On the second day of our trip, Andrew’s sister-in-law Kristin and her four kids came to stay with us for a couple of days. The seven kids immediately ran off to play, picking right up where they’d left off like only cousins know how to do, accepting new playmates and fitting into pretend play roles within minutes of greeting each other. 
Though the kids would have been just as happy to stay put, running wild, climbing trees, excavating stones down by the creek, and exploring the house inside and out, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and check out Sliding Rock, near Brevard, which was about an hour drive from the house we were renting for the week. The kids quickly changed into swimsuits when they saw what was in store for them: a 60-foot long flat, sloping boulder upon which smooth moss has grown, creating a natural water slide that deposits its eager children into an 8-foot deep pool at the bottom. 
This was the most touristy thing we did, and I must warn you, it was crowded. Going on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend contributed to the hoards of people, but the kids didn’t seem to mind one bit. Milo and Casey led the charge and went down the slide over and over again before we decided to move to the side for snacks and a break. 
It was great to check out this tourist attraction, but perhaps we will come back on an off-season day! If you go, be sure to come prepared; there is a $2 per person admission fee (though children under 6 are free), and children must be able to swim (or wear a lifejacket), as the pool at the bottom is too deep for them to stand. There is a lifeguard on duty during “on” hours. 
We headed back after this and pulled in just before dinner time. The kids got back to work playing hard and Andrew built a fire for dinner. 
Ryan, Kristin used the pot!!!
Kristin cooked dinner for all: a low boil with shrimp, potatoes, corn, and sausage. Everyone ate nearly every last bite! 
So good to see the cousins enjoying each other in this beautiful place, though we sure missed Ryan!
Skip to content
This is spectacular! All of it. From the bright little faces to the landscape. How do you find places like this? I swear you are 90% Native American.