If you’re looking for excursions in the Great Smoky Mountains, schedule some Family Travel to Canton, North Carolina. From rustic mining adventures to delicious dining, your fun awaits!
It’s no secret that our family’s favorite vacation spot is the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina! The charming small towns, gorgeous scenery, and perfect weather have us smitten with the entire region and we’ve been visiting for over a decade. Because there are so many unique experiences in these mountains, we’re never bored and find new things to do each Summer. This year, we spent a day exploring the Canton area and found adventures aplenty!
The Old Pressley Sapphire Mine holds the record for producing two of the world’s largest sapphires and is a true gem mining experience. This rustic mine is unlike the typical brightly colored, cookie cutter, tourist gem mining you may have experienced in the past. Located in a rural, country setting, surrounded by the typical beautiful scenery, this still working mine gives your family a unique glimpse into the mining world and extra personal attention from our guide. She(I am so sorry I cannot recall her name!) had lots of knowledge and many stories to share with us about the mining and the area, really giving us an insider’s glimpse into the mining world.
Gem mining can be a great experience no matter the ages of your kiddos and we learned quite a bit about sapphires and mining in general! Treasure hunting is addicting and we’re reading up on how to find gems
even when we’re at home! After our hard work, we were hungry and ready to scout out some food in Canton.
The Visit North Carolina Smokies site recommended The Imperial Hotel for lunch so we headed that direction for lunch. Housed in the historic and beautiful Imperial Hotel, the restaurant is full of Southern charm and the inviting atmosphere gives you the feeling of stopping by a friend’s house.
Everything was kid friendly, featuring white paper overlays on the tables so the family can doodle with crayons while waiting for their food. A full children’s menu was also available and our service was quick and polite. The food was beyond ordinary and offered a variety of Southern dishes, including collard greens my hubs declared the BEST he’s ever eaten! The shrimp and grits and smothered fried chicken sandwich were our family’s two favorites!
After an awesome lunch, we were ready to get back outside and explore so we headed over to the Ten Acre Garden. This farm boasts several options you can pick yourself, depending on the time of year you visit, as well as a fresh produce stand that is full of local goodies. We were able to pick our own raspberries and explore the farm that is perfectly nestled in between the mountains. The entire property is beautiful and it was fun to see a huge variety of veggies and fruits growing, as well as rows of flowers intended for the fresh cut market. It was peaceful and relaxing just to wander around the farm, talking about where our food comes from and spending time together.
There are even more exciting adventures in Canton your family will enjoy, these are just 3 we spent about 4-5 hours pursuing one day. Be sure to visit here to discover family friendly itineraries and exciting suggestions of things your family can explore throughout the North Carolina Smokies!
Read all about the FUN your Family Travel can be in Maggie Valley North Carolina. This darling town borders Canton and is full of unique adventures!
Jessica says
This looks like a nice serene family trip! I live in NC and my friends always go to the mountains but I never expected it to be a trip like this. I always thought they just rented a cabin and stayed in the cabin the whole time. I know silly of me, thanks for educating me. This trip is something I would totally do!
Nicole says
Looks like you had a great time! I will add Canton to our list of places to go, it looks beautiful!
Michelle | Divas With A Purpose says
I’m right here in South Carolina and had no idea this was in neighboring North Carolina. What a beautiful town! Thank you for sharing – this will be added to our weekend getaways list. Close enough that we don’t have an excuse not to visit
Donna says
This sounds like such a fun little town! Definitely want to get to North Carolina one day 🙂
Shelly says
The Smoky Mountains are absolutely beautiful. My dad had always wanted to move to Tennessee to live in the mountains. One year, when I was 12-13, we took a family camping trip to Tennessee and ended up around Canton. I remember the Old Pressley Sapphire Mine!
Pam says
Looks like a really fun time! I love North Carolina. I grew up in SC and going up there to explore was always fun!
Bonnie @ Living a Fit and Full Life says
It looks beautiful! I definitely need to visit someday!
Stacey says
There are so many parts f this beautiful country thatI have yet to visit! Looks amazing. I did drive cross-country last year. California to Vermont and saw to much. But I have yet to take a southern route.
Kirsten says
This looks like a gorgeous vacation spot. I always love exploring the mountains, and I know our kids would love the mining experience. Another place to add to our growing list of places to explore!
Jaclyn says
I love vacationing to the mountains! It’s the only place that really calms me down and makes me relax. The mining looks like fun!
Tina says
It looks like a wonderful and beautiful vacation spot. Your lunch looked fabulous. I love southern style cooking (actually eating, I can’t cook). It reminds me of my grandmother.
Debra says
I love North Carolina! I would love to take my family there!
maria says
Looks like an amazing vacation! hope you had a great time!
Barb @ A Life in Balance says
Wow! That looks like such a beautiful vacation spot! My kids would have so much fun at the mine we might not make it to any other stop.