Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Gail Leino

The Shenandoah Valley in North Eastern Virginia is considered one of the most scenic of the fall leaves tours Mid-Atlantic States. The Skyline Drive leading south into the Shenandoah National Forest is slow with its 35-mile-per-hour speed limit but is worth the effort for leaf peepers starting in early September and lasting into late October.

At these altitudes it often snows in October. The park buildings close in winter but the road is kept open weather permitting. Just across the state line West Virginia’s New River/Greenbrier Valley area offers the wilderness and white water rafting that can add to the adrenaline level of a leaf tour in this region.

The Shenandoah National Park contains miles of hiking including 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail. The lodge and cabins are booked two or three months in advance but camping is often still available. Reservations are made through the National Park Service Reservation Center website. Camping ends on October 28th for the season.

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway leads from Shenandoah into the Southern Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. The two drives can be taken south in one continuous sight seeing vacation. It might be nice to travel a loop down through the flatter land along the coast after the arduous mountain driving and relax by the ocean on the beaches of the Mid-Atlantic coast.

The coasts of South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland all have off season rates and thinned out crowds in the fall. The weather in places like Myrtle Beach is still very warm in fall but by the last half of October hotel rates have dropped by nearly half. Contrast this to the leaf tour areas which are more expensive and crowded during the brief peek foliage.

Gail Leino is known throughout the internet world as Mrs. Party. She has become the internet’s leading authority on selecting the best possible party supplies with clever themes. Her simple party planning approach demostrates how to use proper manners while teaching etiquette with organizational skills. She shares lots of interesting fun facts. See travel vacations for more tips and holiday spot destinations.
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By Matthew Keegan

Visiting any city can be difficult especially on younger family members. If you have children, they soon tire of the museums, buildings, traffic, congestion, etc. The key to any city visit is finding a place where the children can get out, stretch their legs and, BE KIDS!

My family moved to the Raleigh area of North Carolina in 2004 but before we made the move, we checked out everything/anything about the area. With two preschool boys in tow, we discovered several parks in the area. Pullen Park in Raleigh stood out for us.

The best features of the park are the rides. For only one dollar per child per ride they can ride the carousel [built in the late 1800s and still running!], ride the train, or ride on a small boat. In addition, there are paddle boat rentals available for about $5. for an hour. A great thing to do with all family members.

Parking is free and there is a picnic area. You bring your own food or go to the snack stand and make a purchase. There are also outdoor music events going on from time to time and your group can rent a portion of the park as well. Most of the park is well shaded so if you go during the summer you won’t pass out from the heat.

The park is located on Western Blvd. near North Carolina State University. If you tire of the park you can always take in a Wolfpack sporting event. Either way, Pullen Park is a destination worth pursuing in your visit to Raleigh, NC.