I took a week long road trip to see some family and get away for a little bit. North Carolina is a state I would definitely move to. It has everything! Beaches, mountains, rich history, tourism, and great food.
The first place we stopped was Carter’s Cave State park in Kentucky. I stayed the night at their lodge and ate dinner and breakfast there. both meals were very good. I enjoyed the hike we went on it was about 4 miles and we went around 7:30am. For this trail I would absolutely not recommend doing anywhere close to dusk or the blue hour; if you know you know. It was very bright and sunny when we went but there were several entrances to caves hence the name of the park. The footing was dodgy at times another reason for going during the day.
After arriving in Raleigh, North Carolina late that night I crashed so hard into bed. During my time in Raleigh I got to see several college campuses that were on my bucket list to see. I went to Duke University and walked through their beautiful cathedral and walked their campus. I have loved Duke’s basketball team for the majority of my life but I have to say I liked the University of North Carolina’s Campus more. Close to the campus I stopped and grabbed a quick snack of hummus and naan from GRK Yeero.
That evening we went to the Van Gogh Immersive Experience. I loved it! I had no idea what to expect but I was obsessed. This event truly brought all his artwork to life. The art did everything an artist would hope it would do to those gazing at its pieces. It made you think. Some pieces were so moving it would cause you to want to cry or just stare in awe at its beauty. Many of his paintings I had seen before but to see them come to life like they did was completely moving.
Before leaving we stopped at Wake Forest’s original campus which is actually in Wake Forest North Carolina. Today Wake Forest’s Campus is located in Winston Salem North Carolina
On the way home we stopped in Asheville, North Carolina and went to the beautiful iconic Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore Estate is the largest home in North America and no shock one of the wealthiest families in America specifically in the Gilded Age. Even though I have been here a few times this was my first time going since they allowed photography in the building so it felt like it was my first time all over again. While at the Biltmore you will be able to tour the home, gardens, stables, winery and village. There are several restaurants and gift shops on the property. This is at minimum a half day event do not expect to be in and out in just a couple hours if you are truly wanting to see everything.
Back on the road and I was dying to go on a hike. It was pouring down rain but I really didn’t care we pulled into South Mountain State Park. Considering the weather conditions it was no surprise that there was only one other car in the parking lot. We waited a few minutes before deciding if it was going to let up. It was not going to so we threw on our rain ponchos and off we went. The rain was so loud we were yelling at each other and could barely hear each other. Half way into the trail the rain settled down to a sprinkle. Hiking in the rain has its perks! Rarely anyone was on the trails and we were able to stop at waterfall’s base for pictures as long as we wanted to because no one else is there! We only did that one trail and got back on the road towards home.
Audrey Hikes a Lot 