Appalachia and the Southeast - Parlaying a Family Visit with Outdoor Adventures

On a visit to Charleston, South Carolina, we enjoyed our time with our grandson Jason whom we see only once a year or so. Stops at aquariums, ancient oak trees, aircraft carriers, and empty beaches filled our weekend with him. 

This trip served as a good example on how the traveler can parlay a family visit with other adventurous activities. After or wonderful weekend with Jason, we headed north and on to other parts of southeastern U.S. and the Appalachia region. 

From Charleston, Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina was our first stop. This site isn’t, in our opinion, worthy of a national park designation. A reserve or monument? Certainly. A National Park? Umm, no. If Loblolly Pines, Bald Cypress trees, “knees”, swamps, and mud are your thing, come on down!

Next was a multi-day stop in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, which served as a base from which we explored Smoky Mountain National Park. Our first series of day hikes brought us to caves, ice covered trails, river crossings, and ghost towns. Now, this is what you call a proper National Park!

Our second series of day hikes brought more of the same. This day was made extra special, though, since it was Valentine’s Day.  What could possibly a better way to spend Valentine's Day than to hike in the Smoky Mountains with the love of your life?

Our next stop in our northerly progress was Lexington, Kentucky. While MK visited with an old college friend, I headed to the nearby Red River Gorge area. Nice arches, natural bridges, balanced rocks, and an unexpected snowfall marked the day. 

So, what else was there to do while in Kentucky? Go on a couple of distillery tours, of course! My first stop the next day was the James Pepper distillery. I was then off to the small batch Bluegrass Distillery. There is interesting history at both sites. 

Oh, and the tastings weren’t too bad either.