Summer Fun for the Family: Pickin’ and Grinnin’ at the Earl Scruggs Center

  by Sally Matheny

photo courtesy of Wikipedia

If you've ever watched The Beverly Hillbillies, you may remember musicians Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. Occasionally, they sauntered through the Clampetts’ mansion door pickin’ and grinnin’. 

If you missed their appearances, you didn’t miss out on their music. Scruggs and Flat performed the theme song for the show.

You can share the history of the toe-tapping, bluegrass music with your children by visiting a wonderful museum in western North Carolina. The Earl Scruggs Center, which opened in January 2014,  is located on Lafayette Street in Shelby, North Carolina.

Staycations in the Countryside- What’s On Your Radar?

by Sally Matheny

   

Staycations in the countryside

      Whether you’re short on time or low on money, don’t abandon a family getaway just yet. Instead of a vacation, consider a staycation or two.  Staycations can be fun activities, such as a luau, planned for your own backyard.  However, staycations also include day trips.  Even if you live out in the countryside, you may be surprised by a slew of possibilities within a two-hour drive from home sweet home.

     Besides the obvious parks, museums and municipal pools, here’s a few ideas to consider when checking what’s on your staycation radar.

     Perhaps some family members would enjoy creating their own Visitor’s Guide for the area. Include photos, drawings, and descriptions of interesting areas.