The term “Vacationland” is most often associated with the state of Maine. Per the website mainecampexperince.com:
“There’s a reason Maine is called “Vacationland.” Maine offers a unique natural setting that has been luring summer vacationers here for decades. Thanks to its vast, tranquil and temperate setting a visitor can find endless things to do and places to explore. From the pristine wilderness to pine forest mountain ranges to the crystal clear waterways and majestic shorelines, Maine represents the perfect setting for summer—one that can’t be matched anywhere.”
As a Maine—and all of New England, really—enthusiast—I can’t say I necessarily disagree. Maine is gorgeous, it’s really the only respectable place to get lobster rolls, and there’s is something intrinsically summery about it (probably because Maine in the winter is god-damn cold, speaking as someone who decided to visit Portland this past February). Still, I’d argue that Western North Carolina could—and should—come for the “Vacationland” crown, as lobbied recently on Instagram. Sure, we don’t have beaches, but neither does much of Maine, but with longer days, more impressive mountains, and a larger, more spread out food/entertainment infrastructure (in Maine, it’s basically all in Portland), I’d say WNC gives Maine a run for its money as the “perfect setting for summer.”
I came to this conclusion, this past 4th of July, sitting with two friends in the Laurel River, listening to music, eating some delicious hot honey chips, and taking in the scenery. It was a perfect way to start our 4th celebration, before moving on to some post-river soaking drinks at Big Pillow Brewing in Hot Springs, and I’d felt as relaxed as I get. Cheesy as I might sound, at one point I turned to my friend Dani, who was sitting in the river beside me, and said to her, “I was all bummed out that I probably can’t take any summer vacation this year, but it helps when you live somewhere that feels like going vacation.”
I mean that too. And I think what makes WNC feel so vacation-like, is the sheer amount of very picturesque, very fun, small towns with loads to do. So even if you like me, live in Asheville, which very much is somewhere people come to vacation all the time, there’s a plethora of other places to go easily visit for just the day that feels like you’re going on a trip…but really you can be home for dinner.
So far thus summer (besides for my Laurel River/Hot Springs 4th) I’ve:
- Headed out to Chimney Rock where I sat in a different river and listened to a band play cover rock at Chimney Rock Brewing.
- Went to soak up some sun at the Toe River before a delightful pizza dinner in Burnsville.
- Headed out to Marshall for the day to get some evening drinks at Zadie’s Cafe.
- Spent two days up in Highlands and Cashiers (which was new to me, and which I’ll link to once the Highlands/Cashiers blog is complete).
- Kayaked the French Broad.
And, it’s not even mid-July! While the summer might not have started out great, I’m excited to see what other vacation-like experiences I can take advantage of moving forward.
AshevilleExplorer 