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The Disney Dream, one of four ships in the Disney fleet, made its maiden voyage in January 2011 and sails from Port Canaveral, Fla., for three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. During summer, the ship alternates four- and five-night itineraries with two stops at Castaway Cay.
Educational, inspiring and majestic, Charlottesville, Va., makes a great vacation destination for families Charlottesville, Va., is a city for the senses. The stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains serve as a backdrop for presidential homes, impressive neoclassical architecture, traditional Southern fare, the University of Virginia, and an abundance of attractions and family-friendly activities for a spectacular summer vacation.
Imagine a secluded sandy beach adorned with flawless and plentiful seashells. Gentle waves tickle your toes on a remote island with only the sound of the ocean and seagulls to keep you company. Sound like a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, right? Surprise!
Asheville's Biltmore House, an architectural masterpiece that is America's largest home, will impress all ages with its 250 rooms, including 34 family and guest bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, 65 fireplaces, three kitchens, a 70,000-gallon indoor swimming pool, and an indoor bowling alley.
Giving birth to my daughter, Morgan, 11, was relatively easy compared to her older brother. The labor was only five hours long compared to the 21-hour long labor I endured with my first pregnancy. Yet, the moments and hours after her birth weren't filled with that same relief and joy, but rather fear, uncertainty and disbelief.
As North Carolina's first theme park, Tweetsie Railroad is a must-visit attraction for families, and fall is an ideal time to visit the wild-west-themed destination in Blowing Rock. There's excitement for all ages with rides, games, gem mining and animals. No trip to Tweetsie is complete without riding the rails alongside cowboys aboard one of the park's famous steam engines.
Photo courtesy of The Virginia Aquarium & Marine and Science Center With hundreds of hands-on exhibits, marine life such as sharks and stingrays, a 3D theater, and a zip line park, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine and Science Center is a must-visit attraction if you are vacationing in Virginia Beach this summer.
If you were born and raised in North Carolina - or are perhaps raising your own kids here - you know the possibilities for family fun are endless. "From the mountains to the woodlands to the coast, family experiences unfold on a variety of landscapes," says Suzanne Brown, media relations specialist for VisitNC.
