The dog days of summer are upon us, which means the summer vacation season is quickly coming to a close.

However, you’ve still got time to make one or two short road trips.

Here’s a short list of some close-to-home ideas.

North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher

The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher connects visitors with the wonders of nature and aquatic wildlife. The Aquarium and its sister facilities, the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, the N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island, and Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head are dedicated to inspiring appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. The drive as a little less than two hours from Lumberton. North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher, 900 Loggerhead Road, Kure Beach. Source: https://www.ncaquariums.com/fort-fisher

Cape Fear Botanical Garden in Fayetteville

Founded in 1989, Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a natural beauty situated on an impressive 80 acres nestled between the Cape Fear River and Cross Creek just two miles from downtown Fayetteville. Cape Fear Botanical Garden is a 501(c)3 non-profit that connects everyone to nature. We have Education programs for children and adults, Private Venue locations and places where you sit in silence and reflect on your day. Source: capefearbg.org

Lu Mil Vineyard

Lu Mil Vineyard, located on the outskirts of the Bladen County burg of Dublin, grows muscadine grapes. “People have often referred to Dublin as the ‘Peanut Capital of the World,’” said Denise Bridgers, who handles publicity at Lu Mil. “And we say, ‘We take care of the jelly.’ So, we take care of peanut butter and jelly in the little town called Dublin. We sell muscadine jelly. All kinds of jelly in our gift shop, but we grow muscadine grapes.” Lu Mil Vineyard, an agritourism business, is located off N.C. 87 at 438 Suggs Taylor Road. As visitors get closer, signs are posted to show them the way.

White Lake Water Park

Take a plunge in the 2,000 square foot swimming pool or experience a 100,000 gallon Beach Pool. When you get tired of swimming, lay out on the sun deck and soak in the rays. While you are relaxing, the children can be enjoying our 5,000 square foot interactive wading pool and wet deck, three kiddie slides, bucket dumps and many other features that will hold their attention for hours. Source: http://whitelakewaterpark.com/

Lumber River State Park

Located in Columbus, Robeson, Scotland and Hoke counties near Lumberton, Lumber River State Park has two access areas located about on hour from each other: Princess Ann and Chalk Banks. Possibilities for paddling on this 115-mile river are extraordinary. An abundance of wildlife and plant life, including the belted kingfisher and the rare Carolina bogmint, helped Lumber River earn federal designation as a National Wild and Scenic River, the only blackwater river in the state to have that honor. Source: ncparks.gov/state-parks/lumber-river-state-park

Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, a city and vacation resort on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, is the hub of the Grand Strand, a 60-mile string of beaches. It’s also known for its celebrity-designed golf courses. Along its beachfront boardwalk are arcades, souvenir stands and restaurants, as well as the old-fashioned Family Kingdom amusement park and the SkyWheel, one of the country’s tallest Ferris wheels. Source: Google

Carowinds

Carowinds, a 400-acre amusement park located on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line, is home to top-rated roller coasters, including Fury 325, the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster, as well as more than 58 rides, attractions, and live stage shows. Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre water park, features a variety of water slides, wave pools, large play structures and a three-acre children’s play area. Carowinds Camp Wilderness and SpringHill Suites by Marriott at Carowinds are guest accommodations located on-site.. Source: https://www.carowinds.com.

North Carolina Zoo

From critically endangered vultures and gorillas in Africa to rare native plants and amphibians in our state, the North Carolina Zoo has been a leader in wildlife conservation for more than two decades. From A-Z you’ll enjoy everything from Addra Gazelle to the Western Lowland Gorilla and Zebras. Source: https://www.nczoo.org/