Fall Break: Don’t Fall Into a Vacation Rut

I was so excited for the taste of fall that we experienced last weekend. There was a chill in the evening air, friends were posting pumpkin recipes on Facebook and we spent several hours at the Redstone Arsenal Oktoberfest. Thanks to the local school systems, this year we are able to plan a Fall Break Vacation without having to pull the kids out of school!
[sws_pullquote_right]As always, the beach will be a popular destination. However, if you don’t want to vacation with the masses, here are a few other ideas for family bonding. [/sws_pullquote_right] Again, I like to keep the driving distance under seven hours. Please refer back to my previous Budget Friendly Travel advice and for your rental car needs (we like to rent to spare the miles on our car), and look no further than Enterprise Rental Car in Huntsville on Bob Wallace Avenue.

Memphis, TN

(3 hours and 32 minutes)

Suggested lodging: The Peabody Memphis is a must stay at least once in your lifetime. I still have fond memories of visiting those ducks with my parents when I was a child. Actually, I still have a stuffed duck from one of those visits! Mingle with tourists and locals alike. Get to know the history from stories that the staff will tell. And of course, the marching of the ducks is a legendary experience.

Fun for the Family:

1.  In case you chose alternate lodging, The Peabody is a stop that cannot be missed. Schedule your visit around the marching of the ducks.
2. Are you a Space and Rocket Center Member or SciQuest Member?  Don’t forget to put those memberships to use while traveling. In Memphis, visit The Pink Palace Museum. Keep this guide handy!
3.  For the history buffs, like our Caroline Grace, check out The National Civil Rights Museum.
4. There is nothing better on a cool fall day than a zoo. The Memphis Zoo is a great one!

Do NOT leave Memphis without a taste of the bar-b-que. Central BBQ (just around the corner  from the Civil Rights Museum) and Rendezvous are my top two picks.  Travel and Leisure ran a great review.

Highlands, NC

(4 hours and 34 minutes)

Suggested Lodging: If traveling without budget boundaries, The Old Edwards Inn is breathtaking and romantic, however, with kids along for the adventure I would be likely to return to Mitchell’s Lodge and Cottages.

Fun for the Family:
This is an adventure and outdoor-type of destination. Pack a good pair of hiking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellant and clothing to layer and be ready to play.

1.  Take the family on a high flying adventure at Highlands Aerial Park.  Designed for ages 5 and older, check out the BRAVE INDIAN tour.
2. The Highland Hiker is your source in case you forgot to pack essential hiking gear or are just looking for guidance to explore the area.

Day Hikes and Waterfalls are wonderful ways to bond as a family. And wear the little ones out so that mom and dad can enjoy a glass of wine after the kids fall asleep!

Life lesson:  Don’t judge a book by its cover.  While we were in the Highland’s area, we ran across the best French restaurant inside a gas station… yes you heard me right!  This is about 32 minutes from Highlands but you shouldn’t leave the area without sampling a meal at Caffe Rel. The restaurant is very kid friendly, we took all five with us and even saw Santa Claus having dinner in the off season – I bet he was checking up on the kids to make sure they used their manners at dinner!

Atlanta, GA

(3 hours and 11 minutes)

Suggested Lodging: I would stick with a Hilton Property here. Lodging is completely dependent on what you want to do – I have probably spent the night in all of the Embassy Suites and Hampton Inn hotels in Atlanta and they are all great!

Fun for the Family:

1.  Ever since we visited Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, Aiden has been begging for another visit to Atlanta. This was a great adventure for boys and girls alike, and a great idea for a team dinner if you are in Atlanta with a sporting event.
2. Medieval Times is a fun family centered event that  is memorable for all ages.  This fall break take advantage of their Knight Training Event or Fall Break Special. Check out their specials and create a Knight to Remember for your family! Be sure to read to the end of this post for a chance to win tickets!
3. Take an escape from the usual and stop for a meal at R. Thomas Grill. When was the last time you dined with exotic birds in a California style covered patio/tent?

Culinary Adventure:  One of my favorite dining experiences in Atlanta is Fogo de Chao.  PRO-TIP:  Go at lunch time – also the salad bar choice without the meats is a meal in itself!

Asheville, NC

(5 hours and 8 minutes)
One of my favorite childhood memories was a vacation with our neighbors to Asheville! With an abundance of nature activities Ashville, NC is the perfect fall escape.

Fun with the Family:

Pre-trip: Read The Mystery of Biltmore House by Carole Marsh with the kids.

1.  Plan a day of hiking and nature exploration at Chimney Rock State Park.  PRO-TIP: Pack a cooler and snacks. You’ll need them.
2. Visit the Biltmore Estate. If you live in the South you should visit this Vanderbilt Estate at least once. Take advantage of this all-day event which should take 6-8 hours. Children under 9 are admitted for free. With pre-purchased tickets you can save $12.
3. Do you have a train lover in your family? Take a Fall Foliage ride on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

Culinary Adventure: You will not go hungry if you use this as your guide: Explore Asheville Restaurants and Asheville’s Kid-Friendliest Easteries from a mom’s perspective.

I wish you and your family a Fall Break to remember!
It is very fitting that Wanderlust has a German origin – thank you for allowing me to share my Wanderlust with you!

Read more of Melika’s adventures in family traveling HERE on Rocket City Mom.

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