North Carolina: BBQ and beyond

There’s nothing quite like a summer road trip when you’re looking to do some serious family bonding. We’ve picked 10 themed itineraries for different kinds of broods, from gourmands to adventure junkies—read on for some inspiration, and then get ready to hit the road. Start off in hip Asheville, which has become a culinary hotspot with a strong reputation for artisanal beers (try Highland Brewing Company, which has a meadow for kids to run around in). Then head for French Broad Chocolate Lounge, an homage to all things cacao with everything from baked goods to bonbons, and take their afternoon chocolate factory tour. Dinner is at Cúrate, whose chef Katie Button worked for avant-garde food world superstar Ferran Adria of the now-shuttered el Bulli in Spain. The menu of Spanish tapas, or small plates, is one of the most respected in the city, and it’s also friendly for smaller appetites—try the crispy fried patatas bravas and tomato sauce-topped albondigas meatballs. The Village Hotel on the sprawling Biltmore Estate has plenty of rooms with trundle beds, and there’s a pool on the property. #themeparks#nationalpark#lakes#beaches#infinitypool