As summer draws to a close and we prepare to dive into a more structured homeschooling season, our annual camping trip has always been our family’s special way of saying goodbye to those lazy, carefree days. This year, however, we decided to do things a little differently. We treated ourselves to an out-of-town family getaway, relishing some peaceful downtime together while everyone else was back in school. One of the perks of homeschooling is that we can travel during the week when everything is quieter, less crowded, and often more affordable—an opportunity we never pass up!

This year, we ventured to Waynesville, NC, and stayed in a stunning four-bedroom cabin, aptly named 1 Sweet View. After years of cramming our family into too-small spaces and calling it a vacation, I think it’s safe to say those days are behind us—at least I hope so! The spaciousness of the cabin was a dream come true. Scott and I had our own room and bathroom on the main floor, my oldest daughter had her own room on the top level, and my boys took over the loft space, complete with a pullout couch and a telescope for late-night stargazing. My youngest daughter shared the ground floor with my mom, and the convenience of everyone having their own space (or sharing it happily, in the case of my son sweet-talking his way into the top bunk of his sister’s room) made this trip even more relaxing.

While we spent most of our time at the cabin, we ventured out for a few memorable excursions. Scott and I hiked in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a refreshing way to reconnect with nature, while the kids stayed busy with board games and books back at the cabin. We’ve been to this area before since my family skis at Cataloochee each year (well, Scott and the kids ski while I happily sit in the lodge and read), but this was our first time visiting outside of ski season, and it was incredible to experience the beauty of the mountains in a whole new way—especially being just minutes from the slopes we know so well. This time, we visited Asheville and toured the Biltmore Estate, which is always a treat. But the biggest surprise came when we spent our last day exploring downtown Waynesville.

Now, I’ll admit, I didn’t expect much. Our experiences in small southern towns have often been tainted by an underlying (or overt) sense of discomfort, so we’ve learned to keep our expectations low. But Waynesville? It absolutely blew us away. This town was like something out of a movie—warm, inviting, and genuinely welcoming. Every person we met seemed interested in hearing our story, and their kindness left an impression that will last a lifetime. It was a stark contrast to what we’ve experienced in other places, and it made Waynesville feel like a true hidden gem.

We lost ourselves in the delightful maze of Sassafras on Main, a two-story toy and book shop with an incredibly curated selection of items. I’ve rarely seen such a unique array of toys and books all in one place, and my kids were in heaven. Meanwhile, my mom was having the time of her life in the local thrift stores, and the kids were thrilled with their ice cream (and I with my caramel apple—the best I’ve ever had!). But the most important part was the people. The warmth and hospitality we experienced were unmatched, making Waynesville a destination we’ll return to again and again.

As for the cabin, 1 Sweet View lived up to its name. Nestled on over an acre at the top of a ridge in Cataloochee Ranch Estates, the views were stunning from every angle. At 3,400 feet in elevation, it felt like we were in our own little piece of heaven. With so much space for our family and such incredible surroundings, I could easily see this becoming our go-to spot for future getaways. It’s a perfect retreat for homeschooling families who want to be immersed in nature, and the beautiful backdrop makes it ideal for outdoor lessons or simply unwinding together.

Our back-to-school getaway was the perfect way to close out summer, and we returned home feeling refreshed and ready to dive into our homeschooling routine with full hearts and fond memories.

Does your family enjoy traveling in the off-season? If so, what are some of your favorite spots to visit?