by Allison Carter

Since Greensboro is in that other “T” area of NC (the Triad) I don’t think to go there often. But this was just an hour away for us, an easy drive, and we had a fantastic time. Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Okay parents, who's with me? Your children may be 15 years old at this point, but I bet you'll know what this funny is about... Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

When was the last time you visited Asheville, NC? In the past 10 years, Asheville has been named the Happiest City in America (Self Magazine), Best Mountain Destination (Southern Living), and Best Southern Town (Outside Magazine). It was also noted among the Most Beautiful Places in America by Good Morning America. The Hunger Games were filmed near Asheville, and both President Obama and Anthony Bourdain are occasional visitors here, sampling the local restaurants. And it's just a few hours from the Triangle!  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

If you've read our day trip post about Wrightsville Beach, it may seem silly to see another post about Wilmington. However, if you have visited the area, you know that Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach are two very separate places, even though they are close together. You'll find a ton to do in either spot, but let's focus on Wilmington today.

Officially, Wilmington is a port city in and is the county seat of New Hanover County. Unofficially, it's one of the coolest day trip spots in NC. It's also the home of UNC-Wilmington (obviously), so if you have older kids, the college campus and gear may be part of the attraction. Simply hop on I-40 and head east for about 2 hours. When you get close, instead of turning onto a beach road, stay on I-40/ US 17 into town. You'll see historic architecture start popping up around you as you go.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

When I was little, we lived in Maryland and I remember frequent visits to Washington DC and various spots in Virginia. One of my mom's favorite places to go was Williamsburg, VA. The area has grown a ton since we used to go, and it's a great spot for the whole family to enjoy. You could attempt a day trip if you're feeling ambitious, but a weekend visit is a more relaxed way to go.

Getting there is a snap - basically you head north to Richmond, VA and take a right. (I am serious - pick up hwy 95 either from US 1 north or from hwy 64 east, and then go around the city on 295N. You'll hop on to hwy 64 again for a bit, and then onto VA 143 until you arrive.) In just over 3 hours, you'll arrive in a place that combines modern and historic times, and is unlike any other spot in the USA. Read More

by Kristen Bagwell
Our family loves to visit the beaches of NC and SC, and ever since I-40 was extended all the way through, it's been a breeze to get there. Some days are just too hot, though, or rainy, etc etc, so today we're bringing you a new day trip spot: The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher. 

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, located in Kure Beach, NC is at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. In addition to the indoor activities and exhibits, visitors can enjoy “The Waters of the Cape Fear”, as they take a journey down the Cape Fear River – from freshwater streams and swamps, to coastline habitats, reefs and the open ocean.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell
I am a huge fan of our NC mountains, having gone to college there <ahem> years ago. There's never a bad time to visit, but summer is particularly fun because the temperatures are 15-25 degrees lower than Raleigh on any given day. (For example, when we visited, the high in Raleigh was 89 degrees and the high in Boone was 67. JOY!)

There are so many things to do in the Boone-Blowing Rock area, but I'll stick with a family favorite: Tweetsie Railroad. We planned our visit around Thomas the Tank Engine's week-long appearance, but there are a ton of other events throughout the year to enjoy. There is an up-to-date events calendar on Tweetsie's website, and you can also sign up for their email notifications for upcoming activities. Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger

Voted best field trip of the year by many area schools and churches, this trip will encourage you to spread your wings of imagination! All-A-Flutter Butterfly Farm is located in High Point, NC, and it opened for the season in April. I went with my daughter and our playgroup a few years ago, and to this day she still talks about her experience. Read More

By Katie Moosbrugger, Triad MOM

A zipline adventure is perfect for families who love to try new things, as well as for those trying to escape the daily heat and pool routines this coming summer! To find out how easy, breezy this kind of day trip can be, including what's required time-wise and dollar-wise, and what ages are most appropriate for this kind of adventure, begin by reading this article. It's a great primer for anyone who has never done this type of activity, or for someone who has never heard of it! Plus, there are close to a dozen zipline (or canopy tour) attractions nearby, and summer is one of the most popular seasons for swinging through NC's lush, scenic treetops.  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Our weekly summer travel series continues! In case you missed last week's post, we'll be alternating Day Trip and Weekend Trip ideas through the end of the summer. Today's travel idea is just over two hours away from Raleigh, and you'll be amazed at the change of scene once you arrive. Enjoy!

Want to go hiking in the mountains without going all the way to the mountains? Consider a visit to Hanging Rock State Park. About 30 minutes north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock is an easy drive and features great scenery and activities for everyone. From their website:  Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Ever since the new Tanger Outlets opened, the Burlington-Mebane area has become interesting to me again. That sounds awful, doesn't it? I actually lived in Burlington for a little while after college, and it has grown by leaps and bounds since then. 

Just a short 40-45 minute trip from the Triangle, there are tons of things to do and see. It's been fun getting reacquainted with this unique group of small towns, and they are just up the road! We're on our way...it's the easiest trip ever. Hop on I-40 and head west, and keep an eye out starting around exit 150. That's where the fun begins! Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger

When my two-year-old son saw a true-to-life Thomas the Tank Engine turn the corner, race towards him with a loud clackety-clack and let out an ear-piercing “Choo Choo,” I thought I might have mistakenly ended his innocent obsession with all those funny faced locomotives. Instead, it turned out to be one of the most magical moments for him. I honestly believe he thought we arrived on Sodor Island. And while he will never forget that surprise visit from Thomas, I will always cherish the priceless expression on his little face. Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

As I was looking back at our Day Trips series, it occurred to me - how many days do I spend running around our own Raleigh? I'll admit the running around is a bit different when you have kids in tow, so I have created the perfect Raleigh weekday in my mind (and on your screen). Now I just need to get in the car and go do it all in the same day! Read More

by Rachel Hoeing

Today we continue our weekly Day Trip Series with fun-filled family events in and around the Triangle! I cannot wait to tell you more about Wet 'N Wild Emerald Pointe. Summer is just not complete unless my family has visited this waterpark at least once. You feel like you are on a vacation miles away with no cares in the world. There is enough excitement to last all day long here!

If you have not yet ventured to Wet 'N Wild with your family, I hope today's post will give you some tips and helpful hints for visiting the park. We have been every summer since my children were tiny, and although certain rides have height restrictions, we have never been at a loss for excitement! The best part? We have TWO FAMILY 4-PACKS of tickets to give away! Just comment on this post and we'll draw two names using random.org! Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Wrightsville Beach is one of my favorite places in the world. When we were growing up, we always headed to Topsail Beach, and in high school we all made the requisite trips to Myrtle Beach SC. Once I hit the college years and beyond, though, it was always Wrightsville or bust.

It's actually much quicker to get to Wrightsville Beach than it used to be (for those of you who remember the trip before I-40 east was finished)...you literally get on the highway, go straight for two hours, and voila!

There are a million and one things to do in the Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach area, and you almost have to decide on your priorities before you get there. If you want to escape and do some shopping, including a leisure lunch, we can help. If you are beach bound with no exceptions, there's a plan for that too. Read on! Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Have you or your kids ever toured a farm? We had wonderful family friends growing up who owned a dairy farm, but since we moved to NC, we’ve become real city slickers. (Suburb slickers? Anyway.) There are actually quite a few farms in and around the Triangle, but not many are open to visits and tours. Luckily, Homeland Creamery is nearby - just over an hour away - and has tons of things to see!

From the Homeland Creamery http://www.homelandcreamery.com/ website:  “Children should have the opportunity to learn that our food (including milk) is produced on a farm and is not just a product of the local grocery store. Our goal is to make sure that your trip to our farm is a good learning experience.”  Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger

You can live 15 minutes away, 45 minutes away, or within walking distance to downtown and there is always something in Winston-Salem worth visiting time and time again. I've only lived in this beautiful city for less than six years and my family and I are constantly discovering new things to do or to see. I love having friends and family come visit so we can show off our city. The influence of history, culture and arts, along with its appeal to families with children of any age, makes Winston-Salem a fantastic place for a day trip. Winston-Salem is an easy 107 miles from Raleigh, straight on I-40 west and follow the signs. Read More

by Rachel Hoeing

Durham is a quick trip from anywhere in the Triangle. Depending on the age of your children, you can do either, or both of the ideas I will write about below. My daughter and I spent our day visiting the Museum of Life & Science and then The Streets at Southpoint. It was a girls’ day with just the two of us and we thoroughly enjoyed a mix of kid time and shopping time! Read More

by Katie Moosbrugger


An excursion to the zoo is one of my all-time favorite trips with the fam! I'm kind of a zoo junkie as I've been to a bunch including the Bronx Zoo, the National Zoo in DC, and even the zoo in Rome, Italy! But I have to say the the NC Zoo in Asheboro is one of the best, and I love going back time after time. Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

Hill Ridge Farms is one of those places that everyone remembers around pumpkin patch time, but did you know they are open all year? We've been once on our own, and once as part of a group...once in the spring, and once in the fall. I can say from experience that there is never a bad time to go to Hill Ridge Farms! Read More

by Kristen Bagwell

It's been a while since we've done a series, and since many of you traditional school year folks will have some time on your hands very soon, we've decided to run a Day Trip blog series for the next 8 weeks or so. The idea behind the day trip series is to feature locations within 2 hours of the Triangle area, and to give enough information to help you plan a day trip that will be fun for the whole family (or for you and a friend, if you get to sneak away!).  Read More

By Rachel Hoeing
Anyone else in the mood to go someplace warm? This may be the next best thing...
First of all, I guess I need to preface that Great Wolf Lodge is not really a one day trip. It is a one night trip, which includes two days of fun at the waterpark! In other words, when you purchase a night at the lodge, your family gets waterpark passes for most of the day prior to and the entire day after your night's stay.

My family visited the Great Wolf Lodge in April, when our children were 4 and 6. Both can swim fairly well, but it was not a problem finding things to do! Swimmers and non-swimmers will not be at a loss! Read More