Hi there,
My parents are heading to either Tenn., NC., or West Virginia in Feb. for three to four days. They have a full size conversion van that they camp with, not a trailer, not a tent. They were asking me if I knew any camp grounds with some sights to see in those areas. Or the other way around, sights to see with camping in the area. Attractions they would be looking for are stuff like zoos, aquariums, and historic places.
They are 60 and 62, my dad is ok for walking(3-4 hours at a time)but not for the whole day, so, state parks with miles of trails is no interest to them.
I mentioned the Aquarium in Georgia, Grandfather Mountain, and Beech Mountain. I don't know whats around down there, so any suggestions or help is appreciated.


Thanks for the help, you guys are great. I'm forwarding all these meesages to Mom and Dad as they come in..

 

I have lived in the shenandoah valley and now Charlotte NC for the last 8-9 years or so. It is beautiful in the Mountains and I would recommend a trip to Asheville, NC. Great hippy town with wonderful theater and arts. My wife and kids and I are heading up there after Xmas to see the Biltmore estate for a couple of days which I have heard is fabulous. For only a 3-4 day trip I would say that would be a great place. 2 days to see the Biltmore (house, village, and vineyard) and another day or 2 to enjoy the charming town and the views around.

You can also give them your wishlist and have them take a short sidetrip to our friends at 928 Specialists to pick up some goodies for your car!

Just a thought. Hope they enjoy the trip. Wherever they go it will be beautiful country. Just remember not to make a "wrong turn" if they go to W. Virginia.

Andrew

 

yes the Biltmore. I am gona make my way there some day. I mentioned that to them couple years ago on there way to Florida.

 

Not sure about the camping aspect, but Chattanooga has a great aquarium, plenty places to eat, other attractions (towing and recovery museum) as well as lots of historical (mostly Civil War related, such as Lookout Mountain, Chickamauga Battlefield, etc.) sites. It's also 2 hours north of Atlanta, so if they're inclined to check out museums, etc. there, it can be done in a day.

 

Wrong time of year, especially camping.

 

its probibly goint to be snowing in the area for the next few months. The roads may be iced and closed. but Asheville would be a good place and the Blue ridge parkway would be great to drive if possible.

 

My best advice is to take the vacation of a lifetime, no matter what time of year, but especially in Feb.


http://www.pleasantholidays.com/Plea...aii-Kauai.html

BTDT no better place, no better value -- Yeah a tropical paradise with 82 and sunshine vs. the back woods, ice storms, and power outages. Go to Hawaii and live the life or go to West Virginia in Feb and play cards with cousin Eddie.

 

Or, if they haven't done it, they could come to Virginia. Mount Vernon, Monticello, Montpelier, and dozens of lesser known places, the D-Day Memorial, caverns out the wazoo, not to mention Jamestown and Williamsburg. Places like the Misty Mountain Campground, right around the corner from where I live, are open year round, to boot.

 

Virginia is the spot on the east coast for attractions and beauty, but not in Feb. wait till cherry blossom time.

I just got 2" of white **** here today in NC.

 

Yes, its awfully lonely along the Davidson River, or Asheville, or BRP / Peaks of Otter this time of year.

Biltmore, dressed for X-mas, is spellbinding (once), but probably costs at least the cost of a hotel room per person in order to visit.

Tennessee is just plain flat cold-cuts-through-you freezing compared to NC, so that's not the right direction either.

Hopefully the van-travellers are headed to Florida and just looking for a day repose or so during the trip.

 

Nope, Virginia is perfect at this time of year. Always beautiful, but now without lines. You get longer and more personalized tours, no place overcrowded, cheaper rates. And you have mentioned an interest in history. Well goodness: Virginia- what more need be said? Jeez, I sound like the travel bureau. And you NEVER want to go to DC inwarm weather!! And BTW (goes for everyone here) you come to Monticello, you letta me know, you getta the special. Seriously!

 

Love VA as well, with ya on Monticello. Awesome tour and visit. Especially in the spring and fall. I taught at Monticello H.S. for about 7 years before moving to Charlotte. My buddy is a tour guide at Montpellier and Ash Lawn Highland. A Presidential Trio Tour of Jefferson, Madison, Monroe would be great. And Charlottesville is a nice college town.

 

I live 45 min from Buffalo, and I got none of that snow thank god..

 

I am at the coast of NC. We have had temps in the 60's and 70's until yesterday.
feb can have temps in the 70's here if u get lucky.

lots to do here... good new aquarium, Ft. macon. beaufort historic site.
some decent campgrounds.. several on the water.

some decent fishing then (tuna)

 

Thanks for the help, you guys are great. I'm forwarding all these messages to Mom and Dad as they come in..