We celebrated the 4th of July with my college roomie and her family, in their new family cabin in Sapphire, North Carolina. About a five-hour drive from the Raleigh area, we loaded the car up and traveled west. 

PLAY: Tubing on the French Broad River. This kid friendly float down the river was a blast. The shuttle meets you at the finish line. Bring a change of clothes. More info here: http://www.headwatersoutfitters.com/

SEE: Whitewater Falls, located in Cashiers, NC. Just a short drive, an even shorter 'hike' to see the water fall. Find the location here: https://goo.gl/maps/WJU8eBuJAck

EAT: The Library Kitchen + Bar. Cool vibes and great food. The original farm house of The Library is the oldest structure in Sapphire Valley. Built around 1864, it was part of a gold mining community. https://www.librarykitchenandbar.com/