We’ve had some real wintery weather lately in North Carolina and I’m just ready for Spring! Last week the kids were out of school the entire week due to snow and ice conditions. This week we are on day number two of no school and we are still expecting more snow! I have an upcoming business engagement happening in Wilmington, NC in the next couple of weeks and I decided to make it a family mini getaway. This won’t be the first time I’ve mixed business and pleasure. If I am heading out of town on business and I think my family will have a great time exploring the city, hotel amenities and local restaurants I bring them along with me. I also take the time that I’m not tied up in conferences to join them and have a great time. We have been to Wilmington before and visited Wrightsville Beach. This time I’d like to further explore historic downtown Wilmington and head to Carolina Beach for some family fun. I’m hoping that we have some good weather while we are away and I’m excited about Daylights Saving Time, I can do so much with an additional hour of daylight! I’m sure my kids will just love the additional hour to sleep in and I won’t deny my love to sleep in on the weekends when I can.
So far I have decided that I will head to the beach on Friday evening. I’ll check into our hotel room(s) and enjoy a nice dinner out at one of the local restaurants. My Saturday is booked from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. My family can plan what they would like to do while I’m away from them. I’ve already made a list of all the local attractions they can enjoy. They are like me when it comes to food, so I know they will seek out the best local eateries for their meals. I’m the mom of four (2 boys & 2 girls). My children will have to definitely compromise on activities because I have three teenagers and a seven year old. I always seek out activities that are age appropriate for them and we take turns doing what everyone would like to do. It just makes for a jam packed weekend full of new experiences and memory making! I’ve always wanted to visit the Battleship USS North Carolina and it’s on my list of things to do while in Wilmington. We absolutely LOVE boardwalks and the Riverwalk! There is so much to see and do! I always joke about Cape Fear because it seems to always be in horror movies but, I have the opportunity to go on a boat tour and I’m excited about it. I am looking forward to this mini staycation with my family and I hope they enjoy themselves.
I also would like to visit some of the historical lighthouses in the area, ride an ole school trolley and eat some fresh seafood! My children just want to stay on the beach and enjoy the water. I live in the Raleigh-Durham North Carolina Area and it takes about two hours and twenty two minutes to get to Wilmington, NC. I plan on packing snacks for our little journey, everyone will have their mobile device of choice and DVD’s. Even though my seven year old will have his iPad in tow, I always bring movies on road trips. Once he is sleeping or into his iPad with his headphones the teens may take over the DVD player and watch a movie of their choice. I’m usually in the passenger seat keeping my hubs company as he is driving and we talk or listen to music while driving. Sometimes I find myself getting caught up watching movies with the kids if their headphones aren’t in. I love the chance to get away with my family whenever I can. They key to a successful mini getaway or vacation is just to plan! I’m always planning in advance and I also have a set budget. I look forward to this upcoming adventure and I’ll follow up with a recap post of all the fun we had in Wilmington, NC for our mini beach getaway!
