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Miami Herald
5 days ago
- Miami Herald
10 Family-Friendly Mountain Destinations in the Southeast
Portions of this piece were hosted. All opinions are my own. The Southeast will always feel like home to me. It's where my husband and I grew up, met, and now raise our daughter. But there's something extra special about the region's mountain towns that keeps pulling me back. As someone who loves hiking and spending time outdoors, I've explored mountain towns all over the country, but the Southeast has some of my absolute favorites. If you're looking to take your family on a getaway that offers fresh air, scenic views, and a chance to truly unplug, these destinations are the perfect place to start. Pigeon Forge is a favorite for families, and it's easy to understand why. Tucked in the Smoky Mountains, this vibrant town is filled with attractions that appeal to all ages. Dollywood stands out with its exciting rides, live entertainment, and a water park during warmer months. Families can also enjoy go-karts, mini golf, and indoor spots like WonderWorks and the Titanic Museum. On our last-minute trip, we booked through Whimstay, a vacation rental site that works well for spontaneous getaways. We found plenty of charming, family-friendly cabins near top attractions and close to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which made exploring the outdoors a breeze. Are you ready to explore more destinations? Get inspired with our newsletter! Shenandoah National Park is one of the best places for families to unplug and enjoy the outdoors together. Skyline Drive winds through the mountains with scenic overlooks that even kids will love hopping out of the car for. There are hikes for all levels, from gentle waterfall trails to fun scrambles like Bearfence Mountain with rewarding views at the top. For a great place to stay nearby, I recommend Spacious Skies Shenandoah Views in Luray. It's close to the park and offers glamping options, RV sites, and traditional campsites, along with family-friendly amenities like a pool and playground. Asheville blends mountain adventure with artistic flair, making it one of my favorite places to visit with kids. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city offers a mix of scenic beauty and a lively downtown filled with kid-friendly restaurants, quirky shops, local bookstores, and laid-back breweries. For a memorable stay, I recommend the Omni Grove Park Inn. It's beautiful and welcoming for all ages, with a spa and golf course for adults and a pool, kids' programs, and seasonal camps for the younger crowd. Asheville has that perfect mix of nature and creativity that makes family travel feel effortless. Gatlinburg sits right at the doorstep of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, making it a perfect base for families who want both outdoor adventure and fun attractions. The town is packed with things to do from riding the scenic SkyLift and walking across the SkyBridge to family-friendly trails like the Sugarlands Valley Trail inside the national park. I recommend browsing properties on Whimstay when planning a visit because it's great having your own space where the whole family can relax and spread out. Many of the rentals are tucked into nature, which makes them ideal for spotting wildlife too! Helen stands out as one of the Southeast's most unique mountain towns, thanks to its Bavarian-style architecture and festive, family-friendly atmosphere. The town fully embraces its alpine-inspired roots, especially during seasonal events like the Christmas market in winter and Oktoberfest in the fall, both of which add to its storybook charm. Outside of festivals, families can enjoy tubing down the Chattahoochee River, hiking to nearby Anna Ruby Falls, playing mini golf, visiting candy shops, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride. For lodging, the Helendorf River Inn is a favorite, it looks just like a cozy German inn that would be tucked into the European countryside. Fayetteville is an adventure hub that's also incredibly welcoming for families. It sits right next to New River Gorge National Park, which is packed with easy hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and opportunities for rafting or ziplining for older kids. The town has a laid-back feel with cool coffee shops, casual dining, and colorful murals throughout. Families can stay in nearby cabins, lodges, or campgrounds. I recommend staying at The Outpost New River Gorge campground as it has cabins, tent platforms, and RV sites. It's a fun way to introduce kids to the thrill of outdoor adventure in a low-key, supportive setting. Walhalla is a small town with big access to nature, making it an underrated gem for a family mountain escape. Located at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers a quiet setting with plenty to explore nearby. Families can visit Issaqueena Falls, hike the Stumphouse Tunnel Trail, or picnic at Oconee State Park. Lodging ranges from nearby cabins to state park campsites, all surrounded by lush forests and waterfalls. I recommend camping at Oconee State Park for plenty of time in nature! Located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock is a peaceful yet fun place for families to slow down and soak in mountain views. Kids love Tweetsie Railroad, a Wild West theme park with train rides, shows, and family-friendly fun. For outdoor lovers, there's the easy Glen Burney Trail or a stroll through Moses Cone Memorial Park. Downtown is filled with quaint shops and casual restaurants, and there are plenty of cabin rentals and cozy inns nearby. I recommend staying at the Chetola Resort as it offers countless amenities for adults and children ranging from fishing, hiking, kayaking, an indoor pool, a playground, and so much more. Banner Elk is a lesser-known gem that's perfect for families, especially those who love year-round mountain fun. In the summer, enjoy scenic hikes, gem mining, and visiting Apple Hill Farm, where kids can meet alpacas and goats. During the winter, Sugar Mountain and Beech Mountain offer skiing, tubing, and snowboarding, all beginner-friendly. The town itself is small and welcoming, with family-owned restaurants and mountain-style lodges, my favorite being the Best Western Mountain Lodge at Banner Elk Lodge. Whether you're sipping hot cocoa by the fire or hiking through wildflowers, Banner Elk is an easygoing destination with a little something for everyone, without the crowds of bigger mountain towns. Mentone is a peaceful mountain town perched on Lookout Mountain, and it's perfect for families looking to truly slow down. The pace here is quiet, the people are friendly, and the natural beauty is stunning. Families can explore DeSoto State Park, with its kid-friendly hiking trails, waterfalls, and picnic spots. Little River Canyon is another highlight for scenic drives or overlooks. In town, enjoy browsing local art shops and stopping for homemade fudge or a casual bite to eat. Cozy cabins and local inns, like the Mentone Inn Bed and Breakfast, make it easy to settle in for a relaxing stay. Where to Find Snow in the South from North Carolina to TexasSouthern Hospitality on Four Wheels: Charming Road Trips in America's SoutheastMountains, Rivers, Beaches & More: Things to Do in North Carolina With KidsGorgeous Georgia Waterfalls and Nature Hikes The post 10 Family-Friendly Mountain Destinations in the Southeast appeared first on She Buys Travel. Copyright © 2025 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved
USA Today
20-06-2025
- USA Today
7 spectacular stateside tiny house rentals that are big on character
Tiny homes at Two Capes Lookout are small in size but big on views – Photo courtesy of Karolina Pora / Two Capes Lookout My first experience staying in a tiny house rental for vacation was in 2017, at one of the outposts of Postcard Cabins, formerly known as Getaway. As we drove up to the site at Mount Adams, Washington, I had no idea what to expect. Would the space be comfortable enough for my husband and me? How would we cook and where would we eat? Was there storage for our luggage? By the end of our weekend, I was smitten with the idea of finding more tiny homes for rent. Tiny house rentals offer a minimalist blueprint, which maximizes space and functionality in a compact setting. Because the focus is on simple living, they're typically eco-conscious with the intention of reducing their impact on the environment. They're also more cost-effective and affordable compared to larger vacation home rentals. Oftentimes, tiny house rentals are set in rural environments where visitors can enjoy being surrounded by nature. The idea is to spend the majority of your time outside; you're apt to find outdoor enhancements, such as hammocks, patios, and fire pits. Advertisement Most tiny homes for rent include a sleeping area, bathroom, and kitchenette. They also often have smartly designed storage for your weekender bags and other belongings. Whimstay, a booking platform, is an excellent resource for finding tiny homes for rent. You can choose from a mirror tiny home in Texas or an A-frame cabin with a hot tub in Idaho, and many more. Here are seven of our favorite micro getaway cabins. Tenzen Springs + Cabins, Stevenson, Washington Tenzen is a spectacular option for tiny house rentals in Washington – Photo courtesy of Kimberly Stevenson Photography Tenzen Springs + Cabins spans 100 pastoral acres, situated atop geothermal hot springs. The property merges traditional Japanese onsen, or hot springs, with Scandinavian spa culture. Each cabin measures a total of 850 square feet, including both indoor and outdoor space. Guests get access to a private geothermal soaking tub and an indoor steam sauna shower. A large outdoor deck is the perfect setting for spending some quiet time immersed in nature. Additional cabin amenities include a kitchenette, a sitting area, and luxe spa robes. You may even see a herd of elk, grazing in the meadow in the mornings. Advertisement Ofland Escalante, Escalante, Utah Ofland Escalante's tiny homes for rent have floor-to-ceiling views of the natural surroundings – Photo courtesy of Kim + Nash Finley Ofland Escalante, located within the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, means "of the land." Spread across 22 acres, the boutique property has 32 accommodations ranging from micro cabins to vintage Airstreams and campsites. The cabins feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, surrounding you with spectacular views of the landscape. Deluxe cabins have private bathrooms in addition to outdoor showers and a cozy sitting area. The retro resort also features a pool and hot tub, as well as movie nights at its drive-in movie theater. Another plus: Bryce Canyon National Park is only 45 minutes away by car. Two Capes Lookout, Cloverdale, Oregon Mirror cabins offer panoramic views at Two Capes Lookout – Photo courtesy of Karolina Pora / Two Capes Lookout Two Capes Lookout features 15 geodesic domes and four mirror cabins across 58 acres. Straddling Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout, it offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by a Sitka spruce forest, the tiny homes for rent showcase reflective floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, offering panoramic views. They also boast heated floors, a luxurious bathroom, and an outdoor patio, where you can sip coffee in the mornings as you watch the sunrise. The geodesic domes are nicely spaced out, each furnished with a comfortable bed, desk, and workspace. Guests staying in the domes have access to a communal bathhouse. The beach is a short 10-minute walk away, and numerous hiking trails are within driving distance. Advertisement Postcard Cabins, multiple locations Postcard Cabins offers tiny house rentals across the U.S. – Photo courtesy of Postcard Cabins Postcard Cabins has 29 locations across the U.S., all within a two-hour drive of major cities. It's a great way for city-dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle for some time out in nature. The well-designed tiny homes for rent feature a comfy sleeping nook, bathroom, and small kitchenette. And great news: You won't have to sacrifice creature comforts, such as air-conditioning and heat. The outdoor area features a picnic table and a fire pit. Bunk cabins include an additional sleeping area and are ideal for families traveling with children. Saltwater Farm, Friday Harbor, Washington Saltwater Farm's tiny house rentals are surrounded by nature – Photo courtesy of Bradley Radlab Nestled on 162 acres on San Juan Island, each tiny home for rent on Saltwater Farm was hand-built, using a majority of wood salvaged from trees on the property. Owners Andrew and Merriss Waters focus on sustainability and eco-conscious initiatives, such as incorporating solar power and implementing water conservation measures on their property. Solar panels power the event barn and the inn, while water comes from the island's groundwater reservoir. I highly recommend booking Stag's Leap cabin, which is pet-friendly and features a private cedar hot tub on the back deck. Advertisement Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins, Asheville, North Carolina Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins offers comfortable A-frame tiny house rentals – Photo courtesy of Colby Rabon Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins is named for the French Broad River that runs alongside the campground. It's one of the few rivers in the world that flows from south to north, which is considered the 'wrong way." Set in an urban environment in Asheville, the 16 tiny A-frame cabins come with mini fridges and microwaves. Deluxe cabins have large decks and spacious sitting areas. The River Lodge serves as a gathering space for relaxation, and it also houses Canteen, a grab-and-go market. Lopez Farm Cottages, Lopez Island, Washington Lopez Farm Cottages offers cozy accommodations – Photo courtesy of Lopez Farm Cottages
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Top Travel Destinations for Millennials Worth the Money in 2025
According to Jakes Maritz, co-founder and board chair at TourAxis, millennials are completely reshaping the travel landscape. In fact, when it comes to travel, millennials are now one of the world's most influential demographics. So what is it they're looking for in a vacation? 'Millennial travelers seek out unique destinations, prioritize sustainable tourism, and crave authentic and immersive cultural experiences,' Maritz said. And, importantly, having entered the workforce during the Great Recession, many millennials want the most value for their money. Read More: Explore More: Here are five travel destinations worth the money and aligned with millennial values, according to travel experts. 'With its captivating blend of cutting-edge innovation, ancient traditions and breathtaking aesthetics, Japan is a top destination on many millennial travelers' bucket lists,' Maritz said. From cherry blossoms and sumo wrestling to authentic sushi and serene temples, the island nation of Japan submerses travelers with a unique combination of old and new. Travelers can explore neon-lit skyscrapers and shrines in well-known cities like Tokyo, Kyoto and Hiroshima, as well as gardens and castles in hidden gems like Kanazawa and Takayama. And they shouldn't leave without a visit to a green tea farm or a ride on the legendary Shinkansen bullet train. Per Maritz, a 13-day tour (with lodging included) can begin around $2,600 per person. Check Out: 'With its unrivaled natural diversity from rolling winelands and towering mountains to sweeping coastal scenery and world-class safaris, South Africa truly offers something for everyone,' Maritz said. Tourists can check out Cape Town — the oldest and perhaps most well-known urban city in the country — or drive the Garden Route, an ocean-hugging highway stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River that showcases the best of South Africa's beauty and hospitality. Then, of course, there's Kruger National Park, South Africa's most famous game reserve, offering multiday, once-in-a-lifetime safaris. With its diverse ecosystems, South Africa offers opportunities to support local businesses and communities, as well as the option to unplug and digitally detox — all things some millennials crave. Per Maritz, a 14-day tour (with lodging included) can begin around $2,170 per person. 'Mexico City has transformed into a dynamic cultural hub with world-class museums, vibrant street art and one of the most exciting food scenes in the world,' said Alex Alioto, founder and head of growth and partnerships at Whimstay. A spot Condé Nast Traveler once called 'the tastiest destination in North America,' Mexico City offers everything from fine dining establishments to sizzling street tacos and churro shops with lines around the block. Tourists can visit Monumento a la Revolución (commemorating the Mexican Revolution) and Mercado Jamaica (Mexico City's principal flower market), or they can take an Uber ride outside the city to catch a Teotihuacan hot air balloon tour. In Mexico City, both ancient and modern cultures fuse to create lively and colorful experiences at affordable prices. Per Alioto, accommodations run between $70 and $150 per night for everything from hostels to boutique hotels, and daily expenses usually run between $40 and $70 per day. He estimated the average cost of a seven-day trip to be between $1,800 and $2,600 per person. 'Greece is always a good idea for millennial travelers,' Maritz said. 'A visit to the Greek capital and its most celebrated islands perfectly combines ancient culture with Instagrammable scenery and vibrant nightlife!' Not only is Athens, Greece, a budget-friendly city full of cultural and historical wonders like the Acropolis and Parthenon, there are many Greek islands to explore too, like Mykonos and Santorini. Per Maritz, a seven-day tour of Athens, Mykonos and Santorini (factoring in lodging and travel between islands) can begin around $1,975 per person. What millennial travel guide would be complete without the city of Portland, Oregon? Embracing sustainability, creative expression and endless Fred Armisen references, 'Portland offers an eco-friendly urban experience with excellent public transportation, an incredible food and craft beer scene, and proximity to stunning natural attractions,' Alioto said. The city also contains the world's largest independent bookstore and a bridge specifically reserved for bicyclists. Per Alioto, accommodations run between $120 and $180 per night and daily expenses usually run between $60 and $90 per day. He estimated the average cost of a seven-day trip to be between $1,800 and $2,600 per person. More From GOBankingRates Warren Buffett: 10 Things Poor People Waste Money On This article originally appeared on I'm a Travel Expert: 5 Top Travel Destinations for Millennials Worth the Money in 2025
