We live in Northern VA and take a family vacation every September. While on vacation, we like to do day trips and hang out at a pool during the day as well. We have two small boys (4 and 1).

We are looking for a new vacation spot. Last year we drove to hilton head and enjoy it but want to do something different this year. Can anyone recommend family vacation spots for Sept. What are good NC coast spots or NC mountain area spots? We're still trying to decide between a mountain/cabin vacation or a coastal vacation.

Any ideas?

Either would be a great choice as @ the beach you will be missing the hordes of school children (& it will be cheaper) & also missing the leaf peepers in the Mts. who won't arrive until October. Take a look at these (based on what you are looking for, I'd go w/the Mts. + many places on the NC beaches are lacking pools, or they will be closed after Labor Day). www.blueridgeparkway.org, www.ncbrunswick.com, www.exploreasheville.com, www.chimneyrockpark.com, www.visitnc.com, www.northcarolinatravels.com.

Might I suggest a trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Asheville?

There is plenty to do for adults on this trip - Biltmore, Smokies, Golf, Shopping - but the boys have me stumped. Maybe the Urban Trail in Asheville since it has lots of statues/landmarks the 4 yr old could help you find. Maybe the Western North Carolina Nature Center as well.

Shout if you have questions.

Mike Honeycutt

Lake lure looks nice. Is the weather nice here at the end of September? What's there to do? Is there a shopping area/bookstore/coffee shops around? Our kids like going to bookstores.

Lake Lure is a good location but there is no shopping. You would need to go to Asheville or someplace larger for that. They have just gotten a real grocery store in the past few years (an Ingles, I think). The weather will still be quite warm, you're just in the foothills so to speak. For cooler weather you'd need to go up nearer to Boone. You go there to hike, boat, swim, fish, etc. not to shop. Sounds like you are looking more for a Gatlinburg type area.

I like the idea about taking the Blue Ridge Parkway down, but with the kids, head to Cherokee, NC to visit the Indian Reservation. Then head a little west to Fontana Village...it's a great little place to go. Lots of stuff to do...or to do nothing at all www.fontanavillage.com