Summer Travel Series: 12 Last-Minute Destinations Before You Go Back-to-school Crazy

Devil's Head outlook in Chimney Rock

In a week, life is going to freaking flip the switch off from Summer leisure to Back-to-school chaos for me. You don't see it but I'm totally screaming in protest at the mere idea of it. Not totally prepared to give up my laid-back, Summer lazy days, sleep-till-when-mornings, and of course, the time I have my daughter home with me all day. Yes, contrary to popular belief, I do love having my child home, 24-7, and all the whip-cracking insanity that goes with it! Disclaimer: our kids are not going to stay young forever. So, I cherish every moment of it with mine with all the cray-cray-ness of it all. That, including cramming in last-minute travel adventures before chaos finally sets in. So, where do we go?

A Ghostly Ride Aboard The Ghost Train

Ghost Train ready to take in passengers / Photo: +Maricris G 

The Ghost Train in Tweetsie Railroad is probably one of High Country's best kept secrets during Halloween season. But as you know, best ones don't stay secret for too long. This is why we found ourselves driving almost 2 hours from Charlotte to discover what makes the Ghost Train so popular.

"You can measure the popularity of an attraction by how they affect the area around them. Out of towners flock to this location and congregate in one hot spot. Hotels are an easy indication. They're all fully booked. And majority of these visitors, you'll see at Tweetsie. "

Summer Escape Plan: How to Make Use of Malls and Shopping Centers To Your Advantage

Photo: +Maricris G 

Staycationing? Then let's talk. Worn-out mom to another worn-out mom. When people mention either the Mall or Shopping Centers, which thought comes to your mind? Shopping right? Well, listen, that's already a given but if you think creatively and out of the box, you'll see that there is actually more to these shopping havens that you can take advantage of especially during the hottest season of the year, Summer! Think of it as your escape plan for beating the Summer heat and keeping your sanity intact. Remember, Kids are home all Summer. Good enough reason, no? I think so.

And here's more. Malls should not be just for shopping in your vocabulary any more. They have play areas for your young ones. Free wifi if you must need to catch up on some online work. And if you've got older kids, you can go shop-hopping with them. How fun is that? No guarantees you won't buy anything but at least you had fun with your kids. If not, you can chill at a Starbucks cafe or lounge at the mall's numerous lounging areas, with your favorite pretzels, preferably with your favorite coffee drink in hand. Maybe you can people-watch too. You didn't hear it from me, but it can be fun! I'm watching you!