swissgirl

We are taking my daughter to visit colleges in Greensboro and Charlotte area over July 4 weekend. Thought we would combine it with a family vacation. We usually do beach vacations but since they are rather far, thought we would try a mountain one instead. Any suggestions on areas to visit near this area? We are a family of 4, daughter 17 and son 13. Fairly active....would like to bike, kayak, hike, raft, etc. Looking for a resort in the mountains where we might be able to do some of that and some relaxing as well.
All ideas welcome.

shormk2

Asheville, NC may have what you are looking for, but it is still a 2 hour drive from Charlotte. You may also want to consider the Lake Lure Inn or Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock.

SAnParis2

You might also consider this - www.usnwc.org. We are actually headed to Todd for that weekend which is a great place if you like being in the water, but alas, no resort type places.

NCPat

We live between Greensboro and Charlotte and enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking in the mountains about 2 hours from here near Sparta, NC. No resort type places in the area, if that is what you are looking for. One motel in town (Allegany Inn), one in Independence, VA (less than 10 miles north). It is a good base for:
Biking - New River Trail (begins in Galax or Fries, VA)
Virginia Creeper Trail (begins in Whitetop, VA)
Both trails have outfitters who will provide
bikes and shuttle service.
Hiking - Stone Mountain State Park (in NC) - great hiking
to waterfalls and top of Stone Mountain
Grayson Highlands State Park (in VA) - all time
favorite hiking place. Hikes along creeks to
waterfalls, alpine-like hikes (with wild
ponies), access to day-hikes along Appalachian
Trail (including to the top of Mt Rogers, the
highest mountain in VA). Some trails go out of
the park into Jefferson National Forest. You
can't go wrong here.
Rafting/Kayaking - Along New River. The river is calm
and shallow here - no whitewater experience.
Plenty of outfitters in the area that provide
equipment and shuttle service.

You didn't mention if you wanted a 'resort' experience or more of an outdoor one. This one would definitely emphasize the outdoors - peaceful, uncrowded and friendly people. Access to Blue Ridge Parkway and wonderful local mountain music, if you go for that kind of thing. Have taken teenagers to all of the above places and had a blast. Check it out.

bgr8ful

If you want high end resort destination.....Grove Park Inn in Asheville. There are so many things to do in the city, but the resort is fabulous....make sure and do the spa!

Gretchen

Go to the Boone area for a lot of motels that may have a place for the last minute. You can go into the Pisgah National Forest or to Banner Elk area