something as neat as this place.
Alice’s Queen Cottage
Much of the same amenities are available in the Queen’s Cottage as in the White Rabbit Cottage, except the decor is stunningly royal! Lots of red and black take over the theme, even to the tiniest details. The clawfoot bathtub was stunning! Our family of four was able to sleep cozy in the cabin, with my oldest daughter and I taking the queen bed in the loft, while my husband and two-year-old slept on the pullout sofa downstairs.
It was so much fun exploring both the inside and outside of the cabin to see all of the neat things we could find. Around the perimeter of the cottage, there are lots of trinkets, glowing flowers, delightful seating by the creek, and lots of hidden gems to find.
Bring your Own RV or TentÂ
Magical Mountain Resort has five RV slips available. Campers who want to use a tent are welcome to book those sites and just camp out in the field if they like as well. However, the bathhouse is not yet completed but there is a porta-potty on site. The RV slips have a wonderful location along the creek side, close to the fire pits, and right near the hammocks and fairy garden for kids to play at.
Things to do at Magical Mountain Resort
While there are lots of things to do in the area, you won’t run out of fun activities at the resort. These are all located right next to the creek and just a short walk from the Queen and White Bunny cottages.
Relax in a hammock
There are multiple hammocks on the property along the creek, which is just so nice. You can relax in a big hammock that was handwoven in Nicaragua and listen to the creek, read a book, or just chill out while your kids play nearby.
Swings and Fishing
There are a few swings and swinging benches also along the creek, including a baby swing. Again, just another invitation to enjoy the serene setting!
Shannon also has fish bait and a fishing rod that you can use to try your luck at catching trout in the stream.
Lifesize chess and lawn games
There’s a life-size chess game that you’re welcome to play while you visit the resort. Shannon can tell you how to play if you don’t know how. They also have checkers, corn hole, and croquet.
Play in the creek
You’re welcome to get in the creek to cool off. Most of it is really shallow and some parts are maybe hip deep, which is perfect for bringing tubes and getting wet in the chilly water.
Roast s’mores with magic fire
Thanks to our neighbors who started a roaring bonfire and thanks to our other neighbors who had kids the same age as my kids and who brought stuff to make s’mores, we all enjoyed pretty awesome s’mores the night we stayed at the resort. It was so much fun! Shannon leaves guests with a packet of magic fire dust that you throw on the fire and which turns the flames blue. See? No detail was overlooked.
Make it a weekend trip: Things to do Near Magical Mountain Resort
One of the reasons I really liked Shannon is that she does all the things that she recommends to her guests (like us!). I’ve spent some time in that area and have done a lot of cool stuff, which I mention here, but Shannon has made it a point to explore the area and do things that she thinks her guests will love, so I’ve listed those as well.
Marina Station Water Park
Readers know how much my kids and I love inflatable aqua parks. Well, there’s one just 23 minutes from Magical Mountain at the Marina Station on Lake Chatuge. It’s $18/person for an hour of fun. We did this on the way home from Magical Mountain and had a blast. It was the perfect thing to do to cool off and you can hang out afterward at the little beach or go to town for some lunch.
Andrews Valley Rail Tours
I have not done this one but Shannon has and it looks super fun and unique. Andrews Valley Rail Tours takes visitors along a 10-mile trek through beautiful scenery, including a hand-carved tunnel from the late 1800s and railroad bridges – all on a railbike! Guests must be at least 4 years old and tours are currently $49.95/person and last for two-and-a-half hours.
Hiking
There are some great trails nearby, including beautiful hikes to incredible overlooks at Bell Mountain (32 minutes away) and Brasstown Bald (40 minutes away), both of which are amazing for sunrise and sunset. Less than a half hour away is Leatherwood Falls, a great spot for a picnic and splash in the falls. It’s less than a mile roundtrip. Pickens Nose is a favorite of mine (watch the kids though – steep rocks at the overlooks) because the views are outrageously gorgeous and the total hike is less than two miles. It’s about an hour from Magical Mountain.
Helen, Georgia & Blairsville, Georgia
This quirky and adorable Bavarian-themed town is a favorite of our readers. There’s a lot to do all year round. See our story on Helen, Georgia for ideas. And the cute little town of Blairsville, Georgia is only a 30-minute drive from Magical Mountain. There are some fun things to do in Blairsville as well!
On the drive home
During the summer, you can easily stop at Bull Sluice on the Chattooga River on the way home. There’s a little beach along the river and you can take a dip or hang out. If you go upstream just a little ways on the paved trail, you can watch the rafters take on the rapids.
Also during the summer, if you want to take the northern route back home to Greenville, you can stop at Cashiers Sliding Rock. It’s a really fun natural waterslide with a sandy beach. There’s no fee but also not much parking. You can also stop at Dry Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, both roadside waterfalls that you can walk behind which we think are beautiful.
Overall Mom Review of Our Adventures in Wonderland
I’d love to go back to Magical Mountain Resorts for several reasons:
The place is just really cool with all the details that make it so fun and enchanting
I loved the play areas that make it easy to relax and have fun with your family
The location is ideal for outdoor fun and adventure
The resort is super family-friendly, and kids will love exploring all the little things!
The field behind the cottage had lots of fireflies and my daughters, who met friends their age right next door when we stayed there, went and caught the little bugs. It was one of those idyllic experiences that I was hoping my own kids would have as I did in my own childhood.
And when our neighbors at the queen cottage next door introduced themselves the evening we were there, it became such an eventful and fun night. My daughters and their granddaughters painted rocks, roasted s’mores together, lit sparklers, tried out the magic fire dust, took all kinds of hilarious photos around the property, and really enjoyed each other’s company. The whole experience was just unforgettable.
My daughters and I just had such a delightful time at Magical Mountain and I especially appreciated the massive effort that went into creating the experience by Shannon. It was one pleasant surprise after another while staying there and something that my kids will certainly remember with joy.
Booking Your Stay Down the Rabbit Hole
It’s easy to book your stay at Magical Mountain Resort as all the properties are listed in AirBnB. Look at the Magical Mountain website though first and see which stay is best and go from there.
The entire property is dog-friendly. You’ll definitely meet Shannon’s loveable and playful golden doodles, Molly and Charlie, while you’re there. Molly took to guarding my girls while they played chess and it was adorable.
If you’re looking for a place to get away in the mountains that is just a touch magical and that will leave your family with lasting, amazing memories, Magical Mountain Resort is the place to go.
Looking for more fun, themed places to stay? Here’s our list of fantasty vacation themed rentals that include Star Wars, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and more!
