Finding Amazing Shops on a Travel Adventure

Our families have traveled all over the Carolinas for the past 200 years.  My wife’s side of the family were founding citizens in the 1700s of the town that we both grew up in.  Part of my family lived in parts of Appalachia in the early 1800s.  Imagine the goods and mercantile that they needed to acquire when traveling between towns during the early years of the established North Carolina.  The gear that was passed down and swapped between these communities was literally the fabric of life for families during those times.  It was meant to be valued, cared for, celebrated and shared during times of need.  There wasn’t always a gift store when you came into town.  Times were different.

The Original Mast General Store, Valle Crucis, Western North Carolina

I feel that kind of nostalgia when we traveling and finding amazing shops on a travel adventure.  In all honesty, we usually have an ulterior motive for pulling off and stopping during a road trip.  We love turning off of the interstate and trekking through the small towns that populate our great state.  My favorites have the stores with the local t-shirts on display, right in front so everyone can see the pride that someone put into designing that amazing garment.  Destination trips are always a blast, whether its a visitors center or the gift shop connected to the main attraction.  Our daughter’s favorite is the infamous gift shop that you can’t miss if you tried.  I know that some of the trinkets are tourist bait. When you factor in the memories and the experiences that go along with it, a few dollars more isn’t that bad.

Many of the stores along the way have wares and supplies for the general traveler.  IF you happened to bring a bag like me, then you start to look for what might not be in your travel bag.  I remember going on a trip and the temperature never rebounded.  I didn’t pack any long sleeve shirts, so I went and bought two (there was a 2 for $30 deal).  We have been hiking in the mountains and got caught in the rain a couple times.  Have you ever tried riding home from a hike soaking wet? It is always cold, no matter what time of year.  Pack a spare.  We love to stop and find a nice place to eat, so I look half civilized.  Ponchos and umbrellas are great finds at some of these places too.  Be sure and dry them out and they are good for the whole season.  Since we have kids and grandparents, a spare plush throw blanket is a piece of survival gear that stays in the car year round.  If not, you can always stop in a discount drug store and get a good one on the cheap.  Do you know someone who is cold no matter where they go?  This little piece of comfy gear could make their trip worth the while no matter if you are going to the beach with the AC blasting or headed to the campsite to sleep under the stars.

For most of my outdoor excursions I try to first determine if I can travel with what I can put in my pockets or is this a carry on kind of trip.  Finding a compass at a local store will be difficult.  Finding a local map, however, can be easier than you think.  Don’t expect to always find a convenient store near your destination.  Research your route carefully and plan stops accordingly.  A lot of recreation areas have a semblance of welcome center or gazebo with some literature on it.  My eyes get real sensitive with direct sunshine, so on most trips I carry a hat.  It’s packable with anything if needed and can be washed easily.  If you need one, it’s likely you can get one at your local stop and shop.  Sometimes you hike in full sun and sometimes you hike in full shade.  We have multiple footwear types that are appropriate to withstand all the weather that mother nature can throw at us.  I love hiking boots, my wife loves trail shoes and my daughter wishes she could go barefoot everywhere.  

Rainbow Falls Leather Patch Vintage Style Hat - Casual Outdoor Cap

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Hoodies are a must on our adventures too!  A great sweatshirt is perfect for a brisk morning hike and when the sun starts to set on the days adventure.  Most outdoorsy folks will tell you that layers are key.  If you find yourself carrying the family stuff then a properly sized daypack is the way to go.  You can find them in varying shapes, sizes, and applications.  You don’t need a 60 liter wilderness pack for a 2 hour hike around the lake.

Choosing the right attire is never easy.  I have to pack different gear sets for May at the beach and May at the campsite.  Properly packed and prepared means you might only have to stop for snacks and drinks.  You also need to research what kind of adventure you are setting out on.  Terrain means you need extra ankle support.  Pavement means extra cushion for your feet.  Packed gravel with little terrain can be conquered with a good fitting pair of tennis shoes.  These are things not easily found on your way to adventure.  Don’t forget the weather.  A stroll around the lake trail in the state park is great for all seasons.  A 3 mile hike up to the waterfall can be challenging at all levels of expertise any time of year.  A quick loop at the local playground / park means pack it or buy it on the way.  You'll be lucky to have access to bathrooms and / or covered shelter(s). We have a local trail sponsored by the local YMCA, but there is no store there either!  Murrays Mill is a 2 mile loop around a civl war mill and pond.  The shop is quaint, and by no means a supply depot. Think smart about what you might need before you leave out on your next adventure. That way you can spend a little more money in the local shop!!!