We’ve spent the past several weeks doing a family visit tour of the southeastern US: Tampa, FL; Beaufort, NC; and Seagrove, FL. We sure are lucky we have family in some pretty great places to visit!

Tampa gave us the chance to stop at our storage unit and to catch up with Florida friends and family. The week went by fast between doctor's appointments, horseback riding, animal viewing at Busch Gardens, book club, walks, and seeing Jim's family.

From there, it was off to the coast of North Carolina. A trip to the lower outer banks to see my mom and Kel is always a good time, even in the age of COVID-19. Beaufort, NC offers up many water views, wildlife, and a quaint downtown with loads of cute shops (a general store with ice cream cones!) and delicious eats (Beaufort Grocery 🤤). It was even named “America's Favorite Town” by Travel and Leisure—coincidentally, my dad's town is number five on this list!

Of course, this trip didn't involve any shopping or dining out, but there are so many great social distance activities since you are near the water and it's such a small town. It's high on my list of favorite places to take some pictures.

We had the chance to hike at Fort Macon State Park - a hike with the perfect mix of forest and sand dunes. But beware the mosquitoes on the forest side of the three mile hike, especially if you have a mosquito allergy like me!

Our other outdoor adventure brought us out to Cape Lookout National Seashore via ferry. Best known for the Cape Lookout Lighthouse and its undeveloped beach, accessible only by boat. Spending time at Cape Lookout gave us a chance to see some of the Shackelford wild horses, check out the wildflowers blooming, and relax on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Although the water on the sound side is better for swimming (it's warmer and calmer), I definitely prefer the views and shells on the oceanside.

We didn't go up in the lighthouse (too dang hot for that), but we did check it out from the outside. If I had a boat, I could see this being a favorite spot to relax and take in the views.

From there we headed to my most favorite beach in the world so far: Seagrove Beach, Florida. What’s so special about this place? I fell in love with the “redneck riviera” twenty years ago when my dad bought a second home here. At the time, Seagrove Beach was a well-kept secret. A beach that even on the busiest summer holiday, 4th of July, would find you more than a hundred yards from the closest beach dwellers. White powdery sands, crystal clear emerald water, gentle waves, and a fantastic bike path make this an easy place to relax and be active too.

Boy, things have changed around there. The secret is out… gone are the days of quiet naps on beach and views for miles not marred by droves of people. We hear competing speakers pitting country versus Lady Gaga and the view is marred by ugly tents with college logos. Timing is everything, though. Come back in late August once the Georgia and Alabama kids are back to school and the beach I once knew and loved is still there. Don’t get me wrong: I think it's great people are enjoying this beautiful beach and I certainly have benefited from the new airport. I just miss the beach as I knew it once!

Check out the old pictures I have from 2000-2004 and you’ll see what I mean!

It's not all lazing on the beach though. I have two stepsisters that live nearby so there's an opportunity to play with their five kids. And what fun those kids are! Splashing at the pool, chasing (and catching!) lizards, doing nails and makeup, drawing and coloring… there is no shortage of entertainment when they're around!

After three fun-filled weeks of family, it was time to head out for some adventures on our own. Great Smoky Mountains, here we come!