No Result
View All Result
Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
No Result
View All Result
 Military Families
SUBSCRIBE FREE
Military Families
No Result
View All Result

Love language of a traveling Army family

Samantha Peterson
by Samantha Peterson
April 26, 2019
Petersons

The Peterson family bonds over traveling, which often includes staying close to home and enjoying what their duty station states have to offer.

ShareTweetEmailWhatsApp

Day tripping is the low-pressure, low-barrier secret that keeps my family closely bonded, despite an average six day per week work schedule as an active drill instructor. What does it look like when travel becomes your family love language?

I’ve yet to meet someone opposed to travel. It’s a luxury most of us do our best to budget for once, maybe twice a year. Day tripping is the budget friendly option that drives adventure into your everyday life. Tahiti is still on our life’s bucket list, but learning to two-step in Nashville, Tenn., climbing Toccoa Mountain in Georgia, and spotting submarines surface at Deception Pass in Washington are all worth line items to add.

Lynches Park
Lynches River County Park park features a river swamp with towering cypress trees and suspension bridges.

Five years ago, a honeymoon didn’t fit the training schedule or pocket change-sized bank accounts we had as a young, married couple. Instead, we began taking nearly every day off work to see anything and everything within the area. Remarkably, we felt more well-traveled than ever, and realized just how much each state had to offer.

The renewal of hearts and minds through shared experiences is the greatest tools we’ve found to help our soldier mentally reintegrate. It is what makes up for frequently missed soccer seasons, and combats detachment from 16-hour work days. Additionally, travel and curiosity are the friends our children have found they’ll never have to say goodbye to.

Proximity is king to a day tripping life. When planning adventures, I like to categorize activities by what we think we can accomplish in a day, half a day, a few hours or things that need to piggyback onto a bigger trip.

Here are some of our favorite adventures near a couple duty stations:

In only a few hours

Fort Jackson, S.C. — Lynches River County Park (1 hour)

Plan to trek into the trees via several suspended bridges. Stop and learn at the nature center, which has a fabulous collection of live reptiles and a library of native insect species. Opt into a short boardwalk hike along the riverside and stop roadside for pick-your-own strawberries, if the season is right.

For a full day adventure

Fort Jackson — Sliding Rock near Brevard, N.C. (2 hours 45 minutes)

Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is a natural waterslide located in North Carolina that is fun for all ages.

This is easily one of the coolest places we’ve ever visited. Wake up extra early to find prime roadside parking in the Pisgah National Forest where Sliding Rock is located. Pack snacks and extra towels, and be forewarned that the water is cold year-round. Post sliding, drive down the mountain and stop at one of the many waterfalls along the road. Head to Caesars Head State Park where the view from the overlook is steps from your car. Opt to squeeze down the hidden staircase into a narrow gorge that the kids will love.

Later, dine alfresco in Greenville, S.C., at Falls Park on the Reedy. A hearty waterfall, lush green lawns, and a photo op in front of the Medusa Tree is the perfect way to end the day. An easy 1.5 hour drive back home makes this a no brainer to visit.

With only half a day

Fort Campbell, Ky. — Mammoth Cave National Park (2 hours)

It is not often that we get to experience life underground, and not often is it as expansive and visually stunning. Book a variation of tours with a range of difficulty and length.

Oh, and by the way, Fort Campbell puts people within driving distance of another underground experience. Also explore the Lost River Cave by boat in Bowling Green, Ky. Both trips can easily fit into a half day adventure.

Petersons Bridge
The Petersons have found that travel and curiosity are the friends their children will never have to say goodbye to.

Being a young family with kids ranging from 8 to 18 months, micro-adventures are accomplished easily and eliminate the pressures that a big budget trip can put on small children. In fact, most of our trips are so low cost and close to home, that the unexpected earache or meltdown can be met with a quick tip back home with a “try again” attitude. Plus, you’ll frequently find my husband sleeping off a 24-hour duty shift while I pilot us to our destination.

Use the incredible gift of proximity given to you through your next Permanent Change of Station and learn to love every nook and cranny of your newly adopted state.

Read comments
Tags: Army familyday tripFort CampbellFort JacksonGeorgiaKentuckyLynches River County ParkMammoth Cave National ParkNational ParkNorth CarolinaPisgah National ForestSliding RockSouth CarolinaTennesseetravelWashington State
Share48Tweet30SendSend
Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson

Samantha Peterson is a travel journalist, storytelling photographer and Army wife. She's using military moves to inspire local, bucket-worthy travel for families across the country through day-tripping. Her family is currently moving across the USA, and you can bet she'll be writing all about it.

Related Posts

OpEd Military Families MAgazine
Military Life

DOD programs need more funding, support during coronavirus

1 day ago
Camp Uchee Fort Benning Military Families Magazine
Military Travel

Uchee Creek Campground near Fort Benning is a top staycation spot

2 days ago
3 family-friendly trips for those stationed in Europe
Military Travel

3 family-friendly trips for those stationed in Europe

1 week ago
Capturing New England’s charm, one photo at a time
Military Travel

Capturing New England’s charm, one photo at a time

2 weeks ago
Coast Guard rivers Military Families Magazine
Military Life

Coast Guard operations on America’s rivers 

2 weeks ago
Family bonds through generations of military service
Military Life

Family bonds through generations of military service

2 weeks ago

Ads

Military News, delivered to your inbox

Get a free copy of MILITARY FAMILIES delivered to your inbox each month

Let's connect!

ABOUT US

  • OUR STORY
  • OUR TEAM
  • MEET OUR WRITERS

MAGAZINE

  • GET PRINT
  • GET DIGITAL

GET RESOURCES

  • MONEY GUIDE
  • EDUCATION GUIDE

ADVERTISE

  • GET OUR MEDIA KIT
  • CFC PARTNERS
  • PRICING
  • PUBLISHER’S STATEMENT

SUBMISSIONS

  • PITCH US
  • SUBMIT YOUR STORY
  • BOOK CLUB
Never miss out on the latest stories.
© 2021 Military Families by AmeriForce. Privacy Policy | Terms | Site by Swiss Commerce

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

Thank you for your interest in Military Families Magazine!

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Military Life
    • Deployment
    • Relocation
    • Military Spouses
    • Military Kids
  • Education
  • Career
    • Transition
    • Entrepreneur
    • Veterans
  • Health
  • Money
  • Travel
  • Get Resources
    • Education Guide
    • 2020 Military Money Guide
  • Giveaways

© 2020 Military Families by AmeriForce. Site by SCBW.