North Carolina : the official ... travel guide |
Previous | 1 of 9 | Next |
|
small (250x250 max)
medium (500x500 max)
Large
Extra Large
large ( > 500x500)
Full Resolution
|
This page
All
|
-
346398.pdf
[69.86 MB]
Link will provide options to open or save document.
File Format:
Adobe Reader
VISIT NORTH CAROLINA 4324 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4324 VISITNC.COM PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT NO. 1095 OFFICIAL 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE VISITNC.COM WILD OUTDOORS Pack your sense of adventure for a trek to the mountains. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT NO. 1095 VISIT NORTH CAROLINA 4324 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4324 VISITNC.COM OFFICIAL 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE VISITNC.COM URBAN RENEWAL Feel the energy as you explore the lively cities of the Piedmont region. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT NO. 1095 VISIT NORTH CAROLINA 4324 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4324 VISITNC.COM OFFICIAL 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE VISITNC.COM ROCK THE COAST Find splashes of color at beaches, art museums, restaurants and music festivals. Have a Big Vacation in a Small Town Calhoun House Inn & Suites Nantahala adventures, luxury lodging and scenic train rides are just three of the great vacation experiences awaiting you in Bryson City. Experience tubing on a cool mountain creek, waterfalls, hiking and mountain biking. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Catch fish in our mountain streams, rivers and lake. Drink in the breathtaking views. It’s all just an hour west of Asheville and three hours north of Atlanta. Start planning your big vacation today! Visit GreatSmokies.com for a complete directory of restaurants, shops, events, activities and lodging in the North Carolina Smokies. 800-867-9246 Spacious, affordable 4-room luxury suites with private entrances, private baths with Jacuzzi tubs, fully equipped kitchens, and pillow top king beds. Just 1 block to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot, downtown shops and restaurants. More info at CalhounHouse.com. 828-788-0505. Wildwater guides you into the Appalachians with activities for everyone. Whether going on a jeep tour, rafting down the Nantahala, or zipping through the trees, Wildwater’s guides lead you on the path less traveled. Learn more at WildwaterRafting.com. 888-272-3886. Take a scenic train ride along the beautiful Nantahala River. Choose from a variety of seating selections. Treat the family to themed events like: The Polar Express, Dinosaur Train™ and Peanuts™ Pumpkin Patch Express. Learn more about our packages, events and Fall color excursions at GSMR.com. 800-872-4681. ® Navitat zipline adventures thrill, educate and inspire! Two incredible tours, one world-class location. The Moody Cove Adventure takes you soaring through and among the treetops, while the Blue Ridge Experience sends you fl ying from mountaintop to mountaintop on some of the highest, fastest and longest ziplines in the nation! navitat.com/asheville 855-NAVITAT Experience the breathtaking beauty of Biltmore House — America’s largest home® — and century-old gardens. Explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, then taste award-winning wines, dine and shop in Antler Hill Village & Winery. Relax in our two splendid hotels for a complete getaway. biltmore.com 877-BILTMORE The best of the mountains in one place! Spectacular 75-mile views accessible by foot or a unique elevator built inside the mountain. Featuring hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, an animal discovery den, special events and more. Only 25 miles southeast of Asheville on U.S. 74A. Open all year. Pets are welcome. chimneyrockpark.com 800-277-9611 Navitat Canopy Adventures Biltmore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Black Mountain Stop, shop and rock in “The Little Town that Rocks,” a quaint, scenic mountain town 10 minutes east of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shop for arts, crafts, antiques or furniture. Embark on outdoor adventures — hiking, biking or fi shing. Enjoy 40 restaurants, three breweries, live music and 30 artistic rocking chairs. exploreblackmountain.com 800-207-8759 ExploreAsheville.com 877-GO-TO-AVL Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk & The Small Towns of the Blue Ridge Request a free Vacation Planner! 800-438-7500 Call the Regional Visitor Center: 800.438.7500 MountainsofNC.com Winding trails and mile-high views star at Craggy Gardens along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn more on page 24. R U G G E D B E A U T Y 4 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE FEATURES 13 | DISCOVERIES J ump-start your journey by exploring the state’s history and diversity. Dive into pirate lore, track down auto racing legends, and get a taste of whiskey and wine. Tour the epic Blue Ridge Parkway, artsy Winston-Salem and majestic coastal lighthouses. You’ll also zoom in on fi lming sites of favorite movies and TV shows. 35 | NATURAL ENCOUNTERS Take a wildly entertaining look at the creature features of North Carolina state parks, zoos, aquariums, nature centers and sanctuaries. 40 | INCREDIBLE EATS Whether it’s spicy seafood, smoky barbecue or decadent desserts and doughnuts, the state sets food trends with its twists on classic favorites. CONTENTS For more information www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com To learn more about the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (910) 483-5311 6 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE FEATURES (CONTINUED) 46 | ONLY IN NC Dozens of unique attractions stretch 543 miles across the state from Manteo to Murphy. 50 | GOLF LEGENDS Boasting fam ed Pinehurst and ties to Donald Ross, North Carolina is hallowed golf ground. Survey the state’s mountainside tracks, seaside links and putting-only courses. 54 | STATE OF ART A-list art museums in the Piedmont, legendary music venues in the mountains and cool waterfront festivals on the coast power an eclectic cultural scene. 58 | HOME TO HISTORY Three cities chronicle these important chapters in the state’s past: the birth of Pepsi-Cola, the heritage of native Cherokee people and the importance of Fort Bragg. 62 | SPLASH ZONE Water, water everywhere— oscillating ocean waves, peaceful Piedmont lakes and wild whitewater in the mountains. There are many fun ways to get soaked on your North Carolina getaway. MOUNTAINS 74 Attractions 84 Accommodations 95 Campgrounds PIEDMONT 104 Attractions 121 Accommodations 135 Campgrounds COAST 139 Attractions 148 Accommodations 158 Campgrounds LISTINGS 161 LOCAL INFO SOURCES 164 STATE INFO SOURCES 166 ATTRACTIONS INDEX 170 CITY INDEX 172 ADVERTISER INDEX 58 40 35 50 62 PHOTOGRAPHS: (MUSEUM, FOOD, SURFING) RYAN DONNELL There’s nothing quite like island life. Time slows, and you begin to notice things. Your phone starts getting more use as a camera and less as an email/work tether (it’ll be there when you get back). Friends and family – you – just feel more alive and in the moment. Sunrises and sunsets become events to behold. Simple acts like a shoreline stroll, or even a night sky absolutely full of stars, take on a new meaning. This is life on The Outer Banks. Breathe, savor, repeat. 877-629-4386 | AmericasFirstBeach.com The Outer Banks ® OF NORTH CAROLINA AmericaÕs First Beach Stay connected with the OBX Facebook.com/TheOuterBanks Instagram.com/TheOuterBanksNC Pop Quiz 1. Which legendary pirate—who spent a fair amount of time along the North Carolina coast—died exactly 300 years ago? ANSWER ON PAGE 14 . 2. Which state park boasts the highest point in the eastern United States? ANSWER ON PAGE 26. 3. Where can you fi nd only veteran-owned breweries in a town rich with military history? ANSWER ON PAGE 61. 4. Where can you see wild horses on the Outer Banks? Hint: It’s not Shackleford Banks, though you can see wild horses there, too . ANSWER ON PAGE 39. 5. What mountain city contains America’s largest private home? ANSWER ON PAGE 41. THINK YOU KNOW THE TAR HEEL STATE? 6. How many lighthouses line the state’s coast? ANSWER ON PAGE 32. 7. Which body of water is the state’s largest man-made lake—and reportedly is home to an elusive sea monster named Normie? ANSWER ON PAGE 66. 8. Where can you fi nd the World’s Largest China Shop—and take a free tour? ANSWER ON PAGE 48. 9. What famous doughnut company got its start in Winston-Salem? ANSWER ON PAGE 42. 10. Where can you see the remains of the famous train-bus crash featured in The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford? ANSWER ON PAGE 30. See how many of these questions you can answer before looking through the guide. If you get seven or more correct (no peeking!), consider yourself an NC expert. PHOTOGRAPHS: (PIRATE) RYAN DONNELL, (MILITARY) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (HOME) JOHN NOLTNER, (LIGHTHOUSE) BRUCE DEBOER, (CHINA) NATALIA WEEDY 8 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE The four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate® Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® BILTMORE.COM Y O U R R O O M K E Y U N L O C K S A N 8,0 0 0 - A C R E E S T A T E. St rol l histor ic gardens. Stargaze wi th a glass of wine. Savor the awe- inspir ing se t t ing of America’s Largest Home®. From fl y- f i shing to f ine dining, Bil tmore offers a wealth of ac t i v i t i e s for over night estat e gues t s to explore at thei r l eisure. 10 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE RULES OF THE ROAD • Seat belt use is mandatory for drivers and passengers in front and rear seats. • Child seats are required for children younger than age 8 or children less than 80 pounds. Learn more at buckleupnc.org. • When passing an emergency vehicle, tow truck or work crew with flashing lights on the highway shoulder, move over one lane if possible, or reduce speed. • In work zones, obey the speed limit, stay alert and be aware of physical hazards such as traffic shifts or lane reductions. • If you are in a minor, non-injury accident, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road. • Motorists are required to use headlights when using windshield wipers in inclement weather. • Right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop, unless otherwise posted. Left turns on red are not permitted. • Cell phone use by drivers younger than 18 is prohibited except in an emergency or when talking to a parent or spouse. • It is illegal to read or send text messages or e-mails while driving. • Motorcyclists must wear helmets and use headlights at all times. • Littering is against the law and carries a sizable fine. Learn more by searching Swat-a-Litterbug online. STATEWIDE TRAVEL INFORMATION Information on travel conditions is available online at ncdot.gov/ traffictravel, where you can search by region, route or county for current traffic, incident or adverse weather conditions that might affect your trip. Via phone, visitors can access updated travel information, including construction and traffic delays along interstates and major highways, by dialing 511. To speak to a friendly VisitNC representative, call (800) VISIT NC (847-4862). DISABILITY ACCESS Information for travelers with disabilities is available online or via download in English and Spanish in ACCESS North Carolina: A Vacation and Travel Guide for People with Disabilities. This publication provides information about parking, paths, entrances and restrooms for hundreds of attractions, and it rates how accessible each attraction is for different types of disabilities. E-mail accessnorthcarolina@gmail. com to inquire about the vacation guide or accessible tourism in North Carolina. You may view the information online at ncdhhs.gov/ document/access-north-carolina. The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes a variety of standards for different types of properties. Visitors with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to contact the accommodations or attractions directly to learn about their accessibility features. FERRY INFORMATION The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s ferry system includes 21 ferries that operate 365 days a year on seven routes along the coast, including Bayview-Aurora, Currituck- Knotts Island, Cedar Island-Ocracoke, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, Hatteras- Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach and Southport-Fort Fisher. Ferries can accommodate motorcycles and any size car, trailer or RV that can operate on the highway. Ferries provide links to lighthouses, pristine beaches, historic sites, outdoor recreational activities and more. Reservations for the Cedar Island-Ocracoke or Swan Quarter-Ocracoke routes can be made by calling (800) BY-FERRY (293-3779) or online at ncdot.gov/ferry. Motorists must claim their reservation at least 30 minutes prior to departure, or it will be canceled. All other ferry routes operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including schedules and fares, call or visit the website. NORTH CAROLINA’S AMTRAK TRAIN SERVICE Amtrak service to North Carolina is the gateway to your getaway with 12 daily Amtrak passenger trains serving 25 North Carolina cities. There are also daily round-trip train services between Raleigh and Charlotte and connecting thruway service to the eastern North Carolina coast. Plan your trip and purchase tickets online at amtrak.com, or call (800) USA-RAIL (872-7245). WELCOME CENTERS AND REST AREAS North Carolina’s welcome centers and highway rest areas offer opportunities for convenient, brief stops, and they provide easy roadside access to public restrooms, snack/ drink machines, drinking water and telephones. Welcome centers also offer picnic tables, family restrooms and even displays of North Carolina crafts. Professional travel counselors located at each welcome center provide detailed travel information and distribute the state’s Official North Carolina Travel Guide, the Department of Transportation’s official state map and other marketing publications exclusively about North Carolina. They can also book room reservations at no charge for visitors staying overnight in the Tar Heel State. The welcome centers are open 8 a.m–5 p.m. daily, except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Rest areas are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about traveling in North Carolina, go to visitnc.com. SAFETY AND ALERTS Download the free ReadyNC app to your iPhone or Android device for the latest weather conditions, real-time traffic reports, severe weather alerts and more. Safety tips regarding hiking, swimming, camping, and visiting beaches and waterfalls are available at visitnc.com/safety. INFO FOR TRAVELERS 877-227-7071 | www.VacationOakIsland.com From the pristine beaches of Oak Island to historic Southport, OIA offers 500+ vacation rentals with dog-friendly and event-friendly options. Are we there yet? 800-795-7263 | www.ncbrunswick.com 800-334-3581 | www.TheWinds.com Oceanfront rooms/suites. Subtropical gardens. Breathtaking beach. Resort cottages, hot Southern breakfast buffet, 3 pools & Tiki bar/dining. Free summer golf! 800-842-6949 | www.HoldenBeachVacations.com Holden Beach, where friends and family go to play and reconnect! Over 100 island homes in our inventory to choose from. 800-720-2200 | www.Holden-Beach.com With nearly 300 vacation homes, let us help you find your quiet “escape” to Holden Beach, America’s Best Family Beach! 888-321-9048 | www.SeaTrail.com Three award-winning championship golf courses, comfortable accommodations, fine dining and 40,000 sq. ft. of event space, just minutes from the beach. 800-843-6044 | www.SloaneVacations.com Grand homes to quaint cottages and condos, Sloane Realty Vacations has a large collection of vacation rentals on Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach, NC. D I S C O V E R I E S EVERY JOURNEY RESULTS IN A STORY, and in North Carolina, there are plenty of exciting plot lines to discover. Dive into a land of legendary pirates, auto racing, movie sites and stellar sips. CHO O S E YO U R A D V E N T U R E Park your vehicle on Four- Wheel-Drive Beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to enjoy surf fishing and sightings of loggerhead sea turtles. BY GARY THOMPSON visitnc.com 13 No pirate in colonial North Carolina instilled more fear or inspired more legends than Blackbeard. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the notorious Englishman’s death, making it a good time to explore his historical haunts. THEPirate LIFE MY T H V S . F A C T Myth: Pirates made prisoners walk the plank. Fact: Pirates tortured prisoners with preferred methods like keelhauling. Off enders were stripped and dragged by a rope along the razor-sharp barnacles on the ship’s bottom. DISCOVERIES P IR AT E F O R A DAY Face paint and costumes get kids ready for Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks in Manteo. They join the crew of the pirate ship Sea Gypsy as it hunts for sunken treasure on Shallowbag Bay. 14 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE exploits southern Banks’ of his favorite hangouts. Despite his bad reputation, Blackbeard had good taste in island getaways. Ocracoke, accessible by ferry, off ers 16 miles of unspoiled beach for strolling and relaxing. Ocracoke’s south end provided a haven for Blackbeard at a spot called Teach’s Hole (for his presumed real name, Edward Teach). That’s also where Blackbeard lost his life (and head) to Lt. Robert Maynard of Britain’s Royal Navy. See a model of his fl agship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, at Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Specialty Shop. Embrace Ocracoke’s laid-back lifestyle and nods to its pirate past at historic Blackbeard’s Lodge, which has housed island guests in its 38 rooms since 1936. Glimpse Blackbeard’s alleged Bath-area address, Plum Point, from a vantage point in front of Bonner House at the Bath State Historic Site. Legend says foundation ruins visible from the vantage point are of his home. A room at the historic Van Der Veer House displays a graphite vase said to be the pirate’s money pot. This year has been dubbed the Year of Blackbeard in Bath. Visit in May for Bath Fest. B AT H OCR A COK E I S L A ND PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL Blackbeard and the Pirates of Carolina, Beaufort MY T H V S . F A C T Myth: After Blackbeard’s headless body was thrown overboard, it swam around his ship several times before sinking. Fact: Medical science would say that’s unlikely. But it makes for a great story. visitnc.com 15 Learn more about Blackbeard’s life and at the s outhern Outer Ocracoke Island, one Blackbeard’s boot prints cover historic Bath, the state’s fi rst town, which served as the rogue’s home during the summer of 1718. Blackbeard’s spirit permeates the Beaufort region, where his ship still lies on the seafl oor and people pass down pirate lore to new generations. See cannons, grenades and other restored artifacts from Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge at Beaufort’s North Carolina Maritime Museum, near where the ship was found in 1996. The adjacent Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center off ers boatbuilding for all skill levels. The wreck of the Queen Anne’s Revenge lies in 30 feet of water near the Beaufort Inlet, about a mile off Fort Macon State Park and Atlantic Beach. The fort offers excellent views of the spot where Blackbeard’s ship went aground. For a fins-on view of the sea’s perils (and beauty), scuba dive the area’s shipwreck-filled waters. Discovery Diving in Beaufort offers charters for certified divers to wrecks of different eras and depths. Back on dry land, Blackbeard and the Pirates of Carolina by Port City Tour Company introduces Blackbeard’s friends and enemies on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site. Beaufort becomes a village of pillagers during the Beaufort Pirate Invasion in August. Pirate actors roam the streets, engaging in sword fights and bursting into song. Another Pirate Invasion, complete with treasure hunt, takes place during the summer on Bald Head Island at the southern tip of the coast. BE AUFORT ARE A PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, Beaufort DISCOVERIES Blackbeard marker, Bath 16 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Riverwalk dock parties. Brew bus tours along the Ale Trail. Hollywood film sites. Overflowing with vibrant variety, no two getaways here are alike. From celebrated farm-to-table dining to Harbor Island walking tours, choose to stray off course. WilmingtonAndBeachesInfo.com 877-945-6386 North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Mooresville PHOTOGRAPH: PATRICK SCHNEIDER DISCOVERIES Revved UP North Carolina waved the green fl ag to launch NASCAR in 1947. Today, the Charlotte area continues to drive stock-car racing with icons of the sport’s past and present. include a van ride around the 1.5-mile quad-oval track, a trip down pit road and a picture in the winner’s circle. Drive a race simulator and test your tire-changing speed as a pit crew member at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Race fans and non-fans alike will enjoy the high-tech venue’s hands-on exhibits honoring NASCAR’s heritage. Pay homage to one NASCAR Hall of Famer, the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. , with a self-guided tour of his life and career landmarks in and around his hometown, Kannapolis. Stops on the Dale Trail include the neighborhood where The Intimidator grew up, the roads he cruised as a teen, and a 9-foot statue of the racing legend. See the inner workings of a top NASCAR racing team at Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte (Chase Elliott, William Byron and Jimmie Johnson are part of the team here). Fans visit the facility for free, getting a behind-the-scenes look at race shop viewing areas that reveal team members prepping cars, and a museum that displays memorabilia. Just a few miles away in Concord, get a lap in at the venerable Charlotte Motor Speedway, which opened in 1959 and hosts premier NASCAR eve nts in May and September this year, as well as other races. Tours NASCAR history begins in moonshine country, where Prohibition-era bootleggers souped up their cars to outrun the law. Get a taste of the state’s need for speed at these museums. NORTH CAROLINA AUTO RACING HALL OF FAME, MOORESVILLE More than 40 cars span eras and types. A 1940 Ford recalls moonshine runners, while Rusty Wallace’s NASCAR Winston Cup car from 1980 highlights a more modern racing age. PETTY MUSEUM, RANDLEMAN See cars and trophies belonging to King of NASCAR Richard Petty and his family, who have racked up a combined 10 NASCAR championships. Petty’s Garage (also in Randleman) produces high-performance street cars. RACE TIME NASCAR drivers don’t need valid state driver’s licenses to compete in events. However, they must pay for an annual license from NASCAR. L E T ’ S S E E S OME ID 18 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE North Carolina contains more than 40 state parks, including Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro. Esse Quam Videri First in Flight First in Freedom The fi rst colony to sign a declaration of independence from Great Britain , called the Halifax Resolves. It begins “Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine ...” 301 That’s the seventh-greatest amount in the United States. 1.25 million November 21, 1789 Raleigh Charlotte 10,146,788 DISCOVERIES PHOTOGRAPH: RYAN DONNELL Translation: To be, rather than to seem. Can you guess why? (The Wright Brothers!) The only state to have one. Quick, name all four national forests! (Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, Croatan) OFFICIAL STATE MOTTO OTHER STATE MANTRAS STATE TOAST MILES OF OCEAN COASTLINE ACRES OF NATIONAL FORESTS STATEHOOD GRANTED CAPITAL LARGEST CITY POPULATION 101 20 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Population 842,051— and counting. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. VISITLAKENORMAN.ORG • @VISITLAKENORMAN ) I S , % % $ CORNELIUS DAVIDSON HUNTERSVILLE TOURCLEVELANDCOUNTY.COM v i S i t MUSH, MUSIC, BBQ AND BASEBALL 704-487-8521 Shelby, NC 704-434-9996 3 ÄÄÄ ÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄ PHOTOGRAPHS: MARTY BALDWIN DISCOVERIES Anything But Run-of-the-Mill Enjoy craft beers and more at a reimagined 1800s mill in Rocky Mount on the Tar River. Rocky Mount Mills is a new live-work-play destination featuring restaurants, taprooms, music, restored homes, and, in partnership with Nash Community College, a brewery incubator off ering education and equipment to new beer-makers. Two craft breweries already have opened in the development: • Koi Pond Brewing Company crafts unfi ltered ales like the Double Dragon Imperial IPA, which soothes you with a rich, malty backbone. • Tarboro Brewing Company’s satellite location, TBC West: Taproom and Tacos, sells shrimp and caulifl ower tacos along with its beers. Local honey fl avors Nana’s Roof, a Belgian-style brew. DOUBLE BARLEY BREWING SMITHFIELD Sample brews in a striking taproom built with materials from two local barns. Or kick back in the shaded beer garden. Try crowd favorite Thrilla in Vanilla, a smooth porter brewed with homemade vanilla extract. GREGORY VINEYARDS ANGIER Rock on the porch with a glass of wine and countryside views. If it’s chilly out, sit inside by the fi re. Off erings include the Bald Eagle, a dry white muscadine wine that suits seafood, chicken and salads. Try pairings at on-site Lane’s Seafood and Steak House. SIP.SMILE. Repeat Triple your pleasure on a liquid tasting tour Beer, Wine and Shine Trail invites you to indulge at fi ve stops with special deals. 1 5 2 4 DEEP RIVER BREWING COMPANY CLAYTON Paul and Lynn Auclair opened Johnston County’s fi rst legal brewery in 2013, using locally grown produce, hops and grain. Frequent live music and food trucks add to the Main Street ambience. The Twisted River Wit, a Belgian wheat beer, refreshes with citrus fl avors. BROADSLAB DISTILLERY BENSON Sip genuine small-batch hooch made in moonshine country. Owner Jeremy Norris uses a family recipe and corn grown on the property to create white lightning in a copper pot still. Take a tour and hit the tasting room to try Legacy Appleshine, a whiskey infused with spices and juice. of the Piedmont . The new Johnston County 22 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE 3HINNANT FAMILY VINEYARDS PINE LEVEL Come for a tasting or a tour at one of the state’s largest vineyards growing muscadine gra pes, a variety known for its distinctive fruit-forward fl avor. The sweet Tar Heel Red makes a refreshing apéritif and pairs well with chocolate and cheesecake. www. b l u e r i d g e t r a v e l e r s . c o m Find a great place to stay, local events and more online. Call 888-233-6111 to receive a free visitor guide and map. Waterfalls & Hiking • Mountain Biking • Mountain Music Gold and Gem Mines • Boutique Wineries Museums and Historic Sites Where do you want to be? Don’t take the same old journey. Be somewhere genuine. Be somewhere amazing. Be changed. 800.828.4244 · visithendersonvillenc.org Call for your complimentary Getaway Guide d i n k i t i n 24 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE With overlooks every few miles and a speed limit of 45 mph, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the ultimate scenic route. Allow plenty of time to experience the 252-mile stretch of mountain vistas and colorful detours that winds through North Carolina . THE STATS 17 North Carolina counties 3 national forests 25 tunnels 369 miles of hiking trails 2,074 species of plants MILEPOST 456 HOOFIN’ IT Hop on a horse at Cataloochee Ranch, located above Maggie Valley. Its trails wind through rhododendron tunnels and follow mountain ridges for incredible views. Stay in an on-site lodge, cabin or ranch house, and enjoy family-style cooking with a side of Southern hospitality. MILEPOST 384 GETTING ORIENTED In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center provides the perfect orientation with a 22-foot interactive map highlighting points of interest, plus information about various tree species to spot along the way and displays about music styles that developed along the road. MILEPOST 382 SOUVENIRS YOU’LL TREASURE Home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center boasts the oldest continuously operating crafts shop in the country, plus a permanent collection of southern Appalachian works. DISCOVERIES AMERICA’S FAVORITE Drive Linn Cove Viaduct, Milepost 304 MILEPOST 469 MILEPOST 217 People say something changes in you Somewhere along the road to Highlands. Ä Ä Ù¦ù Ê¥ Ýù Ù ¥®Ä à Äã Ä ÊóÄ-«ÊÃ Ä ®¦« ÊÙ½®Ä ÝÝ thrives atop this fertile plateau in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. Artistry and inspiration flourish, creating a downtown experience of interactive arts and performances, fashionable shopping excursions and adventurous dining on fresh innovations by celebrated chefs and mixologists. Just beyond the downtown, the plateau’s crystal headwaters feed rivers, lakes, swimming holes and waterfalls, creating a freeing and curative playground for those who venture up. VisitHighlandsNC.com 26 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Multiple Swiss fl ags proclaim the heritage of chalet-dotted Little Switzerland. The village features an inn, shops and restaurants, including the Switzerland Cafe, serving not-so-Swiss barbecue with Appalachian cornbread. MILEPOST 305 MILE-HIGH THRILL Walk across America’s highest suspension footbridge at Grandfather Mountain, a nature preserve with large enclosures where visitors can get close to black bears, cougars and river otters. SWISS, PLEASE MILEPOST 334 MILEPOST 355 VIEW TO REMEMBER It’s a relatively easy hike up a paved path to the observation deck on Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States, at 6,684 feet. From there, the 3/4-mile Balsam Nature Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park takes you to the East’s highest spring. MILEPOST 365 FLOWER POWER Pink and purple Catawba rhododendron blooms explode at Craggy Gardens in June. A hike along the Craggy Pinnacle trail hits the most striking displays. Even if you miss the peak blooms, this place is perfect for a mountaintop picnic throughout the spring, summer and fall months. DISCOVERIES MILEPOST 230 GOING BALD The 600-foot granite dome of Stone Mountain stands out against the lush surroundings of the Blue Ridge. The towering landmark acts as an anchor to Stone Mountain State Park, with great options for hiking, fi shing and climbing (although you need a permit to climb the mountain). AN ENGINEERING MARVEL Built to preserv e adjacent Grandfather Mountain, the 1,243-foot-long S-curve known as the Linn Cove Viaduct skirts the Blue Ridge terrain, creating one of the most photographed spots along the P arkway. MILEPOST 304 CAPTURING BEAUTY Mount Mitchell State Park’s trails lead to close-ups of white snakeroot, ox-eye daisies, purple fringed orchids and other wildfl owers. Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds Twenty-five luxury cabins on delightful 40-acre forested property with trout pond, stream, waterfall, gardens and fountains. All cabins are tastefully decorated, completely equipped and beautifully furnished. Amenities include seasonal woodburning fireplaces, covered decks, hot tubs and much more. One-, two-and three-bedroom cabins available. Luxury, serenity and comfort await you! (800) 235-2474 www.ashevillecabins.com CASHIERS CHEROKEE DILLSBORO SYLVA DiscoverJacksonNC.com Like getaways, some trails are more fun an o ers. Why is the buzzard’s head bare? Why do moles live underground? The ancient Cherokees knew. You’ll just need more than an afternoon to find out yourself. Plan your overnight stay at 800.438.1601 or VisitCherokeeNC.com. Cultural Adventure #46 With thousands of Cherokee mysteries to explore, you might want to get comfortable for a while. Mary’s Gourmet Diner PHOTOGRAPHS: (MARY’S, THE KATHARINE) COURTESY OF VISIT WINSTON-SALEM, (REYNOLDA) COURTESY OF REYNOLDA HOUSE, (ARTIVITY) NATALIA WEEDY, (OLD SALEM) BRETT AND JESSICA DONAR DISCOVERIES Br eakfast MARY’S GOURMET DINER This is defi nitely the spot to get a feel for the local, artful fl avor of Winston-Salem, both on the plate (hello, breakfast nachos!) and in the booths, where local gallerists and entrepreneurs chat art and innovation. Mid-Mor ning DOWNTOWN ARTS DISTRICT Turn left out of Mary’s and stroll down Trade Street through the Downtown Arts District, a pedestrian-friendly area home to art galleries and shops. L ook for the red line on the sidewalk that leads to the new Artivity on the Green, an open space with murals, bright red sculptures and picnic areas. Lunch VILLAGE TAVERN AT REYNOLDA The original Dairyman’s Cottage on the 1,067-acre Reynolds Estate is now one of the most popular restaurants in the city. The burgers are divine (try the Tavern Burger with house “secret sauce”). Enjoy Reynolda Gardens on your way from here to Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Early Aft ernoon REYNOLDA HOUSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART The restored 1917 mansion of tobacco mogul R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine, is now home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Georgia O’Keeff e . Make sure you’re in the Reception Hall around 2:45, when the home’s original Aeolian organ fi lls the house with music. Late Aft ernoon OLD SALEM MUSEUMS & GARDENS Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Salem, a living-history museum and historic district . Step inside the potter’s workshop to see one of Salem’s earliest trades, and take in aromas of fresh bread at Winkler Bakery. Dinner THE KATHARINE BRASSERIE Named for R.J. Reynolds’ wife and situated in the former Tobacco Company headquarters, The Katharine ends the day on a sophisticated note. I like to sip a glass of rosé with friends and share Le Grand Plat Katharine (an assortment of fresh seafood). Reynolda House Museum of American Art Old Salem Museums & Gardens The Katharine Brasserie Downtown Arts District Artivity on the Green REYNOLDA HOUSE DIRECTOR Al l ison Perkins ONEArtsy DAY Allison Perkins, director of Reynolda House Museum of American Art, curates her perfect Winston-Salem itinerary, revealing reasons behind its City of Arts and Innovation nickname. 28 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Experience HISTORY in a place where art, culture, tradition and cuisine shape our everyday. Explore our Historic Homes and Gardens Collection, including tours of Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Reynolda Gardens and historic Old Salem. Or visit us online to plan your unique getaway. Discover hotel packages, special offers and a host of seasonal events at VisitWinstonSalem.com. ® VISITWINSTONSALEM.COM (866) 728-4200 PHOTOGRAPHS: (RAILROAD) AARON MORGAN, (HELL’S KITCHEN) COURTESY OF WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB DISCOVERIES BLOCKBUSTER Birthdays Filmmakers and producers love this state for its sweeping coast, moody forests and picturesque villages. Mark the anniversaries of four classics with stops at their filming sites. One Tree Hill boosted the local economy by an estimated $300 million during its run, according to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission. O N E B IG PAY DAY Actress Natalie Wood died before filming on Brainstorm was complete, so Wood’s sister stepped in as a body double in some scenes. SUPPOR T ING A C T BRAINSTORM 1983 Natalie Wood’s last film, a somewhat prescient tale about virtual reality technology, features Duke Gardens and Duke University Chapel in Durham, plus the Wright Brothers National Memorial in the Outer Banks. The futuristic Elion-Hitchings Building in Research Triangle Park makes an appearance, as does Pinehurst. YEARS 35 ONE TREE HILL PREMIERE, 2003 You won’t find Tree Hill, North Carolina, on a map, but you can visit Wilmington’s Riverwalk, which was used numerous times as a filming location for the TV drama. In one episode, a funeral takes place at nearby Airlie Gardens, with its enchanting Pergola Garden of jasmine flowers. Return to Tree Hill conventions draw thousands of fans (and some celebrity guests) to the coastal city. YEARS 15 See more than a dozen Dawson’s Creek sites in Wilmington’s Historic District. Andie and Pacey had their first kiss at Riverfront Park. K IS S CAME O DAWSON’S CREEK PREMIERE, 1998 Hell’s Kitchen in Wilmington served as a location for this TV drama, which ran until 2003. For the final season, producers bought a natural food store and dressed it as a college bar. Later, a restaurateur purchased the place and opened it for business, keeping the TV name. Hell’s Kitchen also appeared in One Tree Hill as the Swinging Monkey Bar. YEARS 20 The train crash in The Fugitive took 10 weeks to plan and 60 seconds to capture. Afterward, one camera was found buried in 26 feet of dirt. SMASH S U C C E SS THE FUGITIVE 1993 An epic train wreck awaits when you ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Tuckasegee River Excursion from Bryson City to Dillsboro. The route passes the rusted remains of the famous train-bus crash in the film starring Harrison Ford. Fugitive Richard Kimble’s high dive from a dam into the water below was shot at Cheoah Dam in Deals Gap. YEARS 25 Duke University Chapel, Durham Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City Wilmington Riverwalk Hell’s Kitchen, Wilmington 30 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Our best rates, free nights, perks and partner off ers at over 1,100 hotels myhellorewards.com ©2018 RLHC. All Rights Reserved A great place to stay, play, shop, meet, and celebrate... Where there is always good people, good music, good food, and fun for all ages. 800.849.6825 | www.rockymounttravel.com Almost There ...“Destination Rocky Mount” DOG PARK GOLF RESTAURANTS & BREWERIES HISTORY FESTIVALS DISCOVERIES CAPTURING Light Seven lighthouses line the coast—and most are open to the public. See them through the lenses of Instagrammers. SNAP IT BODIE ISLAND @cathyandersonphoto OCRACOKE ISLAND @jonathangrubbs CAPE LOOKOUT @chelseabrook OAK ISLAND @amberleigh.photography CURRITUCK BEACH @pivot.visuals.ben BALD HEAD ISLAND @jameselcoco CAPE HATTERAS @brandowat Tag #visitnc on social media for a chance to be featured online— or in a future travel guide! @visitNC @VisitNC @visitnc visitnc visitnc 32 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE your favorite North Carolina scene with Corolla • Carova • The Mainland Call 877.287.7488 for your free visitor’s guide. www.VisitCurrituck.com Discover a land of wild wonder on the Currituck Outer Banks, North Carolina. The legendary wild horses of Corolla, unique historical sites and family friendly beaches are just a few of the reasons why now is a great time to visit. Legends live on in Corolla. An awe-inspiring selection of products for cooking, dining, & entertaining: kitchen tools, cookware, grills, glassware, dinnerware, wine & beer, and linens. The Cooking, Dining, & Entertaining StoreTM University Place - 201 S Estes Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 929-7133 | southernseason.com Visit Us Today! A Chapel Hill, NC Landmark Cooking School Classes Weathervane Restaurant Unique & Delicious Gifts Coff ee & Tea Bar Weekend Brunch Full Deli Menu Candy & Chocolate Kitchen Tools ASHEVILLE, NC • (828) 299-1550 • KITCHENANDCOMPANY.COM Mount Pleasant, SC • Lewes, DE • Christiana, DE • Newington, NH Natural ENCOUNTERS Spot wild horses, howl with wolves, and experience other animal encounters at state parks, wildlife refuges, nature sanctuaries, aquariums and zoos. PHOTOGRAPH: PATRICK SCHNEIDER BY ANDREA NORDSTROM CAUGHEY Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville visitnc.com 35 GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER GREENSBORO Visit the recent expansion of the Wiseman Aquarium, showcasing an exotic array of sea life. Check out African penguins at Penguin Point, plus visit tigers, wallabies, meerkats, black howler monkeys, Nile crocodiles and other species. SEA LIFE CHARLOTTE-CONCORD AQUARIUM CONCORD Get your hands wet handling spiny sea urchins, sea stars and crabs at an interactive touch-pool exhibit. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER KURE BEACH Watch a scuba diver swim with rays and eels, then let free-fl ying birds land on your arm or feed them with nectar cups in the Lorikeet Landing exhibit. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM ON ROANOKE ISLAND MANTEO Observe the largest group of sharks in the state, visit playful otters, and pet stingrays. Learn about the aquarium’s conservation eff orts in the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES PINE KNOLL SHORES Step into an ocean setting and learn how far sea turtles travel and the huge threats they face at the Loggerhead Odyssey exhibit. TEAM ECCO OCEAN CENTER AND AQUARIUM HENDERSONVILLE See shark embryos developing in eggs and meet Charlotte the stingray. The center is also a showcase for turtles, tortoises, geckos and lizards. The state’s menagerie of zoos, aquariums, nature centers and sanctuaries entertains families while teaching important lessons about conservation and ecology. W IL D Exhibits Swing by one of the Watch polar bears Nikita and Anana take polar plunges in their Pedal one of the new Dragonfl y Paddle Boats to track waterfowl around the North Ride a “Zoofari” bus for intimate looks at gazelles, kudus, ostriches, rhinos and more during guided tours of the 40-acre WATER WORLDS The North in Asheboro covers 500 acres and features more than 1,600 animals, making it the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. D I D Y O U K N O W ? NC ZOO MUST-DOS 4 largest chimpanzee habitats in the country. newly expanded habitat. American Lake. grassland habitat. Carolina Zoo & NATURE CENTERS SANCTUARIES PHOTOGRAPHS: (LION) COURTESY OF CONSERVATORS CENTER, (RAPTOR) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (TIGER) COURTESY OF CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE PITTSBORO Meet tigers, lions, cougars and bobcats, plus the lesser-known caracals, ocelots and servals, at this federally accredited w ildcat sanctuary. Conservators Center Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER HUNTERSVILLE Nearly 100 birds, including eagles, owls and vultures, call this education, research and rehab center home. Each year, almost 1,000 injured or orphaned raptors are brought here, part of the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. CONSERVATORS CENTER BURLINGTON Up-close encounters with lions, tigers and wolves are guaranteed here, making it a favorite spot for wildlife photographers. The center actively promotes conservation through telling the stories of its residents, including extremely rare New Guinea singing dogs. KAREN BEASLEY SEA TURTLE RESCUE AND REHABILITATION CENTER SURF CITY Visit endangered sea turtles, learn how to protect them, and get an inside look at this facility for those that are sick and injured. During the summer, watch the occasional release of rehabilitated turtles at Topsail Island. WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA NATURE CENTER ASHEVILLE From underwater viewing areas, visitors watch North American river otters cavort at Otter Falls. In the rest of the 40-acre habitat, seek out approximately 60 species of wildlife from the South Appalachian region at exhibits such as Red Wolf Run and Black Bear Ridge. visitnc.com 37 JORDAN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA APEX The largely undist urbed shoreline surrounding Jordan Lake provides a perfect sanctuary for bald eagles. In fact, this area is one of their largest summertime homes in the country. Join a park ranger at the Bald Eagle Observation Deck to catch a view of their nests and explore water habitats along the Haw and New Ho pe rivers, which fl ow into the lake. MEDOC MOUNTAIN STATE PARK HOLLISTER The forested park on this mountain is an animal magnet, providing habitat for the southern fl ying squirrel that nests in the cavities of trees. Watch for opossums, gray foxes and whitetail deer, too. If you’re lucky, you can spot the rare Carolina mudpuppy (a large aquatic salamander) along Little Fishing Creek. Hit the trails or waterways of North Carolina’s state parks, keeping a close eye out for fl ying squirrels, loggerhead sea turtles and nesting bald eagles. HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK, SWANSBORO Hop a ferry or paddle a canoe or kayak to explore this park’s undeveloped, 3-mile-long Bear Island. Watch for the nests of endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Females come ashore at night to nest between mid-May and late August. NEW RIVER STATE PARK, LAUREL SPRINGS Tube, kayak or canoe along one of the world’s oldest waterways to observe mink, muskrat and river otters, as well as various wading birds. Hikers fi nd whitetail deer and red-tailed hawks nesting on cliff s. KERR LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA HENDERSON Bird-watching boaters fl ock to this 50,000-acre preserve hugging Kerr Lake along the northern edge of the Piedmont. Observe waterfowl from the lake or via shoreline trails, where beavers, muskrats, river otters and wading birds hang out. The vigilant can spot gray foxes while venturing into the woodlands. PEE DEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WADESBORO More than 180 varieties of birds, as well as amphibians, reptiles, mammals and fi sh call the refuge home. Take the Wildlife Drive for a leisurely trip through the wetlands, with a stop at Sullivan’s Pond to observe egrets and other birds. ROANOKE RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WINDSOR Waterfowl, including great blue herons, wood ducks and migratory songbirds, abound in this area. Die-hard birders access the most remote parts by boat, while hikers take the 1-mile Charles Kuralt Trail to scan for colorful Northern Parula warblers and barred owls. The refuge also off ers special hunting permits for small game, turkeys and deer. Along with their top priority of protecting wildlife, our refuges also off er the chance to explore pristine islands, forests and wetlands. WELCOME TO THEIR Wor ld ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, MANTEO Travel into the heart of this 158,000-acre area for a unique nocturnal adventure, the Red Wolf Howlings. After learning about one of the most endangered species in the world, tip your head back and howl … then wait for a rousing reply. The refuge also protects red-cockaded woodpeckers, American alligators and black bears. CURRITUCK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COROLLA Navigate your four-wheel-drive vehicle along this Outer Banks beach preserve. First stop: Monkey Island, off ering a nesting habitat for various migratory and wading bir ds, including herons and egrets. The famed Corolla wild horses (descended from Spanish Mustangs brought over by explorers in the 1500s) roam freely, but the law requires you to stay at least 50 feet away. Scope them out with Wild Horse Adventure Tours or Corolla Wild Horse Tours. PHOTOGRAPH: (ALLIGATOR RIVER) RYAN DONNELL visitnc.com 39 INCREDIBLE EATS PHOTOGRAPHS: (BURGER) BRETT AND JESSICA DONAR, (VORTEX) JOHN NOLTNER Pio neering its own versions of seafood (Calabash), barbecue (Lexington or Eastern-style) and doughnuts (Krispy Kreme), North Carolina doesn’t just follow food trends—it creates them. Try something new on a tour of these renowned foodie hot spots. Lamb burger and wedge taters at Whiskey Kitchen in Raleigh BY JASON FRYE 40 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE E ven locals have trouble keeping up with the new independent restaurants opening in this city of 88,000. Asheville has become a haven for hyper-local food, meaning diners usually can count on an appetizer of an interesting story about the menu. For a sampler, visit the North Asheville Tailgate Market. You’ll usually spot chefs shopping at the market for that day’s menu. Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery might feature freshly ground grits, tomatoes plucked off the vine, an egg or two laid at a local farm, and honey from nearby hives. At All Souls Pizza, only the freshest produce makes the cut for their pizzas and sandwiches: butter lettuce, roasted beets, peas, spinach, mushrooms and more. Rhubarb’s chef-owner John Fleer approaches ingredients with one thing in mind: Make everything taste like the best version of itself. Deceptively simple salads and roast chicken become memorable meals thanks to the perfect marriage of textures and fl avors. FAVORITE BREWS THE CULINARY MOUNTAIN MECCA The South’s hippest mountain town dishes fanciful takes on Southern staples while giving an overt wink to Grandma’s recipes . ROCKET GIRL LAGER @ ASHEVILLE BREWING COMPANY A crisp and refreshing Kolsch-style lager. TIN CUP CAMP STOUT @ BURIAL BEER CO . Strong coff ee notes combine with dark, caramel-y malt. GOSE @ HI -WIRE BREWING A tart, light wheat tempered by coriander and citrus. WAVES OF GRAIN @ LEXINGTON AVENUE BREWERY Nutty and reminiscent of toasted bread. THE DANK @ ONE WORLD BREWING This Imperial IPA is a hop bo mb waiting to go off . Asheville contains more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. Here’s a taste of what’s on tap. ASHEVILLE 5 Biltmore House The 250-room chateau, America’s largest private home, reveals French Renaissance opulence, plus gardens to explore. North Carolina Arboretum Trails for hiking and biking and countless garden areas make this a must-see for nature-lovers. River Arts District Local artwork adorns the interiors and exteriors of old industrial and historical buildings living second lives as galleries and studios. BETWEEN EAT S VORTEX DOUGHNUTS Beer-glazed, bacon-topped and coconut with caramel are just a few of the fl avors. The industrial-chic shop supports local and regional farmers. OLD EUROPE Pair lemon Bavarian sponge cake or hazelnut Napoleons with robust espresso drinks from local Mountain City Coff ee Roasters. FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATE LOUNGE Bars, brownies, cakes and truffl es await at Asheville’s green-certifi ed bean-to-bar lounge. Pair your choice with a cup of drinking chocolate. SWEET SPOTS visitnc.com 41 Krispy Kreme doughnuts started in Winston-Salem, as did Texas Pete hot sauce. STEEPED IN TRADITION In the Piedmont, the Triad cities of Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point embrace comfort-food roots while crafting a restaurant scene that goes far beyond standard menus. Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop, High Point Sticks and Stones, Greensboro Furniture shopping Furniture manufacturers and showrooms draw thousands of designers and buyers to High Point twice a year. You can shop year-round in more than 50 stores and outlets (and they ship). International Civil Rights Center and Museum Get a sobering look at the struggle for civil rights, including the actual lunch counter where Greensboro sit-in protests took place. Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe In Greensboro, get soaked in more than 3 million gallons’ worth of water attractions, including slides, kiddie areas and a pool that creates 100-foot-wide waves. BETWEEN E AT S THE TRIAD North Carolina holds its food traditions dear. Stamey’s Barbecue in Greensboro serves their meat Lexington-style (chopped pork shoulder prepped over hickory coals). At BBQ Joe’s Country Cooking in High Point, try chicken pie, a Saturday specialty that has centuries-old roots. The Kitchen Sink crepe at High Point’s Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop is fi lled with veggies, spreads and cheese. At Carolina’s Diner (in High Point, Greensboro and Archdale), taste nostalgia along with burgers, onion rings and shakes. Fans of classic pizza broaden their horizons at Greensboro’s Sticks and Stones, where toppings include chèvre and walnut pesto. At Winston-Salem’s Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar, classic Southern fi xings become inventive new dishes, such as beignets with shrimp, corn and crab. PHOTOGRAPHS: (STICKS, PENNY PATH) NATALIA WEEDY, (WHISKEY KITCHEN, TOAST, TOBACCO) BRETT AND JESSICA DONAR 42 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Raleigh’s Trophy Brewing Co . gets creative with pizza and beer, serving drinks like Milky Way—a salted caramel stout— and pies featuring ghost pepper salami. Nearby Whiskey Kitchen off ers rare bourbons and other whiskeys alongside Southern dishes like crackling biscuits and an NC shrimp boil. Raleigh’s Angus Barn keeps it classy with a wine cellar and a dozen cuts of house-aged steaks. Near Durham, Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard produces 40 wines on its 26-acre vineyard. Toast gives Durham diners a paninoteca (sandwich shop) where every bite is loaded with Italian cheeses and meats. Nearby Scratch bakes pies and treats, plus it off ers a menu of fresh bites like avocado toast and buttermilk biscuits. Chapel Hill’s Lantern stars James Beard Award-winning chef Andrea Reusing, who turns local fl avors into Asian masterpieces like the Vietnamese-style summer rolls. Students and alumni crowd the town’s Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery for craft brews and elevated pub grub such as whiskey-braised short ribs. COLLEGE CLASS The trifecta of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill means visitors can explore three college towns with equally stellar dining options in a single weekend. Order from the counter at Toast in Durham. Try a grilled chicken panini with heirloom tomato puree or a crostini and salad combo. American Tobacco Historic District This campus surrounding a renovated Durham tobacco factory houses restaurants, shopping, the offi ces of the Full Frame Film Festival and the Durham Bulls minor league ballpark. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences A globe 70 feet in diameter houses a theater at the Southeast’s largest natural sciences museum, in Raleigh. Southern Season Chapel Hill’s most popular gourmet shop off ers an abundance of food gifts in addition to cooking classes and a restaurant. BETWEEN EAT S THE TRIANGLE Whiskey Kitchen, Raleigh visitnc.com 43 Along the southeastern coast, Wilmington and its adjacent beaches teem with history and seafood-centric menus. COASTAL FLAVOR Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the restaurants on the Wilmington Riverwalk, such as Le Catalan. WILMINGTON & BEACHES Waterfront dining in and around Wilmington covers many tastes and moods. At Catch, twinkling mirrors and sea blue walls make guests feel like they’re beneath the waves. The crab cakes with lobster cream are a favorite. Ceviche’s takes inspiration from seaside shacks in Panama, where fresh fi sh is marinated in citrus juice and spices to make the namesake dish. Set in a former bank downtown, Circa 1922 has the dark wood and low lights ideal for an intimate evening. The menu features shareable plates and cuisines with a New American focus. Dock Street Oyster Bar serves oysters steamed by the dozen or half-dozen and shrimp caught the same day. Bring a friend to share the steamer platter. If you visit Michael’s Seafood Restaurant only once, try the seafood chowder with its perfect blend of spices and herbs. And if you want to make your own seafood feast (with a little help), purchase their steam pot s. Watch the waves at Oceanic, which looks out over Wrightsville Beach from the Crystal Pier. Try the Calabash-style fi sh (lightly fried in a cornmeal batter). Only purchasing the freshest fi sh, Rx Restaurant and Bar draws on classic Southern dishes for inspiration, infusing them with bold twists. Non-seafood dishes include braised chicken with farro and purple kale. Ocean breezes cool the dance fl oor at SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, a party paradise with live music every night. Sample the ahi tuna nachos with wonton chips and wasabi aioli. 44 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE CAROLINA BEACH Before hitting the sand and surf, visit Britt’s Donuts, on the boardwalk since 1939. Solitude-seekers love Freeman Park at the north end of the beach. KURE BEACH Rental homes line the shore, putting you steps away from the Kure Beach surf. When you tire of playing in the water, walk the ramparts of the Civil War-era Fort Fisher. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Families fl ock to Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s prime location, but anyone can walk along the 1,200-foot Johnnie Mercer’s Pier jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, or jog The Loop fi tness trail. PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL GREAT BEACHES Just a short drive from Wilmington, three beautiful beaches await, each with its own personality. 3 Battleship North Carolina Across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, walk the same passageways as WWII sailors. The ship participated in every major Pacifi c off ensive. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History Exhibits on the early days of the beach include a history of the swimsuit. A bathing suit inspector used to decide if swimwear was suffi ciently modest. Carolina Beach State Park It’s a great spot for hiking, fi shing and camping. Check out rare Venus fl ytraps at one of the only places in the world where you can see them in their native habitat. BETWEEN EAT S (Clockwise from top left) Chocolate Fantasy Dessert with a pecan crust, chocolate ganache and fresh whipped cream at Catch in Wilmington. Marinated beets with blackberries, basil and bleu cheese at Wilmington’s Rx Restaurant and Bar. Waterfront dining at Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach. visitnc.com 45 Jackson County’s Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail lists 15 spots for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sites vary from small creeks and streams to large rivers. The Tuckaseigee River near Dillsboro off ers the best chance to catch all three species, a feat known as the Tuckaseigee Slam. F O R F I S H I N G O N T H E F L Y EPIC TRAILS ONLY in NC North Carolina stretches 543 miles from Manteo, on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, to Murphy, in the Great Smoky Mountains. The highways in between lead to small-town treasures and renowned cities. Project 543 tells the stories of many of these unique attractions. Here’s a taste. Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard and Hendersonville combine for more than 300 miles of singletrack in Transylvania County, Cycling Capital of the South. The region embraces mountain biking culture with destinations such as The Bike Farm, which provides guide services and on-site camping. F O R A S T A T E W I D E T O U R Stretching 1,175 miles from mountain peak to sandy dune, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail attracts hikers, backpackers and paddle rs. The westernmost point of the trail sits atop Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, while the eastern stretch (which includes waterways) ends at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. F O R S C E N I C C Y C L I N G BY LEAH HUGHES 46 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Frontiersman Daniel Boone hunted and fi shed in the state’s northwest for 21 years. The Daniel Boone Heritage Trail traces his time around the region . Visit a replica of his cabin along Beaver Creek near Ferguson, and stop by the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville to see where his family sought refuge during the 1760 Cherokee War. F O R H I S T O R Y B U F F S DELIGHTFULLY QUIRKY Discover literal hidden gems within some of the 12 historic mines at Emerald Village in Little Switzerland. Tour Bon Ami Mine (home of the NC Mining Museum), pan for gold and embark on a Black Light Mine Tour on select evenings. T H E S U B T E R R A N E A N S E C R E T In 1880, Jule Gilmer Körner, a designer and decorator, completed Körner’s Folly, his lavish Kernersville home with 22 rooms and ceiling heights ranging from 5.5 feet to 25 feet. Körner raised two children in the house, and they kept Bob the raccoon as their pet. T H E F A N C Y F U N H O U S E Snaking through 20 towns across this state dubbed the Cradle of ’Cue, the North Carolina Barbecue Society Historic Barbecue Trail showcases institutions representing two iconic styles of pit-cooked ’cue: Lexington and Eastern. All of the spots cook over wood or charcoal, make their own sauce, and have been around for at least 15 years. F O R P O R K - L O V E R S Pack trowels for a trip to the Aurora Fossil Museum, celebrating 40 years, and its Pit of the Pungo, where you can unearth fossils. Take home ancient shells—or even a shark bone. T H E B I G D I G visitnc.com 47 For more unique North Carolina stories, visit Hickory Furniture Mart combines more than 1,000 manufacturers under one roof, with factory outlets and custom showrooms. It’s the centerpiece of Hickory’s furniture shops, which draw more than half a million visitors annually. F U R N I S H E D P A R A D I S E BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED More than 11 million pieces of china, crystal and collectibles sit on display racks at McLeansville’s Replacements, Ltd., dubbed the World’s Largest China Shop. Take a behind-the-scenes tour that shows the restoration process. N O B U L L S A L L O W E D The waiting list for 88-year-old Max Woody’s straight-back wooden chairs stretches as long as four years. Swing by Marion on Friday night to hear the seventh-generation chair-maker play fi ddle during a weekly jam session. S I T W H I L E Y O U W A I T SIPS AND BITES One of 14 remaining Dentzel Menagerie Carousels in the world, the Burlington City Park Carousel features 46 hand-carved wooden animals. Riders choose from horses, cats, ostriches, rabbits, pigs and other creatures. ME R R Y M E N A G E R I E The Market on Oak launched after Gloria Houston promoted the town of Spruce P ine with her book The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree. Visitors head to the Blue Ridge town to seek the perfect tree—and shop for gifts made by more than 120 local craftspeople. O C H R I S T M A S T R E E 48 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE 48 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Eastern North Carolina native Vivian Howard churns out remixes of dishes she grew up on at Chef and the Farmer, where traditional cobblers might share menu space with gazpacho. On her PBS show, A Chef’s Life, Vivian shares the stories of the Kinston-area farmers who grow the ingredients she uses. SM A L L- T O W N C E L E B R I T Y For nearly 40 years, the restaurant at AAA Five Diamond The Fearrington House Inn has elevated Triangle cuisine. The Pittsboro draw serves dishes made with ingredients grown in on-site vegetable and herb gardens. While menus evolve with the seasons, the chocolate souffl é remains a welcome constant. C O U N T R Y M O R S E L L I G H T N I N G I N A B O T T L E Piedmont Distillers in Madison made history in 2005 when it became the state’s fi rst legal distillery since Prohibition. Its Midnight Moon moonshine (in original and fruit-infused varieties) came from a partnership with early racing legend Junior Johnson, who learned his moves by running moonshine on back roads. Among the state’s 200-plus breweries, Aviator Brewing Company in Fuquay-Varina has one of the more unusual venues. The company brewed its fi rst batch in an airplane hangar and now houses a taproom in a 1910 train depot. The Devils Tramping Ground Tripel draws its name from a local ghost tale. S O A R I N G B R E W S For more unique North Carolina stories, visit visitnc.com 49 Our state’s golf scene stretches from wooded mountainside tracks to windswept seaside links. World-famous Donald Ross courses and small-town favorites provide unique challenges for all skill levels. PHOTOGRAPHS: PATRICK SCHNEIDER GOLF LEGENDS BY DANNY LEE 50 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE When golf icon Donald Ross became club pro at North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort in 1900, he was only 27, and golf in America wasn’t much older. As golf grew and matured in the early 1900s, Ross helped shape it, designing about 400 courses across the country, including 55 in North Carolina. Ross’ best-known layout is the fabled No. 2 at Pinehurst, where he crafted three additional courses. The site of many championships, No. 2 takes players through native wiregrass and fast, domed greens. Like all Ross designs, Pinehurst No. 2 demands patience, accuracy, fi nesse and careful club selection. 3 MORE DONALD ROSS COURSES THE WAYNESVILLE INN GOLF RESORT AND SPA, WAYNESVILLE Set in a valley in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this relaxed resort dates from golf’s heritage era of the 1920s, teasing players with tricky mounded greens and straight fairways that look easy—until you actually have to hit the ball straight. PINECREST COUNTRY CLUB, LUMBERTON Golfers rave about this friendly little course designed in collaboration with Dick Wilson. Built to the walkable scal e of Ross’ day, the fairways lined with towering pines are accessible, but they put a premium on keeping the ball in play . Ross’ challenging crowned greens make shot control crucial. WILMINGTON MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE, WILMINGTON A $1.5 million renovation in 2014 restored this community club to Ross’ 1926 design, doubling the size of greens and bringing back the old bunkers. Wilmington also provides a three-hole kids’ course and driving range. < SWING AWAY > Learn more about the Donald Ross Experience. visitnc.com visitnc.com 51 LINVILLE RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB LINVILLE A redesign by architect Bobby Weed made the course more accessible to all skill levels while blending elements with the mountain landscape. One highlight: making smooth bunkers more jagged to mirror the terrain of Grandfather Mountain. Thanks to the course’s semiprivate location 4,945 feet above sea level (the highest east of the Mississippi River) , the average summer high is just 75 degrees. TANGLEWOOD GOLF CLEMMONS Two Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs enchant golfers with their tracks through the Piedmont. Broadleaf trees and weeping willows frame fairways known for their unique rust-color bunkers. The Reynolds, completed in 1970, is shorter with fewer bunkers than the 1958 Championship course, which earned its name after hosting the 1987 Vantage Championship won by Al Geiberger. Part of golf’s appeal is the escape from everyday cares and same-old scenery. These courses await discovery in out-of-the-way retreats. DORMIE CLUB WEST END The state’s only original Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design, the Dormie Club rambles along rustic dirt paths and split rail fences through pristine landscapes, delighting purists with an essence-of- golf atmosphere. Sand hazards and scrub grass spice the holes, and the woods enfold you as you visualize shots onto true-rolling greens. < YOUR GOLF GETAWAY > Find videos, stories and trip ideas to help you plan your trip. visitnc.com/golf 52 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE PHOTOGRAPH: (DORMIE CLUB) PATRICK SCHNEIDER RIVERS EDGE GOLF CLUB SHALLOTTE Coastal wetland scenery highlights this Arnold Palmer design tracing the marshes and bluff s of the Shallotte River. Almost half of the course off ers water views: lovely to look at, tough to hit across. SCOTCH HALL PRESERVE MERRY HILL Arnold Palmer designed this 2008 maritime course to give golfers a taste of surf and turf, with 11 holes overlooking Albemarle Sound. Long par 5s and par 4s make length off the tee a plus, but shot-making ability is crucial around fi rm, fast greens. MOUNT MITCHELL GOLF CLUB BURNSVILLE Flat-course play and rugged scenery meet at the South Toe Valley layout in the Blue Ridge. The course runs between a rustic two-lane and a trout-fi lled stream as Mount Mitchell towers in the background. Roomy fairways make the front nine a comfortable warm-up, but 12, 13 and 14 raise the bar before yielding to friendlier fi nishing holes. PUTTING AROUND Even a small course can off er a big challenge. Putting courses, miniature golf and Putt-Putt (yes, they’re all slightly diff erent) each have origins in North Carolina. THISTLE DHU PUTTING COURSE In 1916, a steamship millionaire built his own grass course in Pinehurst. “This’ll do,” he said. The name evolved to Thistle Dhu, and Pinehurst Resort honors the original with a giant rolling green featuring 18 small fl ags for practice or friendly competition. MINIATURE GOLF Thistle Dhu is also credited as being the nation’s fi rst miniature golf course, although the whimsical obstacles came later. The coast abounds with themed courses, including Tropical Adventure Mini Golf in Calabash and Golfi n’ Dolphin in Cape Carteret. PUTT-PUTT Don Clayton developed Putt-Putt as miniature golf, minus the kitschy obstacles, allowing players to focus more on their putting skills. While the 1954 Fayetteville original no longer exists, the state’s six Putt-Putt Fun Centers contain 18 holes each, plus other family amusements. visitnc.com 53 An eclectic playlist of cultural experiences awaits North Carolina visitors, who discover world-class art museums in the Piedmont, music legends in the mountains and waterfront festivals along the coast. NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART RALEIGH With a sprawling 164-acre campus, this destination boasts the nation’s largest museum art park. Miles of trails connect the Rodin Garden (featuring a reflecting pool with water lilies), a whimsical wind machine, a forest of suspended wooden chairs and other creative displays. Inside the museum, stroll through more than 16 centuries of art history, including the largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the American South. BY SHAWNDRA RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHS: (BECHTLER) COURTESY OF BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, (WATERCOLOR) COURTESY OF GREENVILLE MUSEUM OF ART ART STATE of going PUBLIC In 1947, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $1 million for the purchase of artwork, making North Carolina the first state in the country to buy art with public funds. This helped the North Carolina Museum of Art launch its permanent collection. 54 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE WORKS Creative Soak up famous artwork and locally made gems at these art museums. name GAME Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Edgar Degas are a few of the names you’ll encounter at the Bechtler, which opened in Charlotte in 2010. Because the collection was privately owned, most of the 1,400 artworks were on public view in the United States for the first time when the museum opened. BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART CHARLOTTE Swiss architect Mario Botta designed the Bechtler to be a work of art in itself, with a striking terra-cotta exterior and a cantilevered gallery set above an outdoor terrace. The 17-foot-tall Firebird, a Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture covered in mirrored and colored glass, greets guests to the Southeast’s only museum exclusively showing modern art. GREENVILLE MUSEUM OF ART GREENVILLE Housed in a Classical Revival home, this diverse lineup features 20th-century American art along with eastern North Carolina’s largest collection of Jugtown Pottery, a popular line of handcrafted jugs and tableware made in the Piedmont town of Seagrove. CAMERON ART MUSEUM WILMINGTON History and art coexist peaceably on the site of a Civil War battleground. A historical entrenchment, sculpture park and nature trails share the 9-acre grounds. Rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh for returning visitors. See former Greenville resident Sarah Blakeslee’s 1989 watercolor View from the Highway at the Greenville Museum of Art. visitnc.com 55 MOUNTAINS Two notable hot spots beckon local, regional and national talent: Brevard’s 185 King Street and Asheville’s The Orange Peel. The former boasts a relaxed, 299-person listening room plastered with autographed album covers and photos spanning decades. The latter—a skating rink-turned-rock club—revels in hosting industry legends like Bob Dylan. PIEDMONT Urban areas as well as small towns impact the indie music world with help from classic venues like Moun t Airy’s Historic Earle Theatre, an 80-year-old movie house and concert hall in the hometown of Andy Griffi th. The Fillmore Charlotte remixes an old textile mill into a replica of the famed San Francisco lounge of the same name, with acts such as Foster the People and Kesha. Standing-room-only crowds rock out at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre and Carrboro’s Cat’s Cradle—a cozy must-stop for rising artists (drawing the likes of Nirvana before they were world-famous). COAST Few venues draw more attention than Backstreet Pub, a century-old bakery-turned-bar in Beaufort. Vintage life preservers and other nautical objects form the backdrop of its pint-size stage, and a spacious new outdoor patio serves as another music-listening haunt. Known for its impact on American music and homegrown talent (John Coltrane, James Taylor, Randy Travis and many more), North Carolina’s playlist includes an eclectic mix of music halls. fun FACTORY Reimagined industrial buildings in Charlotte’s Third Ward contain the AvidXchange Music Factory, with 14 music venues, restaurants and clubs. It’s the best place in town to catch a comedy act, jazz musicians, Latin cuisine and EDM —all in one high-octane night. VENUES Iconic AvidXchange Music Factory, Charlotte 185 King Street, Brevard Historic Earle Theatre, Mount Airy 56 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE FESTIVALS Right-note Experience premier jazz and blues, roots music, and a chill songwriting showcase at these events around the state. celebrating COLTRANE Jazz musician John Coltrane spent his first 17 years in High Point. The city honors his legacy with a music festival and a bronze statue downtown. MERLEFEST WILKESBORO April 26–29* Celebrating 30 years, this roots festival at Wilkes Community College pays homage to Appalachian musicians with songwriting contests and bring-your-own-instrument jam sessions. MOOGFEST DURHAM May 17–20* Inspired by electronic music pioneer Dr. Moog and the South by Southwest festival, Moogfest explores the future of music, art and technology. OCEAN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH July 7–8* The contemporary jazz fest showcases budding artists and seasoned musicians. A shuttle bus takes visitors to and from the beachside venue. JOHN COLTRANE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL HIGH POINT September 1–2* The NC Coltrane All Star Band includes some of the best jazz players in the region at this homage to the local jazz legend. NORTH CAROLINA FOLK FESTIVAL GREENSBORO September 7–9* This gathering features the state’s most talented musicians, dancers and craftspeople—plus great Southern eats and brews. * Verify dates before making travel plans. PHOTOGRAPHS: (AVIDXCHANGE) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (185 KING) KENNETH VOLTZ, (MERLEFEST) WILLA STEIN, (COLTRANE) COURTESY OF JOHN COLTRANE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, (EARLE) COURTESY OF MOUNT AIRY TDA visitnc.com 57 HOME HISTORY to These three cities chronicle the state’s story—including the birth of Pepsi-Cola, the heritage of its native people, and the pride and grit of a bustling military town. BY LEAH HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL SIP THE LEGEND The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola store invites customers to savor a fountain drink (or fl oat) and munch popcorn in the pharmacy that started it all. It’s easy to feel sophisticated on a stroll through the meticulously kept gardens surrounding Tryon Palace, the state’s fi rst capitol in this Swiss-infl uenced coastal town. While the original structure burned down in 1798, a rebuilt palace hosts visitors who can imagine entertaining George Washington on his 1791 trip. Next door, the North Carolina History Center tells of early settlers through exhibits where visitors sail a ship or write a newspaper story. A diff erent discovery unfolded at Middle and Pollock streets, where Caleb Davis Bradham invented Brad’s Drink, which he renamed Pepsi- Cola in 1898. For a boozy kick, visitors head to nearby Circa 1810 at The Harvey Mansion for craft cocktails. Additional spirits await during Ghosts of New Bern walking tours through the historic district. (Left) Designed in the style of 18th-century Britain, 16 acres of gardens surround Tryon Palace in the coastal town of New Bern. WHY IT MATTERS The original capital also provided the f irst taste of Pepsi- Cola. Explore more coastal “ f irsts” at the North Carolina History Center. New Bern North Carolina History Center visitnc.com 59 PHOTOGRAPHS: (CHEROKEE) JOHN NOLTNER, (FAYETTEVILLE) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (WELCOME) COURTESY OF NC DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE This year marks the 50TH ANNIVERSARY of North Carolina’s fi rst welcome centers. Stop for a personal greeting and helpful tips from more than 60 travel counselors. Weavers make baskets, hunters shoot blowguns and workers hull canoes at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. While this living-history site re-creates the sights, sounds and smells of an 18th-century Cherokee community, there are still 14,000 tribal members living here in the Great Smoky WHY IT MATTERS Get new perspective on the Native American journey. On the state’s western edge, the ancestral home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians provides an inside look. Cherokee Mountains. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian tells their 13,000-year-old story. A somber mural depicts the Trail of Tears, when the Cherokee were forced to leave their homeland for Oklahoma in the 1830s. Each summer, the Cherokee story hits the outdoor stage in Unto These Hills. The drama begins with Spanish explorers’ 1540 arrival and follows the Cherokees’ struggles and triumphs with song and dance. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.—the oldest Native American cooperative in the country—stars handmade Cherokee crafts, including pottery, toys and beadwork. The first centers opened along I-85 in Warren County and I-95 in Northampton County in a HISTORICAL welcome 9 9.3 centers at on Each daily 8 million visitors swing by the welcome centers each year. 60 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE operate the state line all interstates. is open from a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 50,000 active duty personnel call Fort Bragg home. Southeast of the Army base, visitors get a taste of the town’s military pride at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Across the street, 50 pillars adorned with hands cast in bronze at the North Carolina Veterans Park honor Tar Heels supporting those who have served . All of the breweries in town are owned by veterans. Pair craft beers with hot dogs and sliders at Airborne Brew, or opt for British-style pub grub and brews at Huske Hardware House. WHY IT MATTERS Home to Fort Bragg, one of the nation’s largest mi litary compl exes , thi s Piedmont c ity has commit ted to its local heroes by becoming the nation’s f irst Mi litary Sanctuary Community, providing support to mi litary members and their families. Fayetteville (Above) At the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, visitors see stone tools used for hunting during the Pale o-Indian period and watch occasional live dance performances. (Left) It’s hard to top the groovy beige-and-brown uniforms donned by welcome center employees in 1968. (Above, below) Exhibits at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum detail tactics and tools used by America’s elite soldiers. Visitors stop at the 16-foot Iron Mike statue and memorial outside, then head indoors to fl y into Normandy inside the museum’s Pritzker Simulator. 62 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE ZONE PH O T O G R A PH: R YA N D ONNE L L BY JASON FRYE SPLASH visitnc.com 63 Wrightsville Beach OCEAN WAVES, PEACEFUL PIEDMONT LAKES AND WHITEWATER IN THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS MAKE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA GETAWAY AS AS YOU LIKE. SOAKED 64 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Splash pads and 30 water slides ensure a full day of water fun at the new H2OBX water park near Powells Point, home to some of the largest artifi cial waves on the East Coast. A drive west takes visitors to calmer waters along Edenton’s Queen Anne Creek. Cypress trees wave in the breeze as paddlers pass historic sites like the Edenton Cotton Mill Museum of History. Others stay above it all, donning parachutes to jump with Skydive Coastal Carolinas in Southport at the coast’s southern end. They drift over lighthouses and beaches, making a soft landing instead of a splash. WILD COAST On the coast, slide, paddle or ride a parachute to adventures on and above the water. PH O T O G R A PH: B R U C E D E B O E R Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Resort in Rodanthe provides an opportunity to hit the surf, with lessons on skimming across the waves and getting serious air. Rent kiteboarding gear before checking into spacious three-bedroom units that allow for the perfect getaway for families or a bunch of your besties. KITEBOARDING surf city 910.328.2716 tourism@visitsurfcitync.com THE GATEWAY TO TOPSAIL ISLAND VisitSurfCityNC.com 129 Mecklynn Road, Suite C @wendymjordan @emco103 Experience quiet moments on the river art galleries and museums, local craft breweries, whole hog barbecue restaurants wher e treated like , stadiums filled with enthusiastic sports fans, boutique and antiques shops, delicious restaurants, and much mor Gr (800) 537-5564 www.visitgreenvillenc.com Knee Deep Adventures 66 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE BADIN LAKE TROY After a day of hiking, biking, or riding horses or ATVs on designated trails through Uwharrie National Forest, take a refreshing plunge into this 5,000-acre lake. Fish for bass, unwind at the swimming beach and stay at Badin Lake Campground, with sites near the shoreline. HIGH ROCK LAKE LEXINGTON Tournament anglers come to the state’s second-largest lake (nearly 24 square miles) in search of huge largemouth bass (and striper, white bass and catfi sh). But the calm waters also draw boaters, swimmers and campers. High Rock Mountain provides the backdrop. LAKE GASTON LITTLETON This lake’s 350-plus miles of shoreline straddle the state border in the north. Swimmers love the pristine water, and adrenaline-seekers of all skill levels head to either the AF Wake school (opened by world champion boarder Adam Fields) to learn wakeboarding or WakeSurf NC to learn wakesurfi ng. LAKE NORMAN TROUTMAN Nicknamed North Carolina’s Inland Sea, the state’s largest man-made lake draws boaters, paddlers and hunters of Normie, the Lake Norman Monster. Mountain bikers conquer 30 miles of trails in Lake Norman State Park, which contains a 13-mile sliver of the lake’s 520 shoreline miles. LAKE WACCAMAW LAKE WACCAMAW The largest Carolina Bay (a unique depression known for its rich biodiversity) contains shallow water that reveals the sandy bottom below, where fi sh dart about in the vegetation. Paddle or sail over to Big Creek, where water fl ows from the swamps, or walk part of the Lakeshore Trail looking for fossils (a whale skull was found here). LAKE LIFE Fishing. Paddling. Relaxing on a pontoon. Zipping around on a personal watercraft. There’s a lake here for every style. P H O T O G R A P H: J O H N N Y A U T R Y ncstateparks.gov NMP Economic Development Chamber of Commerce . Visitor Services “The Billy Graham Library was very inspirational,” Brian also wrote. “It was on my bucket list.” Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org 704-401-3200 • 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association “One of the highlights of my life!” Visit Charlotte and discover what God can do through an ordinary life surrendered to Him. Admission is free, and exhibits are state-of-the-art. Come—just as you are. The experience is unforgettable. ©2017 BGEA —Brian from Tennessee 68 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE THE WHITEWATER GETAWAY MOUNTAIN RUSH Experience tame-to-raging whitewater, 40-story waterfalls and some of the country’s speediest ziplines. World-class whitewater paddlers (including Olympians) and Appalachian Trail hikers know Nantahala Outdoor Center, but so do families who want to experience the wilds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Head to Bryson City for the NOC’s lodging, river excursions and renowned paddling school. Start with a day of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala, French Broad or Pigeon rivers. Pros challenge themselves with big Class IV rapids on the Nolichucky River. After your adventure, grab a bite at one of NOC’s two restaurants before checking in for the night. You’ll fi nd plenty of beds (or cots) in platform tents, a hiker-friendly bunkhouse, private cabins and the on-site Dogwood Motel. In the morning, head to NOC’s nearby Adventure Park , a complex with more than a dozen aerial obstacles, such as tightropes, sky bridges and a 600-foot zipline. PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN NOLTNER 68 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE 88 Tunnel Rd. • I-240, Exit 6 • Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 252-5400 • (800) CALL-HOME® www.asheville.homewoodsuites.com We are now ALL-NEW! Full renovation completed in the spring of 2017. We invite you to come experience our modern all-suite hotel located within minutes of vibrant downtown Asheville, Biltmore®, and the city’s finest dining. Each all-new suite is equipped with all the luxuries of home, including a full size kitchen. Enjoy a free hot daily breakfast and evening social (M-Th). Our free area shuttle allows you to explore all of downtown Asheville. We look forward to hosting you soon! Check Project543.com often for more inspiration or to purchase Project 543 merchandise. Inspire wanderlust from the mountains to the coast. WAT E R FA L L S GORGES STATE PARK In the state’s southwest, hit up two favorites among Transylvania County’s 250-plus waterfalls. Begin at the Rainbow Falls trailhead in Sapphire’s Gorges State Park. A 3-mile loop takes you to the 150-foot fall, which creates a rainbow-making cloud of mist. Farther along, you’ll quickly see how 20-foot Turtleback Falls got its name. A curved, shell-like rock lends itself to sliding into the swimming hole below. You’ll also want to have your swimsuit handy for nearby Sliding Rock, a natural water slide in the Pisgah National Forest, where visitors splash into a pool below for a $2 fee. Looking Glass Falls is for wading, too, in the pool below the 60-foot fall. Stay dry at Bridal Veil Falls by hiking to the recess behind the falls, shown in The Last of the Mohic ans. CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK Hickory Nut Falls is a showstopper with its 40-story plummet off a cliff . The falls start as a narrow creek at the top and become a wide fan at the base. DEEP CREEK Near Bryson City, hike a 5-mile loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see a falls trio: fi rst, Juney Whank Falls, a 90-foot split cascade; then 80-foot Toms Branch Falls, combining cascades with true waterfall drops; fi nally, 45-foot Indian Creek Falls. Afterward, grab an inner tube for a leisurely fl oat along a section of Deep Creek. Fly above, around and near the water at these four zipline favorites. Six family-friendly zips among towering tree s star at Canopy Ridge Farm Zipline Tours in Lake Lure. Twin zips race between platforms at Navitat Canopy Adventures in Barnardsville, hitting speeds of 65 mph on zips up to 3,600 feet long. At Hawksnest in Seven Devils, 4 miles of zips stay open through the winter, sending riders through a snowy forest and over a tubing park. Steep and fast—you’ll lose 1,100 feet in elevation—Saluda’s Gorge at Green River Adventures has 11 ziplines with 360-degree views of the mountains. FALL IN LOVE 4 EPIC ZIPS Sliding Rock, Pisgah National Forest Navitat Canopy Adventures, Barnardsville PHOTOGRAPH: (ZIPLINE) COURTESY OF NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES 70 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE • Minutes from downtown Asheville and Biltmore® • Complimentary downtown shuttle • Microfridges® in every room • Cozy outdoor fire pit • Complimentary full hot breakfast • Indoor pool and fitness center (828) 255-9220 AshevilleTunnelRoad.hamptoninn.com ASHEVILLE HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR VACATION? Andrews, Murphy & Brasstown Come for the views, stay for the adventures! FIND YOUR BALANCE OF REST & ADVENTURE www.VisitCherokeeCountyNC.com info@visitcherokeecountync.com 8285570602 \ / NH *HP Enjoy theeeeeeeeeäeDiscover theeeeee visitfranklinnc.com visitnantahalanc.com 800-336-7829 Franklin & Nantahala Cataloochee Guest Ranch, Maggie Valley PHOTO Chip Henderson visitnc.com 73 74 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Green Property AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Regional Attractions Appalachian Trail, (828) 254-3708. Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to- Georgia primitive hiking trail run through North Carolina. Wilderness trail intended for foot travel only. Rustic shelters, with no services, are 8-12 miles apart. Numerous access points. nctg.co/bf2rP Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 298-0398. Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” this recreation-oriented scenic byway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. In North Carolina, the parkway extends 252 miles with numerous scenic views beckoning you to slow down and enjoy. nctg.co/bF9N8 French Broad River, (828) 258-6109. Perfect setting for river excursions, running through Madison, Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties. Scenic canoeing, kayaking and tubing with sections ranging from whitewater to gentle trips. Provides homes to a variety of wildlife and waterfowl including ospreys, bald eagles, mink, muskrat, deer and bear. nctg.co/bY32m Great Smoky Mountains National Park, (865) 436-1200. The largest protected land area east of the Rocky Mountains includes 276,000 acres in North Carolina. This national treasure is world-renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life and recreational opportunities. Designated an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. nctg.co/bMFNs Nantahala National Forest, (828) 524-6441. Lying in mountains and valleys of southwestern North Carolina with elevations ranging from 1,200 in Cherokee County to 5,800 feet in Jackson County. Numerous water activities and trails, including a hike to Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “Land of the noon-day sun,” a fi tting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley fl oor at midday. Nantahala River is popular for whitewater rafting. With more than a half million acres, this is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. nctg.co/bUBGW New River, (336) 982-2587. Renowned as the second oldest river in the world, the New is a National and State Wild and Scenic River and one of the fi rst American Heritage Rivers. North Carolina maintains three parks along the river, each a day’s canoe ride apart. nctg.co/bwmH9 Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, (864) 461-2828. Follows the Revolutionary War route of patriot militia to the Battle of Kings Mountain, SC. Part of the National Trails System. While there are hiking segments, the primary public access is by car along the commemorative motor route. nctg.co/bPdHB Pisgah National Forest, (828) 257-4200. Comprised of more than 500,000 acres, primarily a hardwood forest with waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. Nolichucky River pours through one of the deepest canyons in the East and creates challenging whitewater rafting. Wide variety of outdoor recreation amid the natural beauty of the mountains. nctg.co/bwTuc Andrews Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Rd., (828) 321-2006. Legend has it our old stone building was once used by the local lawman to lock up hooligans. Now we incarcerate our wines and beers. Stop by for a tasting and tour at the smallest winery in the state. nctg.co/ba7G6 RidgeRunner Ziplines, 750 Wakefi eld Rd., (828) 421-8119. Experience a bird’s-eye view ziplining through the trees in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Course has a suspension bridge and 11 lines, some as long as 600 feet. nctg.co/baDqK Asheville Adventure Center, 1 Resort Dr., (828) 225-2921. Enjoy expansive views of the Asheville skyline via a zipline or hop on a mountain bike on rolling terrain. Head up into the trees on an elevated obstacle course or bring the kids to America’s fi rst zipline adventure designed for kids under 10. nctg.co/bH22t Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., (828) 667-2308. Save up to 70 percent off on America’s most desired brands at this open-air center with about 70 stores. nctg.co/bBk5v Biltmore, One Approach Rd., (828) 225-1333. Begin with a tour of the 250-room Biltmore House—America’s largest private home— and century-old gardens. Explore the 8,000- acre backyard via a variety of activities, from horseback riding to rafting. Antler Hill Village features Biltmore Winery. nctg.co/bf8EH Botanical Gardens, 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd., (828) 252-5190. This 10-acre nature preserve with trails features a variety of plants native to the Southern Appalachian region. nctg.co/bwrha Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 382, (828) 298-7928. Home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing craft artists from Southern Appalachia. Three fi ne art galleries and seasonal craft demonstrations. Home to Allanstand, the oldest continuously operating crafts shop in the United States. nctg.co/brgvM Gray Line Trolley Tours, 36 Montford Ave., (828) 251-8687. Hop aboard our red trolley for a narrated journey through Asheville, highlighting history, homes and hot spots of this “City of Surprises.” nctg.co/bxRSR Grove Arcade, One Page Ave., (828) 252-7799. A public market in 1929, this fanciful building has been restored to its original splendor, now a mix of galleries, shops and restaurants. nctg.co/b8frs Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Suite 200, (828) 229-3370. We brew the fi nest and freshest ales in the Southeast from the best-selling Gaelic to our popular winter seasonal. Learn about our brewing and packaging processes with a daily tour. nctg.co/b7GMs LaZoom Tours, 14 Battery Park Ave., (828) 225-6932. Hop aboard our purple bus for a variety of tours, with comedy skits, loads of area information and incredible views. nctg.co/bsb4S Attractions The following list of attractions in the Mountains region is arranged alphabetically by city. You may fi nd more detailed information on any of these attractions online at visitnc.com or the individual attraction’s website. An index to attractions is on page 166. MOUNTAINS PIEDMONT C0AST See page 161 for local information sources. visitnc.com 75 AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St., (828) 333-6900. Enjoy a 90-minute tour of the brewery then relax at the Liquid Center or on our river deck overlooking the French Broad River. nctg.co/bGcJX North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, (828) 665-2492. This 434- acre campus features 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, garden tours, and changing exhibits. nctg.co/b9jE4 River Arts District Studios, Triangle of Clingman, Lyman and Depot Sts., (828) 552-4723. Vast array of artists and working studios set in an urban scene of old factories and historical buildings. Explore artist studios and watch while they work, or meet the artists and discuss the creative process. nctg.co/bCkjs Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Rd., (828) 253-9231. Built in 1840, the rooms are showpieces reflecting different decades in the house’s history. nctg.co/bRgUb Smoky Mountain Adventure Center, 173 Amboy Rd., (828) 505-4446. Indoor climbing plus outdoor boat, tube, standup paddleboard and bike rentals. nctg.co/bbD27 Southern Appalachian Radio Museum, A-B Tech CC, Elm Bldg., Rm. 315, 340 Victoria Rd., (828) 298-3992. Collection of early amateur and home radios, as well as short-wave “ham” radios, plus important communications memorabilia. nctg.co/bzJVS Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, 52 North Market St., (828) 253-8304. Boyhood home of author Thomas Wolfe, fictionalized as Dixieland in his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Provides a glimpse into Asheville’s early rise to prominence as a resort for health and recreation, as well as the stories associated with Wolfe’s colorful and turbulent childhood here. nctg.co/b2JgN Western North Carolina Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., (828) 253-1691. Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, jellies, flowers, ornamental plants, Christmas trees and crafts, plus a restaurant and garden center. nctg.co/byWUj Western North Carolina Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd., (828) 259-8080. Numerous exhibits feature more than 60 species of animals native to Southern Appalachia, such as red and gray wolves, bobcats, cougars and coyotes, plus domestic animals commonly found on Appalachian farms. nctg.co/bjskF Bakersville Dellinger’s Mill, Cane Creek Rd., (828) 688-1009. Established in 1867 and now the last water-powered, stone-ground grist mill of its kind in the state. Still family-owned, it still produces cornmeal, grits and polenta using the same time-honored techniques and methods. nctg.co/bSkmx Roan Mountain, Hwy. 261, (828) 682-6146. Famous for being the largest naturally growing gardens of Catawba rhododendrons in the world, this high ridge stands 6,285 feet at the highest point. Beyond the gardens are spruce-fir forests and treeless grassy balds. nctg.co/bNERR Banner Elk Banner Elk Winery, 60 Deer Run Ln., (828) 898-9090. We process locally grown grapes into excellent wines reflecting the unique characterizations of the Appalachian Mountains. nctg.co/bTMyW Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225 Vineyard Ln., (828) 963-2400. Nestled on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Warm breezes during the day and cool, crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance of our wines. nctg.co/bhh6U Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr., (828) 898-4521. Enjoy 125 skiable acres with 21 trails, from beginner to expert, plus snowboarding and ice skating and snowshoeing. Summer activities include scenic lift rides, mountain biking and hiking. nctg.co/bvFg5 Watauga River, Shawneehaw Ave., (828) 898-9550. Whitewater rafting and canoeing on this scenic river. nctg.co/bEhu7 Barnardsville Navitat Canopy Adventures, 242 Poverty Branch Rd., (828) 626-3700. Two zipline tours: 10 ziplines, 2 bridges, 2 rappels, and 3 short hikes, or 3 side-by-side “racing-style” ziplines, the longest of which stretches more than 3600 feet and is 350 feet above the forest floor. nctg.co/b8kkh Beech Mountain Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., (828) 387-2011. Highest ski resort in eastern North America, with 16 slopes and 7 lifts for the beginner to seasoned expert. Outdoor ice-skating rink and snowboarding. In the summer, we’re a mountain biking mecca. nctg.co/b54wE Black Mountain Pisgah Brewing Company, 150 Eastside Dr., (828) 669-0190. We specialize in brewing handcrafted, certified organic beer. Stop by for a tour on Saturdays. nctg.co/bNRs9 Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St., (828) 669-9566. Exhibits reflect the pioneer history of western North Carolina, interpreted in photos and artifacts from the region. nctg.co/bhRZd Blowing Rock Appalachian Ski Mountain, 940 Ski Mtn. Rd., (828) 295-7828. High Country’s first ski area with 3 terrain parks, 12 ski slopes, snowboarding and outdoor ice-skating arena. nctg.co/bnAst The Blowing Rock, 432 The Rock Rd., (828) 295-7111. Scenic views abound at this immense cliff 4000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3000 feet below. nctg.co/bQFty Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM), 159 Chestnut St., (828) 295-9099. Exhibits range from works from the permanent collection to exhibitions on loan with a focus on American artists and the history of the mountain region. nctg.co/bfusX Doc’s Rocks, 129 Mystery Hill Ln., (828) 264-4499. Gem mining and rock-hound fun at North Carolina’s only education-based gem mine. Indoor heated flumes and local North Carolina ore. nctg.co/bGMqF High Gravity Adventures, 215 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., (828) 386-6222. Harness up and climb through 75 different aerial challenges ranging from 15 to 50 feet off the ground. nctg.co/bCyhA Julian Price & Moses H. Cone Memorial Parks, Blue Ridge Pkwy., MP 297 & 294, (828) 963-5911. These two parks make up the largest developed area set aside for public recreation on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lake with fishing and canoeing and kayaking, plus numerous walking and hiking trails. Visit the Parkway’s official craft center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone estate and watch mountain handicraft demonstrations. Family cemetery, carriage and apple barn, and an extensive system of carriage trails. nctg.co/bRCDm Fontana Lake, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 76 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Green Property AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Mystery Hill - Heritage & Native Artifact Museums, 129 Mystery Hill Ln., (828) 264-2792. Self-guided tour of four fun-fi lled areas. Mystery House off ers the challenge of a gravity room. Hall of Mystery includes more than 40 mind-bending puzzles, hands-on experiments and illusions. Appalachian Heritage Museum gives an idea how mountain families lived in the early 1900s. With more than 50,000 relics, Native American Artifacts Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. nctg.co/bhtmR Sky Valley Zip Tours, 634 Sky Ranch Rd., (855) 475-9947. A leap of faith via 9 ziplines, a cliff jump, swinging bridge, and countless views later, you’ll have an experience you won’t soon forget. nctg.co/bxwU2 Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, 278 Shoppes on the Parkway Rd., (828) 295-4444. Buy direct from more than 30 brand-name manufacturer and designer outlet stores. nctg.co/bW3dr Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., (828) 264-9061. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, Indian or engineer at this family-friendly theme park. Hop aboard our historic steam locomotive, pan for gold, visit animals in the Deer Park, enjoy amusement rides or take in a live show. nctg.co/b5wPn Boone Daniel Boone Native Gardens, 651 Horn in the West Dr. Collection of North American native plants in an informal landscape design, along with an authentic log cabin that once belonged to the Boone family. Self-guided tours with on-duty gardeners happy to answer questions. nctg.co/bm82F Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, 4416 NC Hwy. 105 S, (828) 963-4367. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, topaz, and many others are waiting to be discovered. nctg.co/b7ubY Horn in the West Outdoor Drama, 591 Horn in the West Dr., (828) 264-2120. Follow frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy settlers on their journey westward to overcome adversity and spark the fi res of a new nation. Summer performances, except Mondays. nctg.co/bKcGF Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King St., (828) 262-3017. Blend of new and historically important art with works of nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the fi nest artists of the region. nctg.co/bWEBq Bostic Bostic Lincoln Center, 112 Depot St., (828) 245-9800. There is substantial evidence that Abraham Lincoln wasn’t born in Kentucky, but near Bostic. Visit this one-of- a-kind museum and learn fi rsthand about Lincoln’s North Carolina roots. nctg.co/bfHRv Defi ant Whisky Distillery, 228 Redbud Ln., (828) 245-2041. Only the best ingredients, Mother Nature and our intuition guide the distilling crew. Enjoy a guided tour and culminate your visit with a sampling amid our breathtaking surroundings. nctg.co/bUkZc Washburn’s General Store, 2426 Bostic/ Sunshine Hwy., (828) 245-4129. Established in 1831 as a tavern/inn/store that served stagecoaches, today this fi fth-generation, old country store has both the usual and the unusual. nctg.co/bzA6Q Brasstown John C. Campbell Folk School, One Folk School Rd., (828) 837-2775. Self-guided tour of the campus includes the studios, nature trails and History Center. The Craft Shop showcases juried work of more than 300 craftspeople. nctg.co/bbT7Z Brevard Land of Waterfalls, 175 E. Main St., (828) 883-3700. More than 250 scenic waterfalls are in Transylvania County, including Looking Glass and Bridal Veil falls. Many are easily accessible. Others involve a hike, but you’ll fi nd any eff orts worthwhile. nctg.co/bzQZB Oskar Blues Brewery Southeast, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr., (828) 883-2337. Stop by for a tour and visit our tasting room, which features a variety of our outstanding brews. nctg.co/bpP38 Silvermont Park, 364 E. Main St., (828) 884-3156. Anchored by Silvermont Mansion, a Colonial Revival built in 1902, the second-fl oor museum refl ects the era of the original family. Park off ers a variety of themed gardens and walking trail. nctg.co/btrDc Transylvania Heritage Museum, 189 W. Main St., (828) 884-2347. Temporary and permanent displays of heirlooms, artifacts, genealogical exhibits, vintage photographs and other exhibits refl ective of the history and heritage of Transylvania County. nctg.co/bGc5w Bryson City Carolina Outfi tters Whitewater Rafting, 12121 NC Hwy. 19 W, (828) 488-6345. Choose guide-in-boat, guide-assisted or non-guided whitewater rafting trips on the Nantahala River. Infl atable Funyak/Ducky rentals, too. nctg.co/bhHvA Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Rd., (828) 488-2376. Year-round educational tours explore farm life, farming methods and the history of the land; open-air local produce store. nctg.co/bjfgb Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, 210 Main St., (828) 488-3681. Exhibits and videos tell of legendary “stream blazers,” the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fl y-tying, types of gear and gamefi sh, regional fi shing waters, and the history of fl y-fi shing in the Southeast. nctg.co/bTstF Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St., (828) 586-8811. Journey across fertile valleys and through river gorges during a round-trip excursion with a wide array of ever-changing vegetation, landscapes and whitewater scenes. Special themed rides, also. nctg.co/b2Mq6 Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine, 11900 US Hwy. 19/74 W, (828) 488-3854. A favorite activity for all ages. Rain or shine, as we have a covered sluice. Professional gem-stone consultation on-site. nctg.co/bsp6G Looking Glass Falls, Brevard PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN NOLTNER See page 161 for local information sources. visitnc.com 77 AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 US Hwy. 19 W, (828) 622-3625. Family-friendly adventure rafting and paddling on the Nantahala River. Mountain bike rentals, ziplining, lake kayaking, wilderness medicine training and our world-famous paddling school. nctg.co/banQh Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, 100 Greenlee St., (828) 488-5200. Collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, plus an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center. nctg.co/bNAW3 Swain County Heritage Museum, 2 Everett St., (828) 488-7857. In the 1908 historic courthouse, learn through photos, exhibits and video about the life of early settlers, and how the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam rewrote the landscape and changed lives. nctg.co/bGbfJ Wildwater Ltd., 10345 US Hwy. 19 W., (828) 488-2384. Complete adventure destination with zipline canopy tours, half-day jeep tours, full-day rails & trails, and raft & rail options. nctg.co/b5kev Burnsville Black Mountain/South Toe Basin, US Hwy. 19 Bypass, (828) 682-6146. Two recreation areas with hiking and wild trout fi shing, plus swimming and tubing. Most of the trails lead from the river valley to ridgetop of the Black Mountains, the highest range in the East. nctg.co/bxRKr McElroy House & Museum, 3 Academy St., (828) 678-9587. Highlights traditional mountain culture and the fascinating local history. Historic house served as headquarters for the Western North Carolina Home Guard during the Civil War. nctg.co/bp5Xq Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC Hwy. 128, (828) 675-4611. Highest peak, at 6,684 feet, in the eastern United States. Those who ascend this mighty peak fi nd breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, surrounding park provides some of the most tranquil moments you’ll ever experience. nctg.co/b7CJg Canton Canton Area Historical Museum, 36 Park St., (828) 646-3412. Aspects of early life at this mountain-heritage museum told through artifacts, records and pictures of earlier times. nctg.co/bAMRk Cedar Mountain DuPont State Recreational Forest, Transylvania & Henderson counties, (828) 877-6527. More than 10,000 acres of forest feature numerous waterfalls, including High Falls, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Excellent hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. nctg.co/bzKSA Cherokee Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, 777 Casino Dr., (828) 497-7777. Live table games with blackjack, roulette, craps and more of your favorites, plus the latest Vegas-style slots. nctg.co/bkK9Q Mountain Farm Museum & Mingus Mill, 150 US Hwy. 441 N, (828) 497-1900. Collection of 10 historic farm buildings gathered from throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, including a house, barn, springhouse and smokehouse. Built in 1886 and still on its original site, the historic grist mill uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building. nctg.co/bnVHd Museum of the Cherokee Indian, 589 Tsali Blvd., (828) 497-3481. Multisensory trip through Cherokee history combines computer-generated images, holographic imaging, specialty lighting and audio with a solid artifact collection. nctg.co/brHPD Oconaluftee Indian Village, 218 Drama Rd., (828) 497-2111. Interactive journey through Cherokee lifestyle and history, your Cherokee guide shows you through winding paths fl anked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. Experience cultural dances and interact with the villagers as they craft and work. nctg.co/b7qJv Oconaluftee River, (800) 438-1601. Enjoy an easy canoe trip down the river or a picnic at Oconaluftee Islands Park, which features a walking trail highlighted by a Talking Tree that tells of the signifi cance to the Cherokee culture. nctg.co/beZhc Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, 645 Tsali Blvd., (828) 497-3103. Oldest and leading Native American arts cooperative in the country, featuring weaponry, decorative beadwork, intricate fi nger weaving, or sublime wood and stone carving. nctg.co/b4eP8 Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo, 571 Wolfetown Rd., (828) 497-9191. Family fun with a Christmas theme. In addition to rides, visit Santa and his elves, and watch craftsmen at work. nctg.co/btU3A Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine, US Hwy. 441 N, (828) 497-6574. Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, garnets, topaz and more, at Cherokee’s fi rst and largest gem mine. nctg.co/b6SPS Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, 564 Tsali Blvd., (828) 497-2111. Traces the Cherokee people through the zenith of their power, heartbreak of the Trail of Tears and to present day, where they continue to rewrite their place in the world. Summer performances. nctg.co/bR5Hu Chimney Rock Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St., (828) 625-9611. Hike the 499-step Outcroppings Trail to the 315-foot Chimney Rock and see amazing 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Unique hiking trails range from family-friendly with discovery stations to the more adventurous, which climbs more than 400 feet; Hickory Nuts Falls Trail leads to the 404-foot waterfall. nctg.co/bVtH7 Columbus Green Creek Winery, 413 Gilbert Rd., (828) 863-2182. We believe wine is an essential part of gracious living, so we invite you to enjoy our tasting room and winery. Sip wine on our patio and enjoy the vineyard and distant mountain vistas. nctg.co/bn6Hc Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Cherokee 78 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Green Property AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains House of Flags, 33 Gibson St., (828) 894-5640. Unique and comprehensive historical collection of more than 300 United States, military, state and international fl ags, including all 27 full-size offi cial U.S. fl ags from 1776 to 1960. nctg.co/bDjc2 Polk County History Museum, 60 Walker St., (828) 894-3351. Explore the area’s past via an early 1800s stagecoach, antique farm tools and implements, school display, home setting, doctor’s offi ce, and beauty parlor, plus many pictures from the past. nctg.co/bfdVD Russian Chapel Hills Winery, 2662 Green Creek Dr., (828) 863-0541. We use only our own grapes, which allows us to control the quality from the vine’s bud break to the sorting table. From our estate-grown varietals, we produce several dry European-style wines as well as a muscadine dessert wine. nctg.co/bdZF3 Shunkawauken Falls, White Oak Mountain Rd. Flows the length of White Oak Mountain. Main portion is 150 feet high. The winding White Oak Mountain Road crosses the falls in two places for easy, drive-by viewing. Sunset Rock Overlook off ers beautiful views. nctg.co/bgUjC Connelly Springs South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains State Park Ave., (828) 433-4772. One of the state’s most rugged parks, with elevations up to 3,000 feet, High Shoals Falls drops 80 feet, and more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. nctg.co/bTbMS Crossnore Crossnore Weavers & Fine Arts Gallery, 205 Johnson Ln., (828) 733-3144. Weavers craft intricate designs in the Weaving Room. Gallery off ers works by regional painters, sculptors and fi ne crafters. nctg.co/bddbx Cullowhee Judaculla Rock, Judaculla Rock Rd., (828) 586-2155. Huge soapstone rock with numerous Native American symbols etched throughout. View the markings and develop your own theory on its origin. nctg.co/bAAUw Ennice Cumberland Knob, Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 217.5, (800) 372-5473. Site where construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway fi rst began and still a favorite destination. Mixture of lush woodlands and open fi elds houses a variety of birds and other wildlife. Ideal for leisurely walks or a more demanding hike to nearby Gully Creek. nctg.co/bpPD7 Ferguson Whippoorwill Village, 11928 NC Hwy. 268 W, (336) 973-3237. Chapel of Peace, 1864 Yadkin River jail, 1880 schoolhouse, blacksmith shop with a weaving room displaying an antique loom, and a good ol’ country store as well. Also, a replica of Daniel Boone’s c. 1760 home. Hear the intriguing love story of Wilkes County legend Tom Dula (Dooley). nctg.co/bYe67 Flat Rock Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - Connemara, 81 Carl Sandburg Ln., (828) 693-4178. Sandburg published more than one-third of his works during his 22 years at Connemara. Today it off ers keen insight regarding the Sandburg family and their 262-acre working farm. Hiking trails, other historic buildings and a small goat herd, representative of Lillian Sandburg’s prize-winning goats. nctg.co/bNB5b Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., (828) 693-0731. The State Theatre of North Carolina. Top-quality entertainment for the entire family. The season, May through December, includes Broadway musicals, comedies, drama and theatre for young people. nctg.co/bxRNy Fontana Dam Fontana Dam & Visitors Center, 71 Fontana Dam Rd., (828) 498-2234. Tallest dam east of the Rockies. Constructed during the early 1940s to supply electricity to fuel the war eff orts during World War II. The Appalachian Trail crosses the top of the dam. nctg.co/bNDyp Forest City Bennett’s Classic Antique Auto Museum, 241 Vance St., (828) 247-1767. Preserves the automobile history for generations to come. Unrestored originals including Model Ts, Mack trucks, a Shelby Mustang and an American Lanfranc fi re truck. Don’t miss the 1963 Ford “Mayberry” sheriff ’s car, signed by Don Knotts. nctg.co/byNag Franklin Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum, 25 Phillips St., (828) 369-7831. Most comprehensive collection of native gems and minerals in the area. Displays from around the world and popular fl uorescent room. nctg.co/b4h4V Gold City Gem Mine, 9410 Sylva Rd., (828) 369-3905. Outside fl ume or an inside, heated fl ume for cooler weather, so you can sluice rain or shine for gems, using native or enriched gemstone buckets. Or try your luck with gold panning. nctg.co/bfJUZ Macon County Historical Museum, 36 W. Main St., (828) 524-9758. Educational and fun experience showcasing the county’s Appalachian culture. nctg.co/bBvXJ Scottish Tartans Museum, 86 E. Main St., (828) 524-7472. Only one of its kind in the United States. Offi cial registry of all publicly known tartans. Original and replica kilts showing styles from the late 16th century to present day. Other exhibits include Scottish weaponry, weaving display and details of the Scottish migration to North Carolina, plus their relationship with the Cherokee Indians in particular. nctg.co/b6zYz Wilderness Taxidermy, 5040 Highlands Rd., (828) 524-3677. Studio with a combined work area, museum and wildlife art gallery off ers the opportunity to view hundreds of unique specimens from around the world. nctg.co/bhMCW Glen Alpine Lake James Cellars, 204 E. Main St., (828) 584-4551. Enjoy a wine tasting from a wide variety of wines. Our specialty is our award-winning dry reds and whites, but we also off er many sweeter fruit wines. nctg.co/bGzd2 Glendale Springs Churches of the Frescoes - Holy Trinity Church, 120 Glendale School Rd., (336) 982-3076. Features The Lord’s Supper by Ben Long, a North Carolina native. Other works include Jeff rey Mims’ The Departure of Christ. The church dates to the early 1900s. nctg.co/bGHSq Hayesville Eagle Fork Vineyards, 8 Cedar Cliff Rd., (828) 389-8466. We wake our grapes every day with soft, classical music. Sit on the outdoor pavilion and enjoy the breathtaking views while trying our fi ne, handcrafted wines. nctg.co/bJMsw Hendersonville Burntshirt Vineyards, 2695 Sugarloaf Rd., (828) 685-2402. Magnifi cent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from patios overlooking our vineyards. Savor our award-winning wines that are estate-grown, produced and bottled at the state-of-the-art winery. nctg.co/bH5xj Hands On, 318 N. Main St., (828) 697-8333. Educational exhibits and programs stimulate the imagination and motivate learning for children ages 1 to 10. Hands-on exhibits include a grocery store, Lego ramp, vet hospital and costume theater. nctg.co/bFrBD Henderson County Heritage Museum, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, #4, (828) 694-1619. Housed in the historic courthouse are artifacts, collections, demonstrations and other exhibitions relating to the area’s culture, heritage and stories. nctg.co/bMmcz Holmes Educational State Forest, 1299 Crab Creek Rd., (828) 692-0100. Rugged terrain, numerous rock outcroppings and scenic vistas are accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of the managed forest. nctg.co/bnzss Jump Off Rock, 4433 Laurel Park Hwy., Scenic overlook provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Three hiking trials vary in length and diffi culty. nctg.co/bcMpx Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, 400 N. Main St., (828) 698-1977. Features the natural beauty of minerals, gems, fossils and artifacts found in North See page 161 for local information sources. visitnc.com 79 AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Carolina, the United States and around the world. Displays include a dinosaur egg cluster, fl uorescent minerals, geodes, petrifi ed wood and large logs. nctg.co/bS436 Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, 588 Chestnut Gap Rd., (828) 685-4002. Nestled on 10 acres with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sample our Riesling blends, red Cabernets and Chardonnays, each with dry and semi-sweet versions. nctg.co/bAaCk Team ECCO Center for Ocean Awareness, 511 N. Main St., (828) 692-8386. Only public aquarium in western North Carolina. More than 20 tanks have sea horses, stingrays, shark pups, lion fi sh and a touch tank. Interactive programs and displays engage all ages nctg.co/bSRhg Western North Carolina Air Museum, 1340 Gilbert St., (828) 698-2482. Award-winning restored, replica antique and vintage airplanes, plus aviation artifacts such as manuals, photographs and airplane models. nctg.co/bFUmX Hiddenite Emerald Hollow Mine, 484 Emerald Hollow Mine Dr., (828) 635-1126. Dig, sluice or “go creekin.” Find emeralds, hiddenite, quartz, garnet, sapphire, aquamarine and more. nctg.co/bFDtE Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center at the Historic Lucas Mansion, 316 Hiddenite Church Rd., (828) 632-6966. Victorian mansion houses antiques and collectibles, local gem and mineral collection, art gallery with changing exhibits, and a toy and doll collection. nctg.co/bAMCZ Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, 3451 Rocky Face Church Rd., (828) 632-1093. Former quarry operation has sheer cliff faces popular with rock climbers. Paved ADA walking track is outside the quarry area, and 5 miles of trails take hikers along the top of the quarry cliff s and to the mountain peak. nctg.co/bV6vW Highlands Highlands Area Waterfalls, various locations, (828) 526-2114. Bridal Veil Falls, located on US 64/28 W., cascades 120 feet over the highway. Dry Falls also on US 64/28 W. is a 75-foot waterfall that visitors can walk behind. Glen Falls, on NC Hwy. 106 S., is a series of three large falls, dropping approximately 60 feet each. nctg.co/bqKK8 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass, 472 Chestnut St., (828) 526-3415. Collection of antique cut and engraved glass made in America between 1876 and 1916. nctg.co/bYBVs Whiteside Mountain, Whiteside Mountain Rd., (828) 586-3765. Named for its sheer, white cliff s, mountain rises more than 2,100 feet above the Nantahala National Forest. National recreation trail, making a 2-mile loop, winds to the 4,930-foot summit. nctg.co/bTga7 Hot Springs Historic Hot Springs, US Hwy. 70, (828) 622-9932. Located at the junction of the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the middle of the area. Way station for hikers and magnet for people who want to experience the therapeutic value and healing power of the hot springs. nctg.co/bageb Hudson Six Waterpots Vineyard & Winery, 4040 James Dr., (828) 728-5099. Enjoy the Old World feel of the winery, with its tapestry ceilings, as you enjoy a glass of your favorite wine. To suit a variety of palates, we off er both dry and sweet in each of our wines. nctg.co/bZXap Jeff erson Museum of Ashe County History, 301 E. Main St., (336) 846-1904. Located in the 1904 Victorian courthouse, displays highlight the area’s history, from moonshining to military involvement. Virginia Creeper exhibit features a model train connecting towns in Ashe County. Ore Knob Mine exhibit has a diorama and simulates a 19th-century mine shaft. nctg.co/bHvqm Lake Junaluska World Methodist Museum, 575 N. Lakeshore Dr., (828) 456-7242. The story of John Wesley, his family and the formation of Methodism in the 18th century. World’s largest collection of Wesleyan Staff ordshire pottery, plus rare books, manuscripts and autographs. Artifacts depict the fi eld preaching aspect of early Methodism, such as Wesley’s traveling pulpit and Francis Asbury’s trunk. nctg.co/bckDA Lake Lure Beach at Lake Lure & Water Works, 2724 Memorial Hwy., (828) 625-0077. Float on the water, build sand castles, or picnic with friends and family. For a soaking good time, visit our water park for soaking games, a water slide and water cannons. nctg.co/bfmGe Boulderline Adventure Programs, 456 Boland Dr., (828) 625-4913. Six ziplines fl y ridge to ridge with “bunny slopes” for ages 3 and up, plus a 32-foot climbing tower and a giant hillside swing. nctg.co/bwFRe Canopy Ridge Farm, 7115 US Hwy. 64, (828) 625-4500. Nestled in Hickory Nut Gorge, ziplines are designed with exhilarating features, including Zip Zilla, which is more than 1000 feet long and engineered for speed. nctg.co/buz4T Laurel Springs New River State Park, 358 New River State Park Rd., (336) 982-2587. Park is base camp for exploration of this Natural and Wild Scenic River. Enjoy paddling, fi shing, picnicking and wildlife viewing. nctg.co/bDQ3S Thistle Meadow Winery, 102 Thistle Meadow, (800) 233-1505. We produce a wide variety of wines—reds, whites and blushes— ranging from sweet to dry. Tours include tastings of wines made from grapes grown around the world. nctg.co/bRCJm Leicester Addison Farms Vineyard, 4005 New Leicester Hwy., (828) 581-9463. Our elevation allows for nearly 360 degrees of beautiful mountain views. Current varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng. nctg.co/bdF5X Lenoir Caldwell Heritage Museum, 112 Vaiden St., (828) 758-4004. Chronological history of Caldwell County, from pre-Colonial days until the present, through a series of exhibits. Special-interest collections include medicine, music, military and photography. nctg.co/bF84G Carolina Distillery, 1001 West Ave., NW, (828) 499-3095. Premium brandies using apples or strawberries, plus apple pie moonshine. Guided tour on Friday and Saturday includes a fl ight of samples and a commemorative shot glass. nctg.co/b9MYG Fort Defi ance, 1792 Fort Defi ance Dr., (828) 758-1671. Restored 1792 home of Revolutionary War hero Gen. William Lenoir. Considered to be one of the most unique restorations in the country, house contains more than 300 pieces of original furnishings and artifacts. nctg.co/b3fx2 Tuttle Educational State Forest, 3420 Playmore Beach Rd., (828) 757-5608. Wide variety of pines and hardwoods, plus rolling terrain and clear streams. Accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and display that explain the ecology of the managed forest. nctg.co/bhZsm Twisted Vine Winery, 487 Legion Rd., (828) 726-3185. Handcrafted wines full of Southern tradition, ranging from dry reds and whites, such as Merlot and Chardonnay, to sweet wines, including blackberry, peach, muscadine and our special chocolate-strawberry. nctg.co/bkQqP Linville Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy., (828) 733-4337. Known for the 360-degree views from our Mile High Swinging Bridge. Ecologically diverse nature preserve where you can get eye-to-eye with bears, cougars, otters and eagles in natural habitats. Learn about the natural world from guides, stroll gentle paths or hike
Object Description
Description
Title | North Carolina : the official... travel guide |
Other Title | Official travel guide of North Carolina; Official... travel guide |
Date | 2018 |
Description | 2018 |
Digital Characteristics-A | 69.8 MB; 182 p. |
Digital Format | application/pdf |
Pres File Name-M | pubs_serial_44441958_ncofficial2018 |
Full Text | VISIT NORTH CAROLINA 4324 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4324 VISITNC.COM PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT NO. 1095 OFFICIAL 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE VISITNC.COM WILD OUTDOORS Pack your sense of adventure for a trek to the mountains. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT NO. 1095 VISIT NORTH CAROLINA 4324 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4324 VISITNC.COM OFFICIAL 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE VISITNC.COM URBAN RENEWAL Feel the energy as you explore the lively cities of the Piedmont region. PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID RALEIGH, NC PERMIT NO. 1095 VISIT NORTH CAROLINA 4324 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-4324 VISITNC.COM OFFICIAL 2018 TRAVEL GUIDE VISITNC.COM ROCK THE COAST Find splashes of color at beaches, art museums, restaurants and music festivals. Have a Big Vacation in a Small Town Calhoun House Inn & Suites Nantahala adventures, luxury lodging and scenic train rides are just three of the great vacation experiences awaiting you in Bryson City. Experience tubing on a cool mountain creek, waterfalls, hiking and mountain biking. Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Cherokee Indian Reservation. Catch fish in our mountain streams, rivers and lake. Drink in the breathtaking views. It’s all just an hour west of Asheville and three hours north of Atlanta. Start planning your big vacation today! Visit GreatSmokies.com for a complete directory of restaurants, shops, events, activities and lodging in the North Carolina Smokies. 800-867-9246 Spacious, affordable 4-room luxury suites with private entrances, private baths with Jacuzzi tubs, fully equipped kitchens, and pillow top king beds. Just 1 block to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad depot, downtown shops and restaurants. More info at CalhounHouse.com. 828-788-0505. Wildwater guides you into the Appalachians with activities for everyone. Whether going on a jeep tour, rafting down the Nantahala, or zipping through the trees, Wildwater’s guides lead you on the path less traveled. Learn more at WildwaterRafting.com. 888-272-3886. Take a scenic train ride along the beautiful Nantahala River. Choose from a variety of seating selections. Treat the family to themed events like: The Polar Express, Dinosaur Train™ and Peanuts™ Pumpkin Patch Express. Learn more about our packages, events and Fall color excursions at GSMR.com. 800-872-4681. ® Navitat zipline adventures thrill, educate and inspire! Two incredible tours, one world-class location. The Moody Cove Adventure takes you soaring through and among the treetops, while the Blue Ridge Experience sends you fl ying from mountaintop to mountaintop on some of the highest, fastest and longest ziplines in the nation! navitat.com/asheville 855-NAVITAT Experience the breathtaking beauty of Biltmore House — America’s largest home® — and century-old gardens. Explore our 8,000-acre Blue Ridge Mountain backyard, then taste award-winning wines, dine and shop in Antler Hill Village & Winery. Relax in our two splendid hotels for a complete getaway. biltmore.com 877-BILTMORE The best of the mountains in one place! Spectacular 75-mile views accessible by foot or a unique elevator built inside the mountain. Featuring hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, an animal discovery den, special events and more. Only 25 miles southeast of Asheville on U.S. 74A. Open all year. Pets are welcome. chimneyrockpark.com 800-277-9611 Navitat Canopy Adventures Biltmore Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Black Mountain Stop, shop and rock in “The Little Town that Rocks,” a quaint, scenic mountain town 10 minutes east of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Shop for arts, crafts, antiques or furniture. Embark on outdoor adventures — hiking, biking or fi shing. Enjoy 40 restaurants, three breweries, live music and 30 artistic rocking chairs. exploreblackmountain.com 800-207-8759 ExploreAsheville.com 877-GO-TO-AVL Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk & The Small Towns of the Blue Ridge Request a free Vacation Planner! 800-438-7500 Call the Regional Visitor Center: 800.438.7500 MountainsofNC.com Winding trails and mile-high views star at Craggy Gardens along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Learn more on page 24. R U G G E D B E A U T Y 4 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE FEATURES 13 | DISCOVERIES J ump-start your journey by exploring the state’s history and diversity. Dive into pirate lore, track down auto racing legends, and get a taste of whiskey and wine. Tour the epic Blue Ridge Parkway, artsy Winston-Salem and majestic coastal lighthouses. You’ll also zoom in on fi lming sites of favorite movies and TV shows. 35 | NATURAL ENCOUNTERS Take a wildly entertaining look at the creature features of North Carolina state parks, zoos, aquariums, nature centers and sanctuaries. 40 | INCREDIBLE EATS Whether it’s spicy seafood, smoky barbecue or decadent desserts and doughnuts, the state sets food trends with its twists on classic favorites. CONTENTS For more information www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com To learn more about the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (910) 483-5311 6 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE FEATURES (CONTINUED) 46 | ONLY IN NC Dozens of unique attractions stretch 543 miles across the state from Manteo to Murphy. 50 | GOLF LEGENDS Boasting fam ed Pinehurst and ties to Donald Ross, North Carolina is hallowed golf ground. Survey the state’s mountainside tracks, seaside links and putting-only courses. 54 | STATE OF ART A-list art museums in the Piedmont, legendary music venues in the mountains and cool waterfront festivals on the coast power an eclectic cultural scene. 58 | HOME TO HISTORY Three cities chronicle these important chapters in the state’s past: the birth of Pepsi-Cola, the heritage of native Cherokee people and the importance of Fort Bragg. 62 | SPLASH ZONE Water, water everywhere— oscillating ocean waves, peaceful Piedmont lakes and wild whitewater in the mountains. There are many fun ways to get soaked on your North Carolina getaway. MOUNTAINS 74 Attractions 84 Accommodations 95 Campgrounds PIEDMONT 104 Attractions 121 Accommodations 135 Campgrounds COAST 139 Attractions 148 Accommodations 158 Campgrounds LISTINGS 161 LOCAL INFO SOURCES 164 STATE INFO SOURCES 166 ATTRACTIONS INDEX 170 CITY INDEX 172 ADVERTISER INDEX 58 40 35 50 62 PHOTOGRAPHS: (MUSEUM, FOOD, SURFING) RYAN DONNELL There’s nothing quite like island life. Time slows, and you begin to notice things. Your phone starts getting more use as a camera and less as an email/work tether (it’ll be there when you get back). Friends and family – you – just feel more alive and in the moment. Sunrises and sunsets become events to behold. Simple acts like a shoreline stroll, or even a night sky absolutely full of stars, take on a new meaning. This is life on The Outer Banks. Breathe, savor, repeat. 877-629-4386 | AmericasFirstBeach.com The Outer Banks ® OF NORTH CAROLINA AmericaÕs First Beach Stay connected with the OBX Facebook.com/TheOuterBanks Instagram.com/TheOuterBanksNC Pop Quiz 1. Which legendary pirate—who spent a fair amount of time along the North Carolina coast—died exactly 300 years ago? ANSWER ON PAGE 14 . 2. Which state park boasts the highest point in the eastern United States? ANSWER ON PAGE 26. 3. Where can you fi nd only veteran-owned breweries in a town rich with military history? ANSWER ON PAGE 61. 4. Where can you see wild horses on the Outer Banks? Hint: It’s not Shackleford Banks, though you can see wild horses there, too . ANSWER ON PAGE 39. 5. What mountain city contains America’s largest private home? ANSWER ON PAGE 41. THINK YOU KNOW THE TAR HEEL STATE? 6. How many lighthouses line the state’s coast? ANSWER ON PAGE 32. 7. Which body of water is the state’s largest man-made lake—and reportedly is home to an elusive sea monster named Normie? ANSWER ON PAGE 66. 8. Where can you fi nd the World’s Largest China Shop—and take a free tour? ANSWER ON PAGE 48. 9. What famous doughnut company got its start in Winston-Salem? ANSWER ON PAGE 42. 10. Where can you see the remains of the famous train-bus crash featured in The Fugitive starring Harrison Ford? ANSWER ON PAGE 30. See how many of these questions you can answer before looking through the guide. If you get seven or more correct (no peeking!), consider yourself an NC expert. PHOTOGRAPHS: (PIRATE) RYAN DONNELL, (MILITARY) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (HOME) JOHN NOLTNER, (LIGHTHOUSE) BRUCE DEBOER, (CHINA) NATALIA WEEDY 8 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE The four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate® Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate® BILTMORE.COM Y O U R R O O M K E Y U N L O C K S A N 8,0 0 0 - A C R E E S T A T E. St rol l histor ic gardens. Stargaze wi th a glass of wine. Savor the awe- inspir ing se t t ing of America’s Largest Home®. From fl y- f i shing to f ine dining, Bil tmore offers a wealth of ac t i v i t i e s for over night estat e gues t s to explore at thei r l eisure. 10 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE RULES OF THE ROAD • Seat belt use is mandatory for drivers and passengers in front and rear seats. • Child seats are required for children younger than age 8 or children less than 80 pounds. Learn more at buckleupnc.org. • When passing an emergency vehicle, tow truck or work crew with flashing lights on the highway shoulder, move over one lane if possible, or reduce speed. • In work zones, obey the speed limit, stay alert and be aware of physical hazards such as traffic shifts or lane reductions. • If you are in a minor, non-injury accident, move your vehicle to the shoulder of the road. • Motorists are required to use headlights when using windshield wipers in inclement weather. • Right turns on red are permitted after a complete stop, unless otherwise posted. Left turns on red are not permitted. • Cell phone use by drivers younger than 18 is prohibited except in an emergency or when talking to a parent or spouse. • It is illegal to read or send text messages or e-mails while driving. • Motorcyclists must wear helmets and use headlights at all times. • Littering is against the law and carries a sizable fine. Learn more by searching Swat-a-Litterbug online. STATEWIDE TRAVEL INFORMATION Information on travel conditions is available online at ncdot.gov/ traffictravel, where you can search by region, route or county for current traffic, incident or adverse weather conditions that might affect your trip. Via phone, visitors can access updated travel information, including construction and traffic delays along interstates and major highways, by dialing 511. To speak to a friendly VisitNC representative, call (800) VISIT NC (847-4862). DISABILITY ACCESS Information for travelers with disabilities is available online or via download in English and Spanish in ACCESS North Carolina: A Vacation and Travel Guide for People with Disabilities. This publication provides information about parking, paths, entrances and restrooms for hundreds of attractions, and it rates how accessible each attraction is for different types of disabilities. E-mail accessnorthcarolina@gmail. com to inquire about the vacation guide or accessible tourism in North Carolina. You may view the information online at ncdhhs.gov/ document/access-north-carolina. The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes a variety of standards for different types of properties. Visitors with disabilities and special needs are encouraged to contact the accommodations or attractions directly to learn about their accessibility features. FERRY INFORMATION The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s ferry system includes 21 ferries that operate 365 days a year on seven routes along the coast, including Bayview-Aurora, Currituck- Knotts Island, Cedar Island-Ocracoke, Swan Quarter-Ocracoke, Hatteras- Ocracoke, Cherry Branch-Minnesott Beach and Southport-Fort Fisher. Ferries can accommodate motorcycles and any size car, trailer or RV that can operate on the highway. Ferries provide links to lighthouses, pristine beaches, historic sites, outdoor recreational activities and more. Reservations for the Cedar Island-Ocracoke or Swan Quarter-Ocracoke routes can be made by calling (800) BY-FERRY (293-3779) or online at ncdot.gov/ferry. Motorists must claim their reservation at least 30 minutes prior to departure, or it will be canceled. All other ferry routes operate on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, including schedules and fares, call or visit the website. NORTH CAROLINA’S AMTRAK TRAIN SERVICE Amtrak service to North Carolina is the gateway to your getaway with 12 daily Amtrak passenger trains serving 25 North Carolina cities. There are also daily round-trip train services between Raleigh and Charlotte and connecting thruway service to the eastern North Carolina coast. Plan your trip and purchase tickets online at amtrak.com, or call (800) USA-RAIL (872-7245). WELCOME CENTERS AND REST AREAS North Carolina’s welcome centers and highway rest areas offer opportunities for convenient, brief stops, and they provide easy roadside access to public restrooms, snack/ drink machines, drinking water and telephones. Welcome centers also offer picnic tables, family restrooms and even displays of North Carolina crafts. Professional travel counselors located at each welcome center provide detailed travel information and distribute the state’s Official North Carolina Travel Guide, the Department of Transportation’s official state map and other marketing publications exclusively about North Carolina. They can also book room reservations at no charge for visitors staying overnight in the Tar Heel State. The welcome centers are open 8 a.m–5 p.m. daily, except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Rest areas are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about traveling in North Carolina, go to visitnc.com. SAFETY AND ALERTS Download the free ReadyNC app to your iPhone or Android device for the latest weather conditions, real-time traffic reports, severe weather alerts and more. Safety tips regarding hiking, swimming, camping, and visiting beaches and waterfalls are available at visitnc.com/safety. INFO FOR TRAVELERS 877-227-7071 | www.VacationOakIsland.com From the pristine beaches of Oak Island to historic Southport, OIA offers 500+ vacation rentals with dog-friendly and event-friendly options. Are we there yet? 800-795-7263 | www.ncbrunswick.com 800-334-3581 | www.TheWinds.com Oceanfront rooms/suites. Subtropical gardens. Breathtaking beach. Resort cottages, hot Southern breakfast buffet, 3 pools & Tiki bar/dining. Free summer golf! 800-842-6949 | www.HoldenBeachVacations.com Holden Beach, where friends and family go to play and reconnect! Over 100 island homes in our inventory to choose from. 800-720-2200 | www.Holden-Beach.com With nearly 300 vacation homes, let us help you find your quiet “escape” to Holden Beach, America’s Best Family Beach! 888-321-9048 | www.SeaTrail.com Three award-winning championship golf courses, comfortable accommodations, fine dining and 40,000 sq. ft. of event space, just minutes from the beach. 800-843-6044 | www.SloaneVacations.com Grand homes to quaint cottages and condos, Sloane Realty Vacations has a large collection of vacation rentals on Ocean Isle Beach and Sunset Beach, NC. D I S C O V E R I E S EVERY JOURNEY RESULTS IN A STORY, and in North Carolina, there are plenty of exciting plot lines to discover. Dive into a land of legendary pirates, auto racing, movie sites and stellar sips. CHO O S E YO U R A D V E N T U R E Park your vehicle on Four- Wheel-Drive Beach at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area to enjoy surf fishing and sightings of loggerhead sea turtles. BY GARY THOMPSON visitnc.com 13 No pirate in colonial North Carolina instilled more fear or inspired more legends than Blackbeard. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the notorious Englishman’s death, making it a good time to explore his historical haunts. THEPirate LIFE MY T H V S . F A C T Myth: Pirates made prisoners walk the plank. Fact: Pirates tortured prisoners with preferred methods like keelhauling. Off enders were stripped and dragged by a rope along the razor-sharp barnacles on the ship’s bottom. DISCOVERIES P IR AT E F O R A DAY Face paint and costumes get kids ready for Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks in Manteo. They join the crew of the pirate ship Sea Gypsy as it hunts for sunken treasure on Shallowbag Bay. 14 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE exploits southern Banks’ of his favorite hangouts. Despite his bad reputation, Blackbeard had good taste in island getaways. Ocracoke, accessible by ferry, off ers 16 miles of unspoiled beach for strolling and relaxing. Ocracoke’s south end provided a haven for Blackbeard at a spot called Teach’s Hole (for his presumed real name, Edward Teach). That’s also where Blackbeard lost his life (and head) to Lt. Robert Maynard of Britain’s Royal Navy. See a model of his fl agship, the Queen Anne’s Revenge, at Teach’s Hole Blackbeard Exhibit and Pirate Specialty Shop. Embrace Ocracoke’s laid-back lifestyle and nods to its pirate past at historic Blackbeard’s Lodge, which has housed island guests in its 38 rooms since 1936. Glimpse Blackbeard’s alleged Bath-area address, Plum Point, from a vantage point in front of Bonner House at the Bath State Historic Site. Legend says foundation ruins visible from the vantage point are of his home. A room at the historic Van Der Veer House displays a graphite vase said to be the pirate’s money pot. This year has been dubbed the Year of Blackbeard in Bath. Visit in May for Bath Fest. B AT H OCR A COK E I S L A ND PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL Blackbeard and the Pirates of Carolina, Beaufort MY T H V S . F A C T Myth: After Blackbeard’s headless body was thrown overboard, it swam around his ship several times before sinking. Fact: Medical science would say that’s unlikely. But it makes for a great story. visitnc.com 15 Learn more about Blackbeard’s life and at the s outhern Outer Ocracoke Island, one Blackbeard’s boot prints cover historic Bath, the state’s fi rst town, which served as the rogue’s home during the summer of 1718. Blackbeard’s spirit permeates the Beaufort region, where his ship still lies on the seafl oor and people pass down pirate lore to new generations. See cannons, grenades and other restored artifacts from Blackbeard’s Queen Anne’s Revenge at Beaufort’s North Carolina Maritime Museum, near where the ship was found in 1996. The adjacent Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center off ers boatbuilding for all skill levels. The wreck of the Queen Anne’s Revenge lies in 30 feet of water near the Beaufort Inlet, about a mile off Fort Macon State Park and Atlantic Beach. The fort offers excellent views of the spot where Blackbeard’s ship went aground. For a fins-on view of the sea’s perils (and beauty), scuba dive the area’s shipwreck-filled waters. Discovery Diving in Beaufort offers charters for certified divers to wrecks of different eras and depths. Back on dry land, Blackbeard and the Pirates of Carolina by Port City Tour Company introduces Blackbeard’s friends and enemies on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site. Beaufort becomes a village of pillagers during the Beaufort Pirate Invasion in August. Pirate actors roam the streets, engaging in sword fights and bursting into song. Another Pirate Invasion, complete with treasure hunt, takes place during the summer on Bald Head Island at the southern tip of the coast. BE AUFORT ARE A PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center, Beaufort DISCOVERIES Blackbeard marker, Bath 16 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Riverwalk dock parties. Brew bus tours along the Ale Trail. Hollywood film sites. Overflowing with vibrant variety, no two getaways here are alike. From celebrated farm-to-table dining to Harbor Island walking tours, choose to stray off course. WilmingtonAndBeachesInfo.com 877-945-6386 North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame, Mooresville PHOTOGRAPH: PATRICK SCHNEIDER DISCOVERIES Revved UP North Carolina waved the green fl ag to launch NASCAR in 1947. Today, the Charlotte area continues to drive stock-car racing with icons of the sport’s past and present. include a van ride around the 1.5-mile quad-oval track, a trip down pit road and a picture in the winner’s circle. Drive a race simulator and test your tire-changing speed as a pit crew member at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. Race fans and non-fans alike will enjoy the high-tech venue’s hands-on exhibits honoring NASCAR’s heritage. Pay homage to one NASCAR Hall of Famer, the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. , with a self-guided tour of his life and career landmarks in and around his hometown, Kannapolis. Stops on the Dale Trail include the neighborhood where The Intimidator grew up, the roads he cruised as a teen, and a 9-foot statue of the racing legend. See the inner workings of a top NASCAR racing team at Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte (Chase Elliott, William Byron and Jimmie Johnson are part of the team here). Fans visit the facility for free, getting a behind-the-scenes look at race shop viewing areas that reveal team members prepping cars, and a museum that displays memorabilia. Just a few miles away in Concord, get a lap in at the venerable Charlotte Motor Speedway, which opened in 1959 and hosts premier NASCAR eve nts in May and September this year, as well as other races. Tours NASCAR history begins in moonshine country, where Prohibition-era bootleggers souped up their cars to outrun the law. Get a taste of the state’s need for speed at these museums. NORTH CAROLINA AUTO RACING HALL OF FAME, MOORESVILLE More than 40 cars span eras and types. A 1940 Ford recalls moonshine runners, while Rusty Wallace’s NASCAR Winston Cup car from 1980 highlights a more modern racing age. PETTY MUSEUM, RANDLEMAN See cars and trophies belonging to King of NASCAR Richard Petty and his family, who have racked up a combined 10 NASCAR championships. Petty’s Garage (also in Randleman) produces high-performance street cars. RACE TIME NASCAR drivers don’t need valid state driver’s licenses to compete in events. However, they must pay for an annual license from NASCAR. L E T ’ S S E E S OME ID 18 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE North Carolina contains more than 40 state parks, including Hammocks Beach State Park in Swansboro. Esse Quam Videri First in Flight First in Freedom The fi rst colony to sign a declaration of independence from Great Britain , called the Halifax Resolves. It begins “Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine ...” 301 That’s the seventh-greatest amount in the United States. 1.25 million November 21, 1789 Raleigh Charlotte 10,146,788 DISCOVERIES PHOTOGRAPH: RYAN DONNELL Translation: To be, rather than to seem. Can you guess why? (The Wright Brothers!) The only state to have one. Quick, name all four national forests! (Pisgah, Nantahala, Uwharrie, Croatan) OFFICIAL STATE MOTTO OTHER STATE MANTRAS STATE TOAST MILES OF OCEAN COASTLINE ACRES OF NATIONAL FORESTS STATEHOOD GRANTED CAPITAL LARGEST CITY POPULATION 101 20 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Population 842,051— and counting. It’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. VISITLAKENORMAN.ORG • @VISITLAKENORMAN ) I S , % % $ CORNELIUS DAVIDSON HUNTERSVILLE TOURCLEVELANDCOUNTY.COM v i S i t MUSH, MUSIC, BBQ AND BASEBALL 704-487-8521 Shelby, NC 704-434-9996 3 ÄÄÄ ÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ ÄÄÄÄÄ PHOTOGRAPHS: MARTY BALDWIN DISCOVERIES Anything But Run-of-the-Mill Enjoy craft beers and more at a reimagined 1800s mill in Rocky Mount on the Tar River. Rocky Mount Mills is a new live-work-play destination featuring restaurants, taprooms, music, restored homes, and, in partnership with Nash Community College, a brewery incubator off ering education and equipment to new beer-makers. Two craft breweries already have opened in the development: • Koi Pond Brewing Company crafts unfi ltered ales like the Double Dragon Imperial IPA, which soothes you with a rich, malty backbone. • Tarboro Brewing Company’s satellite location, TBC West: Taproom and Tacos, sells shrimp and caulifl ower tacos along with its beers. Local honey fl avors Nana’s Roof, a Belgian-style brew. DOUBLE BARLEY BREWING SMITHFIELD Sample brews in a striking taproom built with materials from two local barns. Or kick back in the shaded beer garden. Try crowd favorite Thrilla in Vanilla, a smooth porter brewed with homemade vanilla extract. GREGORY VINEYARDS ANGIER Rock on the porch with a glass of wine and countryside views. If it’s chilly out, sit inside by the fi re. Off erings include the Bald Eagle, a dry white muscadine wine that suits seafood, chicken and salads. Try pairings at on-site Lane’s Seafood and Steak House. SIP.SMILE. Repeat Triple your pleasure on a liquid tasting tour Beer, Wine and Shine Trail invites you to indulge at fi ve stops with special deals. 1 5 2 4 DEEP RIVER BREWING COMPANY CLAYTON Paul and Lynn Auclair opened Johnston County’s fi rst legal brewery in 2013, using locally grown produce, hops and grain. Frequent live music and food trucks add to the Main Street ambience. The Twisted River Wit, a Belgian wheat beer, refreshes with citrus fl avors. BROADSLAB DISTILLERY BENSON Sip genuine small-batch hooch made in moonshine country. Owner Jeremy Norris uses a family recipe and corn grown on the property to create white lightning in a copper pot still. Take a tour and hit the tasting room to try Legacy Appleshine, a whiskey infused with spices and juice. of the Piedmont . The new Johnston County 22 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE 3HINNANT FAMILY VINEYARDS PINE LEVEL Come for a tasting or a tour at one of the state’s largest vineyards growing muscadine gra pes, a variety known for its distinctive fruit-forward fl avor. The sweet Tar Heel Red makes a refreshing apéritif and pairs well with chocolate and cheesecake. www. b l u e r i d g e t r a v e l e r s . c o m Find a great place to stay, local events and more online. Call 888-233-6111 to receive a free visitor guide and map. Waterfalls & Hiking • Mountain Biking • Mountain Music Gold and Gem Mines • Boutique Wineries Museums and Historic Sites Where do you want to be? Don’t take the same old journey. Be somewhere genuine. Be somewhere amazing. Be changed. 800.828.4244 · visithendersonvillenc.org Call for your complimentary Getaway Guide d i n k i t i n 24 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE With overlooks every few miles and a speed limit of 45 mph, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the ultimate scenic route. Allow plenty of time to experience the 252-mile stretch of mountain vistas and colorful detours that winds through North Carolina . THE STATS 17 North Carolina counties 3 national forests 25 tunnels 369 miles of hiking trails 2,074 species of plants MILEPOST 456 HOOFIN’ IT Hop on a horse at Cataloochee Ranch, located above Maggie Valley. Its trails wind through rhododendron tunnels and follow mountain ridges for incredible views. Stay in an on-site lodge, cabin or ranch house, and enjoy family-style cooking with a side of Southern hospitality. MILEPOST 384 GETTING ORIENTED In Asheville, the Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center provides the perfect orientation with a 22-foot interactive map highlighting points of interest, plus information about various tree species to spot along the way and displays about music styles that developed along the road. MILEPOST 382 SOUVENIRS YOU’LL TREASURE Home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the Folk Art Center boasts the oldest continuously operating crafts shop in the country, plus a permanent collection of southern Appalachian works. DISCOVERIES AMERICA’S FAVORITE Drive Linn Cove Viaduct, Milepost 304 MILEPOST 469 MILEPOST 217 People say something changes in you Somewhere along the road to Highlands. Ä Ä Ù¦ù Ê¥ Ýù Ù ¥®Ä à Äã Ä ÊóÄ-«ÊÃ Ä ®¦« ÊÙ½®Ä ÝÝ thrives atop this fertile plateau in North Carolina’s Nantahala National Forest. Artistry and inspiration flourish, creating a downtown experience of interactive arts and performances, fashionable shopping excursions and adventurous dining on fresh innovations by celebrated chefs and mixologists. Just beyond the downtown, the plateau’s crystal headwaters feed rivers, lakes, swimming holes and waterfalls, creating a freeing and curative playground for those who venture up. VisitHighlandsNC.com 26 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Multiple Swiss fl ags proclaim the heritage of chalet-dotted Little Switzerland. The village features an inn, shops and restaurants, including the Switzerland Cafe, serving not-so-Swiss barbecue with Appalachian cornbread. MILEPOST 305 MILE-HIGH THRILL Walk across America’s highest suspension footbridge at Grandfather Mountain, a nature preserve with large enclosures where visitors can get close to black bears, cougars and river otters. SWISS, PLEASE MILEPOST 334 MILEPOST 355 VIEW TO REMEMBER It’s a relatively easy hike up a paved path to the observation deck on Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the eastern United States, at 6,684 feet. From there, the 3/4-mile Balsam Nature Trail at Mount Mitchell State Park takes you to the East’s highest spring. MILEPOST 365 FLOWER POWER Pink and purple Catawba rhododendron blooms explode at Craggy Gardens in June. A hike along the Craggy Pinnacle trail hits the most striking displays. Even if you miss the peak blooms, this place is perfect for a mountaintop picnic throughout the spring, summer and fall months. DISCOVERIES MILEPOST 230 GOING BALD The 600-foot granite dome of Stone Mountain stands out against the lush surroundings of the Blue Ridge. The towering landmark acts as an anchor to Stone Mountain State Park, with great options for hiking, fi shing and climbing (although you need a permit to climb the mountain). AN ENGINEERING MARVEL Built to preserv e adjacent Grandfather Mountain, the 1,243-foot-long S-curve known as the Linn Cove Viaduct skirts the Blue Ridge terrain, creating one of the most photographed spots along the P arkway. MILEPOST 304 CAPTURING BEAUTY Mount Mitchell State Park’s trails lead to close-ups of white snakeroot, ox-eye daisies, purple fringed orchids and other wildfl owers. Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds Twenty-five luxury cabins on delightful 40-acre forested property with trout pond, stream, waterfall, gardens and fountains. All cabins are tastefully decorated, completely equipped and beautifully furnished. Amenities include seasonal woodburning fireplaces, covered decks, hot tubs and much more. One-, two-and three-bedroom cabins available. Luxury, serenity and comfort await you! (800) 235-2474 www.ashevillecabins.com CASHIERS CHEROKEE DILLSBORO SYLVA DiscoverJacksonNC.com Like getaways, some trails are more fun an o ers. Why is the buzzard’s head bare? Why do moles live underground? The ancient Cherokees knew. You’ll just need more than an afternoon to find out yourself. Plan your overnight stay at 800.438.1601 or VisitCherokeeNC.com. Cultural Adventure #46 With thousands of Cherokee mysteries to explore, you might want to get comfortable for a while. Mary’s Gourmet Diner PHOTOGRAPHS: (MARY’S, THE KATHARINE) COURTESY OF VISIT WINSTON-SALEM, (REYNOLDA) COURTESY OF REYNOLDA HOUSE, (ARTIVITY) NATALIA WEEDY, (OLD SALEM) BRETT AND JESSICA DONAR DISCOVERIES Br eakfast MARY’S GOURMET DINER This is defi nitely the spot to get a feel for the local, artful fl avor of Winston-Salem, both on the plate (hello, breakfast nachos!) and in the booths, where local gallerists and entrepreneurs chat art and innovation. Mid-Mor ning DOWNTOWN ARTS DISTRICT Turn left out of Mary’s and stroll down Trade Street through the Downtown Arts District, a pedestrian-friendly area home to art galleries and shops. L ook for the red line on the sidewalk that leads to the new Artivity on the Green, an open space with murals, bright red sculptures and picnic areas. Lunch VILLAGE TAVERN AT REYNOLDA The original Dairyman’s Cottage on the 1,067-acre Reynolds Estate is now one of the most popular restaurants in the city. The burgers are divine (try the Tavern Burger with house “secret sauce”). Enjoy Reynolda Gardens on your way from here to Reynolda House Museum of American Art. Early Aft ernoon REYNOLDA HOUSE MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART The restored 1917 mansion of tobacco mogul R.J. Reynolds and his wife, Katharine, is now home to an impressive collection of American art, including works by Georgia O’Keeff e . Make sure you’re in the Reception Hall around 2:45, when the home’s original Aeolian organ fi lls the house with music. Late Aft ernoon OLD SALEM MUSEUMS & GARDENS Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Salem, a living-history museum and historic district . Step inside the potter’s workshop to see one of Salem’s earliest trades, and take in aromas of fresh bread at Winkler Bakery. Dinner THE KATHARINE BRASSERIE Named for R.J. Reynolds’ wife and situated in the former Tobacco Company headquarters, The Katharine ends the day on a sophisticated note. I like to sip a glass of rosé with friends and share Le Grand Plat Katharine (an assortment of fresh seafood). Reynolda House Museum of American Art Old Salem Museums & Gardens The Katharine Brasserie Downtown Arts District Artivity on the Green REYNOLDA HOUSE DIRECTOR Al l ison Perkins ONEArtsy DAY Allison Perkins, director of Reynolda House Museum of American Art, curates her perfect Winston-Salem itinerary, revealing reasons behind its City of Arts and Innovation nickname. 28 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Experience HISTORY in a place where art, culture, tradition and cuisine shape our everyday. Explore our Historic Homes and Gardens Collection, including tours of Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Reynolda Gardens and historic Old Salem. Or visit us online to plan your unique getaway. Discover hotel packages, special offers and a host of seasonal events at VisitWinstonSalem.com. ® VISITWINSTONSALEM.COM (866) 728-4200 PHOTOGRAPHS: (RAILROAD) AARON MORGAN, (HELL’S KITCHEN) COURTESY OF WILMINGTON AND BEACHES CVB DISCOVERIES BLOCKBUSTER Birthdays Filmmakers and producers love this state for its sweeping coast, moody forests and picturesque villages. Mark the anniversaries of four classics with stops at their filming sites. One Tree Hill boosted the local economy by an estimated $300 million during its run, according to the Wilmington Regional Film Commission. O N E B IG PAY DAY Actress Natalie Wood died before filming on Brainstorm was complete, so Wood’s sister stepped in as a body double in some scenes. SUPPOR T ING A C T BRAINSTORM 1983 Natalie Wood’s last film, a somewhat prescient tale about virtual reality technology, features Duke Gardens and Duke University Chapel in Durham, plus the Wright Brothers National Memorial in the Outer Banks. The futuristic Elion-Hitchings Building in Research Triangle Park makes an appearance, as does Pinehurst. YEARS 35 ONE TREE HILL PREMIERE, 2003 You won’t find Tree Hill, North Carolina, on a map, but you can visit Wilmington’s Riverwalk, which was used numerous times as a filming location for the TV drama. In one episode, a funeral takes place at nearby Airlie Gardens, with its enchanting Pergola Garden of jasmine flowers. Return to Tree Hill conventions draw thousands of fans (and some celebrity guests) to the coastal city. YEARS 15 See more than a dozen Dawson’s Creek sites in Wilmington’s Historic District. Andie and Pacey had their first kiss at Riverfront Park. K IS S CAME O DAWSON’S CREEK PREMIERE, 1998 Hell’s Kitchen in Wilmington served as a location for this TV drama, which ran until 2003. For the final season, producers bought a natural food store and dressed it as a college bar. Later, a restaurateur purchased the place and opened it for business, keeping the TV name. Hell’s Kitchen also appeared in One Tree Hill as the Swinging Monkey Bar. YEARS 20 The train crash in The Fugitive took 10 weeks to plan and 60 seconds to capture. Afterward, one camera was found buried in 26 feet of dirt. SMASH S U C C E SS THE FUGITIVE 1993 An epic train wreck awaits when you ride the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad’s Tuckasegee River Excursion from Bryson City to Dillsboro. The route passes the rusted remains of the famous train-bus crash in the film starring Harrison Ford. Fugitive Richard Kimble’s high dive from a dam into the water below was shot at Cheoah Dam in Deals Gap. YEARS 25 Duke University Chapel, Durham Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City Wilmington Riverwalk Hell’s Kitchen, Wilmington 30 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Our best rates, free nights, perks and partner off ers at over 1,100 hotels myhellorewards.com ©2018 RLHC. All Rights Reserved A great place to stay, play, shop, meet, and celebrate... Where there is always good people, good music, good food, and fun for all ages. 800.849.6825 | www.rockymounttravel.com Almost There ...“Destination Rocky Mount” DOG PARK GOLF RESTAURANTS & BREWERIES HISTORY FESTIVALS DISCOVERIES CAPTURING Light Seven lighthouses line the coast—and most are open to the public. See them through the lenses of Instagrammers. SNAP IT BODIE ISLAND @cathyandersonphoto OCRACOKE ISLAND @jonathangrubbs CAPE LOOKOUT @chelseabrook OAK ISLAND @amberleigh.photography CURRITUCK BEACH @pivot.visuals.ben BALD HEAD ISLAND @jameselcoco CAPE HATTERAS @brandowat Tag #visitnc on social media for a chance to be featured online— or in a future travel guide! @visitNC @VisitNC @visitnc visitnc visitnc 32 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE your favorite North Carolina scene with Corolla • Carova • The Mainland Call 877.287.7488 for your free visitor’s guide. www.VisitCurrituck.com Discover a land of wild wonder on the Currituck Outer Banks, North Carolina. The legendary wild horses of Corolla, unique historical sites and family friendly beaches are just a few of the reasons why now is a great time to visit. Legends live on in Corolla. An awe-inspiring selection of products for cooking, dining, & entertaining: kitchen tools, cookware, grills, glassware, dinnerware, wine & beer, and linens. The Cooking, Dining, & Entertaining StoreTM University Place - 201 S Estes Drive Chapel Hill, NC 27514 (919) 929-7133 | southernseason.com Visit Us Today! A Chapel Hill, NC Landmark Cooking School Classes Weathervane Restaurant Unique & Delicious Gifts Coff ee & Tea Bar Weekend Brunch Full Deli Menu Candy & Chocolate Kitchen Tools ASHEVILLE, NC • (828) 299-1550 • KITCHENANDCOMPANY.COM Mount Pleasant, SC • Lewes, DE • Christiana, DE • Newington, NH Natural ENCOUNTERS Spot wild horses, howl with wolves, and experience other animal encounters at state parks, wildlife refuges, nature sanctuaries, aquariums and zoos. PHOTOGRAPH: PATRICK SCHNEIDER BY ANDREA NORDSTROM CAUGHEY Carolina Raptor Center, Huntersville visitnc.com 35 GREENSBORO SCIENCE CENTER GREENSBORO Visit the recent expansion of the Wiseman Aquarium, showcasing an exotic array of sea life. Check out African penguins at Penguin Point, plus visit tigers, wallabies, meerkats, black howler monkeys, Nile crocodiles and other species. SEA LIFE CHARLOTTE-CONCORD AQUARIUM CONCORD Get your hands wet handling spiny sea urchins, sea stars and crabs at an interactive touch-pool exhibit. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT FORT FISHER KURE BEACH Watch a scuba diver swim with rays and eels, then let free-fl ying birds land on your arm or feed them with nectar cups in the Lorikeet Landing exhibit. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM ON ROANOKE ISLAND MANTEO Observe the largest group of sharks in the state, visit playful otters, and pet stingrays. Learn about the aquarium’s conservation eff orts in the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center. NORTH CAROLINA AQUARIUM AT PINE KNOLL SHORES PINE KNOLL SHORES Step into an ocean setting and learn how far sea turtles travel and the huge threats they face at the Loggerhead Odyssey exhibit. TEAM ECCO OCEAN CENTER AND AQUARIUM HENDERSONVILLE See shark embryos developing in eggs and meet Charlotte the stingray. The center is also a showcase for turtles, tortoises, geckos and lizards. The state’s menagerie of zoos, aquariums, nature centers and sanctuaries entertains families while teaching important lessons about conservation and ecology. W IL D Exhibits Swing by one of the Watch polar bears Nikita and Anana take polar plunges in their Pedal one of the new Dragonfl y Paddle Boats to track waterfowl around the North Ride a “Zoofari” bus for intimate looks at gazelles, kudus, ostriches, rhinos and more during guided tours of the 40-acre WATER WORLDS The North in Asheboro covers 500 acres and features more than 1,600 animals, making it the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. D I D Y O U K N O W ? NC ZOO MUST-DOS 4 largest chimpanzee habitats in the country. newly expanded habitat. American Lake. grassland habitat. Carolina Zoo & NATURE CENTERS SANCTUARIES PHOTOGRAPHS: (LION) COURTESY OF CONSERVATORS CENTER, (RAPTOR) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (TIGER) COURTESY OF CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE CAROLINA TIGER RESCUE PITTSBORO Meet tigers, lions, cougars and bobcats, plus the lesser-known caracals, ocelots and servals, at this federally accredited w ildcat sanctuary. Conservators Center Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center CAROLINA RAPTOR CENTER HUNTERSVILLE Nearly 100 birds, including eagles, owls and vultures, call this education, research and rehab center home. Each year, almost 1,000 injured or orphaned raptors are brought here, part of the Latta Plantation Nature Preserve. CONSERVATORS CENTER BURLINGTON Up-close encounters with lions, tigers and wolves are guaranteed here, making it a favorite spot for wildlife photographers. The center actively promotes conservation through telling the stories of its residents, including extremely rare New Guinea singing dogs. KAREN BEASLEY SEA TURTLE RESCUE AND REHABILITATION CENTER SURF CITY Visit endangered sea turtles, learn how to protect them, and get an inside look at this facility for those that are sick and injured. During the summer, watch the occasional release of rehabilitated turtles at Topsail Island. WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA NATURE CENTER ASHEVILLE From underwater viewing areas, visitors watch North American river otters cavort at Otter Falls. In the rest of the 40-acre habitat, seek out approximately 60 species of wildlife from the South Appalachian region at exhibits such as Red Wolf Run and Black Bear Ridge. visitnc.com 37 JORDAN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA APEX The largely undist urbed shoreline surrounding Jordan Lake provides a perfect sanctuary for bald eagles. In fact, this area is one of their largest summertime homes in the country. Join a park ranger at the Bald Eagle Observation Deck to catch a view of their nests and explore water habitats along the Haw and New Ho pe rivers, which fl ow into the lake. MEDOC MOUNTAIN STATE PARK HOLLISTER The forested park on this mountain is an animal magnet, providing habitat for the southern fl ying squirrel that nests in the cavities of trees. Watch for opossums, gray foxes and whitetail deer, too. If you’re lucky, you can spot the rare Carolina mudpuppy (a large aquatic salamander) along Little Fishing Creek. Hit the trails or waterways of North Carolina’s state parks, keeping a close eye out for fl ying squirrels, loggerhead sea turtles and nesting bald eagles. HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK, SWANSBORO Hop a ferry or paddle a canoe or kayak to explore this park’s undeveloped, 3-mile-long Bear Island. Watch for the nests of endangered loggerhead sea turtles. Females come ashore at night to nest between mid-May and late August. NEW RIVER STATE PARK, LAUREL SPRINGS Tube, kayak or canoe along one of the world’s oldest waterways to observe mink, muskrat and river otters, as well as various wading birds. Hikers fi nd whitetail deer and red-tailed hawks nesting on cliff s. KERR LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA HENDERSON Bird-watching boaters fl ock to this 50,000-acre preserve hugging Kerr Lake along the northern edge of the Piedmont. Observe waterfowl from the lake or via shoreline trails, where beavers, muskrats, river otters and wading birds hang out. The vigilant can spot gray foxes while venturing into the woodlands. PEE DEE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WADESBORO More than 180 varieties of birds, as well as amphibians, reptiles, mammals and fi sh call the refuge home. Take the Wildlife Drive for a leisurely trip through the wetlands, with a stop at Sullivan’s Pond to observe egrets and other birds. ROANOKE RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WINDSOR Waterfowl, including great blue herons, wood ducks and migratory songbirds, abound in this area. Die-hard birders access the most remote parts by boat, while hikers take the 1-mile Charles Kuralt Trail to scan for colorful Northern Parula warblers and barred owls. The refuge also off ers special hunting permits for small game, turkeys and deer. Along with their top priority of protecting wildlife, our refuges also off er the chance to explore pristine islands, forests and wetlands. WELCOME TO THEIR Wor ld ALLIGATOR RIVER NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE, MANTEO Travel into the heart of this 158,000-acre area for a unique nocturnal adventure, the Red Wolf Howlings. After learning about one of the most endangered species in the world, tip your head back and howl … then wait for a rousing reply. The refuge also protects red-cockaded woodpeckers, American alligators and black bears. CURRITUCK NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE COROLLA Navigate your four-wheel-drive vehicle along this Outer Banks beach preserve. First stop: Monkey Island, off ering a nesting habitat for various migratory and wading bir ds, including herons and egrets. The famed Corolla wild horses (descended from Spanish Mustangs brought over by explorers in the 1500s) roam freely, but the law requires you to stay at least 50 feet away. Scope them out with Wild Horse Adventure Tours or Corolla Wild Horse Tours. PHOTOGRAPH: (ALLIGATOR RIVER) RYAN DONNELL visitnc.com 39 INCREDIBLE EATS PHOTOGRAPHS: (BURGER) BRETT AND JESSICA DONAR, (VORTEX) JOHN NOLTNER Pio neering its own versions of seafood (Calabash), barbecue (Lexington or Eastern-style) and doughnuts (Krispy Kreme), North Carolina doesn’t just follow food trends—it creates them. Try something new on a tour of these renowned foodie hot spots. Lamb burger and wedge taters at Whiskey Kitchen in Raleigh BY JASON FRYE 40 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE E ven locals have trouble keeping up with the new independent restaurants opening in this city of 88,000. Asheville has become a haven for hyper-local food, meaning diners usually can count on an appetizer of an interesting story about the menu. For a sampler, visit the North Asheville Tailgate Market. You’ll usually spot chefs shopping at the market for that day’s menu. Breakfast at Early Girl Eatery might feature freshly ground grits, tomatoes plucked off the vine, an egg or two laid at a local farm, and honey from nearby hives. At All Souls Pizza, only the freshest produce makes the cut for their pizzas and sandwiches: butter lettuce, roasted beets, peas, spinach, mushrooms and more. Rhubarb’s chef-owner John Fleer approaches ingredients with one thing in mind: Make everything taste like the best version of itself. Deceptively simple salads and roast chicken become memorable meals thanks to the perfect marriage of textures and fl avors. FAVORITE BREWS THE CULINARY MOUNTAIN MECCA The South’s hippest mountain town dishes fanciful takes on Southern staples while giving an overt wink to Grandma’s recipes . ROCKET GIRL LAGER @ ASHEVILLE BREWING COMPANY A crisp and refreshing Kolsch-style lager. TIN CUP CAMP STOUT @ BURIAL BEER CO . Strong coff ee notes combine with dark, caramel-y malt. GOSE @ HI -WIRE BREWING A tart, light wheat tempered by coriander and citrus. WAVES OF GRAIN @ LEXINGTON AVENUE BREWERY Nutty and reminiscent of toasted bread. THE DANK @ ONE WORLD BREWING This Imperial IPA is a hop bo mb waiting to go off . Asheville contains more breweries per capita than any other U.S. city. Here’s a taste of what’s on tap. ASHEVILLE 5 Biltmore House The 250-room chateau, America’s largest private home, reveals French Renaissance opulence, plus gardens to explore. North Carolina Arboretum Trails for hiking and biking and countless garden areas make this a must-see for nature-lovers. River Arts District Local artwork adorns the interiors and exteriors of old industrial and historical buildings living second lives as galleries and studios. BETWEEN EAT S VORTEX DOUGHNUTS Beer-glazed, bacon-topped and coconut with caramel are just a few of the fl avors. The industrial-chic shop supports local and regional farmers. OLD EUROPE Pair lemon Bavarian sponge cake or hazelnut Napoleons with robust espresso drinks from local Mountain City Coff ee Roasters. FRENCH BROAD CHOCOLATE LOUNGE Bars, brownies, cakes and truffl es await at Asheville’s green-certifi ed bean-to-bar lounge. Pair your choice with a cup of drinking chocolate. SWEET SPOTS visitnc.com 41 Krispy Kreme doughnuts started in Winston-Salem, as did Texas Pete hot sauce. STEEPED IN TRADITION In the Piedmont, the Triad cities of Winston-Salem, Greensboro and High Point embrace comfort-food roots while crafting a restaurant scene that goes far beyond standard menus. Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop, High Point Sticks and Stones, Greensboro Furniture shopping Furniture manufacturers and showrooms draw thousands of designers and buyers to High Point twice a year. You can shop year-round in more than 50 stores and outlets (and they ship). International Civil Rights Center and Museum Get a sobering look at the struggle for civil rights, including the actual lunch counter where Greensboro sit-in protests took place. Wet ’n Wild Emerald Pointe In Greensboro, get soaked in more than 3 million gallons’ worth of water attractions, including slides, kiddie areas and a pool that creates 100-foot-wide waves. BETWEEN E AT S THE TRIAD North Carolina holds its food traditions dear. Stamey’s Barbecue in Greensboro serves their meat Lexington-style (chopped pork shoulder prepped over hickory coals). At BBQ Joe’s Country Cooking in High Point, try chicken pie, a Saturday specialty that has centuries-old roots. The Kitchen Sink crepe at High Point’s Penny Path Cafe and Crepe Shop is fi lled with veggies, spreads and cheese. At Carolina’s Diner (in High Point, Greensboro and Archdale), taste nostalgia along with burgers, onion rings and shakes. Fans of classic pizza broaden their horizons at Greensboro’s Sticks and Stones, where toppings include chèvre and walnut pesto. At Winston-Salem’s Spring House Restaurant, Kitchen & Bar, classic Southern fi xings become inventive new dishes, such as beignets with shrimp, corn and crab. PHOTOGRAPHS: (STICKS, PENNY PATH) NATALIA WEEDY, (WHISKEY KITCHEN, TOAST, TOBACCO) BRETT AND JESSICA DONAR 42 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Raleigh’s Trophy Brewing Co . gets creative with pizza and beer, serving drinks like Milky Way—a salted caramel stout— and pies featuring ghost pepper salami. Nearby Whiskey Kitchen off ers rare bourbons and other whiskeys alongside Southern dishes like crackling biscuits and an NC shrimp boil. Raleigh’s Angus Barn keeps it classy with a wine cellar and a dozen cuts of house-aged steaks. Near Durham, Rock of Ages Winery & Vineyard produces 40 wines on its 26-acre vineyard. Toast gives Durham diners a paninoteca (sandwich shop) where every bite is loaded with Italian cheeses and meats. Nearby Scratch bakes pies and treats, plus it off ers a menu of fresh bites like avocado toast and buttermilk biscuits. Chapel Hill’s Lantern stars James Beard Award-winning chef Andrea Reusing, who turns local fl avors into Asian masterpieces like the Vietnamese-style summer rolls. Students and alumni crowd the town’s Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery for craft brews and elevated pub grub such as whiskey-braised short ribs. COLLEGE CLASS The trifecta of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill means visitors can explore three college towns with equally stellar dining options in a single weekend. Order from the counter at Toast in Durham. Try a grilled chicken panini with heirloom tomato puree or a crostini and salad combo. American Tobacco Historic District This campus surrounding a renovated Durham tobacco factory houses restaurants, shopping, the offi ces of the Full Frame Film Festival and the Durham Bulls minor league ballpark. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences A globe 70 feet in diameter houses a theater at the Southeast’s largest natural sciences museum, in Raleigh. Southern Season Chapel Hill’s most popular gourmet shop off ers an abundance of food gifts in addition to cooking classes and a restaurant. BETWEEN EAT S THE TRIANGLE Whiskey Kitchen, Raleigh visitnc.com 43 Along the southeastern coast, Wilmington and its adjacent beaches teem with history and seafood-centric menus. COASTAL FLAVOR Enjoy a glass of wine at one of the restaurants on the Wilmington Riverwalk, such as Le Catalan. WILMINGTON & BEACHES Waterfront dining in and around Wilmington covers many tastes and moods. At Catch, twinkling mirrors and sea blue walls make guests feel like they’re beneath the waves. The crab cakes with lobster cream are a favorite. Ceviche’s takes inspiration from seaside shacks in Panama, where fresh fi sh is marinated in citrus juice and spices to make the namesake dish. Set in a former bank downtown, Circa 1922 has the dark wood and low lights ideal for an intimate evening. The menu features shareable plates and cuisines with a New American focus. Dock Street Oyster Bar serves oysters steamed by the dozen or half-dozen and shrimp caught the same day. Bring a friend to share the steamer platter. If you visit Michael’s Seafood Restaurant only once, try the seafood chowder with its perfect blend of spices and herbs. And if you want to make your own seafood feast (with a little help), purchase their steam pot s. Watch the waves at Oceanic, which looks out over Wrightsville Beach from the Crystal Pier. Try the Calabash-style fi sh (lightly fried in a cornmeal batter). Only purchasing the freshest fi sh, Rx Restaurant and Bar draws on classic Southern dishes for inspiration, infusing them with bold twists. Non-seafood dishes include braised chicken with farro and purple kale. Ocean breezes cool the dance fl oor at SeaWitch Cafe & Tiki Bar, a party paradise with live music every night. Sample the ahi tuna nachos with wonton chips and wasabi aioli. 44 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE CAROLINA BEACH Before hitting the sand and surf, visit Britt’s Donuts, on the boardwalk since 1939. Solitude-seekers love Freeman Park at the north end of the beach. KURE BEACH Rental homes line the shore, putting you steps away from the Kure Beach surf. When you tire of playing in the water, walk the ramparts of the Civil War-era Fort Fisher. WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH Families fl ock to Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s prime location, but anyone can walk along the 1,200-foot Johnnie Mercer’s Pier jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, or jog The Loop fi tness trail. PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL GREAT BEACHES Just a short drive from Wilmington, three beautiful beaches await, each with its own personality. 3 Battleship North Carolina Across the Cape Fear River from downtown Wilmington, walk the same passageways as WWII sailors. The ship participated in every major Pacifi c off ensive. Wrightsville Beach Museum of History Exhibits on the early days of the beach include a history of the swimsuit. A bathing suit inspector used to decide if swimwear was suffi ciently modest. Carolina Beach State Park It’s a great spot for hiking, fi shing and camping. Check out rare Venus fl ytraps at one of the only places in the world where you can see them in their native habitat. BETWEEN EAT S (Clockwise from top left) Chocolate Fantasy Dessert with a pecan crust, chocolate ganache and fresh whipped cream at Catch in Wilmington. Marinated beets with blackberries, basil and bleu cheese at Wilmington’s Rx Restaurant and Bar. Waterfront dining at Oceanic in Wrightsville Beach. visitnc.com 45 Jackson County’s Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Trail lists 15 spots for catching brook, brown and rainbow trout in the Great Smoky Mountains. Sites vary from small creeks and streams to large rivers. The Tuckaseigee River near Dillsboro off ers the best chance to catch all three species, a feat known as the Tuckaseigee Slam. F O R F I S H I N G O N T H E F L Y EPIC TRAILS ONLY in NC North Carolina stretches 543 miles from Manteo, on the banks of the Atlantic Ocean, to Murphy, in the Great Smoky Mountains. The highways in between lead to small-town treasures and renowned cities. Project 543 tells the stories of many of these unique attractions. Here’s a taste. Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest near Brevard and Hendersonville combine for more than 300 miles of singletrack in Transylvania County, Cycling Capital of the South. The region embraces mountain biking culture with destinations such as The Bike Farm, which provides guide services and on-site camping. F O R A S T A T E W I D E T O U R Stretching 1,175 miles from mountain peak to sandy dune, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail attracts hikers, backpackers and paddle rs. The westernmost point of the trail sits atop Clingmans Dome in Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Bryson City, while the eastern stretch (which includes waterways) ends at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head. F O R S C E N I C C Y C L I N G BY LEAH HUGHES 46 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Frontiersman Daniel Boone hunted and fi shed in the state’s northwest for 21 years. The Daniel Boone Heritage Trail traces his time around the region . Visit a replica of his cabin along Beaver Creek near Ferguson, and stop by the Fort Dobbs State Historic Site in Statesville to see where his family sought refuge during the 1760 Cherokee War. F O R H I S T O R Y B U F F S DELIGHTFULLY QUIRKY Discover literal hidden gems within some of the 12 historic mines at Emerald Village in Little Switzerland. Tour Bon Ami Mine (home of the NC Mining Museum), pan for gold and embark on a Black Light Mine Tour on select evenings. T H E S U B T E R R A N E A N S E C R E T In 1880, Jule Gilmer Körner, a designer and decorator, completed Körner’s Folly, his lavish Kernersville home with 22 rooms and ceiling heights ranging from 5.5 feet to 25 feet. Körner raised two children in the house, and they kept Bob the raccoon as their pet. T H E F A N C Y F U N H O U S E Snaking through 20 towns across this state dubbed the Cradle of ’Cue, the North Carolina Barbecue Society Historic Barbecue Trail showcases institutions representing two iconic styles of pit-cooked ’cue: Lexington and Eastern. All of the spots cook over wood or charcoal, make their own sauce, and have been around for at least 15 years. F O R P O R K - L O V E R S Pack trowels for a trip to the Aurora Fossil Museum, celebrating 40 years, and its Pit of the Pungo, where you can unearth fossils. Take home ancient shells—or even a shark bone. T H E B I G D I G visitnc.com 47 For more unique North Carolina stories, visit Hickory Furniture Mart combines more than 1,000 manufacturers under one roof, with factory outlets and custom showrooms. It’s the centerpiece of Hickory’s furniture shops, which draw more than half a million visitors annually. F U R N I S H E D P A R A D I S E BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED More than 11 million pieces of china, crystal and collectibles sit on display racks at McLeansville’s Replacements, Ltd., dubbed the World’s Largest China Shop. Take a behind-the-scenes tour that shows the restoration process. N O B U L L S A L L O W E D The waiting list for 88-year-old Max Woody’s straight-back wooden chairs stretches as long as four years. Swing by Marion on Friday night to hear the seventh-generation chair-maker play fi ddle during a weekly jam session. S I T W H I L E Y O U W A I T SIPS AND BITES One of 14 remaining Dentzel Menagerie Carousels in the world, the Burlington City Park Carousel features 46 hand-carved wooden animals. Riders choose from horses, cats, ostriches, rabbits, pigs and other creatures. ME R R Y M E N A G E R I E The Market on Oak launched after Gloria Houston promoted the town of Spruce P ine with her book The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree. Visitors head to the Blue Ridge town to seek the perfect tree—and shop for gifts made by more than 120 local craftspeople. O C H R I S T M A S T R E E 48 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE 48 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Eastern North Carolina native Vivian Howard churns out remixes of dishes she grew up on at Chef and the Farmer, where traditional cobblers might share menu space with gazpacho. On her PBS show, A Chef’s Life, Vivian shares the stories of the Kinston-area farmers who grow the ingredients she uses. SM A L L- T O W N C E L E B R I T Y For nearly 40 years, the restaurant at AAA Five Diamond The Fearrington House Inn has elevated Triangle cuisine. The Pittsboro draw serves dishes made with ingredients grown in on-site vegetable and herb gardens. While menus evolve with the seasons, the chocolate souffl é remains a welcome constant. C O U N T R Y M O R S E L L I G H T N I N G I N A B O T T L E Piedmont Distillers in Madison made history in 2005 when it became the state’s fi rst legal distillery since Prohibition. Its Midnight Moon moonshine (in original and fruit-infused varieties) came from a partnership with early racing legend Junior Johnson, who learned his moves by running moonshine on back roads. Among the state’s 200-plus breweries, Aviator Brewing Company in Fuquay-Varina has one of the more unusual venues. The company brewed its fi rst batch in an airplane hangar and now houses a taproom in a 1910 train depot. The Devils Tramping Ground Tripel draws its name from a local ghost tale. S O A R I N G B R E W S For more unique North Carolina stories, visit visitnc.com 49 Our state’s golf scene stretches from wooded mountainside tracks to windswept seaside links. World-famous Donald Ross courses and small-town favorites provide unique challenges for all skill levels. PHOTOGRAPHS: PATRICK SCHNEIDER GOLF LEGENDS BY DANNY LEE 50 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE When golf icon Donald Ross became club pro at North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort in 1900, he was only 27, and golf in America wasn’t much older. As golf grew and matured in the early 1900s, Ross helped shape it, designing about 400 courses across the country, including 55 in North Carolina. Ross’ best-known layout is the fabled No. 2 at Pinehurst, where he crafted three additional courses. The site of many championships, No. 2 takes players through native wiregrass and fast, domed greens. Like all Ross designs, Pinehurst No. 2 demands patience, accuracy, fi nesse and careful club selection. 3 MORE DONALD ROSS COURSES THE WAYNESVILLE INN GOLF RESORT AND SPA, WAYNESVILLE Set in a valley in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this relaxed resort dates from golf’s heritage era of the 1920s, teasing players with tricky mounded greens and straight fairways that look easy—until you actually have to hit the ball straight. PINECREST COUNTRY CLUB, LUMBERTON Golfers rave about this friendly little course designed in collaboration with Dick Wilson. Built to the walkable scal e of Ross’ day, the fairways lined with towering pines are accessible, but they put a premium on keeping the ball in play . Ross’ challenging crowned greens make shot control crucial. WILMINGTON MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE, WILMINGTON A $1.5 million renovation in 2014 restored this community club to Ross’ 1926 design, doubling the size of greens and bringing back the old bunkers. Wilmington also provides a three-hole kids’ course and driving range. < SWING AWAY > Learn more about the Donald Ross Experience. visitnc.com visitnc.com 51 LINVILLE RIDGE COUNTRY CLUB LINVILLE A redesign by architect Bobby Weed made the course more accessible to all skill levels while blending elements with the mountain landscape. One highlight: making smooth bunkers more jagged to mirror the terrain of Grandfather Mountain. Thanks to the course’s semiprivate location 4,945 feet above sea level (the highest east of the Mississippi River) , the average summer high is just 75 degrees. TANGLEWOOD GOLF CLEMMONS Two Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs enchant golfers with their tracks through the Piedmont. Broadleaf trees and weeping willows frame fairways known for their unique rust-color bunkers. The Reynolds, completed in 1970, is shorter with fewer bunkers than the 1958 Championship course, which earned its name after hosting the 1987 Vantage Championship won by Al Geiberger. Part of golf’s appeal is the escape from everyday cares and same-old scenery. These courses await discovery in out-of-the-way retreats. DORMIE CLUB WEST END The state’s only original Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw design, the Dormie Club rambles along rustic dirt paths and split rail fences through pristine landscapes, delighting purists with an essence-of- golf atmosphere. Sand hazards and scrub grass spice the holes, and the woods enfold you as you visualize shots onto true-rolling greens. < YOUR GOLF GETAWAY > Find videos, stories and trip ideas to help you plan your trip. visitnc.com/golf 52 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE PHOTOGRAPH: (DORMIE CLUB) PATRICK SCHNEIDER RIVERS EDGE GOLF CLUB SHALLOTTE Coastal wetland scenery highlights this Arnold Palmer design tracing the marshes and bluff s of the Shallotte River. Almost half of the course off ers water views: lovely to look at, tough to hit across. SCOTCH HALL PRESERVE MERRY HILL Arnold Palmer designed this 2008 maritime course to give golfers a taste of surf and turf, with 11 holes overlooking Albemarle Sound. Long par 5s and par 4s make length off the tee a plus, but shot-making ability is crucial around fi rm, fast greens. MOUNT MITCHELL GOLF CLUB BURNSVILLE Flat-course play and rugged scenery meet at the South Toe Valley layout in the Blue Ridge. The course runs between a rustic two-lane and a trout-fi lled stream as Mount Mitchell towers in the background. Roomy fairways make the front nine a comfortable warm-up, but 12, 13 and 14 raise the bar before yielding to friendlier fi nishing holes. PUTTING AROUND Even a small course can off er a big challenge. Putting courses, miniature golf and Putt-Putt (yes, they’re all slightly diff erent) each have origins in North Carolina. THISTLE DHU PUTTING COURSE In 1916, a steamship millionaire built his own grass course in Pinehurst. “This’ll do,” he said. The name evolved to Thistle Dhu, and Pinehurst Resort honors the original with a giant rolling green featuring 18 small fl ags for practice or friendly competition. MINIATURE GOLF Thistle Dhu is also credited as being the nation’s fi rst miniature golf course, although the whimsical obstacles came later. The coast abounds with themed courses, including Tropical Adventure Mini Golf in Calabash and Golfi n’ Dolphin in Cape Carteret. PUTT-PUTT Don Clayton developed Putt-Putt as miniature golf, minus the kitschy obstacles, allowing players to focus more on their putting skills. While the 1954 Fayetteville original no longer exists, the state’s six Putt-Putt Fun Centers contain 18 holes each, plus other family amusements. visitnc.com 53 An eclectic playlist of cultural experiences awaits North Carolina visitors, who discover world-class art museums in the Piedmont, music legends in the mountains and waterfront festivals along the coast. NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART RALEIGH With a sprawling 164-acre campus, this destination boasts the nation’s largest museum art park. Miles of trails connect the Rodin Garden (featuring a reflecting pool with water lilies), a whimsical wind machine, a forest of suspended wooden chairs and other creative displays. Inside the museum, stroll through more than 16 centuries of art history, including the largest collection of Rodin sculptures in the American South. BY SHAWNDRA RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHS: (BECHTLER) COURTESY OF BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, (WATERCOLOR) COURTESY OF GREENVILLE MUSEUM OF ART ART STATE of going PUBLIC In 1947, the North Carolina General Assembly appropriated $1 million for the purchase of artwork, making North Carolina the first state in the country to buy art with public funds. This helped the North Carolina Museum of Art launch its permanent collection. 54 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE WORKS Creative Soak up famous artwork and locally made gems at these art museums. name GAME Joan Miró, Pablo Picasso and Edgar Degas are a few of the names you’ll encounter at the Bechtler, which opened in Charlotte in 2010. Because the collection was privately owned, most of the 1,400 artworks were on public view in the United States for the first time when the museum opened. BECHTLER MUSEUM OF MODERN ART CHARLOTTE Swiss architect Mario Botta designed the Bechtler to be a work of art in itself, with a striking terra-cotta exterior and a cantilevered gallery set above an outdoor terrace. The 17-foot-tall Firebird, a Niki de Saint Phalle sculpture covered in mirrored and colored glass, greets guests to the Southeast’s only museum exclusively showing modern art. GREENVILLE MUSEUM OF ART GREENVILLE Housed in a Classical Revival home, this diverse lineup features 20th-century American art along with eastern North Carolina’s largest collection of Jugtown Pottery, a popular line of handcrafted jugs and tableware made in the Piedmont town of Seagrove. CAMERON ART MUSEUM WILMINGTON History and art coexist peaceably on the site of a Civil War battleground. A historical entrenchment, sculpture park and nature trails share the 9-acre grounds. Rotating exhibitions keep the experience fresh for returning visitors. See former Greenville resident Sarah Blakeslee’s 1989 watercolor View from the Highway at the Greenville Museum of Art. visitnc.com 55 MOUNTAINS Two notable hot spots beckon local, regional and national talent: Brevard’s 185 King Street and Asheville’s The Orange Peel. The former boasts a relaxed, 299-person listening room plastered with autographed album covers and photos spanning decades. The latter—a skating rink-turned-rock club—revels in hosting industry legends like Bob Dylan. PIEDMONT Urban areas as well as small towns impact the indie music world with help from classic venues like Moun t Airy’s Historic Earle Theatre, an 80-year-old movie house and concert hall in the hometown of Andy Griffi th. The Fillmore Charlotte remixes an old textile mill into a replica of the famed San Francisco lounge of the same name, with acts such as Foster the People and Kesha. Standing-room-only crowds rock out at Raleigh’s Lincoln Theatre and Carrboro’s Cat’s Cradle—a cozy must-stop for rising artists (drawing the likes of Nirvana before they were world-famous). COAST Few venues draw more attention than Backstreet Pub, a century-old bakery-turned-bar in Beaufort. Vintage life preservers and other nautical objects form the backdrop of its pint-size stage, and a spacious new outdoor patio serves as another music-listening haunt. Known for its impact on American music and homegrown talent (John Coltrane, James Taylor, Randy Travis and many more), North Carolina’s playlist includes an eclectic mix of music halls. fun FACTORY Reimagined industrial buildings in Charlotte’s Third Ward contain the AvidXchange Music Factory, with 14 music venues, restaurants and clubs. It’s the best place in town to catch a comedy act, jazz musicians, Latin cuisine and EDM —all in one high-octane night. VENUES Iconic AvidXchange Music Factory, Charlotte 185 King Street, Brevard Historic Earle Theatre, Mount Airy 56 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE FESTIVALS Right-note Experience premier jazz and blues, roots music, and a chill songwriting showcase at these events around the state. celebrating COLTRANE Jazz musician John Coltrane spent his first 17 years in High Point. The city honors his legacy with a music festival and a bronze statue downtown. MERLEFEST WILKESBORO April 26–29* Celebrating 30 years, this roots festival at Wilkes Community College pays homage to Appalachian musicians with songwriting contests and bring-your-own-instrument jam sessions. MOOGFEST DURHAM May 17–20* Inspired by electronic music pioneer Dr. Moog and the South by Southwest festival, Moogfest explores the future of music, art and technology. OCEAN CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL NORTH TOPSAIL BEACH July 7–8* The contemporary jazz fest showcases budding artists and seasoned musicians. A shuttle bus takes visitors to and from the beachside venue. JOHN COLTRANE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL HIGH POINT September 1–2* The NC Coltrane All Star Band includes some of the best jazz players in the region at this homage to the local jazz legend. NORTH CAROLINA FOLK FESTIVAL GREENSBORO September 7–9* This gathering features the state’s most talented musicians, dancers and craftspeople—plus great Southern eats and brews. * Verify dates before making travel plans. PHOTOGRAPHS: (AVIDXCHANGE) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (185 KING) KENNETH VOLTZ, (MERLEFEST) WILLA STEIN, (COLTRANE) COURTESY OF JOHN COLTRANE INTERNATIONAL JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL, (EARLE) COURTESY OF MOUNT AIRY TDA visitnc.com 57 HOME HISTORY to These three cities chronicle the state’s story—including the birth of Pepsi-Cola, the heritage of its native people, and the pride and grit of a bustling military town. BY LEAH HUGHES PHOTOGRAPHS: RYAN DONNELL SIP THE LEGEND The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola store invites customers to savor a fountain drink (or fl oat) and munch popcorn in the pharmacy that started it all. It’s easy to feel sophisticated on a stroll through the meticulously kept gardens surrounding Tryon Palace, the state’s fi rst capitol in this Swiss-infl uenced coastal town. While the original structure burned down in 1798, a rebuilt palace hosts visitors who can imagine entertaining George Washington on his 1791 trip. Next door, the North Carolina History Center tells of early settlers through exhibits where visitors sail a ship or write a newspaper story. A diff erent discovery unfolded at Middle and Pollock streets, where Caleb Davis Bradham invented Brad’s Drink, which he renamed Pepsi- Cola in 1898. For a boozy kick, visitors head to nearby Circa 1810 at The Harvey Mansion for craft cocktails. Additional spirits await during Ghosts of New Bern walking tours through the historic district. (Left) Designed in the style of 18th-century Britain, 16 acres of gardens surround Tryon Palace in the coastal town of New Bern. WHY IT MATTERS The original capital also provided the f irst taste of Pepsi- Cola. Explore more coastal “ f irsts” at the North Carolina History Center. New Bern North Carolina History Center visitnc.com 59 PHOTOGRAPHS: (CHEROKEE) JOHN NOLTNER, (FAYETTEVILLE) PATRICK SCHNEIDER, (WELCOME) COURTESY OF NC DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE This year marks the 50TH ANNIVERSARY of North Carolina’s fi rst welcome centers. Stop for a personal greeting and helpful tips from more than 60 travel counselors. Weavers make baskets, hunters shoot blowguns and workers hull canoes at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. While this living-history site re-creates the sights, sounds and smells of an 18th-century Cherokee community, there are still 14,000 tribal members living here in the Great Smoky WHY IT MATTERS Get new perspective on the Native American journey. On the state’s western edge, the ancestral home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians provides an inside look. Cherokee Mountains. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian tells their 13,000-year-old story. A somber mural depicts the Trail of Tears, when the Cherokee were forced to leave their homeland for Oklahoma in the 1830s. Each summer, the Cherokee story hits the outdoor stage in Unto These Hills. The drama begins with Spanish explorers’ 1540 arrival and follows the Cherokees’ struggles and triumphs with song and dance. Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc.—the oldest Native American cooperative in the country—stars handmade Cherokee crafts, including pottery, toys and beadwork. The first centers opened along I-85 in Warren County and I-95 in Northampton County in a HISTORICAL welcome 9 9.3 centers at on Each daily 8 million visitors swing by the welcome centers each year. 60 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE operate the state line all interstates. is open from a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 50,000 active duty personnel call Fort Bragg home. Southeast of the Army base, visitors get a taste of the town’s military pride at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum. Across the street, 50 pillars adorned with hands cast in bronze at the North Carolina Veterans Park honor Tar Heels supporting those who have served . All of the breweries in town are owned by veterans. Pair craft beers with hot dogs and sliders at Airborne Brew, or opt for British-style pub grub and brews at Huske Hardware House. WHY IT MATTERS Home to Fort Bragg, one of the nation’s largest mi litary compl exes , thi s Piedmont c ity has commit ted to its local heroes by becoming the nation’s f irst Mi litary Sanctuary Community, providing support to mi litary members and their families. Fayetteville (Above) At the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, visitors see stone tools used for hunting during the Pale o-Indian period and watch occasional live dance performances. (Left) It’s hard to top the groovy beige-and-brown uniforms donned by welcome center employees in 1968. (Above, below) Exhibits at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum detail tactics and tools used by America’s elite soldiers. Visitors stop at the 16-foot Iron Mike statue and memorial outside, then head indoors to fl y into Normandy inside the museum’s Pritzker Simulator. 62 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE ZONE PH O T O G R A PH: R YA N D ONNE L L BY JASON FRYE SPLASH visitnc.com 63 Wrightsville Beach OCEAN WAVES, PEACEFUL PIEDMONT LAKES AND WHITEWATER IN THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS MAKE YOUR NORTH CAROLINA GETAWAY AS AS YOU LIKE. SOAKED 64 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Splash pads and 30 water slides ensure a full day of water fun at the new H2OBX water park near Powells Point, home to some of the largest artifi cial waves on the East Coast. A drive west takes visitors to calmer waters along Edenton’s Queen Anne Creek. Cypress trees wave in the breeze as paddlers pass historic sites like the Edenton Cotton Mill Museum of History. Others stay above it all, donning parachutes to jump with Skydive Coastal Carolinas in Southport at the coast’s southern end. They drift over lighthouses and beaches, making a soft landing instead of a splash. WILD COAST On the coast, slide, paddle or ride a parachute to adventures on and above the water. PH O T O G R A PH: B R U C E D E B O E R Kitty Hawk Kites Kiteboarding Resort in Rodanthe provides an opportunity to hit the surf, with lessons on skimming across the waves and getting serious air. Rent kiteboarding gear before checking into spacious three-bedroom units that allow for the perfect getaway for families or a bunch of your besties. KITEBOARDING surf city 910.328.2716 tourism@visitsurfcitync.com THE GATEWAY TO TOPSAIL ISLAND VisitSurfCityNC.com 129 Mecklynn Road, Suite C @wendymjordan @emco103 Experience quiet moments on the river art galleries and museums, local craft breweries, whole hog barbecue restaurants wher e treated like , stadiums filled with enthusiastic sports fans, boutique and antiques shops, delicious restaurants, and much mor Gr (800) 537-5564 www.visitgreenvillenc.com Knee Deep Adventures 66 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE BADIN LAKE TROY After a day of hiking, biking, or riding horses or ATVs on designated trails through Uwharrie National Forest, take a refreshing plunge into this 5,000-acre lake. Fish for bass, unwind at the swimming beach and stay at Badin Lake Campground, with sites near the shoreline. HIGH ROCK LAKE LEXINGTON Tournament anglers come to the state’s second-largest lake (nearly 24 square miles) in search of huge largemouth bass (and striper, white bass and catfi sh). But the calm waters also draw boaters, swimmers and campers. High Rock Mountain provides the backdrop. LAKE GASTON LITTLETON This lake’s 350-plus miles of shoreline straddle the state border in the north. Swimmers love the pristine water, and adrenaline-seekers of all skill levels head to either the AF Wake school (opened by world champion boarder Adam Fields) to learn wakeboarding or WakeSurf NC to learn wakesurfi ng. LAKE NORMAN TROUTMAN Nicknamed North Carolina’s Inland Sea, the state’s largest man-made lake draws boaters, paddlers and hunters of Normie, the Lake Norman Monster. Mountain bikers conquer 30 miles of trails in Lake Norman State Park, which contains a 13-mile sliver of the lake’s 520 shoreline miles. LAKE WACCAMAW LAKE WACCAMAW The largest Carolina Bay (a unique depression known for its rich biodiversity) contains shallow water that reveals the sandy bottom below, where fi sh dart about in the vegetation. Paddle or sail over to Big Creek, where water fl ows from the swamps, or walk part of the Lakeshore Trail looking for fossils (a whale skull was found here). LAKE LIFE Fishing. Paddling. Relaxing on a pontoon. Zipping around on a personal watercraft. There’s a lake here for every style. P H O T O G R A P H: J O H N N Y A U T R Y ncstateparks.gov NMP Economic Development Chamber of Commerce . Visitor Services “The Billy Graham Library was very inspirational,” Brian also wrote. “It was on my bucket list.” Monday to Saturday, 9:30–5:00 • BillyGrahamLibrary.org 704-401-3200 • 4330 Westmont Drive • Charlotte, North Carolina A ministry of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association “One of the highlights of my life!” Visit Charlotte and discover what God can do through an ordinary life surrendered to Him. Admission is free, and exhibits are state-of-the-art. Come—just as you are. The experience is unforgettable. ©2017 BGEA —Brian from Tennessee 68 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE THE WHITEWATER GETAWAY MOUNTAIN RUSH Experience tame-to-raging whitewater, 40-story waterfalls and some of the country’s speediest ziplines. World-class whitewater paddlers (including Olympians) and Appalachian Trail hikers know Nantahala Outdoor Center, but so do families who want to experience the wilds of the Great Smoky Mountains. Head to Bryson City for the NOC’s lodging, river excursions and renowned paddling school. Start with a day of whitewater rafting on the Nantahala, French Broad or Pigeon rivers. Pros challenge themselves with big Class IV rapids on the Nolichucky River. After your adventure, grab a bite at one of NOC’s two restaurants before checking in for the night. You’ll fi nd plenty of beds (or cots) in platform tents, a hiker-friendly bunkhouse, private cabins and the on-site Dogwood Motel. In the morning, head to NOC’s nearby Adventure Park , a complex with more than a dozen aerial obstacles, such as tightropes, sky bridges and a 600-foot zipline. PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN NOLTNER 68 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE 88 Tunnel Rd. • I-240, Exit 6 • Asheville, NC 28805 (828) 252-5400 • (800) CALL-HOME® www.asheville.homewoodsuites.com We are now ALL-NEW! Full renovation completed in the spring of 2017. We invite you to come experience our modern all-suite hotel located within minutes of vibrant downtown Asheville, Biltmore®, and the city’s finest dining. Each all-new suite is equipped with all the luxuries of home, including a full size kitchen. Enjoy a free hot daily breakfast and evening social (M-Th). Our free area shuttle allows you to explore all of downtown Asheville. We look forward to hosting you soon! Check Project543.com often for more inspiration or to purchase Project 543 merchandise. Inspire wanderlust from the mountains to the coast. WAT E R FA L L S GORGES STATE PARK In the state’s southwest, hit up two favorites among Transylvania County’s 250-plus waterfalls. Begin at the Rainbow Falls trailhead in Sapphire’s Gorges State Park. A 3-mile loop takes you to the 150-foot fall, which creates a rainbow-making cloud of mist. Farther along, you’ll quickly see how 20-foot Turtleback Falls got its name. A curved, shell-like rock lends itself to sliding into the swimming hole below. You’ll also want to have your swimsuit handy for nearby Sliding Rock, a natural water slide in the Pisgah National Forest, where visitors splash into a pool below for a $2 fee. Looking Glass Falls is for wading, too, in the pool below the 60-foot fall. Stay dry at Bridal Veil Falls by hiking to the recess behind the falls, shown in The Last of the Mohic ans. CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK Hickory Nut Falls is a showstopper with its 40-story plummet off a cliff . The falls start as a narrow creek at the top and become a wide fan at the base. DEEP CREEK Near Bryson City, hike a 5-mile loop in Great Smoky Mountains National Park to see a falls trio: fi rst, Juney Whank Falls, a 90-foot split cascade; then 80-foot Toms Branch Falls, combining cascades with true waterfall drops; fi nally, 45-foot Indian Creek Falls. Afterward, grab an inner tube for a leisurely fl oat along a section of Deep Creek. Fly above, around and near the water at these four zipline favorites. Six family-friendly zips among towering tree s star at Canopy Ridge Farm Zipline Tours in Lake Lure. Twin zips race between platforms at Navitat Canopy Adventures in Barnardsville, hitting speeds of 65 mph on zips up to 3,600 feet long. At Hawksnest in Seven Devils, 4 miles of zips stay open through the winter, sending riders through a snowy forest and over a tubing park. Steep and fast—you’ll lose 1,100 feet in elevation—Saluda’s Gorge at Green River Adventures has 11 ziplines with 360-degree views of the mountains. FALL IN LOVE 4 EPIC ZIPS Sliding Rock, Pisgah National Forest Navitat Canopy Adventures, Barnardsville PHOTOGRAPH: (ZIPLINE) COURTESY OF NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES 70 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE • Minutes from downtown Asheville and Biltmore® • Complimentary downtown shuttle • Microfridges® in every room • Cozy outdoor fire pit • Complimentary full hot breakfast • Indoor pool and fitness center (828) 255-9220 AshevilleTunnelRoad.hamptoninn.com ASHEVILLE HOW WILL YOU SPEND YOUR VACATION? Andrews, Murphy & Brasstown Come for the views, stay for the adventures! FIND YOUR BALANCE OF REST & ADVENTURE www.VisitCherokeeCountyNC.com info@visitcherokeecountync.com 8285570602 \ / NH *HP Enjoy theeeeeeeeeäeDiscover theeeeee visitfranklinnc.com visitnantahalanc.com 800-336-7829 Franklin & Nantahala Cataloochee Guest Ranch, Maggie Valley PHOTO Chip Henderson visitnc.com 73 74 2018 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Green Property AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Regional Attractions Appalachian Trail, (828) 254-3708. Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to- Georgia primitive hiking trail run through North Carolina. Wilderness trail intended for foot travel only. Rustic shelters, with no services, are 8-12 miles apart. Numerous access points. nctg.co/bf2rP Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 298-0398. Called “America’s Favorite Drive,” this recreation-oriented scenic byway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. In North Carolina, the parkway extends 252 miles with numerous scenic views beckoning you to slow down and enjoy. nctg.co/bF9N8 French Broad River, (828) 258-6109. Perfect setting for river excursions, running through Madison, Buncombe, Henderson and Transylvania counties. Scenic canoeing, kayaking and tubing with sections ranging from whitewater to gentle trips. Provides homes to a variety of wildlife and waterfowl including ospreys, bald eagles, mink, muskrat, deer and bear. nctg.co/bY32m Great Smoky Mountains National Park, (865) 436-1200. The largest protected land area east of the Rocky Mountains includes 276,000 acres in North Carolina. This national treasure is world-renowned for the diversity of its plant and animal life and recreational opportunities. Designated an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. nctg.co/bMFNs Nantahala National Forest, (828) 524-6441. Lying in mountains and valleys of southwestern North Carolina with elevations ranging from 1,200 in Cherokee County to 5,800 feet in Jackson County. Numerous water activities and trails, including a hike to Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. “Nantahala” is a Cherokee word meaning “Land of the noon-day sun,” a fi tting name for the Nantahala Gorge, where the sun only reaches to the valley fl oor at midday. Nantahala River is popular for whitewater rafting. With more than a half million acres, this is the largest of the four national forests in North Carolina. nctg.co/bUBGW New River, (336) 982-2587. Renowned as the second oldest river in the world, the New is a National and State Wild and Scenic River and one of the fi rst American Heritage Rivers. North Carolina maintains three parks along the river, each a day’s canoe ride apart. nctg.co/bwmH9 Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, (864) 461-2828. Follows the Revolutionary War route of patriot militia to the Battle of Kings Mountain, SC. Part of the National Trails System. While there are hiking segments, the primary public access is by car along the commemorative motor route. nctg.co/bPdHB Pisgah National Forest, (828) 257-4200. Comprised of more than 500,000 acres, primarily a hardwood forest with waterfalls and hundreds of miles of trails. Nolichucky River pours through one of the deepest canyons in the East and creates challenging whitewater rafting. Wide variety of outdoor recreation amid the natural beauty of the mountains. nctg.co/bwTuc Andrews Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Rd., (828) 321-2006. Legend has it our old stone building was once used by the local lawman to lock up hooligans. Now we incarcerate our wines and beers. Stop by for a tasting and tour at the smallest winery in the state. nctg.co/ba7G6 RidgeRunner Ziplines, 750 Wakefi eld Rd., (828) 421-8119. Experience a bird’s-eye view ziplining through the trees in the southern Appalachian Mountains. Course has a suspension bridge and 11 lines, some as long as 600 feet. nctg.co/baDqK Asheville Adventure Center, 1 Resort Dr., (828) 225-2921. Enjoy expansive views of the Asheville skyline via a zipline or hop on a mountain bike on rolling terrain. Head up into the trees on an elevated obstacle course or bring the kids to America’s fi rst zipline adventure designed for kids under 10. nctg.co/bH22t Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd., (828) 667-2308. Save up to 70 percent off on America’s most desired brands at this open-air center with about 70 stores. nctg.co/bBk5v Biltmore, One Approach Rd., (828) 225-1333. Begin with a tour of the 250-room Biltmore House—America’s largest private home— and century-old gardens. Explore the 8,000- acre backyard via a variety of activities, from horseback riding to rafting. Antler Hill Village features Biltmore Winery. nctg.co/bf8EH Botanical Gardens, 151 W. T. Weaver Blvd., (828) 252-5190. This 10-acre nature preserve with trails features a variety of plants native to the Southern Appalachian region. nctg.co/bwrha Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 382, (828) 298-7928. Home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, representing craft artists from Southern Appalachia. Three fi ne art galleries and seasonal craft demonstrations. Home to Allanstand, the oldest continuously operating crafts shop in the United States. nctg.co/brgvM Gray Line Trolley Tours, 36 Montford Ave., (828) 251-8687. Hop aboard our red trolley for a narrated journey through Asheville, highlighting history, homes and hot spots of this “City of Surprises.” nctg.co/bxRSR Grove Arcade, One Page Ave., (828) 252-7799. A public market in 1929, this fanciful building has been restored to its original splendor, now a mix of galleries, shops and restaurants. nctg.co/b8frs Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy., Suite 200, (828) 229-3370. We brew the fi nest and freshest ales in the Southeast from the best-selling Gaelic to our popular winter seasonal. Learn about our brewing and packaging processes with a daily tour. nctg.co/b7GMs LaZoom Tours, 14 Battery Park Ave., (828) 225-6932. Hop aboard our purple bus for a variety of tours, with comedy skits, loads of area information and incredible views. nctg.co/bsb4S Attractions The following list of attractions in the Mountains region is arranged alphabetically by city. You may fi nd more detailed information on any of these attractions online at visitnc.com or the individual attraction’s website. An index to attractions is on page 166. MOUNTAINS PIEDMONT C0AST See page 161 for local information sources. visitnc.com 75 AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains New Belgium Brewing Company, 21 Craven St., (828) 333-6900. Enjoy a 90-minute tour of the brewery then relax at the Liquid Center or on our river deck overlooking the French Broad River. nctg.co/bGcJX North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, (828) 665-2492. This 434- acre campus features 65 acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, garden tours, and changing exhibits. nctg.co/b9jE4 River Arts District Studios, Triangle of Clingman, Lyman and Depot Sts., (828) 552-4723. Vast array of artists and working studios set in an urban scene of old factories and historical buildings. Explore artist studios and watch while they work, or meet the artists and discuss the creative process. nctg.co/bCkjs Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Rd., (828) 253-9231. Built in 1840, the rooms are showpieces reflecting different decades in the house’s history. nctg.co/bRgUb Smoky Mountain Adventure Center, 173 Amboy Rd., (828) 505-4446. Indoor climbing plus outdoor boat, tube, standup paddleboard and bike rentals. nctg.co/bbD27 Southern Appalachian Radio Museum, A-B Tech CC, Elm Bldg., Rm. 315, 340 Victoria Rd., (828) 298-3992. Collection of early amateur and home radios, as well as short-wave “ham” radios, plus important communications memorabilia. nctg.co/bzJVS Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site, 52 North Market St., (828) 253-8304. Boyhood home of author Thomas Wolfe, fictionalized as Dixieland in his first novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Provides a glimpse into Asheville’s early rise to prominence as a resort for health and recreation, as well as the stories associated with Wolfe’s colorful and turbulent childhood here. nctg.co/b2JgN Western North Carolina Farmers Market, 570 Brevard Rd., (828) 253-1691. Farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, jellies, flowers, ornamental plants, Christmas trees and crafts, plus a restaurant and garden center. nctg.co/byWUj Western North Carolina Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd., (828) 259-8080. Numerous exhibits feature more than 60 species of animals native to Southern Appalachia, such as red and gray wolves, bobcats, cougars and coyotes, plus domestic animals commonly found on Appalachian farms. nctg.co/bjskF Bakersville Dellinger’s Mill, Cane Creek Rd., (828) 688-1009. Established in 1867 and now the last water-powered, stone-ground grist mill of its kind in the state. Still family-owned, it still produces cornmeal, grits and polenta using the same time-honored techniques and methods. nctg.co/bSkmx Roan Mountain, Hwy. 261, (828) 682-6146. Famous for being the largest naturally growing gardens of Catawba rhododendrons in the world, this high ridge stands 6,285 feet at the highest point. Beyond the gardens are spruce-fir forests and treeless grassy balds. nctg.co/bNERR Banner Elk Banner Elk Winery, 60 Deer Run Ln., (828) 898-9090. We process locally grown grapes into excellent wines reflecting the unique characterizations of the Appalachian Mountains. nctg.co/bTMyW Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225 Vineyard Ln., (828) 963-2400. Nestled on the Watauga River at the base of Grandfather Mountain. Warm breezes during the day and cool, crisp nights help develop the flavors and balance of our wines. nctg.co/bhh6U Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mountain Dr., (828) 898-4521. Enjoy 125 skiable acres with 21 trails, from beginner to expert, plus snowboarding and ice skating and snowshoeing. Summer activities include scenic lift rides, mountain biking and hiking. nctg.co/bvFg5 Watauga River, Shawneehaw Ave., (828) 898-9550. Whitewater rafting and canoeing on this scenic river. nctg.co/bEhu7 Barnardsville Navitat Canopy Adventures, 242 Poverty Branch Rd., (828) 626-3700. Two zipline tours: 10 ziplines, 2 bridges, 2 rappels, and 3 short hikes, or 3 side-by-side “racing-style” ziplines, the longest of which stretches more than 3600 feet and is 350 feet above the forest floor. nctg.co/b8kkh Beech Mountain Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy., (828) 387-2011. Highest ski resort in eastern North America, with 16 slopes and 7 lifts for the beginner to seasoned expert. Outdoor ice-skating rink and snowboarding. In the summer, we’re a mountain biking mecca. nctg.co/b54wE Black Mountain Pisgah Brewing Company, 150 Eastside Dr., (828) 669-0190. We specialize in brewing handcrafted, certified organic beer. Stop by for a tour on Saturdays. nctg.co/bNRs9 Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St., (828) 669-9566. Exhibits reflect the pioneer history of western North Carolina, interpreted in photos and artifacts from the region. nctg.co/bhRZd Blowing Rock Appalachian Ski Mountain, 940 Ski Mtn. Rd., (828) 295-7828. High Country’s first ski area with 3 terrain parks, 12 ski slopes, snowboarding and outdoor ice-skating arena. nctg.co/bnAst The Blowing Rock, 432 The Rock Rd., (828) 295-7111. Scenic views abound at this immense cliff 4000 feet above sea level, overhanging Johns River Gorge 3000 feet below. nctg.co/bQFty Blowing Rock Art & History Museum (BRAHM), 159 Chestnut St., (828) 295-9099. Exhibits range from works from the permanent collection to exhibitions on loan with a focus on American artists and the history of the mountain region. nctg.co/bfusX Doc’s Rocks, 129 Mystery Hill Ln., (828) 264-4499. Gem mining and rock-hound fun at North Carolina’s only education-based gem mine. Indoor heated flumes and local North Carolina ore. nctg.co/bGMqF High Gravity Adventures, 215 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., (828) 386-6222. Harness up and climb through 75 different aerial challenges ranging from 15 to 50 feet off the ground. nctg.co/bCyhA Julian Price & Moses H. Cone Memorial Parks, Blue Ridge Pkwy., MP 297 & 294, (828) 963-5911. These two parks make up the largest developed area set aside for public recreation on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lake with fishing and canoeing and kayaking, plus numerous walking and hiking trails. Visit the Parkway’s official craft center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone estate and watch mountain handicraft demonstrations. Family cemetery, carriage and apple barn, and an extensive system of carriage trails. nctg.co/bRCDm Fontana Lake, Great Smoky Mountains National Park 76 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Green Property AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Mystery Hill - Heritage & Native Artifact Museums, 129 Mystery Hill Ln., (828) 264-2792. Self-guided tour of four fun-fi lled areas. Mystery House off ers the challenge of a gravity room. Hall of Mystery includes more than 40 mind-bending puzzles, hands-on experiments and illusions. Appalachian Heritage Museum gives an idea how mountain families lived in the early 1900s. With more than 50,000 relics, Native American Artifacts Museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts. nctg.co/bhtmR Sky Valley Zip Tours, 634 Sky Ranch Rd., (855) 475-9947. A leap of faith via 9 ziplines, a cliff jump, swinging bridge, and countless views later, you’ll have an experience you won’t soon forget. nctg.co/bxwU2 Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, 278 Shoppes on the Parkway Rd., (828) 295-4444. Buy direct from more than 30 brand-name manufacturer and designer outlet stores. nctg.co/bW3dr Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad Ln., (828) 264-9061. Be a cowboy, cowgirl, Indian or engineer at this family-friendly theme park. Hop aboard our historic steam locomotive, pan for gold, visit animals in the Deer Park, enjoy amusement rides or take in a live show. nctg.co/b5wPn Boone Daniel Boone Native Gardens, 651 Horn in the West Dr. Collection of North American native plants in an informal landscape design, along with an authentic log cabin that once belonged to the Boone family. Self-guided tours with on-duty gardeners happy to answer questions. nctg.co/bm82F Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, 4416 NC Hwy. 105 S, (828) 963-4367. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet, amethyst, citrine, smoky quartz, topaz, and many others are waiting to be discovered. nctg.co/b7ubY Horn in the West Outdoor Drama, 591 Horn in the West Dr., (828) 264-2120. Follow frontiersman Daniel Boone and the hardy settlers on their journey westward to overcome adversity and spark the fi res of a new nation. Summer performances, except Mondays. nctg.co/bKcGF Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423 W. King St., (828) 262-3017. Blend of new and historically important art with works of nationally and internationally renowned artists, as well as many of the fi nest artists of the region. nctg.co/bWEBq Bostic Bostic Lincoln Center, 112 Depot St., (828) 245-9800. There is substantial evidence that Abraham Lincoln wasn’t born in Kentucky, but near Bostic. Visit this one-of- a-kind museum and learn fi rsthand about Lincoln’s North Carolina roots. nctg.co/bfHRv Defi ant Whisky Distillery, 228 Redbud Ln., (828) 245-2041. Only the best ingredients, Mother Nature and our intuition guide the distilling crew. Enjoy a guided tour and culminate your visit with a sampling amid our breathtaking surroundings. nctg.co/bUkZc Washburn’s General Store, 2426 Bostic/ Sunshine Hwy., (828) 245-4129. Established in 1831 as a tavern/inn/store that served stagecoaches, today this fi fth-generation, old country store has both the usual and the unusual. nctg.co/bzA6Q Brasstown John C. Campbell Folk School, One Folk School Rd., (828) 837-2775. Self-guided tour of the campus includes the studios, nature trails and History Center. The Craft Shop showcases juried work of more than 300 craftspeople. nctg.co/bbT7Z Brevard Land of Waterfalls, 175 E. Main St., (828) 883-3700. More than 250 scenic waterfalls are in Transylvania County, including Looking Glass and Bridal Veil falls. Many are easily accessible. Others involve a hike, but you’ll fi nd any eff orts worthwhile. nctg.co/bzQZB Oskar Blues Brewery Southeast, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr., (828) 883-2337. Stop by for a tour and visit our tasting room, which features a variety of our outstanding brews. nctg.co/bpP38 Silvermont Park, 364 E. Main St., (828) 884-3156. Anchored by Silvermont Mansion, a Colonial Revival built in 1902, the second-fl oor museum refl ects the era of the original family. Park off ers a variety of themed gardens and walking trail. nctg.co/btrDc Transylvania Heritage Museum, 189 W. Main St., (828) 884-2347. Temporary and permanent displays of heirlooms, artifacts, genealogical exhibits, vintage photographs and other exhibits refl ective of the history and heritage of Transylvania County. nctg.co/bGc5w Bryson City Carolina Outfi tters Whitewater Rafting, 12121 NC Hwy. 19 W, (828) 488-6345. Choose guide-in-boat, guide-assisted or non-guided whitewater rafting trips on the Nantahala River. Infl atable Funyak/Ducky rentals, too. nctg.co/bhHvA Darnell Farms, 2300 Governors Island Rd., (828) 488-2376. Year-round educational tours explore farm life, farming methods and the history of the land; open-air local produce store. nctg.co/bjfgb Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians, 210 Main St., (828) 488-3681. Exhibits and videos tell of legendary “stream blazers,” the evolution of rods and reels, basic knots, fl y-tying, types of gear and gamefi sh, regional fi shing waters, and the history of fl y-fi shing in the Southeast. nctg.co/bTstF Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, 45 Mitchell St., (828) 586-8811. Journey across fertile valleys and through river gorges during a round-trip excursion with a wide array of ever-changing vegetation, landscapes and whitewater scenes. Special themed rides, also. nctg.co/b2Mq6 Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine, 11900 US Hwy. 19/74 W, (828) 488-3854. A favorite activity for all ages. Rain or shine, as we have a covered sluice. Professional gem-stone consultation on-site. nctg.co/bsp6G Looking Glass Falls, Brevard PHOTOGRAPH: JOHN NOLTNER See page 161 for local information sources. visitnc.com 77 AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 US Hwy. 19 W, (828) 622-3625. Family-friendly adventure rafting and paddling on the Nantahala River. Mountain bike rentals, ziplining, lake kayaking, wilderness medicine training and our world-famous paddling school. nctg.co/banQh Smoky Mountain Trains Museum, 100 Greenlee St., (828) 488-5200. Collection of 7,000 Lionel engines, cars and accessories, plus an impressive operating layout and children’s activity center. nctg.co/bNAW3 Swain County Heritage Museum, 2 Everett St., (828) 488-7857. In the 1908 historic courthouse, learn through photos, exhibits and video about the life of early settlers, and how the creation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Fontana Dam rewrote the landscape and changed lives. nctg.co/bGbfJ Wildwater Ltd., 10345 US Hwy. 19 W., (828) 488-2384. Complete adventure destination with zipline canopy tours, half-day jeep tours, full-day rails & trails, and raft & rail options. nctg.co/b5kev Burnsville Black Mountain/South Toe Basin, US Hwy. 19 Bypass, (828) 682-6146. Two recreation areas with hiking and wild trout fi shing, plus swimming and tubing. Most of the trails lead from the river valley to ridgetop of the Black Mountains, the highest range in the East. nctg.co/bxRKr McElroy House & Museum, 3 Academy St., (828) 678-9587. Highlights traditional mountain culture and the fascinating local history. Historic house served as headquarters for the Western North Carolina Home Guard during the Civil War. nctg.co/bp5Xq Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 NC Hwy. 128, (828) 675-4611. Highest peak, at 6,684 feet, in the eastern United States. Those who ascend this mighty peak fi nd breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, surrounding park provides some of the most tranquil moments you’ll ever experience. nctg.co/b7CJg Canton Canton Area Historical Museum, 36 Park St., (828) 646-3412. Aspects of early life at this mountain-heritage museum told through artifacts, records and pictures of earlier times. nctg.co/bAMRk Cedar Mountain DuPont State Recreational Forest, Transylvania & Henderson counties, (828) 877-6527. More than 10,000 acres of forest feature numerous waterfalls, including High Falls, Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Excellent hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. nctg.co/bzKSA Cherokee Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, 777 Casino Dr., (828) 497-7777. Live table games with blackjack, roulette, craps and more of your favorites, plus the latest Vegas-style slots. nctg.co/bkK9Q Mountain Farm Museum & Mingus Mill, 150 US Hwy. 441 N, (828) 497-1900. Collection of 10 historic farm buildings gathered from throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, including a house, barn, springhouse and smokehouse. Built in 1886 and still on its original site, the historic grist mill uses a water-powered turbine instead of a water wheel to power all of the machinery in the building. nctg.co/bnVHd Museum of the Cherokee Indian, 589 Tsali Blvd., (828) 497-3481. Multisensory trip through Cherokee history combines computer-generated images, holographic imaging, specialty lighting and audio with a solid artifact collection. nctg.co/brHPD Oconaluftee Indian Village, 218 Drama Rd., (828) 497-2111. Interactive journey through Cherokee lifestyle and history, your Cherokee guide shows you through winding paths fl anked with traditional Cherokee dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. Experience cultural dances and interact with the villagers as they craft and work. nctg.co/b7qJv Oconaluftee River, (800) 438-1601. Enjoy an easy canoe trip down the river or a picnic at Oconaluftee Islands Park, which features a walking trail highlighted by a Talking Tree that tells of the signifi cance to the Cherokee culture. nctg.co/beZhc Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, 645 Tsali Blvd., (828) 497-3103. Oldest and leading Native American arts cooperative in the country, featuring weaponry, decorative beadwork, intricate fi nger weaving, or sublime wood and stone carving. nctg.co/b4eP8 Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo, 571 Wolfetown Rd., (828) 497-9191. Family fun with a Christmas theme. In addition to rides, visit Santa and his elves, and watch craftsmen at work. nctg.co/btU3A Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine, US Hwy. 441 N, (828) 497-6574. Emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts, garnets, topaz and more, at Cherokee’s fi rst and largest gem mine. nctg.co/b6SPS Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, 564 Tsali Blvd., (828) 497-2111. Traces the Cherokee people through the zenith of their power, heartbreak of the Trail of Tears and to present day, where they continue to rewrite their place in the world. Summer performances. nctg.co/bR5Hu Chimney Rock Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park, 431 Main St., (828) 625-9611. Hike the 499-step Outcroppings Trail to the 315-foot Chimney Rock and see amazing 75-mile views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Unique hiking trails range from family-friendly with discovery stations to the more adventurous, which climbs more than 400 feet; Hickory Nuts Falls Trail leads to the 404-foot waterfall. nctg.co/bVtH7 Columbus Green Creek Winery, 413 Gilbert Rd., (828) 863-2182. We believe wine is an essential part of gracious living, so we invite you to enjoy our tasting room and winery. Sip wine on our patio and enjoy the vineyard and distant mountain vistas. nctg.co/bn6Hc Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Cherokee 78 NC TRAVEL GUIDE Green Property AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains House of Flags, 33 Gibson St., (828) 894-5640. Unique and comprehensive historical collection of more than 300 United States, military, state and international fl ags, including all 27 full-size offi cial U.S. fl ags from 1776 to 1960. nctg.co/bDjc2 Polk County History Museum, 60 Walker St., (828) 894-3351. Explore the area’s past via an early 1800s stagecoach, antique farm tools and implements, school display, home setting, doctor’s offi ce, and beauty parlor, plus many pictures from the past. nctg.co/bfdVD Russian Chapel Hills Winery, 2662 Green Creek Dr., (828) 863-0541. We use only our own grapes, which allows us to control the quality from the vine’s bud break to the sorting table. From our estate-grown varietals, we produce several dry European-style wines as well as a muscadine dessert wine. nctg.co/bdZF3 Shunkawauken Falls, White Oak Mountain Rd. Flows the length of White Oak Mountain. Main portion is 150 feet high. The winding White Oak Mountain Road crosses the falls in two places for easy, drive-by viewing. Sunset Rock Overlook off ers beautiful views. nctg.co/bgUjC Connelly Springs South Mountains State Park, 3001 South Mountains State Park Ave., (828) 433-4772. One of the state’s most rugged parks, with elevations up to 3,000 feet, High Shoals Falls drops 80 feet, and more than 40 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. nctg.co/bTbMS Crossnore Crossnore Weavers & Fine Arts Gallery, 205 Johnson Ln., (828) 733-3144. Weavers craft intricate designs in the Weaving Room. Gallery off ers works by regional painters, sculptors and fi ne crafters. nctg.co/bddbx Cullowhee Judaculla Rock, Judaculla Rock Rd., (828) 586-2155. Huge soapstone rock with numerous Native American symbols etched throughout. View the markings and develop your own theory on its origin. nctg.co/bAAUw Ennice Cumberland Knob, Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 217.5, (800) 372-5473. Site where construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway fi rst began and still a favorite destination. Mixture of lush woodlands and open fi elds houses a variety of birds and other wildlife. Ideal for leisurely walks or a more demanding hike to nearby Gully Creek. nctg.co/bpPD7 Ferguson Whippoorwill Village, 11928 NC Hwy. 268 W, (336) 973-3237. Chapel of Peace, 1864 Yadkin River jail, 1880 schoolhouse, blacksmith shop with a weaving room displaying an antique loom, and a good ol’ country store as well. Also, a replica of Daniel Boone’s c. 1760 home. Hear the intriguing love story of Wilkes County legend Tom Dula (Dooley). nctg.co/bYe67 Flat Rock Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site - Connemara, 81 Carl Sandburg Ln., (828) 693-4178. Sandburg published more than one-third of his works during his 22 years at Connemara. Today it off ers keen insight regarding the Sandburg family and their 262-acre working farm. Hiking trails, other historic buildings and a small goat herd, representative of Lillian Sandburg’s prize-winning goats. nctg.co/bNB5b Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., (828) 693-0731. The State Theatre of North Carolina. Top-quality entertainment for the entire family. The season, May through December, includes Broadway musicals, comedies, drama and theatre for young people. nctg.co/bxRNy Fontana Dam Fontana Dam & Visitors Center, 71 Fontana Dam Rd., (828) 498-2234. Tallest dam east of the Rockies. Constructed during the early 1940s to supply electricity to fuel the war eff orts during World War II. The Appalachian Trail crosses the top of the dam. nctg.co/bNDyp Forest City Bennett’s Classic Antique Auto Museum, 241 Vance St., (828) 247-1767. Preserves the automobile history for generations to come. Unrestored originals including Model Ts, Mack trucks, a Shelby Mustang and an American Lanfranc fi re truck. Don’t miss the 1963 Ford “Mayberry” sheriff ’s car, signed by Don Knotts. nctg.co/byNag Franklin Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum, 25 Phillips St., (828) 369-7831. Most comprehensive collection of native gems and minerals in the area. Displays from around the world and popular fl uorescent room. nctg.co/b4h4V Gold City Gem Mine, 9410 Sylva Rd., (828) 369-3905. Outside fl ume or an inside, heated fl ume for cooler weather, so you can sluice rain or shine for gems, using native or enriched gemstone buckets. Or try your luck with gold panning. nctg.co/bfJUZ Macon County Historical Museum, 36 W. Main St., (828) 524-9758. Educational and fun experience showcasing the county’s Appalachian culture. nctg.co/bBvXJ Scottish Tartans Museum, 86 E. Main St., (828) 524-7472. Only one of its kind in the United States. Offi cial registry of all publicly known tartans. Original and replica kilts showing styles from the late 16th century to present day. Other exhibits include Scottish weaponry, weaving display and details of the Scottish migration to North Carolina, plus their relationship with the Cherokee Indians in particular. nctg.co/b6zYz Wilderness Taxidermy, 5040 Highlands Rd., (828) 524-3677. Studio with a combined work area, museum and wildlife art gallery off ers the opportunity to view hundreds of unique specimens from around the world. nctg.co/bhMCW Glen Alpine Lake James Cellars, 204 E. Main St., (828) 584-4551. Enjoy a wine tasting from a wide variety of wines. Our specialty is our award-winning dry reds and whites, but we also off er many sweeter fruit wines. nctg.co/bGzd2 Glendale Springs Churches of the Frescoes - Holy Trinity Church, 120 Glendale School Rd., (336) 982-3076. Features The Lord’s Supper by Ben Long, a North Carolina native. Other works include Jeff rey Mims’ The Departure of Christ. The church dates to the early 1900s. nctg.co/bGHSq Hayesville Eagle Fork Vineyards, 8 Cedar Cliff Rd., (828) 389-8466. We wake our grapes every day with soft, classical music. Sit on the outdoor pavilion and enjoy the breathtaking views while trying our fi ne, handcrafted wines. nctg.co/bJMsw Hendersonville Burntshirt Vineyards, 2695 Sugarloaf Rd., (828) 685-2402. Magnifi cent views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from patios overlooking our vineyards. Savor our award-winning wines that are estate-grown, produced and bottled at the state-of-the-art winery. nctg.co/bH5xj Hands On, 318 N. Main St., (828) 697-8333. Educational exhibits and programs stimulate the imagination and motivate learning for children ages 1 to 10. Hands-on exhibits include a grocery store, Lego ramp, vet hospital and costume theater. nctg.co/bFrBD Henderson County Heritage Museum, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, #4, (828) 694-1619. Housed in the historic courthouse are artifacts, collections, demonstrations and other exhibitions relating to the area’s culture, heritage and stories. nctg.co/bMmcz Holmes Educational State Forest, 1299 Crab Creek Rd., (828) 692-0100. Rugged terrain, numerous rock outcroppings and scenic vistas are accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and displays depicting the ecology of the managed forest. nctg.co/bnzss Jump Off Rock, 4433 Laurel Park Hwy., Scenic overlook provides a panoramic view of rolling pastures, the Blue Ridge and Pisgah mountain ranges. Three hiking trials vary in length and diffi culty. nctg.co/bcMpx Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County, 400 N. Main St., (828) 698-1977. Features the natural beauty of minerals, gems, fossils and artifacts found in North See page 161 for local information sources. visitnc.com 79 AT T R A C T I O N S Mountains Carolina, the United States and around the world. Displays include a dinosaur egg cluster, fl uorescent minerals, geodes, petrifi ed wood and large logs. nctg.co/bS436 Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, 588 Chestnut Gap Rd., (828) 685-4002. Nestled on 10 acres with panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sample our Riesling blends, red Cabernets and Chardonnays, each with dry and semi-sweet versions. nctg.co/bAaCk Team ECCO Center for Ocean Awareness, 511 N. Main St., (828) 692-8386. Only public aquarium in western North Carolina. More than 20 tanks have sea horses, stingrays, shark pups, lion fi sh and a touch tank. Interactive programs and displays engage all ages nctg.co/bSRhg Western North Carolina Air Museum, 1340 Gilbert St., (828) 698-2482. Award-winning restored, replica antique and vintage airplanes, plus aviation artifacts such as manuals, photographs and airplane models. nctg.co/bFUmX Hiddenite Emerald Hollow Mine, 484 Emerald Hollow Mine Dr., (828) 635-1126. Dig, sluice or “go creekin.” Find emeralds, hiddenite, quartz, garnet, sapphire, aquamarine and more. nctg.co/bFDtE Hiddenite Arts & Heritage Center at the Historic Lucas Mansion, 316 Hiddenite Church Rd., (828) 632-6966. Victorian mansion houses antiques and collectibles, local gem and mineral collection, art gallery with changing exhibits, and a toy and doll collection. nctg.co/bAMCZ Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area, 3451 Rocky Face Church Rd., (828) 632-1093. Former quarry operation has sheer cliff faces popular with rock climbers. Paved ADA walking track is outside the quarry area, and 5 miles of trails take hikers along the top of the quarry cliff s and to the mountain peak. nctg.co/bV6vW Highlands Highlands Area Waterfalls, various locations, (828) 526-2114. Bridal Veil Falls, located on US 64/28 W., cascades 120 feet over the highway. Dry Falls also on US 64/28 W. is a 75-foot waterfall that visitors can walk behind. Glen Falls, on NC Hwy. 106 S., is a series of three large falls, dropping approximately 60 feet each. nctg.co/bqKK8 Museum of American Cut & Engraved Glass, 472 Chestnut St., (828) 526-3415. Collection of antique cut and engraved glass made in America between 1876 and 1916. nctg.co/bYBVs Whiteside Mountain, Whiteside Mountain Rd., (828) 586-3765. Named for its sheer, white cliff s, mountain rises more than 2,100 feet above the Nantahala National Forest. National recreation trail, making a 2-mile loop, winds to the 4,930-foot summit. nctg.co/bTga7 Hot Springs Historic Hot Springs, US Hwy. 70, (828) 622-9932. Located at the junction of the French Broad River and the Appalachian Trail, which runs through the middle of the area. Way station for hikers and magnet for people who want to experience the therapeutic value and healing power of the hot springs. nctg.co/bageb Hudson Six Waterpots Vineyard & Winery, 4040 James Dr., (828) 728-5099. Enjoy the Old World feel of the winery, with its tapestry ceilings, as you enjoy a glass of your favorite wine. To suit a variety of palates, we off er both dry and sweet in each of our wines. nctg.co/bZXap Jeff erson Museum of Ashe County History, 301 E. Main St., (336) 846-1904. Located in the 1904 Victorian courthouse, displays highlight the area’s history, from moonshining to military involvement. Virginia Creeper exhibit features a model train connecting towns in Ashe County. Ore Knob Mine exhibit has a diorama and simulates a 19th-century mine shaft. nctg.co/bHvqm Lake Junaluska World Methodist Museum, 575 N. Lakeshore Dr., (828) 456-7242. The story of John Wesley, his family and the formation of Methodism in the 18th century. World’s largest collection of Wesleyan Staff ordshire pottery, plus rare books, manuscripts and autographs. Artifacts depict the fi eld preaching aspect of early Methodism, such as Wesley’s traveling pulpit and Francis Asbury’s trunk. nctg.co/bckDA Lake Lure Beach at Lake Lure & Water Works, 2724 Memorial Hwy., (828) 625-0077. Float on the water, build sand castles, or picnic with friends and family. For a soaking good time, visit our water park for soaking games, a water slide and water cannons. nctg.co/bfmGe Boulderline Adventure Programs, 456 Boland Dr., (828) 625-4913. Six ziplines fl y ridge to ridge with “bunny slopes” for ages 3 and up, plus a 32-foot climbing tower and a giant hillside swing. nctg.co/bwFRe Canopy Ridge Farm, 7115 US Hwy. 64, (828) 625-4500. Nestled in Hickory Nut Gorge, ziplines are designed with exhilarating features, including Zip Zilla, which is more than 1000 feet long and engineered for speed. nctg.co/buz4T Laurel Springs New River State Park, 358 New River State Park Rd., (336) 982-2587. Park is base camp for exploration of this Natural and Wild Scenic River. Enjoy paddling, fi shing, picnicking and wildlife viewing. nctg.co/bDQ3S Thistle Meadow Winery, 102 Thistle Meadow, (800) 233-1505. We produce a wide variety of wines—reds, whites and blushes— ranging from sweet to dry. Tours include tastings of wines made from grapes grown around the world. nctg.co/bRCJm Leicester Addison Farms Vineyard, 4005 New Leicester Hwy., (828) 581-9463. Our elevation allows for nearly 360 degrees of beautiful mountain views. Current varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Petit Verdot and Petit Manseng. nctg.co/bdF5X Lenoir Caldwell Heritage Museum, 112 Vaiden St., (828) 758-4004. Chronological history of Caldwell County, from pre-Colonial days until the present, through a series of exhibits. Special-interest collections include medicine, music, military and photography. nctg.co/bF84G Carolina Distillery, 1001 West Ave., NW, (828) 499-3095. Premium brandies using apples or strawberries, plus apple pie moonshine. Guided tour on Friday and Saturday includes a fl ight of samples and a commemorative shot glass. nctg.co/b9MYG Fort Defi ance, 1792 Fort Defi ance Dr., (828) 758-1671. Restored 1792 home of Revolutionary War hero Gen. William Lenoir. Considered to be one of the most unique restorations in the country, house contains more than 300 pieces of original furnishings and artifacts. nctg.co/b3fx2 Tuttle Educational State Forest, 3420 Playmore Beach Rd., (828) 757-5608. Wide variety of pines and hardwoods, plus rolling terrain and clear streams. Accessible by a series of well-marked trails, accented by exhibits and display that explain the ecology of the managed forest. nctg.co/bhZsm Twisted Vine Winery, 487 Legion Rd., (828) 726-3185. Handcrafted wines full of Southern tradition, ranging from dry reds and whites, such as Merlot and Chardonnay, to sweet wines, including blackberry, peach, muscadine and our special chocolate-strawberry. nctg.co/bkQqP Linville Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing Rock Hwy., (828) 733-4337. Known for the 360-degree views from our Mile High Swinging Bridge. Ecologically diverse nature preserve where you can get eye-to-eye with bears, cougars, otters and eagles in natural habitats. Learn about the natural world from guides, stroll gentle paths or hike |
OCLC number | 44441958 |