Cape May, New Jersey

While playing the family board game Snapshots Across America a few years ago, we came across a photo of Cape May, New Jersey. After doing some Internet research, it was decided that our next family vacation would be to Cape May!

Cape May, NJ is a small, quiet town on the Atlantic coast, the perfect setting for a long-weekend get-away. In addition to relaxing on the beach and visiting the numerous tourist shops on the boardwalk, here are some other "must-sees" in Cape May.

The Victorian houses. These varied, beautiful homes line the streets of Cape May, and while most are occupied, a few are open for tours.

Cape May Lighthouse. Visitors can climb the 218 steps for a great 360 degree view of the surrounding area.

Sunset Beach. A short drive from Cape May, this is a pebble beach with a beautiful sunset view. Visitors can search the beach for "Cape May Diamonds," and each evening during the summer there is a flag-lowering ceremony.

Surrey rides. For as little as ten dollars, families can rent a surrey -- a four-wheeled family-sized bicycle! These are so much fun to ride around town in, and safe, as well.

More information on Cape May, NJ can be found at http://www.njcapemay.com/ and http://familyfun.go.com/family-travel/places/feature/famf59capemay/.

~Posted by Ashley~

Winterfest

This first week of November, the cities of Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg, Tennessee will be lighting up the skies as they celebrate the opening of Winterfest 2008. Hundreds of colorful light displays dot the landscape in these neighboring towns,

from the snowflakes that

line the Parkway...

...to the patriotic display at Patriot

Park in Pigeon Forge...

...to the many hard-working and fun-loving

bears you'll find everywhere.

You can choose to drive down the Parkway at your own pace (but beware of traffic!), take a Trolley Tour of Lights, or bundle up and stroll the sidewalks. Gatlinburg is perhaps the brightest of the 3, with Pigeon Forge a close second. Gatlinburg also boasts an annual "Parade of Lights" in December.

Also make sure you visit DollyWood

amusement park for their Christmas

spectacular...over 4 million lights

and wonderful shows!

For more information on this event running November through February, visit smokymountainwinterfest.com, pigeonforgewinterfest.com, or smokymountainarea.com/winterfest-activities.html.

~Posted by Briana~

Fall Creek Falls State Park, TN

Fall Creek Falls State Park, near Pikeville, Tennessee, is probably my family's favorite place to go camping. We have been several times, and always either in October or November. The park is beautiful this time of year - as long as it's not raining!

The campground has 5 loops with 226 campsites in all. The fall season is usually slow and uncrowded, except on the weekends. Camping rates are $20 per night, or $25 per night for a campsite with sewer hook-up.

The park also has cabins, lodges, and an inn, separate from the campground, but our family has never stayed in those amenities.

The Fall Creek Falls campground has a great playground that's fun for the whole family, as well as a very nice walking / biking trail.

Note: However flat the trail may look in this picture, flat ground is rare! If you take your bike, be prepared for a lot of up-and-down-hill biking!

Other features of the Park include:

-Nice hiking trails in a variety of lengths and difficulty levels

-A nature center

-Beautiful views

-Several waterfalls, including, of course, Fall Creek Falls

For more information on Fall Creek Falls State Park, please visit http://www.myfallcreekfalls.com/ .

~Posted by Ashley~

Welcome!

Hello and welcome to our new blog, "Places to Go, Things to See"! Allow us to introduce ourselves. We are two sisters, both homeschool graduates. Ashley is 22 and enjoys writing, photography, and volunteer work. Briana is 19 and enjoys musical theatre, dancing, and reading. We both enjoy taking trips with our family, and that is the inspiration for this blog!

We hope you'll enjoy reading about the places we've been and our recommendations of what to do, where to stay, and much more. Maybe we can even help you in the planning stages of your family vacation!

Thanks for stopping by, and please come back, as we will continue to add more to this page. Enjoy a slideshow preview of some of the places we will be reviewing!

Ashley and Briana