5 Myths We Busted At Scarowinds

In the Carolinas, Scarowinds is the ultimate Halloween fun destination where every year, people flock to the park to partake in its yearly transformation from a theme park to a "scream park". However, that wasn't the case for me and my family. For a little scream-worthy confession, I will tell you that for years, we avoided it like a plague - this I'm totally blaming the "chickens" for! Yes, you know, them chickens. Those that instill their fear on you. I bet you know a few of them too.

Now before you go all Judge-y, judge-y with us and the level of our scare meter, you should know that we do love scary schtuffs too. A lot. But, back then, we also have a valid reason for not going, AKA my child was too young and we were afraid there were nothing fun for us there at all. Talk about being misinformed! Then there's the, we kinda, sorta, you know, lost track and kept missing it every year... But, not this year! - oh boy! We missed out on a lot...darn chickens! 

Enjoy The Last Days of Summer at Carowinds Carolina Harbor

The countdown begins until Summer bids us yet again, "adieu!" for the season. But, while the heat lingers and the kids are still home for Summer vacation, taking advantage of Carowinds Carolina Harbor while it's still open is your best approach to saying farewell to Summer, which is likewise, a fun way to start your kids off as they go back to school.

Experience the Thrill of the Past at Carowinds New County Fair

Carowinds County Fair officially opened on March 25 of this year, with a promise that it will take you back in time to experience the good 'ol rides that brought tons of fun and excitement for the whole family in the olden county fairs of the past. My family and I had the opportunity to visit Carowinds on Easter weekend and witnessed the 4 classic rides of the newest attraction of the park in action.

Be prepared to have fun.

Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza - A Fun Easter Destination For Family on Staycation

For families like us whose chosen option for their Spring vacation is your good ol' reliable Staycation - it shouldn't mean stuck bored at home. As a matter of fact, it's far from it. Staying local gives you the opportunity to discover, or rediscover the beauty of your own backyard, so to speak, and experience the fun choices available, right at your fingertips! Fun options like Carowinds Easter Eggstravaganza and their special Easter Day Brunch, new this year for 2017.

A Look Inside Dorothy's Long-Abandoned Emerald City in the Land of Oz Theme Park

North Carolina mountains hides a secret that becomes unhidden in Autumn each year. It's almost as if the trees are lovingly revealing a long-forgotten kingdom at every leaf it drops. Slowly peeling off a blanket of obscurity to open a path for adventurous visitors to find it and take a peek behind the enchanted doors of Oz - and walk, yet again, on those magical, yellow brick road leading to the lost Emerald City.

Our traveler extraordinaire, Ruby, traveled to this enchanted kingdom to give us an inside look. It's about 2 and a half hour away from Charlotte. She was one of the lucky few to snag a ticket to the 3-day only, overly popular-sold-out-so-fast-event this year! If you're jealous... I'm very jealous...

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of "The Great Pumpkin" At Carowinds Great Pumpkin Fest - On Us!

It's hard to believe that October is here. But that just means Fall has come. It also means it's the season for the Great Pumpkin Fest at Carowinds!

This year marks the 50th Anniversary celebration of "It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", and Carowinds is celebrating in with their ultimate annual fall festival - The Great Pumpkin Fest! Think super-Halloween-goodness in one fun place.

With that, we want you to be a part of this family-friendly daytime event celebrations that includes Halloween-themed live shows, a pumpkin patch, a hay bale maze, trick-or-treating, a petting zoo and so much more! Your favorite rides will be open during the day, including the award-winning Planet Snoopy kids' area as well.  All this - ON US! 

Climbed a Tree Like a Monkey On My First Apple Picking Adventure Up in the Mountains

Of all the years I've lived in Charlotte, I will admit, I've never been to an apple orchard. Odd to say the least, considering how close we are to all the wondrous mountains of North Carolina and how much we've frequented it. City life may have left me a bit clueless on the existence of an apple orchard close by.  But not anymore...

Winterfest and County Fair Returns to Carowinds for a Jam Packed Fun for the Whole Family in 2017

In all the years my family and I have been going to Carowinds, I can pretty much say that we have seen how the park evolved through the years, from when it was still owned by Paramount, to that time the park got an entire makeover, character switches, attraction name changes and transformations, when it was acquired by Cedar Fair. During those years, we had favorite attractions that didn't make the cut during the changes. One of them is Winterfest.

Unfortunately, WinterFest lasted only one season in 2005 under Paramounts flagship. The next year, in 2006, Cedar Fair acquired the park. Now Carowinds is doing a time rewind and will be bringing back not just Winterfest but also County fair! And I'm beyond excited!

Summer Travel Series: Reach for the Stars at PARI

The Carolina mountains is such a mystical place, it can easily hide gems that you won't know are there unless you really look close enough. It's like a game of hide and seek except with this one, you get unfettered help from a reliable GPS device to find your way! Thank God for GPS!  Finding a place is made easy. Places like the relatively hidden PARI (Pisqah Astronomical Research Institute). This is why, pleaseeee don't let anything, by that I mean, your husband, complicate your straightforward route... And if your husband ever decide to override the ability of your GPS and tells you "I know where I'm going"... Um, no. Just no. Trust the freakin' GPS.

So, why did we choose PARI to explore this time?

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?

The Enchanting Allure of Lake Lure

"A quaint small town outfitted by nature with attractions fit for big fun", is the best description I discovered about Lake Lure. Visiting this popular tourist destination in the onset of Spring season takes on a rather quiet, idyllic facade that is in huge contrast to how this place is during the Summer. This lakefront beauty is surrounded by water flowing from Rocky Broad River - a feature that makes this little watering hole up in the high country, a well sought-after destination for those seeking reprieved from the heat of Summer. Thanks to their 3-acres Beach and Water Park located in the heart of town.

Beach and Water Park seen at a distance from Morse Park

Your Travel Guide to An Unforgettable First Visit to Chimney Rock

If you're thinking of visiting Chimney Rock Park on your next family vacation and have never been there before, check the guide we put together to get the most out of your first visit - from a first-timer to another first-timer, who will soon be a second-timer.

We visited Chimney Rock during Spring break which to my book is the perfect season to take a trek up to the mountain top. The weather is cool, can be a bit windy and tad chilly at the highest point of elevation, but I won't trade cool breeze and mild weather over hot, searing Summer heat.

A Breathtaking Climb On Top of Chimney Rock NC

Chimney Rock with US flag on half mast in solidarity with Brussels and in honor of the bombing victims.

Here's an awesome deal. If you want to test your endurance while taking in exhilarating views, dramatic scenery and panoramic sights as far as the eyes can see, then the Chimney Rock stairs challenge is for you! This 500 million year old towering monolith is accessible through a labyrinth of stairs totaling to 491 steps all the way to the top. And some more, if you include in your itinerary, the extra meandering steps leading to 5 different must-see overlooks or sub-rocks on your way up. A feat which easily makes the challenge, well,  more challenging!

We've never been to Chimney Rock. We have no clue what we were getting ourselves into. But like a true explorer with a sense of adventure, we came prepared for any possibility. We have our sneakers on, we were appropriately dressed for the occasion, we have umbrellas and hats and we have water and snacks. Oh yeah. It was game on! So, we thought...

The Colorful Road to the Mountain Top

This photo was featured on TV on October 30, 2015 @ WCNC 36

12 Years. That's how long it took for me to finally experience, witness, admire and [forever] capture the beauty of Fall up in the mountains. A wait worth the wait. In one full day, nature revealed its grandeur and amazing wonders all but unexpectedly - yet wholeheartedly accepted. It made me walk in the clouds, yes, walk in the clouds and marveled on its panoramic views around me and below me.  

A Walk In The Clouds: Grandfather Mountain - Amazing Photos

Just when we thought our visit to Grandfather Mountain was a bust because of the weather, it instead gave us the experience of a lifetime!

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. "

Where to Watch Fireworks for July 4th 2015 Celebration in North Carolina

Photo: Marc Averette via Wikipedia commons

July 4th is right on the corner. I bet you my bottom dollar that you and your family is looking to watch a good fireworks show just like everyone else. Well, we scoured the land and found these places just for you so you know where to go and when to watch, right where you are! Or nearby.

47 Refreshing Destinations in North Carolina To Help You beat the Summer Heat

Photo: Maricris Guadagna

Summer is not officially here yet but my goodness, the weather is already making us feel otherwise. Yesterday, our car temperature sensor topped a whopping 100° F while out doing errands late in the afternoon. And now, it's even hotter with real feel of 109° F. No freaking way! But as it is - it is hot out there and getting hotter each day. It's that time of the year I wish I live near a cool pool of water somewhere. And please, heavily chlorinated public swimming pools are so. no. way! If I'm going to swim Summer heat away, I'd rather much prefer soaking in a natural body of water sans the stinky chemical any time of the day!

Now the great thing about North Carolina (and living here) is that, its got amazing destinations for a refreshing Summer adventure for every heat-overwhelmed City dwellers like me.