Visiting NC in the spring

AndiG

DH and I are road-tripping to NC with the kids in mid April.  We are visiting my mom in Raleigh for a few days then would like to either visit the mountains or the coast for a few days before driving back to Ma.  Anyone have any opinions on which direction to go or what places to visit with two kids (almost 2yrs and 3.5yrs)? TIA

mylove2005

We took DD to grandfather mountain in NC this summer with her gram and papa.  She was 3.5 and she had a blast and did the bridges and we went to the zoo there and had a little picnic also.  I am not sure where in NC it was

Bellisimo

We took DS (and DD) for his 4th bday to Asheville, Boone, Blowing Rock, etc.  We actually stayed in Asheville because it was a good home base with lots of stuff to do when we weren't up in the mountains.  We took him to Tweetsie Railroad because he's a train fanatic.  There's lots more to do there than just train themed stuff.  You could stay in Blowing Rock and be THAT much closer if that's your thing.  We liked being in Asheville for meals, entertainment, shopping, etc.  We went to Grandfather Mountain, Chimney Rock, etc.  I used to live in Charlotte and highly recommend anyone visit there for city-ish cultural stuff to do.  But if you're looking for one or the other:  mountains or beach then staying in Charlotte would mean driving in either direction to access both.  The beaches are nice in the Outer Banks...if you're looking to stay at the beach.  You really can't go wrong...everything in NC is beautiful!  Have fun!