Planning a Staycation-6 Family Favorites!

 With gas prices at an all time high and no sign of them dropping, this summer may look a little different as far as vacations go. 

I want to share some local fabulous places with you that are close to   home, affordable and great for the entire family.

 Pack a bag, let's Go!

Our first stop is this amazing lakeside retreat in Lake Wylie. 

Gary & I stayed here a few years ago and Wow, it was an amazing weekend.

We shopped for groceries before arriving, to avoid having to go out. We relaxed, we swam, we ate and it was perfect.

A Lakeside Retreat is waiting at Long Cove Resort

This tiny home resort sits on the banks of Lake Wylie and is home to 33 individual vacation rental homes. They also have  a marina, watersport rentals, beach front, and an outdoor swimming pool.

Long Cove Resort Beach Area

Just one the 33 properties offered at Long Cove Resort

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If indoor waterparks are your thing and the weather is just not warm enough for outdoor swimming, head to another one of our family  favorites,
Great Wolf Lodge in Concord. They now offer day passes without having to stay in the hotel. The prices for a full day pass from open to close are $40, and passes that cover you from 4pm to close are $32. You can go all out and book one of the gorgeous rooms and stay the night as well, it's all up to you.

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This stop on our staycation should have been #1 because, this is my all time favorite thing to do in the summer, and I go as often as I can. Pictures this, it's a hot summer day, you pack  some food in the cooler, throw a few cold drinks in too and you drive to Zaloo's Canoes in Jefferson, NC. Once there you immerse yourself into a tube and spend the next 2-4 hours gently floating down the New River. I always say, I bet this is what Heaven looks like, and once you go, you will agree.

Adult Tubes rent for $20 and a cooler tube(a must) is $15 for a 2 hr float. Trust me, go ahead a pay a little more and book the 4 hr trip, you will thank me.

Our Crew Getting ready To Tube The New!

The New River 

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From Jefferson, NC to the heart of Charlotte is our next stop at the sprawling Camp North End  with 76 acres of food, shopping, fun and history.

A cool place for the whole family to just hang out in a hammock swing with a cup of coffee or a cold beer and take in all the cool art work and the amazing use of the space. Looking to up your IG game, this is the place to go for some great backdrops. Explore the property and grab a bite to eat or do a little retail therapy.

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Another family favorite past time is Carowinds and season passes are a must for this park, so you can come back again and again all year. 

Full of rides, fun and year long events makes Carowinds all around great deal. The water park is included in your pass and it is perfect in the heat of a southern summer. Looking to save some money? Yes, i know food is expensive in the park but instead, plan ahead and pack  a picnic and leave it in the car, half way thru the day take a break and come out and enjoy. My family does this often and it gives us a chance to catch our 2nd wind to finish out the day.

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Just North of Charlotte the amazing Lake Norman State Park

sits on the largest manmade lake in NC and boasts one of the region's more popular mountain biking trails, a sandy swim beach area and bathhouse. A family campground with 32 sites and all beautifully laid out within walking trails and paths. Pack the tent and stay for the night or just go for the day, it will be perfect!

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This should keep the kids busy for a while and allow you to relax and recharge. These places are affordable too, so you don't have to take a hammer to the piggy bank. Enjoy!

Cheers!

Dana

Cliff Hangers is a new, state-of-the-art indoor climbing facility that brings together the passion of challenging yourself to new heights with a community of friends and supporters along your journey. With everything from speed climbing, introductory classes, yoga studio, fitness area, café, and kid’s climbing area – Cliff Hangers has