FAMILY TRAVEL ◆ SUMMER FUN
CAMPING
SPECIAL TO WNC PARENT
Ease your way into camping by staying with your family in a yurt.
AT YOUR COMFORT LEVEL By Betty Lynne Leary, WNC Parent contributor
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ust outside the window beyond the lure of the comfy couch, mesmerizing electronic games, and the clamor of TV lies a world full of amazing sights and sounds just waiting to be discovered. The mountains of Western North Carolina offer some of the country’s most beautiful and varied camping opportunities for families looking to escape the bedlam of everyday life. From backcountry camping on the ground to overnight lodging complete with electricity and running water, the Appalachians offer something for everyone. And while some families may hesitate to bring toddlers or even teenagers into the woods overnight, the experience of spending the night outdoors is well
worth the effort. “The wonderful thing about living in the Asheville area is that we have so many great options for kids that are less than an hour away,” says Lorraine Carver, Fairview resident and mother of a 6-year-old and 22-month-old twins. “I like the flexibility so if something goes wrong, like sick kids or poor weather, you can always bail and get home in a hurry.”
Glamorous camping For those who want the experience of being outdoors but aren’t ready to abandon all of the comforts of home, the Falling Waters Adventure Resort offers the Yurt Village just off U.S. 74 West in
W N C PA R E N T. C O M
Bryson City. A cozy alternative to a tent, a yurt is a domed structure with a tongue-and-groove floor, frame and weatherproof overlay. French doors and large windows lend a bright, airy feel to the room where campers enjoy a queensized bed, futon sofa bed, small refrigerator and coffee maker. Restrooms and hot showers are a short walk away. “You can see the stars through the skylight, and you can hear the insects at night and the birds in the morning,” says Carolyn Allison, regional marketing representative for the resort. “You get the feeling of camping outside without sleeping on the ground.” While no cooking is allowed inside Continues on Page 4
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