Your Spring Break might look a little different this year. And maybe that’s a good thing. If you are like us, you are settling into the new version of a lot of things. And turns out, some of them are welcome changes!

So we offer you Spring Break 2021. Throw open the windows to your car or SUV, pack it up with just the necessities (and we recommend those old comfy shoes you love and don’t mind getting dirty), pile the kids in the back and head towards the top of the mountain.

You won’t find crowds of people or flashy lights. We keep it pretty real up here.

What you will find are outdoor gem mines (we’re the most important mining district in the world ya know…you can throw in little educational tips on the trip). You and the kids can get wet up to your elbows sifting and digging for precious stones and minerals. Then you can have your treasures cut into real jewelry you can wear!

If you want to take your family to a spot where you can see forever and fill your lungs with nothing but clean crisp air, then take the to the hills for some hiking. You can hike through cool dark paths that open up to wide open views. On Roan Mountain you can look for rare plants that you can only find here.

Want to experience a mountain stream? We have them and more! From the Bakersville Creekwalk to Riverside Park all the way to the Toe River and the Nolichucky River…you can pick the level of “dipping your toes” in the water that fits you best. Our Mountain Heritage Trout Streams are a great way to catch beautiful mountain trout too! Download the Toe River Canoe Trail to find the best put in and take out spots for a beautiful canoe ride down the Toe.

And this one always wins….a family horseback trail ride through mountain trails and rivers. You and the kids will remember this forever!

There’s plenty more to explore…our charming mountain towns of Spruce Pine, Bakersville & Little Switzerland…our apple orchards that welcome spring with monarch butterly exhibits and live music…our art galleries…local restaurants….it’s all good! Want more? Check out our 101 Things to Do!

Take a real break this Spring…one that will renew your family not one that will leave you needing another vacation to recover! See you soon!