re: Vacation suggestions (photos added)

My family had a house here growing up and we visited every summer until my dad sold the place to the dismay of my mother. Highlands is beautiful in the summer especially and within a relatively short drive of Franklin, Hayesville, Asheville and Boone. I would suggest Byrson City. Deep Creek isn't far, offers tons of family friendly hikes and tubing, and the road to no where is a cool place to visit. Downtown is awesome and the Nantahala Brewery has an LSU flag hanging over the bar.




ETA:
I'm hiking from Clingmans to Deep Creek the weekend of the 8th. Ditch the kids and come with if you'd like. I promise to not chop you into little pieces.