When I was growing up, there was one thing my family always did every year—take a family vacation. I have very fond memories of those trips. It was when my family came together and really talked and experienced life and fun times together.

My husband and I have been committed to taking annual trips with our family over the years too. It really is so important to have that time with our spouses and children away from the demands of life.

If you can’t afford a vacation, do a “stay-cation” and find fun things to do around your hometown. It’s typical to never really explore your hometown, since you live there and believe you’ll always get around to it some other day. Maybe this summer is the time to “get-around-to-it!” 

Last week, my husband and I took our youngest (the only one who doesn’t have a full-time job back home) on a trip to my husband’s old stomping ground—Knoxville, Tennessee. His parents live way out in a small community east of Knoxville, named Dandridge, in a log cabin on the lake. We take advantage of that scenic spot for a quick trip or two every year.

I’ve included some pictures from our trip below. I hope they inspire you to make a time away with your family a priority!

Bald River Falls, Tellico Plains, TN

Time with good friends of ours from many years back.

I love big old barns, so I had to snap this one!

The lines just amaze me!

Found a little barn hiding behind the bigger barn!

The fern adorned porch of a mansion in old town, Dandridge.

A Neck Tie Rocker! I love it!

Look closely at the craftsmanship!

Don’t you feel like you’re stepping back in time?

An old stone wall on the outskirts of town.

Can you see it? There really is a “price” for our freedom! At least at Walmart!

A very interesting front porch in East Tennessee. 🙂

Freshly chopped wood.

A babbling brook in the Smokies–just north of Gatlinburg.

My son, Braden, exploring the creek.

I wish you could hear the creek rushing by!

Wildflowers by the roadside–just beautiful!

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My husband and I holding a sign for a church initiative back home, but why not make it your initiative to take a trip this summer!