Family 50 Quest

A Promise Kept in Dahlonega

Back in 2020, Mark and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary in Dahlonega, Georgia. We fell in love with the town’s charm and promised ourselves we’d return one day with the kids. Four years later, we kept that promise.

Our first stop was Consolidated Gold Mines, where we ventured underground on a guided mine tour. The kids were wide-eyed as they learned about Georgia’s gold rush history, and their excitement peaked when they got to pan for gold and gemstones. It was hands-on history at its best.

Afterward, we strolled into Dahlonega’s town square for lunch. The square’s quaint shops and welcoming atmosphere made us linger longer than planned, soaking in the small-town magic.

Thrills in Helen, Georgia

From Dahlonega, we drove to Helen, a Bavarian-inspired mountain town that looks like it belongs in a storybook. Our highlight here was the Georgia Mountain Coaster, a ride that had all of us laughing and screaming as we zipped through the forest.

Helen’s alpine-style architecture and festive vibe were enchanting, and we wished we had more time to explore its shops and riverside paths. It’s definitely a place we’ll return to.

Sweet Stop at Jaemor Farms

On the way back to our hotel, we made a detour to Jaemor Farms. The kids picked out fresh Georgia peaches, and let’s just say they didn’t last long—gone within a day! Juicy, sweet, and unforgettable, they were the perfect taste of summer.

Heading South: Athens, Savannah & Fort Pulaski

The next morning, we began our drive toward South Georgia. Our first stop was Athens, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Mama’s Boy Restaurant—a local favorite that lived up to its reputation.

By midday, we reached Savannah, stretching our legs at Forsyth Park. The kids ran beneath the shade of moss-draped oaks and played on the playground while we admired the iconic fountain. After a quick lunch, we continued on to Fort Pulaski National Monument.

Here, the kids proudly earned their Junior Ranger Badges, exploring the historic fort and learning about its role in Civil War history. Watching them engage with history while having fun was one of those parenting moments that felt truly rewarding.

A Spontaneous Splash in Hilton Head

After Georgia, we started our journey to South Carolina. On our way to Charleston, we made a quick stop in Hilton Head to stretch our legs. What started as a simple break turned into a full-on splash in the ocean—clothes and all! Thankfully, we had dry outfits packed, and the laughter from that moment set the tone for the rest of our South Carolina adventure.

First Ferry Ride & Fort Sumter

The next morning began with a ferry ride to Fort Sumter, marking the kids’ very first time on a ferry boat. Their excitement was contagious as we made our way across the harbor.

At the fort, we dove into history through a Junior Ranger scavenger hunt. The kids proudly earned their badges, and we all walked away with a deeper appreciation for the site’s role in the Civil War. It was one of those experiences where learning felt like play.

Lunch & Sullivan’s Island Beach

After a hearty lunch at Rancho Lewis, we headed to Sullivan’s Island Beach. This stop was extra special because we had started a new family tradition for this roadtrip: each child gets to choose one activity for the whole family to enjoy together.

For Cole, the choice was simple—a day at the beach. We spent the afternoon splashing in the waves near the lighthouse, building sandcastles, and watching the sun dip below the horizon. It was the perfect blend of fun and serenity, and a reminder that sometimes the best memories come from letting the kids lead the way.

Adam’s Choice: Tubing in Asheville

The next day, we started our drive to North Carolina. By the time we arrived that afternoon, it was Adam’s turn to choose the family activity. His pick? Lazy river tubing with Zen Tubing in Asheville. The river turned out to be anything but lazy, but that only added to the fun. We laughed, splashed, and floated our way through the currents, making it one of the most exhilarating experiences of the trip.

Waterfalls & Sliding Rock in Pisgah National Forest

The next day, we headed into Pisgah National Forest. Michelle’s chosen activity was to see a waterfall, so we began the morning at Looking Glass Falls. The water was icy cold, but standing at the base of the falls was worth every shiver.

From there, we made our way to Sliding Rock, a natural waterslide that quickly became a family favorite. Makayla proved she was the bravest of us all, sliding down into the freezing pool more than once while the rest of us cheered her on.

A Happy Accident: The Cradle of Forestry

Our last stop in Pisgah was completely unplanned. We pulled over at what we thought was a rest stop to grab bottles of water, but instead stumbled upon the Cradle of Forestry in America. This hidden gem turned out to be one of the most meaningful parts of our day.

We hiked the 1.3-mile trail, learning about the history of forest conservation and why preserving nature matters. It was educational, inspiring, and a reminder of the importance of protecting the places we love to explore.

Scenic Drive & Asheville Eats

After our adventures in Pisgah, we took the Blue Ridge Parkway back toward Asheville. The drive was breathtaking, with sweeping mountain views and overlooks that begged for photo stops. We capped off the day with delicious pizza at Asheville Brewery, the perfect way to refuel after a day of hiking, sliding, and exploring.

Crowds in Gatlinburg & Junior Ranger Fun

From Asheville, we drove through the Great Smoky Mountains into Tennessee. Our stop near Gatlinburg gave us a chance to explore the park, though it was crowded and busy. Next time, we’ll plan to enter from a quieter section of the park to enjoy more of its natural serenity.

Even so, the kids were thrilled to earn another Junior Ranger Badge, proudly adding to their growing collection from this trip.

Mark’s Choice: White Water Rafting in Hartford

From Gatlinburg, we continued to Hartford for Mark’s chosen family activity: white water rafting. We booked with Raft Outdoor Adventures, and it was an absolute highlight.

Our guide, AJ, struck the perfect balance of safety and fun—making sure we got soaked, laughed hard, and stayed in the raft the entire time. The thrill of navigating the rapids together was unforgettable, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about adventures of the trip.

Makayla’s Choice: Horseback Riding in Pigeon Forge

The next morning was Makayla’s turn to choose our family activity. She picked horseback riding at Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park, and it turned out to be a milestone moment—none of the boys had ever ridden a horse before! Watching them climb into the saddle for the first time was both hilarious and heartwarming.

Jayell Ranch Family Adventure Park offered more than just horseback riding. After our trail ride, we discovered their “snow tubing” hill, which quickly became a family favorite. Sliding down together brought out plenty of laughter and friendly competition.

Sweet Ending in Pigeon Forge

We capped off the day with ice cream and some much-needed relaxation by the hotel pool. After days filled with hiking, rafting, and exploring, it was the perfect way to slow down and savor our last evening in Tennessee.

Heading Home

The next morning, we packed up and began the long drive back to Louisiana. The car was filled with tired smiles, playlists of roadtrip songs, and plenty of chatter about our favorite moments from the journey.

Final Reflections

Our Summer 2024 roadtrip through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee was more than just a checklist of destinations—it was a collection of shared experiences, new traditions, and family milestones. From gold panning in Dahlonega to white water rafting in Hartford, each stop gave us something unique to treasure.

Most importantly, it reminded us that the best adventures aren’t just about where you go, but who you’re with. For us, this roadtrip was another step closer to completing our Family 50 Quest, and another chapter in the story of exploring the world together.