When I was a kid, we used to go to Maggie Valley, NC every year for vacation.  My absolute favorite childhood memories are of vacations spent in the mountains. 

A small town, tucked in a valley of the Smoky Mountains, near to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this is more than a vacation - it's a retreat!  

Rent a cabin - get one that is as secluded as possible - and enjoy getting away from it all.  You can spend early mornings and evenings sitting on your porch in an old-fashioned rocking chair, watching for hummingbirds or just being amazed by the absolute beauty of the mountains.  When you are ready to go out and have fun, there are tons of things close by to do. 

Some of my favorite activities include:

~ Tubing in Cherokee, NC.  Yes, you actually rent tubes and go down a river with small rapids. It's great fun with kids as young as 3 or 4, as long as they have proper safety equipment.  It's also extremely economical. The last time I was there, I think we paid $8 for tube rental per person.

~ Whitewater rafting - is there anything more fun?  Your kids will have to be a little older to enjoy a day of whitewater rafting, but it's so much fun.  

~ Sliding Rock - There is actually a rock that you can slide down.  It's a little cold, but it's great fun and last time I was there, it's free.  There may now be a $1 parking fee as it's at a state park. 

~ If you are in the mood to dance, you can still find lots of places in and near Maggie Valley to go clogging or square dancing. Even if you don't like country or bluegrass music, you'll find yourself getting swept away by how fun it is. 

~ Driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Seriously, you haven't lived until you've driven down the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are some of the most amazing views.  My kids hate to be in the car, and even they sit still and look out the windows on this scenic drive.  It's amazing! 

There are tons of great places to shop, the people are friendly, and the sweet tea that you can get in the south simply can't be beat.  

This summer, load up the car, rent a rustic cabin, and head to Maggie Valley.  The best news is that you can find great cabins with amazing views for around $700/week.  And do yourself one last favor - when you arrive, turn off your cell phone and don't turn it back on unless you have an emergency! 

I can almost guarantee that once you spend a week there, you'll dream of coming back year after year.