Are you looking for some day trips from the LKN area to the cool mountains? Here are some of our favorites.

Day Trips to the Blue Ridge Mountains

Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway for beautiful vistas.

Blue Ridge Parkway Vista

Art in the Park         Blowing Rock, NC      August 13, Sept 10 & Oct 8
There are artists galore with amazing stories to tell.  We love the shops and restaurants that line the main street too.

Tweetsie Railroad   Blowing Rock, NC      Daily through August 21
This is a must for the little kids. I have fond memories of taking my little sister and nieces and nephew. It’s grown a lot since the old days too.

If you will be in the Blowing Rock area, be sure to take the time to visit the original Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. You will be amazed by all the neat old fashioned candies along with great outdoor gear. They also have locations in Boone, Asheville, Hendersonville, Waynesville, Knoxville, Winston-Salem, Greenville and Columbia.

Day Trips (or two day trips) to the Southwest Mountains of North Carolina

If the recent amoeba outbreak at the National Whitewater Center scared you off from river rafting, think again. The water is so very COLD at Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City, NC that amoeba infection is far off the radar.  We prefer to take a guided rafting trip because the guides know where all the big rocks are and can either get you splashed or help you avoid being splashed.  The choice is yours.

We love NOC

Although you can make this a day trip we don’t recommend it because we guarantee that you will be exhausted. Other cool things to do while there include a ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.  Hint, a ride in the fall through the Nantahala Gorge is spectacular. End your train ride in Dillsboro, stop at Riverwood Pottery and dine at the Jarrett House.

Disclaimer:  Most of these activities are not suitable for your pets.

Nothing beats a well planned vacation.  We all deserve a little down time when the weather allows outdoor activities. That’s why so many of you are traveling this summer.  Remember that this is the busy season for everyone with school out. Most businesses anticipate their employees will use more vacation during the summer months than other months. So be sure to book your pet care needs early. We have had multiple dates this year that we were fully booked and had to say the dreaded word “no” to some of you. So, book ahead to assure you (and your pets) are not disappointed.