North Carolina : the official ... travel guide

              north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
Grove Park Inn celebrates 100 years
A Century of
Elegance
north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
Be moved by the site of the
World Freestyle Championships
floating
long after you stop
Feel like you’re
67216
66686
visitnc.com North Carolina Travel Guide ONLINE
discover watch
Find inspiration for your next trip on Project 543
project543.com, a postcard-style collection of
stories about unique spots across North Carolina.
Climb America’s
tallest lighthouse
Experience The Hunger Games
where the movie was filmed
Tour the real Mayberry
in a vintage squad car
visitnc.com
Watch wild Spanish mustangs on the Coast
Escaped from Spanish ships, North Carolina’s
wild horses have run free for nearly 500 years
in Corolla and the Shackleford Banks.
plan
visitnc.com is your one-stop shop for planning
travel in North Carolina. Browse the state’s
attractions, accommodations and events;
download brochures; and subscribe to free
eNewsletters to get information on special
events, promotions and discounts.
Find Us On:
Facebook Pinterest Twitter
From our moderate climate to a range of recreational
activities, North Carolina is an ideal place to retire. Visit
www.RetireNC.com to find details on retirement areas,
certified communities, signature events and other helpful
information about living in North Carolina.
Winston-Salem Gardens Great Smoky Mountains Land of Waterfalls
north carolina
welcome
Welcome to North Carolina! This year’s North Carolina Travel Guide
contains a wealth of information on the many unforgettable attractions
that make our state a favorite year-round travel destination. Travelers
today are looking for fulfilling destinations that provide distinctive
experiences and lasting memories, and there’s no better place for that
than North Carolina.
While you’re here, celebrate iconic North Carolina experiences. Trace
the footsteps of Blackbeard or observe the wild horses of the Outer
Banks. Tune in to the state’s rich and varied music heritage. Drink in the
scenery on the Blue Ridge Parkway and other beautiful drives or pursue
a multitude of outdoor adventures. Cheer for racing legends or golf
across a range of terrains. And don’t forget to savor the celebrated fare
of chefs, winemakers, craft brewers and distillers that has made North
Carolina a top culinary destination.
During your visit, you’ll find the perfect blend of relaxation and range
of activities, making your vacation more meaningful and enriching and,
above all, memorable. Discover the delights of our state as you discover
more about yourself, your family and friends, and what really matters.
As you travel our state, you will find hospitable North Carolinians who
take delight in sharing our heritage and showing off our state. We
encourage you to experience the best that we have to offer!
Wrightsville Beach at sunrise
connect
The tablet version features
animation, photos and video to
give you another exciting way to
experience the state. Find the free
app in the iTunes store or
download it from visitnc.com.
north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
be moved by the sIte of the
World freestyle chamPIonshIPs
floAting
long after you stop
feel like you’re
4 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 5
12 dining
Seafood, wine, barbecue and craft beer
are just a few of the tasty ways to savor
a trip to North Carolina.
16 outdoor playground
Whether you like to zipline, kiteboard,
surf, kayak or windsurf, there are
boundless opportunities to play to your
heart’s content across the state.
22 film
Some of your favorite movies and
television shows have been filmed in
North Carolina, and you can follow in
the footsteps of the stars!
26 naturally wonderful
Wonders never cease when you have
places to visit such as the Blue Ridge
Parkway, Outer Banks, Looking Glass
Falls and Jockey’s Ridge.
32 music
From bluegrass to shag, North Carolinia
has inspired a host of artists who
bring their many talents to stages,
amphitheaters and concert halls for your
listening pleasure.
36 city breaks
Pick a city, any city – be it Winston-
Salem, Wilmington, Charlotte or
Asheville – for exciting museums, local
eateries, unique shops, lively nightclubs
and a whole lot more.
40 resorts & spas
Looking for a little R&R? Prepare to be
pampered at the state’s varied list of
soothing spas where you can unplug,
decompress and rejuvenate.
44 civil war
The five-year commemoration of the
Civil War continues, and the Tar Heel
State has all kinds of interesting places
to discover history and heroism.
66241
north carolina
contents
visitnc.com 7
48 mountains
Attractions
Accommodations
84 piedmont
Attractions
Accommodations
128 coast
Attractions
Accommodations
159 local information
sources
161 state information
sources
162 attractions index
166 city index
168 advertisers index
how to use this guide
This guidebook is divided into three sections. The first part is
devoted to features about unique and distinct North Carolina
experiences, ranging from dining and outdoor adventures to music
and movies.
The next section corresponds to the geographic regions shown
on the map below – Mountains, Piedmont and Coast. Within each
region, you’ll fnd sections on attractions and accommodations
arranged alphabetically by city.
A City Index appears on page 166. If you are looking for a certain
attraction but aren’t sure what city it is in, check the Attractions
Index on page 162.
For more detailed information on a particular area, a list of Local
Information Sources can be found on page 159. State Information
Sources are listed on page 161.
We appreciate the many businesses that support this guide with
advertising. An Advertisers Index can be found on page 168.
All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the listings.
However, we suggest that you call before traveling to obtain
operation times, admission prices and other details.
coast
piedmont
mountains
G e o r g i a
T ennessee
S o u t h C a r o l i na
At l ant i c
Ocean
V i r g i n i a
north carolina
contents
66574
About the Covers
The covers of the North Carolina Travel
Guide mark two major events in 2013.
Asheville’s storied Grove Park Inn celebrates
its 100th anniversary, and the ICF’s World
Freestyle Kayaking Championships will
take place on the Nantahala River, near
Bryson City, in early September.
north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
DECK DECK DECK DECK DECK
coverline
goes here
north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
be moved by the sIte of the
World freestyle chamPIonshIPs
floAting
long after you stop
feel like you’re
visitnc.com 9
To see an enhanced version of the digital guide, with videos
and a photo gallery, go to visitnc.com/eguide.
Visitors can find discounts and
deals on lodging and activities
throughout the state by using
this QR (Quick Response)
code. Scan this code for info
about North Carolina.
The Official North Carolina Travel Guide is published
annually by Journal Communications Inc. for the
State of North Carolina
Department of Commerce
Division of Tourism,
Film and Sports Development
Assistant Secretary for Tourism, Lynn D. Minges
Marketing and Global Branding
Director of Operations and Bryan Gupton
Industry Relations
Director of Tourism Marketing Wit Tuttell
Publications Manager Kathy Prickett
State Photographer Bill Russ
Journal Communications Inc.
VP/Travel Publishing Susan Chappell
Travel Project Manager Jill Wyatt
Proofreading Manager Raven Petty
Contributing Writers Jason Frye
	 Jessica Mozo
	 Joe Rada
Senior Graphic Designers Laura Gallagher
	 Vikki Williams
Creative Technology Analyst Becca Ary
Color Imaging Technician Alison Hunter
Photography Jeff Adkins
	 Todd Bennett
	 Steven McBride
	 Brian McCord
	 Bill Russ
Digital Project Manager Jill Ridenour
Executive Integrated Mary Ann Stafford
Media Manager
Senior Integrated Deshaun Goodrich
Media Managers Robin Robertson
Integrated Media Manager Scott vonCannon
Ad Production Manager Katie Middendorf
Ad Traffic Assistants Krystin Lemmon
	 Patricia Moisan
Chairman Greg Thurman
President/Publisher Bob Schwartzman
Executive Vice President Ray Langen
Senior VP/Sales Todd Potter
Senior VP/Client Development Jeff Heefner
Senior VP/Operations Casey Hester
VP/Sales Herb Harper
	 Jarek Swekosky
VP/External Communications Teree Caruthers
VP/Visual Content Mark Forester
Creative Services Director Christina Carden
Web Creative Director Allison Davis
Photography Director Jeffrey S. Otto
Distribution Director Gary Smith
Controller Chris Dudley
Sales Support Coordinator Sara Quint
Senior Accountant Lisa Owens
Accounts Payable Coordinator Maria McFarland
Accounts Receivable Coordinator Diana Guzman
IT Director Daniel Cantrell
Listing information in this guide was obtained directly
from the Division’s central database and should not
be construed as a recommendation or endorsement
by Journal Communications or the North Carolina
Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.
For advertising information, questions or comments
about the guide, contact Journal Communications
Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN
37067, (615) 771-0080, info@jnlcom.com ©Copyright
2012 Journal Communications Inc. All rights reserved.
For additional travel information, contact:
North Carolina Division of Tourism,
Film and Sports Development
4324 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4324
Phone: (919) 733-8372, (800) VISIT NC (847-4862)
Fax: (919) 733-8582
Website: visitnc.com
600,000 copies 12/12.
Not printed at government expense.
Cover photos:
The Grove Park Inn photos courtesy of The Grove Park Inn
Nantahala River photo by Steven McBride
This guide is printed on 10% post-consumer
recycled paper from a mill that supports all credible
forest-certification programs.
Rules of the Road
• Seat belt use is mandatory for
drivers and passengers in front
and rear seats.
• Child safety seats are required for
children up to age 8 and weighing
less than 80 pounds. For information,
visit www.buckleupnc.org.
• When passing an emergency or
utility/maintenance vehicle with
flashing lights on the highway
shoulder, move over one lane if
possible, or reduce speed.
• 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.
Driver and motorcyclist handbooks
are available for viewing and
downloading at www.ncdot.org/
dmv/driver_services.
Statewide Travel
Information
Information on travel conditions
is available online at www.ncsmart
link.org, 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
1-800-VISIT NC (847-4862).
Disability Access
Information for travelers with
disabilities is available free of charge in
ACCESS North Carolina: A Vacation and
Travel Guide for People with
Disabilities. This publication provides
information about hundreds of
attractions’ parking, paths, entrance and
restrooms, and rates how accessible
each attraction is for different types of
disabilities. Call 1-800-VISIT NC (847-
4862) or e-mail access.nc@dhhs.nc.gov
to request a free copy. You may view the
information online at www.ncdhhs.gov/
dvrs/pdf/ACCESS-NC.pdf.
The Americans with Disabilities Act
establishes a variety of standards for a
variety of properties. Visitors with
disabilities and special needs are
encouraged to contact the
accommodations or attractions directly
to find out their level of accessibility.
Ferry Information
The North Carolina Department
of Transportation’s ferry system
includes 22 ferries that operate 365
days a year at seven sites 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
ncferry.org. The rest of the ferry
routes operate on a first-come, first-serve
basis. Motorists must claim their
reservation at least 30 minutes prior to
departure, or it will be canceled. For
more information, including schedules
and prices, visit the website or call
(800) BY-FERRY.
North Carolina’s
Amtrak Train Service
State-sponsored local passenger
trains offer service six times daily to
Raleigh, Greensboro, Charlotte and
six other cities, including Cary,
Durham, Burlington, High Point,
Salisbury and Kannapolis. Local trains
run morning, midday and evening.
Amtrak National thru trains make
limited stops in North Carolina and
travel to both the northeast and
southeast United States.
For complete schedules, fares and
ticket information, call (800) BY-TRAIN
(298-7246) or visit bytrain.org.
Welcome Centers
and Rest Areas
North Carolina’s welcome centers
and highway rest areas offer
opportunities for convenient, brief
stops and provide easy roadside
access to public restrooms, drinking
water and telephones. Welcome
centers also provide picnic tables and
grills, family restrooms and even
displays of North Carolina crafts.
Locations for welcome centers and
rest areas are indicated on the state’s
highway transportation map.
Professional travel counselors
located at each welcome center
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, and can book
room reservations at no charge
for visitors staying overnight in the
Tar Heel State.
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.
north carolina
info for travelers
66514
10 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 11
12 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
D Wineries
North Carolina wine has become a
household name, and there are many
places where you can taste the fruits
of the winemakers’ labors. Along the
state’s many wine trails, you’ll have
your choice of vineyards that include
tasting rooms, restaurants and tours
of the facilities. Many wineries also
offer music, special tastings and other
events to round out your experience.
E Hand-Crafted Brews
The craft beer scene is frothing over in
cities and towns across the state. Hoist
a bottle of Duck Rabbit Milk Stout,
one of Fullsteam’s seasonal brews
or one of Highland Brewing Co.’s
IPAs and taste why North Carolina’s
reputation as a beer destination is
growing. Head to Asheville, named
Beer City USA, or explore one of
more than 60 craft breweries and
brewpubs – many of which offer tours
and tastings – to find your perfect
beer. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and
New Belgium Brewing Co. are both
constructing East Coast facilities.
B North Carolina-Made
Products
What do Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Mt.
Olive pickles, Cheerwine and Pepsi
Cola have in common? They’re all from
North Carolina. While you’re here, be
sure to grab a savory souvenir and
take the flavor of your visit home with
you. Like barbecue sauce? Get a bottle
(or two) of Bone Suckin’ Sauce or
Cackalacky. Love peanuts? Try Bertie
County Peanuts. Are sweets your
thing? Go with truffles from South ‘n
France in Wilmington or French Broad
Chocolate Co. in Asheville.
C Farmers Markets
Grab your basket and head out to
one of the more than 200 farmers
markets across the state, where you’ll
find the bounty of our fields waiting
to grace your table. Our farmers
grow the tastiest tomatoes you’ve
ever tried; heirloom squash, melons,
beans and peas; fruit from apples
to strawberries; greens and more.
At our farmers markets, you’ll
also find fresh-baked bread,
artisanal meats and cheeses,
herbs, flowers and treats from
homemade to home-grown.
A Notable Chefs
No matter where you go in North
Carolina, you’re not far from a great
chef. In Chapel Hill, pay a visit to James
Beard Best Chef Southeast Andrea
Reusing at Lantern, or sit down to a
meal by James Beard Rising Star Chef
of the Year Katie Button at Cúrate in
Asheville. In Wilmington, stop and see
Keith Rhodes, a James Beard nominee
and Top Chef contestant, at Catch. In
every town from Asheville to Kinston,
Charlotte to Durham, Hillsborough to
Raleigh, you’ll find a growing legion of
chefs known for the outstanding food
coming out of their kitchens.
North Carolina’s contributions to cuisine
are known far and wide.
north carolina
dining
C D E
A
B
North Carolina has a directory of pick-your-
own farms and farmers markets
you can access at ncfarmfresh.com.
visitnc.com 13
14 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
North Carolina’s collective table offers an astounding array
of edibles – from barbecue and seafood to craft beer
and wine – and everything in between.
north carolina
dining
North Carolina Fishermen deliver
an abundance of fresh seafood
to dining spots on a daily basis.
North Carolina is known as the
Cradle of ’Cue, with barbecue
stops in towns and cities from the
mountains to the Coast.
F Craft Distilleries
You can’t deny North Carolina’s moonshining past,
and thanks to several craft-spirits makers, you’ll not
soon forget it. Troy and Sons Distillers in Asheville
makes white liquor from heirloom corn and old
mountain recipes, and you can take a sip on a tour of
their facility. Other distilleries, including Blue Ridge
Distilling Co. in Golden Valley, Carolina Distillery in
Lenoir, Piedmont Distillers in Madison and Southern
Artisan Spirits in Kings Mountain, make vodka, whiskey,
gin and seasonal brandies.
G Local Food
Celebrate the flavors of North Carolina by eating at
one of the many farm-to-table restaurants that feature
fresh produce, fish and meat from farmers, fishermen
and ranchers. Manna in Wilmington, Table 16 in
Greensboro, Fern in Charlotte and Tupelo Honey
Cafe in Asheville are among the growing number of
restaurants using local ingredients.
H Fresh Seafood
The waters off our coast are brimming with the best
fish and shellfish you can find. Enjoy fresh seafood
at our waterside restaurants, or buy the catch of
the day right off the boat and cook it yourself. Pay
a visit to Calabash for its distinctive style of fried
seafood, head to Morehead City
for the North Carolina Seafood
Festival, Snead’s Ferry for
its Shrimp Festival or the
North Carolina Oyster
Festival in Ocean Isle
Beach for a taste of the sea.
F
H
G
I
J
Find out more about
North Carolina foods.
visitnc.com/2013/dining
J Barbecue Trail
What’s 500 miles long, has 23 stops for lunch and dinner
and has divided North Carolina diners for decades? The
North Carolina Barbecue Trail. Travel the trail and sample
barbecue as it moves from vinegar-based, Eastern-style
sauce to the tomato-based, Western-style ‘cue and
decide for yourself which is best. Starting in the Piedmont
town of Ayden and ending in the mountain town of
Murphy, the trail is sure to delight your taste buds.
I Dining Tours
Take a behind-the-scenes look at some of the state’s
finest restaurants on a dining tour. Asheville Food Tours
offers walking tours of downtown restaurants or in nearby
Biltmore Village. Taste Carolina Gourmet Food Tours
introduces you to the dining scene in Carrboro, Chapel Hill,
Durham, Greensboro, Hillsborough, Raleigh and Winston-
Salem. Triangle Food Tour offers six tours centered on
Cary, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Durham and Raleigh. And
Culinary Adventures takes you into the kitchens of some of
downtown Wilmington’s finest restaurants.
visitnc.com 15
go online
Just add water for a
wet and wild adventure.
north carolina
outdoor playground
Kayaking on the
Nantahala River
(see p. 19)
north carolina
outdoor playground
Whether you want to test your mettle on a
mountain slope, or paddle your way through
paradise, North Carolina has it all.
PREVIOUS SPREAD
2013 World Freestyle
Kayaking Championships
Watch top-rated whitewater paddlers
compete on the churning Nantahala
River during the International Canoe
Federation’s Canoe Freestyle World
Championships, Sept. 2-8 near
Bryson City. Seeing skilled
kayakers spin, flip and cartwheel
might inspire you to try the
splashy sport. The Nantahala
is open most days to the public and is
suitable for paddlers of all ability levels.
The Appalachian Mountains, the highest
Mountains east of the rockies, are the
perfect place for a day on the slopes.
B Fishing
Variety makes North Carolina
paradise for anglers. Wade in
mountain streams and search
for trout. Cast from boats and
docks on Piedmont lakes to
haul in catfish, carp and walleye.
Drop anchor in coastal sounds to net
flounder, amberjack and cobia. Or take
a charter vessel heading 15 to 60 miles
offshore to wrestle with sharks, tuna and
giant billfish.
C Skiing/Snowboarding
Snow sports dominate western North
Carolina in winter. Full-scale resorts and
day-use areas offer downhill skiing,
snowboarding and snow tubing, each
enhancing what nature drops by adding
machine-made snow. There are also
cross-country skiing trails, snowshoeing
routes, ice-skating rinks and sledding
hills, so bundle up and get outside!
A Hang Gliding
Take wing where the Wright brothers
launched modern aviation on the Outer
Banks more than a century ago. Start at the
Kitty Hawk Kites hang gliding training center
at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. Instructors talk
you through piloting a glider, running into a
sea breeze, soaring briefly and then landing
“either gracefully or awkwardly” on soft
sand dunes.
A
B
C
Find more outdoor fun.
visitnc.com/2013/outdoor go online
D Sliding Rock
Wear old shorts and sneakers when you take the
plunge at Sliding Rock, where 60 slanted feet of
slippery-wet rock ends at a deep pool of mountain
water in Pisgah National Forest. Nature’s creek-fed
water slide north of Brevard stays around 55 degrees
in summer, creating a popular spot to cool off.
E Ziplining
Strap into a waist harness attached to an overhead
cable and glide swiftly through the treetops at zipline
tours scattered across the state. Each course involves
multiple gravity-powered “zips” between raised
platforms, swooshing over scenic valleys, waterfalls,
streams and forests.
G Kayaking
Paddling a kayak is a great way to enjoy some of
the state’s many outdoor playgrounds. Poke around
on foggy morning fingers of mirror-flat lakes. Bob
through rapids on tumbling mountain streams.
Prefer to stand? Try paddleboarding and ride tides
to explore shallow trails meandering through coastal
marshes.
H The Dragon
Smooth roads twisting through gorgeous scenery
attract motorcyclists, and North Carolina boasts them
in abundance. One popular route traces US Highway
129 north of Robbinsville in the Nantahala National
Forest, where a stretch at Deal’s Gap dubbed “The
Dragon” features 318 curves in just 11 miles. The
nearby Cherohala Skyway sweeps through more
high country for another alluring ride. And the
Diamondback features 190 curves in 12 miles near
the Blue Ridge Parkway.
F Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding combines aspects
of windsurfing, wakeboarding,
kite flying and gymnastics into
the latest extreme sport.
Boarders catch wind in large,
controllable kites, skip along
the water’s surface, launch from
waves and execute jaw-dropping
aerial maneuvers. Nearly a dozen
kiteboarding shops and schools
dot North Carolina’s coast.
north carolina
outdoor
playground
I Rock Climbing
Rock climbers relish the state’s diverse options. Some
go bouldering with little more than mats to fall on
at Grandmother Mountain, Blowing Rock and Lost
Cove. Others favor “friction” climbing, scrambling
across steep, almost featureless granite slabs at Stone
Mountain State Park. More pack ropes, harnesses,
rappelling devices and other gear to aid climbing
on sheer cliffs throughout the Tar Heel State.
J Windsurfing
Any body of water touched by steady breezes draws
windsurfing fans and their graceful combination of
sailing and surfing. Pamlico, Albemarle, Roanoke
and Croatan sounds – separated from the Atlantic
Ocean by the Outer Banks – provide some of the
state’s best windsurfing opportunities.
D
E F
G
H I
J
The North Carolina
coast is hard to beat for
windsurfing. Lessons are
offered at many places
along the coast, and
equipment rentals are
available for any level
of expertise.
From the mountains to the
sea, North Carolina offers
a beautiful backdrop for
outdoor adventures.
22 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
B The Hunger Games
North Carolina was the perfect location
for The Hunger Games. Follow in the
footsteps of Katniss and Gale in the Arena
at Dupont State Recreational Forest,
Pisgah National Forest’s Lower Douglas
Falls, Triple Falls and Navitat’s zipline
canopy tour. Or visit Shelby, and picture
the crowds and Peacekeepers at the Hob
and the town square where the Reaping
thrusts Katniss into the Games. For a taste
of the Capitol’s lifestyle, head to Charlotte,
where the modern north side of the city
was transformed into the playground
of President Snow and the other capital
denizens. Experience a Hunger Games
Weekend Adventure at Earthshine Lodge.
C Homeland
Go inside the world of Homeland, an
intense psychological thriller about
a soldier-turned-terrorist. Starring
Claire Danes, Damian Lewis and
Morena Baccarin, Homeland boasts
Showtime’s highest-rated premier
and finale and a Golden Globe for
Best TV Drama. Shot at locations
around Charlotte, including
the upscale Mountainbrook
neighborhood and nearby Lake
Norman, Homeland transformed
this versatile Piedmont city and
its surroundings into places like
Washington, D.C., and Iraq, to
name just a few.
The magic of the movies comes
to life in North Carolina.
north carolina
film
A Iron Man 3
Filmed at the EUE/Screen Gems studio
lot and on location in and around
Wilmington, Iron Man 3 is the largest
production in the state’s film history.
Iron Man 3 shows off North Carolina’s
production capabilities as never before
– with high-flying action and spectacular
sets. While you’re here, be sure to visit
some of the spots where the cast and
crew filmed, dined and played.
B C
photo courtesy of Kent Smith/SHOWTIME
photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. TM & (c) 2012 Marvel & Subs.
visitnc.com 23
24 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 25
H A TV Hub
Wilmington, also known as Hollywood East or
Wilmywood, is packed with locations that fans of
Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, Eastbound and Down and
more will recognize. Take the Hollywood Location Walk
and see where dozens of TV programs, feature films
and made-for-TV movies have been filmed. From the
iconic Water Street seen frequently on Dawson’s Creek
to the coffee shops, cafes and alleys seen in films from
Maximum Overdrive to Blue Velvet, you’ll find familiar
locations at every turn.
I Bull Durham
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the movie Sports
Illustrated called “the greatest sports movie” – Bull
Durham. Stroll the streets of Durham and you’ll find
plenty of familiar locations, but none as memorable as
the downtown baseball stadium. Sitting in the Historic
Durham Athletic Park, it’s not hard to imagine Kevin
Costner and Tim Robbins’ characters suited up with
their game faces on.
J Inn at Rodanthe
Rodanthe, and its namesake inn from 2008’s Nights in
Rodanthe, is a real place on the north end of Hatteras
Island at the Outer Banks. Rent the oceanfront home
Serendipity, instantly recognized as the Inn at
Rodanthe, for an insider’s look at the set, or just take a
few photos from a distance. All along Hatteras Island
and up and down the Outer Banks, you’ll find locations
from the film are easy to find and hard to forget.
D Film Festivals
More than two dozen film festivals
feature international and domestic
films, documentaries and shorts from
established and up-and-coming
directors, producers, actors and
writers. In Durham, the Full Frame
Documentary Film Festival brings
world-class documentaries to the
Triangle. Wilmington’s Cucalorus Film
Festival screens 150 films from around
the world. The River Run International
Festival invites filmmakers to
spend a few days in Winston-Salem
discussing their films with audiences.
Other festivals are held in Asheville,
Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh.
E Biltmore
Featured in more than a dozen feature films and a
number of television programs, Asheville’s Biltmore
provides backgrounds from palatial to rustic and from
refined to rural. In Hannibal, you’ll see the library,
stables and grounds; in Last of the Mohicans, the
manicured forest plays a prominent role; and in films
from Patch Adams to Return to the Secret Garden to
Forrest Gump, the roads, flower gardens and estate
serve as the backdrop to the story.
G Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing’s iconic lake scene, where Patrick Swayze
and Jennifer Gray practice the lift in their fabulous
dance routine, takes place at none other than Lake Lure.
Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains,
Lake Lure is home to the annual Dirty Dancing Festival.
The fall festival offers a lakeside screening of the
movie, dance competitions and outdoor concerts.
Can’t make it to the festival? Visit Lake Lure on your
own to see where the signature scene took place.
Wilmington’s NC black film festival and the nevermore
Horror film festival in durham are must-dos, too.
north carolina
D film
E
F
I
G
J
H
Visit the North Carolina
sites you’ve seen on screen.
visitnc.com/2013/film
F The Fugitive
Twenty years ago, The Fugitive brought Harrison
Ford and Tommy Lee Jones to North Carolina for a
cat-and-mouse adventure through the small towns
and deep woods of western North Carolina. Visit
the Cheoah Dam in Tapoco (where “Richard Kimble”
made his famous leap), ride the train from Dillsboro
to the Nantahala Gorge, stop by Bryson City’s
quaint downtown, or drive the curvy Blue Ridge
Parkway to see the streets and trails Ford used to
escape Jones’ manhunt.
go online
photo courtesy of THE CW NETWORK, LLC.
26 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 27
Equipment required?
Your five senses will do just fine.
north carolina
naturally wonderful
A Blue Ridge Parkway
Slow down and enjoy the drive on America’s
premier scenic byway. North Carolina’s
portion of the Blue Ridge Parkway stretches
252 smooth, curvy miles along high-elevation
crests with terrific views, such as
this view off the Linn Cove Viaduct. Plan
your journey around stops to hike nature
trails, explore small towns, experience
historic sites, visit art galleries, spread
picnics and gaze from roadside overlooks.
28 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
C
D
E
B Weymouth Woods-Sandhills
Nature Preserve
North Carolina’s first designated natural
area celebrates 50 years in 2013. Set
among golf courses, peach orchards and
horse farms in the Sandhills area, the
900-acre Weymouth Woods-Sandhills
Nature Preserve harbors tall longleaf
pines, endangered red-cockaded
woodpeckers, rare bog spicebush and
other wildlife. Walk sandy paths to see
the Piedmont in its most natural state.
The beauty of it all makes
it easy to stay awhile.
north carolina
naturally wonderful
The Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual is the
nation’s oldest Native American cooperative
with an Array of handmade objects for sale.
C Wild Horses
Watch free-range horses graze among
dunes and gallop on beaches around
Corolla on the northern Outer Banks,
Shackelford Banks and Ocracoke.
The smallish mustangs, called Banker
Horses, most likely descend from
mustangs left on these remote islands
by Spanish explorers five centuries ago.
Keep your distance; they may live close
to people, but they’re essentially wild
animals.
D Looking Glass Falls
Of North Carolina’s hundreds of
waterfalls, Looking Glass Falls beside
US 276 north of Brevard might be the
most visited and photographed. While
others require hikes to reach, this
thundering 60-foot drop allows easy
access, even by wheelchairs. Swim in
the pool at the base, but watch out for
slippery rocks.
E Blue Ridge National
Heritage Area
Established 10 years ago by an act
of Congress, the Blue Ridge National
Heritage Area includes the Cherokee
Qualla Boundary and 25 mountainous
counties in western North Carolina.
The designation promotes local history,
crafts, agriculture, music, parks, forests,
towns, waterfalls, hiking trails, scenic
byways, museums and other treasures.
B
Download the
tablet version to see
images come to life
at visitnc.com.
F Jockey’s Ridge
Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head
holds the East Coast’s tallest sand
dunes. The sprawling patch of mostly
quartz particles, constantly reshaped
by sea winds, includes bare peaks,
maritime thickets and an estuary. Come
here for hang gliding, sand boarding,
kite flying, boardwalk strolling and
nature watching, then stay to see the
beautiful sunsets.
F
north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
DECK DECK DECK DECK DECK
coverline
goes here
visitnc.com 29
30 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 31
north carolina
naturally wonderful
The summit of Mount Mitchell is easily reached by a road off
the Blue Ridge Parkway, then a Hike along a 980-foot trail.
Also known as OBX, The
Outer Banks stretch
from Corolla on the
northern end to
Cape Lookout at the
southern tip.
G
J
H
I
See more of North Carolina’s
natural scenic beauty on Facebook.
visitnc.com/2013/beauty
G Linville Gorge
Linville Gorge Wilderness, called “The Grand
Canyon of North Carolina,” offers hiking,
camping, hunting, fishing, rock climbing,
bird watching, nature photography and other
outdoor opportunities to those willing to
leave behind the trappings of civilization.
Find it flanking the Linville River in the Pisgah
National Forest near the town of Linville Falls.
H Outer Banks
A unique natural phenomenon, the Outer
Banks span 200 miles of narrow barrier
islands separating the Atlantic Ocean and
a series of sounds. The fragile archipelago
holds wide beaches, high dunes, towering
lighthouses, bustling marinas, wildlife refuges,
historic sites recalling colonization and the
advent of aviation, every kind of water sport
and all manner of dining and lodging.
I Shadow of the Bear
Hey, that does look like a bear! Shortly after
5:30 on sunny evenings in late October and
early November (and again for a few weeks
beginning mid-February), Whiteside Mountain
casts a remarkably bearlike shadow on fall
foliage in the valley below. See it best from the
Rhodes Big View Overlook on US 64 between
Cashiers and Highlands. Camera required.
Please be aware of busy highway traffic when
parking, viewing and leaving the site.
J Chimney Rock
Chimney Rock, a prominent 315-foot stone
spire topped by an American flag, overlooks
broad Hickory Nut Gorge. A new, open-air
stairway leads to the top, and a modernized
elevator inside the mountain provides quick
access to the summit area. The 26-story
elevator is the only one of its kind in a
Southeastern park.
K Mount Mitchell
Rising 6,684 feet and covered with red spruce,
Mount Mitchell – the highest point in the
eastern United States – often hides among
swirling clouds. On clear days, though, you
can see forever. Drive to the top or pedal
there like bicyclists do during May’s Assault on
Mount Mitchell ride. Watch for flying squirrels,
white-tailed deer, black bear, gray fox and
other residents of Mount Mitchell State Park.
K
go online
visitnc.com 33
A Musical Icons
North Carolina has turned out a
lengthy list of musical icons spanning
nearly every genre, from singer/
songwriter James Taylor (of Chapel
Hill) to jazz musician John Coltrane
(Hamlet) and jazz pianist/composer
Thelonious Monk (Rocky Mount).
Other famous musicians from the
Tar Heel State include Ryan Adams,
Tori Amos, Charlie Daniels, Roberta
Flack, Ronnie Milsap, Nina Simone,
Randy Travis, plus American Idol
winner Scotty McCreery, along with
alums Clay Aiken, Fantasia Barrino,
Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler.
Experience the scenery that inspired
these legends and catch the next star
at one of the many concert venues
throughout the state.
B Earl Scruggs Center
Discover the roots of music legend
Earl Scruggs at the new Earl Scruggs
Center: Music & Stories From the
American South in his hometown of
Shelby. The renowned banjo player
was famous for his three-finger
playing style, which influenced music
around the world and catapulted the
banjo from a background melody
to a sophisticated lead instrument.
Browse artifacts and rotating displays
portraying music and stories of
the Carolina Foothills at the center
(located in the former Cleveland
County Courthouse). And catch a
performance at the nearby Don
Gibson Theater.
Pickin’, playin’, singin’
North Carolina style.
north carolina
music
C African-American
Heritage Music Trail
African-American music has been
handed down for generations
in North Carolina, and you can
experience its history firsthand
along the African-American Heritage
Music Trail. The trail identifies
musicians who’ve influenced the
craft of music, whether through
gospel rhythms in countryside
churches, front porch blues jams
or tobacco field spirituals. The
journey begins in Kinston and
includes stops in Lenoir, Greene,
Jones, Pitt, Wayne, Wilson, Nash
and Edgecombe counties, complete
with audio kiosks and interactive
videos describing the musical talent
that originated there.
D Shag Music
Shag music covers a broad
spectrum of genres, from R&B to
swing, country, pop and even Latin.
Perhaps the best way to describe
shag (also called beach music) is
any song that makes you want to
get up and dance. Carolina shag
is North Carolina’s state dance,
a partner dance popularized in
the 1940s where the upper body
and hips hardly move while the
legs do fancy footwork. It can
still be found in shag clubs,
especially on the Coast.
Download the tablet
version to see more
images of the state
at visitnc.com.
north carolina the official 2013 travel guide
be moved by the sIte of the
World freestyle chamPIonshIPs
floAting
long after you stop
feel like you’re
A
B C D
32 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
photo courtesy of Frederick Breedon IV
photo courtesy of Titus Heagins
Travel the paths of North Carolina’s
most famous musicians.
visitnc.com/2013/music
go online
34 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
F MerleFest
Music and memories are what make up the
annual MerleFest celebration, held every April in
Wilkesboro. Founded in 1988 in memory of Eddy
Merle Watson, MerleFest celebrates “traditional
plus” music, which Merle’s father, Doc Watson,
described as “traditional Appalachian music plus
whatever styles we were in the mood to play.”
The 2012 lineup included Doc Watson, Vince Gill,
Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Boxcars and
dozens more.
G Traditional Music
A rich musical heritage is one of North Carolina’s
trademarks, and traditional old-time music can
be heard throughout the hills and hollers of the
Tar Heel State. The local music scene is deep-rooted
in folk and bluegrass, with influential
musicians such as Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and
Del McCoury all hailing from North Carolina.
Gospel and blues can also be heard here,
especially a style known as Piedmont blues,
characterized by an unusual finger-picking method
on the guitar. Stop by one of the many hot spots
to hear some pickin’ and playin’ yourself.
H Durham Jazz
Jazz music is to Durham as gambling is to Vegas,
so Durham is a must-visit for jazz lovers. You’ll
find live jazz music every night of the week in
Durham clubs and restaurants, including The
Broad Street Cafe, The Pinhook, Beyu Caffe and
many others.
I Informal Get-Togethers
Few old-time music jams are as homegrown as
Mrs. Hyatt’s Music House. In 1947, Nelia Hyatt
and her husband, Wayne, opened their Asheville
home to bluegrass and mountain-style musicians.
When the sessions grew too large for the house,
Wayne constructed a garage in the backyard.
Today, throngs of musicians tote their banjos,
mandolins and fiddles here every Thursday night
for acoustic music. Check out Woody’s Original
Mountain Music in Marion on Friday evenings, too.
north carolina
music
E Shindig on
the Green
For an unforgettable
taste of North
Carolina folk music,
attend Asheville’s
annual Shindig on
the Green festival,
which takes place on
Saturday evenings
June through early
September at Pack
Square Park. It’s a
foot-stompin’ good
time, with shows,
informal jam sessions,
storytellers, food and
plenty of mountain
music and dance.
E I
H
G
F
Merlefest gives musicians
a chance to compete
in banjo, guitar and
songwriting contests.
visitnc.com 35
36 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 37
B Charlotte
There’s no shortage of activities in
The Queen City area, from NASCAR
races to art museums to nationally
recognized restaurants and boutique
shopping in charming neighborhoods.
Check out the U.S. National Whitewater
Center, a man-made river just a few
miles from downtown, where visitors
can experience the excitement of
whitewater rafting. For a day of thrills,
try Carowinds, a 398-acre amusement
park with more than 50 rides, shows
and attractions, plus a 20-acre water
park. Carowinds celebrates its 40th
anniversary during its 2013 season.
A Winston-Salem
Celebrate the 100th anniversary
of the City of Arts and Innovation in
2013. Winston-Salem’s history as an
industrial, educational and artistic
center is still being written. Home
to the first public arts council in the
nation, Winston-Salem continues that
artistic tradition with the Reynolda
House Museum of American Art, the
Southeastern Center for Contemporary
Art and the University of North Carolina
School of the Arts. Step back in time in
Old Salem, once a thriving Moravian
town, and walk its Colonial streets.
More than 35 wineries are located
within a 30-minute drive of downtown.
Excitement is on tap in cities from the
Mountains to the Coast.
north carolina
city breaks
Winkler Bakery At Old Salem in
Winston-Salem Makes cookies
and other sweet treats.
A B
C
C Durham
Called “a great destination in the
United States” and “one of America’s
best cities,” Durham has something for
everyone. Kids will enjoy the Museum
of Life + Science’s Dinosaur Trail,
where you’ll find North American
dinosaurs at every turn. Take in one
of the festivals in town, from jazz to
film to Piedmont blues. Durham’s a
town known for food and drink, and at
Fullsteam Brewery, you can enjoy both
– this Southern-style craft brewery is a
hot spot for the local food truck scene.
Carowinds Not only features
rides and attractions; but also
offers a water park, restaurants,
A wilderness resort and a variety
of live entertainment.
38 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 39
G
G High Point
High Point, which holds the title Home
Furnishings Capital of the World, is known for
furniture shopping. From the High Point Market,
which draws more than 80,000 people to each
of its two furniture industry-only showcases
every year, to 50 retail furniture outlets to the
world’s largest chest of drawers (it��s hard to
miss), it’s clear what industry drives this town.
While you’re taking a break from furniture
shopping, go to Castle McCulloch for gold and
gem panning, where prospectors have been
testing their luck for more than 180 years.
H Fayetteville
Fayetteville was called one of the most
patriotic towns in America by the Today
show. With downtown museums such as
the Airborne and Special Operations
Museum and 82nd Airborne Division Museum
dedicated to our military history, it’s easy to
see why. Just minutes from downtown, you’ll
find 20 golf courses and some high-flying
adventure at ZipQuest, where a zipline canopy
tour takes you over Carver’s Falls and through
the forest’s lush canopy.
I Wilmington
Head to downtown Wilmington for a day of
shopping, checking out film sites, dining at
fine farm-to-table restaurants and a leisurely
stroll along the riverwalk. While downtown,
you can’t miss the World War II-era Battleship
North Carolina. Drive to or take a water taxi
and tour the ship, which saw action in every
major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater.
Walk the deck where so many brave men
served, and explore the crew’s quarters.
north carolina
city breaks
Restaurants, nightclubs, museums, resorts and shops will
keep you entertained for hours on end.
Visitors can sample an incredible
variety of local brews in Asheville.
D E
F I
H
D Asheville
This eclectic mountain town will
surprise you. With a top-notch
dining scene and a bustling beer
scene (Asheville was named Beer
City USA from 2009-12), you won’t
want for food while you’re here.
Visit Biltmore, the numerous art
galleries and studios along the
river or the Friday night drum circle
in Pritchard Park. The nearby Blue
Ridge Parkway offers scenic drives
and access to hiking trails in the
mountains surrounding downtown.
E Greensboro
See where civil rights history was made in
this Piedmont town. At the F.W. Woolworth
store downtown, now the International Civil
Rights Center and Museum, learn how four
North Carolina A&T students launched the
national sit-in movement by refusing to leave
the lunch counter. Kids will enjoy the Natural
Science Center of Greensboro and the
Greensboro Children’s Museum.
F Raleigh
In Raleigh, you’ll find world-class dining,
great shopping and dozens of museums and
art galleries. The North Carolina Museum
of Art and the Contemporary Art Museum
let you experience some amazing paintings
and sculptures from established and up-and-coming
artists. Nearby, the North Carolina
Museum of Natural Sciences’ Nature
Research Center gives you an up-close look
at prehistoric dinosaurs, butterflies
and more in the largest museum of
its kind in the Southeast.
raleigh was established as
the State’s capital in 1792.
Find arts, shopping, nightlife
and more in cities across
North Carolina.
visitnc.com/2013/cities
go online
40 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 41
A The Grove Park Inn
Nestled in the Blue Ridge
Mountains overlooking Asheville,
The Grove Park Inn is the perfect
spot for a romantic weekend away,
family vacation or day at the spa.
Celebrating its 100th anniversary
in 2013, this Arts and Crafts-style
resort has played host to 10 U.S.
presidents from Woodrow Wilson to
Barack Obama, and the Presidential
Suite is available for booking. The
spa, ranked as one of the top five
hotel spas in the country by Travel
+ Leisure, offers 43,000 square feet
of relaxation space, mineral pools,
saunas, whirlpools and more.
B Mandara Spa at Harrah’s
The Mandara Spa at Harrah’s
Cherokee Casino & Hotel sets the
stage for a relaxing getaway. Ten
private spa-therapy rooms will
provide a comfortable atmosphere
to indulge in the Balinese-inspired
treatments that include Fire and Ice
manicures and pedicures, Batu hot-stone
therapy and Frangipani hair
and scalp treatments.
E The Sanderling Resort
and Spa
At the Sanderling Resort & Spa in
Duck, do more than imagine a week
of waking to the sound of the
ocean and receiving the pampering
of a lifetime. Relax on the beach
or in the spa, receiving one of the
award-winning spa’s massage, body,
skin or nail-care treatments. Guests
also enjoy membership to the Pine
Island Racquet and Fitness Center.
D Old Edwards Inn and Spa
Highlands’ Old Edwards Inn and
Spa treats guests to mountain
views, fine dining, golf and a spa
that Condé Nast Traveler named its
Top Hotel Spa in North America in
2010. With treatments that include
Thai massage, organic facials, back
scrubs and hair treatments, the
elegant Old Edwards Inn and Spa is
the ideal escape for relaxation in the
mountains of North Carolina.
Stress be gone at these pleasurable
pampering places.
north carolina
resorts & spas
The Sanderling Spa’s Signature
Treatments use ingredients
from the Outer Banks.
B C D
C The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton in Charlotte,.
a LEED Gold-certified boutique
hotel, is the ideal urban oasis.
Organic Spa magazine named the
13,000-square-foot spa among its
2012 Top 10 Green Spas, in part
because of its organic treatments,
LEED standards and “living roof,”
which features more than 18,000
sedums and other plants, and more
than 40,000 honeybees. Book a day
of pampering in the spa, where the
massages, wraps and treatments
will start you down a path to
wellness.
E
A
photo courtesy of Warner Photography, Inc.
photo courtesy of Mark Wieland
photo courtesy of Mandara Spa
Take a tour of our resorts and spas on
Pinterest. visitnc.com/2013/spas
go online
42 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
G Westglow Resort & Spa
In the mountains of North Carolina, you’ll find
Westglow Resort & Spa. This luxury getaway,
located just minutes from Blowing Rock, was named
the No. 2 Destination Spa in the World in 2011
by Travel + Leisure. Westglow’s day-spa packages
include couples massage, hot-stone therapy and
honeymoon packages, as well as traditional spa
services. Westglow, built in 1917, features six guest
rooms, the spa and Rowland’s Restaurant, a fine-dining
staple in Blowing Rock for many years.
H Rock Barn Golf & Spa
The Rock Barn Golf & Spa, in Conover, offers guests
their choice of two top-ranked golf courses, an
equestrian center and day spa. At the spa, a full
menu of services – including mud wraps, facials
and aromatherapy scrubs – will help you look
and feel your best. After your massage, rest in the
whirlpool or steam room, or brace yourself for the
cold-water pool.
K Pinehurst
Pinehurst may be better
known for championship golf,
but The Spa at Pinehurst
is where you can come to
unwind, whether you play
golf or not. With a wide
assortment of spa therapies,
such as sports and couples
massages, body wraps
and peels, and getaways –
including day, overnight and
two-night packages – the spa
is gaining a reputation for
relaxation among golfers and
spa aficionados alike.
F The Umstead Hotel and Spa
The Umstead Hotel and Spa, recipient of a 2012
AAA Five-Diamond Award, is a premier luxury
hotel and spa. The Umstead includes 12 acres
of grounds for you to explore; 150 guest rooms;
Herons, a restaurant lauded by Food & Wine; and
a 14,000-square-foot spa, with 10 treatment rooms
and relaxation lounges that include sauna, steam and
whirlpool. The Umstead’s green efforts include using
organic products in the spa, growing many of the
herbs used in the restaurants and bars, and offering
complimentary valet parking for hybrid vehicles.
north carolina
resorts & spas
I Day Spas
You’ll find day spas in nearly every town across the
state, so finding a place to unwind and refresh
shouldn’t be hard. Some of the most interesting
include: Shoji, a Japanese-style hot tub and
massage spa in Asheville; Island Retreat Spa and
Salon on car-free Bald Head Island; Wilmington’s
Harbour Club Day Spa and Salon; Oasis Day Spa
in Charlotte; Chakras Spa in Greensboro; and the
Renaissance European Day Spa in Fayetteville, to
name just a few.
J Fearrington House Inn
Tucked away in quaint Pittsboro, the Fearrington
House Inn offers a world-class experience in a
European-inspired getaway. Since 1995, the inn
has held the coveted AAA Five Diamond Award.
The award-winning restaurant provides diners with
a stellar execution of a farm-to-fork menu. The Spa
at Fearrington offers facials, massages, pedicures
and manicures, among other treatments.
Hot-Stone massage is offered
at many of North Carolina’s
Day Spas and Resorts.
Botanical fragrances
and an Outdoor
meditation garden are
part of the experience
at the Umstead.
H I K
F J
G
visitnc.com 43
photo courtesy of Daniel Pullen Photography
photo courtesy of The Umstead Hotel and Spa
photo courtesy of Pinehurst Resort
44 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide visitnc.com 45
A
B
A Civil War Trails
North Carolina has nearly 240 stops
– and growing – as part of the
five-state Civil War Trails program,
inviting you to explore the triumphs
and tragedies of America’s greatest
drama. Take a trip along the Civil
War Trails at your own pace.
Discover coastal forts, museums,
the remains of ironclad ships,
preserved battlefields, 19th-century
taverns and inns, and pioneer
farmsteads, such as the Zebulon
Vance Birthplace. Find Civil
War Trails brochures at all North
Carolina welcome centers and
visitor centers.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the
Emancipation Proclamation, which changed the
course of American history forever.
north carolina
civil war
C Hatteras Island
On Aug. 29, 1861, Union ships
bombarded Confederate troops
at Fort Hatteras. After hours of
intense shelling, the Confederates
surrendered the fort and 700 men.
This marked the Union’s first victory
in the war. The Union went on to
seize control of Roanoke Island, the
two victories opening all of eastern
North Carolina to Union control.
Learn more about the war at the
Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum,
where you can see the paddle
wheel from the steam frigate USS
Minnesota.
B Salisbury
Pay your respects to 11,700 Union
soldiers who died while imprisoned
at the Salisbury Confederate Prison
during the Civil War at Salisbury’s
Historic National Cemetery. The
soldiers are buried in 18 trench
graves, and a self-guided driving
tour gives visitors a look at the prison
site, although nothing remains of
the building itself. Three monuments
stand on the site in honor of the
Union soldiers who died there. Civil
War buffs can also register to attend
an annual symposium
in April that
brings together
descendants of
guards, staff and
prisoners who
lived and worked
at the prison.
D African-Americans’ Role
The state’s role in the Civil War
can’t be told without telling the
story of slavery. Historic sites
across the state interpret the role
of African-Americans from 1861
to 1865 – as slaves, troops and
freedmen. Their experience is
depicted at the Smith-McDowell
House in Asheville, Historic
Stagville in Durham, Somerset
Place in Creswell, Harriet Jacobs
sites in Edenton and Fort Fisher
State Historic Site in Kure Beach,
among many others.
C D
The Emancipation proclamation was issued
by President Abraham Lincoln on Jan. 1, 1863.
(Photo Courtesy of U.S. national Archives.)
photo courtesy of PAUL STEPHEN – STARNEWS MEDIA
46 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
J Somerset Place State Historic Site
Immerse yourself in 19th-century plantation life
at Somerset Place, a fascinating historic site visited
by Union troops in 1862. Somerset Place thrived
as one of the upper South’s largest plantations
from 1785-1865, with nearly 200 men, women and
children, both black and white, enslaved and free.
After the Civil War, the plantation system came to
an end, and Somerset was all but deserted by 1870.
Tours give insight into the lives of the plantation’s
owners, slaves, employed whites and free blacks.
Seven of the original 19th-century buildings remain.
K Civil War Events
North Carolina is commemorating the 150th
anniversary of the Civil War with exhibits and
symposiums, such as Elizabeth City’s Museum
of the Albemarle to Manteo’s Outer Banks
History Center and Beaufort’s
N.C. Maritime Museum.
Commemorative events will
continue at sites statewide
through 2015.
E Bentonville Battlefield
Stand on North Carolina’s largest battlefield and the
site of the war’s last major battle at Bentonville
Battlefield in Four Oaks. Today, Bentonville
Battlefield is a National Historic Landmark where
you can tour the Harper House, which played a
key role in the battle, as well as a Confederate
mass grave and a visitor center featuring an exhibit
covering the first and bloodiest day of the battle.
F Fort Macon
Civil War buffs won’t want to miss Fort Macon State
Park, where you can walk through the fully restored
Fort Macon, the site of the Battle of Fort Macon in
March and April 1862. The five-sided, brick and
stone fort has 26 vaulted rooms enclosed by
4.5-foot-thick outer walls. While soaking up history,
you can also soak up the sun and surf along the
Crystal Coast – the state park offers easy access to
fishing, swimming, nature trails and ranger-led tours.
G Reenactments
Hear cannons firing and smell gunpowder
wafting through the air at Civil War reenactments
throughout North Carolina. Historic sites and
battlefields routinely welcome visitors for
exhilarating reenactments that place you right in
the middle of the action. Cameron Art Museum in
Wilmington presents an annual Civil War Living
History Weekend every February. In September,
Statesville’s Allison Woods rumble with cannons
and cavalry, and reenactors and spectators
descend on the Fort Branch Civil War Site near
Hamilton the first weekend in November for
reenactments of the Battle of Fort Branch.
I Antebellum B&Bs
From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina
is B&B country. Approximately 400 bed-and-breakfast
inns are sprinkled liberally across the
state, many of which were built during the Civil
War era and have fascinating histories and unusual
architecture. The Asheville region alone boasts
more than 60 charming B&Bs, and they are also
prevalent in Wilmington, Brevard, Waynesville and
Hendersonville, plus numerous other scenic towns.
north carolina
civil war
Many of the original cannons
used in Civil War battles can
be seen at the state’s many
historic sites and battlefields.
E F
G H
I J K
H Cape Lookout Lighthouse
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse has been a
beacon to sailors since it was built in 1812
(a new one was constructed in 1859 due to
numerous problems with the original tower).
The lighthouse played a significant role in
the Civil War, with the area around it serving
as a military stronghold. Confederate troops
attempted to blow up the lighthouse but were
unsuccessful. Visitors can climb 207 steps to
the top for a beautiful view of Core Banks.
There’s also a visitors center and museum.
The North Carolina Civil
War Sesquicentennial
runs through 2015 and
includes many special
reenactment events.
visitnc.com 47
go online
Explore our Civil War historic sites.
visitnc.com/2013/civilwar
48 20XX North Carolina Travel Guide see page XXX for local information sources visitnc.com 49
Majestic peaks, lush forests, roaring waterfalls and
breathtaking beauty converge for the perfect getaway.
north carolina
mountains
About This Shot
Linville Falls is part of the Linville Gorge
Wilderness Area, which covers more than
12,000 acres and is a wonderful place to
enjoy the great outdoors.
nc mountains attractions
50 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
mountains attractions nc
see page 159 for local information sources visitnc.com 51
Appalachian Trail, (828) 254-3708.
Approximately 300 miles of this Maine-to-
Georgia primitive hiking trail runs through
North Carolina. It is a wilderness trail intended
for foot travel only. Rustic shelters, with no
services, are 8-12 miles apart. Numerous
access points. appalachiantrail.org
Blue Ridge Parkway, (828) 298-0398.
Recreation-oriented scenic byway that
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. nps.gov/blri
French Broad River, (828) 258-6109. Perfect
setting for river excursions, running through
Madison, Buncombe, Henderson and
Transylvania counties. Scenic/peaceful
canoeing, kayaking and tubing. Excellent
water quality provides homes to a variety of
wildlife and waterfowl, including ospreys, bald
eagles, mink, muskrat, deer and even
occasional bear.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park,
(865) 436-1200. The largest protected land
area east of the Rocky Mountains. This
national treasure is world-renowned for the
diversity of its plant and animal life and its
preservation of the remnants of Southern
Appalachian culture and history. Designated
as an International Biosphere Reserve and
World Heritage Site. nps.gov/grsm
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Nantahala National Forest, (828) 524-
6441. Encompasses more than a half-million
acres of pristine woodlands – the largest of the
four national forests in North Carolina.
Elevations from a high of 5,800 feet to a low of
1,200 feet. The Nantahala River, a popular
whitewater river, rushes through the forest.
Enjoy a variety of camping plus motor boating,
bridle trails, fishing, nature/hiking trails, picnic
areas and swimming. vstnc.co/nnf
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.
North Carolina maintains three parks along the
river, each a day’s canoe ride apart for
primitive riverside camping and picnicking.
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/main.php
Overmountain Victory National
Historic Trail, (888) 233-6111. Follows the
Revolutionary War route of Patriot militiamen
to the battle of Kings Mountain, South
Carolina. Part of the National Trails System.
While there are hiking segments, the primary
public access is by car over the
commemorative motor route. nps.gov/ovvi
Regional Attractions Pisgah National Forest, (828) 257-4200.
Covers more than 500,000 acres. Home of
towering mountains, hiking trails, Sliding Rock
– a natural water slide – and picturesque lakes
and streams. Public campgrounds available.
Free; fee for some campgrounds, day-use
areas and attractions. vstnc.co/pnf
Calaboose Cellars, 565 Aquone Rd., (828)
321-2006. Located in an old stone building
with bars on the windows overlooking the
small vineyards. Legend has it that the local
lawman locked up the hooligans here to cool
down until they went before the magistrate.
Now we use the jailhouse to incarcerate our
wines. calaboosecellars.com
Asheville Historic Trolley Tours, Various
ticket locations in town, (888) 667-3600. A fully
narrated trolley tour of the greater Asheville
area. Major points of interest are included in
this informative, fun-filled sightseeing tour.
ashevilletrolleytours.com
Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures, 1
Resort Dr., (866) 319-8870. Urban canopy
adventure that highlights two of Asheville’s
greatest assets: outdoor adventure and natural
beauty. Includes nine zipline sections, eight
treetop platforms, five adventure tower
platforms and three sky bridges.
wildwaterrafting.com/ashevillezip.php
Biltmore, One Approach Rd., (877) 245-8667.
A privately owned, national historic landmark,
Biltmore Estate is America’s largest private
home, with gardens, shops and restaurants. A
guided visit of our award-winning winery and
complimentary wine tasting is included in
estate admission. biltmore.com
Advertising Partner, p. 1
Botanical Gardens at Asheville, 151 W. T.
Weaver Blvd., (828) 252-5190. A 10-acre
garden of plants native to the Appalachian
Region. Visitors center with gift shop.
ashevillebotanicalgardens.org
Folk Art Center, Blue Ridge Parkway, MP
382, (828) 298-7928. Home of the Southern
Highland Craft Guild, which represents craft
artists from Southern Appalachia, houses three
fine art galleries and offers daily craft
demonstrations. southernhighlandguild.org
Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville, 36
Montford Ave., (866) 592-8687. Hop aboard
one of our nostagic red trolleys for a
90-minute, fully narrated journey through
Asheville highlighting the history, homes and
hot spots of this City of Surprises.
graylineasheville.com
Andrews
Asheville
Grove Arcade, One Page Ave., (828) 252-
7799. Once a public market, this historic
Neo-Gothic building built in 1929 has been
restored to its original splendor and features
fresh foods, regional cuisine and locally made
crafts. grovearcade.com
The Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave., (800)
438-5800. Built in 1913 and listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, we have
hosted 10 United States presidents and offer
shopping, popular restaurants, a world-class
spa, golf and the country’s largest public
display of Arts and Crafts furniture (made by
Roycroft and Stickley). Self-guided and guided
history tours available daily. groveparkinn.com
Advertising Partner, p. 61
Moving Sidewalk Tours, 36 Montford
Ave., (828) 776-8687. Asheville’s only
downtown Segway Tour, includes the Grove
Arcade and the Urban Trail.
movingsidewalktours.com
North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick
Law Olmsted Way, (828) 665-2492. A 434-acre
public garden offering 65 acres of cultivated
gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking
trails, an engaging indoor exhibit center and
innovative outdoor exhibits, plus the finest
bonsai collection in the southeastern United
States. ncarboretum.org
North Carolina Homespun Museum, 111
Grovewood Rd., (828) 253-7651. This museum
preserves, in photos and artifacts, the history
of Biltmore Industries and the people
involved. grovewood.com
Riverside Cemetery, 53 Birch St., (828)
350-2066. Dating back to the early 1800s, this
is the final resting place for many of Asheville’s
most famous sons and daughters, including
writers Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Unusual
monuments and mausoleums amid massive
oaks and pine trees. ashevillenc.gov
Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283
Victoria Rd., (828) 253-9231. This restored
antebellum mansion is the oldest surviving
house in Asheville. The museum features
history exhibits, period rooms decorated with
furnishings from 1840 to 1900 and grounds
designed by the renowned Olmsted brothers.
wnchistory.org
Southern Appalachian Radio Museum,
A-B Tech CC, Elm Bldg., Rm. 315, 340 Victoria
Rd., (828) 299-1276. Presenting a collection of
radios from World War I to the 1960s, plus an
operating radio station. saradiomuseum.org
Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic
Site, 52 N. Market St., (828) 253-8304.
Boyhood home of author Thomas Wolfe.
Fictionalized as Dixieland in his first novel,
Look Homeward, Angel. wolfememorial.com
Western North Carolina Farmers
Market, 570 Brevard Rd., (828) 253-1691. A
36-acre, state-owned farmers market featuring
fresh produce, jams, jellies, plants and
handmade crafts. Also contains a restaurant
and garden center. wncfarmersmarket.org
Western North Carolina
Nature Center, 75 Gashes
Creek Rd., (828) 298-5600. Enjoy
40 acres of animals in their native
habitats. It provides an
opportunity to learn, to touch and to know our
rich natural heritage through educational and
interactive exhibits. wncnaturecenter.com
Dellinger’s Mill, Cane Creek Rd., (828) 688-
1009. The state’s oldest working gristmill is on
the National Register of Historic Places.
Seasonal with demonstrations and gift shop
available.
Roan Mountain, Hwy. 261, (828) 682-6146.
This high ridge stands 6,285 feet at the
highest point and is most famous for its natural
gardens of Catawba rhododendrons. Beyond
the gardens are spruce-fir forests and treeless
grassy balds.
Banner Elk Winery, 60 Deer Run Ln., (828)
898-9090. Our winery processes locally grown
grapes into excellent wines reflecting the
unique characterizations of the Appalachian
Mountains. bannerelkwinery.com
Sugar Mountain Resort, 1009 Sugar Mtn.
Dr., (828) 898-4521. This full-service alpine
snow ski area features a 1,200-foot vertical
drop, 20 slopes and trails, eight lifts and up to
a 1.5-mile run. More than 20 miles of
maintained mountain bike trails intertwine
throughout the village. Scenic lift rides for
sightseeing in the summer. skisugar.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
Watauga River, Shawneehaw Ave., (800)
789-3343. Whitewater rafting and canoeing on
the scenic Watauga River.
Navitat Canopy Adventures, 242 Poverty
Branch Rd., (828) 626-3700. Fast, smooth
ziplines stretch high above the forest floor;
artfully crafted platforms nest seamlessly in
beautiful native trees; and sky-bridges span
forest sections teeming with life. navitat.com
Advertising Partner, p. 1
Beech Mountain Resort, 1007 Beech
Mountain Pkwy., (828) 387-2011. The highest
ski resort in eastern North America features
options from beginner to expert, with 16
slopes and seven lifts. Snowboarders will enjoy
our exciting freestyle terrain area. Outdoor ice
skating rink, too. beechmountainresort.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
Bakersville
Banner Elk
Barnardsville
Beech Mountain
Black Mountain
Black Mountain, (800) 207-8759. Located
just 15 miles east of Asheville, Black
Mountain’s friendly small-town charm will
captivate. Visit unique shops, 36 restaurants,
pubs and award-winning Pisgah Brewing. Live-music
venues and a range of lodging choices
make Black Mountain the place to stay.
exploreblackmountain.com
Advertising Partner, p. 1
Swannanoa Valley Musuem, 223 W. State
St., (828) 669-9566. Located in the former
Black Mountain Fire Department, the museum
collection sketches the history of the valley
from the Stone Age to the present.
swannanoavalleymuseum.org
Appalachian Ski Mountain, 940 Ski Mtn.
Rd., (800) 322-2373. The High Country’s first
ski area includes 11 slopes and three terrain
parks. Two quad chairlifts, one double chairlift,
one conveyor lift and one handle pull lift.
Outdoor ice arena. appskimtn.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
The Blowing Rock, US 321 S. & Rock Rd.,
(828) 295-7111. Scenic walk overlooking John’s
River Gorge. Observation tower, gardens,
small garden waterfall and unique gift shops.
Come visit and learn about the legend of the
Indian lovers. theblowingrock.com
Advertising Partner, p. 2-3
Blowing Rock Art & History Museum
(BRAHM), 159 Chestnut St., (828) 295-9099.
Enjoy selections from our permanent
collection – works by painter Eliot Dangerfield,
glass art and North Carolina pottery – along
with rotating exhibits, all designed to promote
Blowing Rock
the visual arts, history and heritage of the
Mountains. blowingrockmuseum.org
Doc’s Rocks, 129 Mystery Hill Ln., (828) 264-
2792. As you search through your ore at our
indoor heated flumes, you’ll enjoy chatting
with our friendly and knowledgeable geology
experts about what minerals and gemstones
come from the Appalachian Mountains and
how everything formed. Appalachian Fossil
Museum is also on site. docsrocks.net
Julian Price Memorial Park, Blue Ridge
Parkway, MP 297, (828) 963-5911. Part of the
largest developed area along the Blue Ridge
Parkway. The park offers a wide variety of
recreational activities, including camping
(primitive only), hiking, boating (no power or
sailboats) and fishing. Interpretive programs
available through the Park Service. Of
particular interest is the Price Lake Loop Trail.
blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=110
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park, 2282
Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 294, (828) 295-3782.
This federal park, which is located on the Blue
Ridge Parkway, offers 3,600 acres of forests,
meadows and wildflowers; a bass lake and
trout lake; 26 miles of carriage roads for
walking/horseback riding; and the Parkway
Craft Center. The Cone home, Flat Top Manor,
is on the National Register of Historic Places.
blueridgeparkway.org/v.php?pg=109
Mystery Hill – Heritage & Native
Artifact Museums, 129 Mystery Hill Ln.,
(828) 264-2792. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this
fun-filled area. Includes the Mystery House
with its mysterious gravity pull; Hall of Mystery
with puzzles, experiments and illusions;
Appalachian Heritage Museum and Native
American Artifacts Museum. mysteryhill-nc.
com
attractions
The following list of attractions in the Mountains region is arranged
alphabetically by city. You may find 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 162.
66474
(828) 298-5330
www.blueridgeheritage.com
The landscape of the ancient North Carolina
Blue Ridge Mountains and foothills, and the
traditions of the people who have shaped
the region’s culture are unique in our nation.
Visit our website – your source for exploring
our heritage treasures – and you’ll know
why the region was honored as a National
Heritage Area.
Blue Ridge National
Heritage Area
67057
(800) 648-4523
www.visitwaterfalls.com
Bike Magazine proclaimed Transylvania
County as “America’s best kept secret.”
Budget Travel named Brevard “one of the
coolest small towns in America.” Come
discover how amazing outdoor adventure,
music, art and food combine to create an
unforgettable vacation. Call for your free
travel planner and waterfall guide today.
nc mountains attractions
52 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
mountains attractions nc
see page 159 for local information sources visitnc.com 53
schoolhouse, blacksmith shop with a weaving
room displaying an antique loom, and a good
ol’ country store. Also, a replica of Daniel
Boone’s home (c.1760). explorewilkes.com/
whippoorwill.php
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic
Site – Connemara, 81 Carl Sandburg Ln.,
(828) 693-4178. Carl Sandburg – American
poet, historian, author and lecturer – spent the
final 22 years of his life at his estate,
Connemara. Today, this National Historic Site
offers keen insight on Sandburg, his family and
their 264-acre working farm. nps.gov/carl
Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy.,
(828) 693-0731. The State Theater of North
Carolina provides top-quality entertainment
for the entire family. Season includes
Broadway musicals, comedies, drama and
theater for young people. flatrockplayhouse.
org
Historic District – Flat Rock, Hwy. 25 S./
Greenville Hwy., (828) 693-9708. Listed on the
National Register of Historic Places, Flat Rock
began about a century and a half ago with
large summer estates being built in the English
manner by the affluent Charlestonians,
Europeans and prominent plantation owners
of the South’s lowcountry. historicflatrock.org
Fontana Dam, Hwy. 28, (800) 467-1388. The
largest dam east of the Mississippi was
constructed during the early 1940s to supply
electricity to fuel the war efforts during World
War II. westernncattractions.com
Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225
Vineyard Ln., (828) 963-2400. Mountainside
vineyard at the base of Grandfather Mountain
right on the Watauga River. At the bottom of
the vineyard is the tasting room and winery.
It’s perfect for a lazy afternoon or group
outing. grandfathervineyard.com
Franklin Gem & Mineral Museum, 25
Phillips St., (828) 369-7831. Featuring the area’s
most comprehensive collection of native gems
and minerals, plus displays of gems and
minerals from all around the world. Be sure to
visit the popular fluorescent room. fgmm.org
Gold City Gem Mine, 9410 Sylva Rd., (800)
713-7767. Come for a day full of fun and
excitement for the whole family. Mine in our
covered flume – rain or shine.
goldcityamusement.com
Macon County Historical Museum, 36
W. Main St., (828) 524-9758. Displays on
education, the Civil War, early medicine,
textiles and photographs. Reference library for
genealogy research. maconnchistorical.org
Scottish Tartans Museum, 86 E. Main St.,
(828) 524-7472. Contains the official registry of
all publicly known tartans and is the American
Flat Rock
Fontana Dam
Foscoe
Franklin
859-2151. More than 300 flags on display that
have flown over our country since its founding.
Presents a solid commitment to patriotism and
a rich preservation of our country’s heritage.
houseofflags.org
Polk County History Museum, 60 Walker
St., (800) 440-7848. Explore Polk County’s
past, including an early 1800s stagecoach,
antique farm tools and implements, a school
display, home setting, doctor’s office, beauty
parlor and many pictures from the past.
Shunkawauken Falls, White Oak Mountain
Rd., (800) 440-7848. The winding road crosses
the falls in two places for easy, drive-by
viewing. firstpeaknc.com
South Mountains State Park, 3001 South
Mountains State Park Ave., (828) 433-4772.
Approximately 14 miles of trout streams and
48 miles of trails for mountain biking,
equestrian and hiking activities. Features the
High Shoals Falls on the Jacob’s Fork River, a
torrent of water that falls about 80 feet over a
cliff of bare rock. ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/
somo/main.php
The Crossnore School, 100 D.A.R. Dr.,
(800) 557-4305. Home of Suffer, the Little
Children, a fresco by renowned artist Ben
Long, which tells the story of how Jesus
received the children as the crowds
surrounded him. The outdoor drama Miracle
on the Mountain tells the story of the school.
crossnoreschool.org
Judaculla Rock, Judaculla Rock Rd., (800)
962-1911. Huge boulder with yet unexplained
hieroglyphics said to be carved by Indians.
Mountain Heritage Center, Western
Carolina University, 150 H. F. Robinson Admin.
Bldg., (828) 227-7129. Details the 18th-century
migration of the Scots-Irish to the New World
where they settled across western North
Carolina. The museum celebrates the rich
heritage of the Southern Appalachian region
with traveling exhibitions, educational
programs and demonstrations. wcu.edu/mhc
Cumberland Knob, Blue Ridge Parkway, MP
217.5, (800) 372-5473. Site where construction
of the Blue Ridge Parkway first began and still
a favorite destination for visitors. The mixture
of lush woodlands and open fields, housing a
variety of birds and other wildlife, is ideal for
leisurely walks or a more demanding hike to
nearby Gully Creek. Visitors center.
virtualblueridge.com/parkway_tour/
VisitorCenters/217_0/index.asp
Whippoorwill Village, 11928 NC Hwy. 268
W., (336) 973-3237. Explore the Chapel of
Peace, an 1864 Yadkin River Jail, an 1880s
Connelly Springs
Crossnore
Cullowhee
Ennice
Ferguson
authentic 18th-century Indian community.
Cherokee artisans and guides demonstrate
and explain the arts and crafts, lifestyle and
culture of their ancestors. Replicas of
Cherokee homes, council house and square
ground of the 1750 period. cherokee-nc.com
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Oconaluftee River, (800) 438-1601. Enjoy
an easy canoe trip down the river or a picnic at
the Oconaluftee Islands Park in the downtown
area. The park features a walking trail
highlighted by a Talking Tree that informs
visitors about the tree’s uses and significance
to the Cherokee culture. cherokee-nc.com
Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Hwy. 441
N., (828) 497-3103. The oldest and leading
Native American Arts cooperative in the
country. These arts and crafts grace both the
collections of museums and private homes of
visitors to Cherokee. Selections include
sculpture in both wood and stone, basketry,
pottery, weaving, beadwork, traditional toys,
weapons and more.
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Santa’s Land Fun Park & Zoo, US 19,
(800) 648-7268. Family fun with a Christmas
theme. In addition to rides, visit Santa and his
elves, browse through specialty shops and see
craftsmen at work. santaslandnc.com
Smoky Mountain Gold & Ruby Mine,
Hwy. 441 N., (828) 497-6574. Find beautiful
emeralds, rubies, sapphires, amethysts,
garnets, topaz and more at Cherokee’s first,
finest and largest gem mine. We will cut,
polish and set your stones. smgrm.com
Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama, US
441 at Drama Rd., (866) 554-4557. On stage
for more than 50 years, this drama traces the
Cherokee people through the zenith of their
power, the heartbreak of the Trail of Tears, and
ending in the present day, where the
Cherokee people continue to rewrite their
place in the world. cherokee-nc.com./unto_
these_main.php?
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State
Park, 431 Main St., (800) 277-9611. Enjoy
75-mile views atop Chimney Rock. Our
26-story elevator makes the views accessible
to all. Discover trails to 404-foot Hickory Nut
Falls, through amazing rock formations or
paths just for kids with interactive stops.
chimneyrockpark.com
Advertising Partner, p. 1
Chimney Rock Gemstone Mine, 397 Main
St., (828) 625-5524. Pan for gold and
gemstones in a clean, comfortable
atmosphere. Guarantees a find for everyone
and a wonderful experience for the whole
family. chimneyrockgemmine.com
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 mountain vistas.
House of Flags, 363 Green Creek Dr., (828)
Chimney Rock
Columbus
128, (828) 675-4611. The highest peak in the
eastern United States. Cool climate and easy
access from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Restaurant, tent camping area, museum, picnic
area and hiking trails. ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/
momi/main.php
Museum of Yancey County History, W.
Main St., (828) 678-9587. Housed in the historic
John Wesley McElroy House, which was
headquarters for the North Carolina Home
Guard during the Civil War. Today, the facility
highlights traditional mountain culture and the
fascinating local history of Burnsville.
Nolichucky River, US 19 Bypass, (828) 682-
6146. This free-flowing river runs through the
Pisgah National Forest and pours through one
of the deepest canyons in the East, creating
challenging whitewater rafting.
Canton Area Historical Museum, 36 Park
St., (828) 646-3412. This mountain heritage
museum offers displays, artifacts, records and
pictures of the settlement of Canton and the
Pigeon River area. Glimpse the past and
aspects of early life on the land where the
Cherokee Indians hunted and fished.
DuPont State Recreational Forest,
Transylvania & Henderson counties, (828) 877-
6527. Its 10,400 acres of forest feature
numerous waterfalls, including High Falls,
Triple Falls and Bridal Veil Falls. Open to
hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding and
mountain biking. dupontforest.com
Glass Feather Studio & Gardens, 200
Glass Feather Dr., (877) 528-8457. A unique
destination, featuring the Travis Collection of
kiln-fired fused glass. glassfeather.com
Cherokee Heritage Museum, Big Cove
Rd. – Saunookes, (828) 497-3211. Highlights
Cherokee’s past through displays of art and
cultural items, such as masks, crystals, the
uketena and more. Includes gallery with Native
American crafts and art.
Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, 777 Casino
Dr., (800) 427-7247. Live table games with
blackjack, roulette, craps and more of your
favorites plus digital blackjack and baccarito
and more than 4,000 of the latest Vegas-style
slots. harrahs.com/casinos/harrahs-cherokee/
hotel-casino/property-home.shtml
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Mountain Farm Museum, 150 US 441 N.,
(828) 497-1900. A collection of 10 historic farm
buildings, gathered from throughout the Great
Smoky Mountains, forms an open-air museum.
Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Drama
Rd. & Hwy. 441, (828) 497-3481. Combines
technology with a solid artifacts collection. A
multisensory trip through Cherokee history.
cherokee-nc.com/museum_intro.php
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Oconaluftee Indian Village, US 441 at
Drama Rd., (828) 497-2111. Re-creation of an
Canton
Cedar Mountain
Cherokee
mansion is listed on the National Register of
Historic Places.
Transylvania Heritage Museum, 189 W.
Main St., (828) 884-2347. Museum on the
history of Transylvania County.
transylvaniaheritage.org
Carolina Outfitters Whitewater
Rafting, 12121 Hwy. 19 W., (800) 468-7238.
Choose guide-in-boat, guide-assisted or
nonguided whitewater rafting trips on the
popular and scenic Nantahala River. Inflatable
funyak/ducky rentals. Combine rafting with
gemstone mining, horseback riding and
mountain biking. carolinaoutfitters.com
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad,
Bryson City Depot, (800) 872-4681. Journey
across fertile valleys and through river gorges
during a 4- to 4.5-hour round-trip excursion in
the mountains with a wide array of ever-changing
vegetation, fantastic landscapes and
whitewater scenes. gsmr.com
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, 10345
Hwy. 19 S., (877) 398-6222. Eleven zip stations
and five sky bridges combine for more than
half a mile of high-flying fun. Experience the
excitement and beauty of sailing through the
air among the trees.
nantahalagorgecanopytours.com
Nantahala Gorge Ruby Mine, 11900 Hwy.
19/74 W., (828) 488-3854. A favorite activity in
the area for all ages. Professional gemstone
consultation available on site. Rain or shine (we
have a covered sluice).
Nantahala Outdoor Center, 13077 Hwy.
19 W., (800) 232-7238. Since 1972, NOC has
shared the outdoors with millions of guests on
whitewater river rafting trips and all varieties of
kayak and canoe instruction, with trips on the
French Broad, the Nolichucky and Nantahala
rivers. We also offer mountain biking trips and
our adventure park with its zipline and
multilevel challenge course. noc.com
Advertising Partner, inside front cover
Nantahala River, (800) 867-9246. Popular
whitewater river rushes through the Nantahala
National Forest.
Smoky Mountain Jet Boats, 22
Needmore Rd., (888) 900-9091. Exciting jet-boat
rides on Lake Fontana, a wilderness lake,
or combine with a Forney Creek hike.
needmore.com
Wildwater Ltd., 10345 Hwy. 19 W., (800)
451-9972. Fully guided, guide-assisted and
rental trips available. A family-owned business
since 1971, Wildwater runs on the Nantahala,
Ocoee, Big Pigeon and Chattooga rivers. Also
offers scenic Jeep tours. wildwaterrafting.com
Black Mountain/South Toe Basin, US 19
Bypass, (828) 682-6146. Two recreation areas
with camping, picnicking, hiking, wild trout
fishing, swimming and tubing. Most trails lead
from the river valley to ridge top of the Black
Mountains, the highest range in the East.
Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 Hwy.
Bryson City
Burnsville
Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway, 278
Shoppes on the Parkway Rd., Ste. 33, US 321,
(828) 295-4444. Buy direct from more than 30
brand-name manufacturer and designer outlet
stores. tangeroutlet.com
Tweetsie Railroad, 300 Tweetsie Railroad
Ln., US 321, (800) 526-5740. Family theme park
with a 3-mile train ride, crafts, live
entertainment, country fair rides and a petting
zoo. tweetsie.com
Advertising Partner, p. 2-3
Daniel Boone Native Gardens, 651 Horn
in the West Dr., (828) 264-6390. The gardens
feature a collection of North American native
plant material in an informal landscape design,
along with an authentic log cabin, which once
belonged to the Boone family. Self-guided
tours with gardeners on duty.
danielboonegardens.org
Foggy Mountain Gem Mine, 4416 Hwy.
105 S., (828) 963-4367. More than 40 different
minerals may be found at the mine, and
gemstone-quality ore is guaranteed in every
bucket. foggymountaingems.com
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama, 591
Horn in the West Dr., (828) 264-2120. For more
than 50 years, this historical outdoor drama
has followed frontiersman Daniel Boone and
his band of mountain settlers as they struggle
against the British militia. horninthewest.com
Turchin Center for the Visual Arts, 423
W. King St., (828) 262-3017. The largest visual
arts center in the region, exhibits focus on a
blend of new and historically important
artwork and feature works of nationally and
internationally renowned artists, as well as
many of the finest artists of the region.
turchincenter.org
John C. Campbell Folk School, One Folk
School Rd., (800) 365-5724. Visitors are
welcome to take a self-guided tour of the
campus, which includes the studios, nature
trails and history center. Browse the school’s
craft shop, showcasing the juried work of more
than 300 craftspeople. Crafts, music, dance,
other mountain traditions in one-week or
weekend classes. folkschool.org
Historic District – Brevard, Main St., (828)
884-3278. Most of the storefronts in the
downtown area are historic, and many have
been restored to recapture the town’s
charming atmosphere, retaining the cultural
heritage while still being smartly up-to-date.
brevardnc.org
Land of the Waterfalls, Various locations,
(800) 648-4523. There are more than 250
scenic waterfalls in Transylvania County – many
of which are easily accessible while others
involve a hike. visitwaterfalls.com
Advertising Partner, p. 51
Silvermont Mansion, E. Main St., (828) 884-
3156. Built in 1902 by Joseph and Elizabeth
Silversteen, this 33-room Colonial Revival
Boone
Brasstown
Brevard
nc mountains attractions
54 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
mountains attractions nc
see page 159 for local information sources visitnc.com 55
Grandfather Mountain, 2050 Blowing
Rock Hwy., (800) 468-7325. Known for the
360-degree views from its Mile High Swinging
Bridge, Grandfather is a sanctuary where
guests can come eye-to-eye with bears,
cougars, otters, eagles and deer in natural
habitats, learn about the natural world from
entertaining guides, stroll gentle nature paths
or hike craggy alpine trails. grandfather.com
Advertising Partner, p. 2-3
Grandfather Mountain State Park, 9872
Hwy. 105 S., (828) 737-9522. Encompassing
2,600 acres of the undeveloped backcountry
of Grandfather Mountain and adjacent to the
tourist attraction. Hikers have free access to
the peaks via a 12-mile network of alpine trails.
There are two entry points to the hiking trails
in Grandfather Mountain State Park that don’t
require paying admission to the adjoining
attraction. ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/grmo/main.
php
Emerald Village, 331 McKinney Mine Rd.,
(828) 765-6463. Go underground in a real mine
at the North Carolina Mining Museum. See old
mining equipment and displays and enjoy the
splashing waterfall. Tour the Company Store
and visit Discovery Mill, with displays that
include the Music Museum, the Homestead
Museum and the Blue Ridge model railroad
display. emeraldvillage.com
Cataloochee Ski Area, 1080 Ski Lodge Rd.,
(800) 768-0285. Utilizes one of the most
advanced snowmaking systems in the
Southeast on 16 lighted slopes, five lifts
(including three moving carpet lifts) and six
lanes of snow tubing fun. cataloochee.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
Wheels Through Time Museum, 62
Vintage Ln., (828) 926-6266. The world’s
premier collection of rare American vintage
motorcycles, with more than 325 classic
motorcycles, many of which are operated
daily. The unique museum also features
dozens of motorcycle-related exhibits.
wheelsthroughtime.com
Historic Carson House, 1805 US 70 W.,
(828) 724-4948. Built as a walnut log cabin in
the early 1800s, this historic home is filled with
unusual household and plantation artifacts.
historiccarsonhouse.com
Linville Caverns, 19929 Hwy. 221 N., (800)
419-0540. Natural limestone caverns feature
spectacular stalactite and stalagmite
formations, underground stream and cave
wildlife, such as bats and large trout.
linvillecaverns.com
Lucky Strike Gold & Gem Mine, 251
Lucky Strike Dr., (828) 738-4893. Pan for gold
in a stream that was mined in the early 1800s
or look for gemstones in our flumes. Dining
and gift shop on site. luckystrikegoldandgem.
com
Linville
Little Switzerland
Maggie Valley
Marion
Access Rd., (336) 982-2587. Canoe more than
26 miles of the National Wild and Scenic South
Fork of the New River. Three access points,
primitive camping, fishing, hiking, mountain
scenery and wildlife. Picnic areas with grills,
one covered shelter and a community
building. Canoe rentals from local outfitters
for a fee. Free; fee for camping. ncparks.gov/
Visit/parks/neri/main.php
Beach at Lake Lure & Water Works,
2724 Memorial Hwy., (877) 386-4255. Relax
under the sun, float on the water, build sand
castles with your children or picnic with friends
and family. For a soaking good time, visit our
water park, with soaking games, a water slide,
water cannons and the water wars. Admission
to the water park is included in the admission
price of the beach. lakelure.com
New River Winery, 165 Piney Creek Rd.,
(336) 384-1213. Enjoy our outdoor patio bar or
a tour of our production facility, as well as the
Old Lansing School. newriverwinery.com
Thistle Meadow Winery, 102 Thistle
Meadow, (800) 233-1505. Our wines are
handcrafted in small batches to ensure the
highest quality. With our own wide variety of
wines – reds, whites and blushes, ranging from
sweet to dry – you’re sure to find a wine that
matches your taste. thistlemeadowwinery.com
Caldwell Heritage Museum, 112 Vaiden
St., (828) 758-4004. Artifactual photographic
and demographic exhibits, and displays
depicting the history and heritage of Caldwell
County. caldwellcochamber.org
Carolina Mist Winery, 118 Main St., (828)
754-4660. We create and serve small batches
of special wines crafted to the local tastes of
our customers. Our carefully crafted wines,
casual friendly service and cozy atmosphere
bring the best of Lenoir to your wine-tasting
experience. carolinamistwinery.com
Fort Defiance, 1792 Fort Defiance Dr., (828)
758-1671. Built in 1792, home of Gen. William
Lenoir, Revolutionary War hero. More than 300
pieces of original clothing and furnishings on
display. fortdefiancenc.org
Tuttle Educational State Forest, 3420
Playmore Beach Rd., (828) 757-5608. Boasts a
wide variety of pines and hardwoods, plus
rolling terrain and clear streams. These
features are accessible by a series of well-marked
trails accented by exhibits and
displays that explain the ecology of the
managed forest. ncesf.org/TESF/home.htm
20 Miles of Furniture, 1909 Hickory Blvd.,
(800) 737-0782. A stretch of highway
dominated by outlet stores showcasing
exceptional prices and the finest selections
from the industry’s leading furniture retailers.
20milesoffurniture.com
Lake Lure
Lansing
Laurel Springs
Lenoir
his tombstone shop in Asheville.
historichendersonville.org
Highlands Area Waterfalls, Various
locations, (828) 526-2114. Bridal Veil Falls,
located at US 64/28 West, cascades 120 feet
over the highway. Cars can drive under the
waterfall. Dry Falls, also at US 64/28 West, is a
75-foot waterfall that visitors can walk behind.
Glen Falls, at Hwy. 106 South, is a series of
three large falls, dropping approximately 60
feet each. highlandschamber.org
Advertising Partner, p. 54
Museum of American Cut & Engraved
Glass, Chestnut St., (828) 526-3415. Features
an outstanding collection of antique cut and
engraved glass made in America between
1876 and 1916, which is known as the
American Brilliant Period.
Whiteside Mountain, Whiteside Mountain
Rd., (800) 962-1911. Named for its sheer, white
cliffs, this mountain rises more than 2,100 feet
above the Nantahala National Forest. A
national recreation trail, making a 2-mile loop,
winds to the 4,930-foot summit.
highlandschamber.org
Raintree Cellars Winery, 521-E US Hwy.
70 E., (828) 397-5643. Come visit our winery
and taste what others have come to know. We
have quality wines and are always
experimenting with new and different wines to
commemorate holidays and seasons of the
year. raintreecellars.com
Historic District – Hot Springs,
Downtown. Once a mecca for wealthy
Southerners attracted by the hot natural
springs and cool mountain air, today the town
is a way station for hikers along the
Appalachian Trail, which runs right through the
middle of the area, and a magnet for people
who want to experience the therapeutic and
healing power of the springs. hotspringsnc.org
Sullivan Estate Vineyard & Winery,
4040 James Dr., (828) 728-5099. The vineyards
are planted in native red and white muscadine
grapes. To suit a variety of palates, we offer
both dry and sweet in each of our grape and
berry wines. Enjoy the Old World feel of the
winery and its tapestry ceilings with a glass of
your favorite wine. tudorhousewine.com
Mount Jefferson State Natural Area,
1481 Mt. Jefferson State Park Rd., (336) 246-
9653. Broaden your horizons with scenic vistas
and colorful displays of mountain flora. Stroll
the short nature trail through the magnificent
forest, a National Natural Landmark. ncparks.
gov/Visit/parks/moje/main.php
New River State Park, 1477 Wagoner
Highlands
Hildebran
Hot Springs
Hudson
Jefferson
than 15 acres with nature trails, forests and
streams. co.henderson.k12.nc.us/teachers/
johnsonfarm-web
Holmes Educational State Forest, 1299
Crab Creek Rd., (828) 692-0100. A managed
forest designed to promote better
understanding of the value of forests through
exhibits, Talking Trees, signs and ranger-conducted
classes. Picnic areas and hiking
trails available. ncesf.org/HESF/home.htm
Mineral and Lapidary Museum of
Henderson County, 400 N. Main St., (828)
698-1977. Displays include North Carolina
minerals, dinosaur egg cluster, English
minerals, fluorescent minerals, geodes,
petrified wood and large logs, plus Cullinan
Diamond replicas. mineralmuseum.org
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards, 588
Chestnut Gap Rd., (828) 685-4002. Nestled on
10 acres with panoramic views of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. Stop by and sample our
Riesling blends, red Cabernets and
Chardonnays, each with a sweeter and a drier
version. saintpaulmountainvineyards.com
Western North Carolina Air Museum,
1340 Gilbert St., (828) 698-2482. Unique
collection of airplanes and memorabilia
celebrating the Golden Age of General
Aviation. Adjacent to the Hendersonville
airport, you can chat with the aircrafts’ owners
or watch these vintage machines in action in
good flying weather. wncairmuseum.com
Wolfe’s Angel, Oakdale Cemetery, US 64
W., (800) 828-4244. Author Thomas Wolfe’s
first novel, Look Homeward, Angel, had
constant references to an angel statue
imported from Italy. This was among the
statues Wolfe’s father sold from the porch of
music, so it then becomes one with the wine.
Come hear and taste for yourself.
eagleforkvineyards.com
Burntshirt Vineyards, 2695 Sugarloaf Rd.,
(828) 685-2402. The altitude plus long, sunny
days and cool nights produce wines uniquely
expressive of the special terroir, such as
Gruner Veltliner, Riesling and our red blend.
burntshirtvineyards.com
Falderal Winery, 131 Third Ave. W., (828)
693-7676. Our tasting room is located directly
above the winemaking portion of the winery,
which means when you walk in, you’re literally
standing on top of what you’re drinking.
Because we vint in small batches, we have an
always-rotating selection of wines to try.
falderalwinery.com
Henderson County Heritage Museum,
1 Historic Courthouse Sq., Main St., (828) 694-
1619. Housed in the historic courthouse, you’ll
find artifacts, collections, demonstrations and
other exhibitions relating to the area’s culture,
heritage and stories.
hendersoncountymuseum.org
Historic District – Hendersonville, 145
Fifth Ave. E., (828) 233-3216. Features a
serpentine street lined with trees, floral
planters, thriving shops, historic depot and
curb market. downtownhendersonville.org
Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood
Rd., (828) 891-6585. This late 19th-century
tobacco farm and early 20th-century tourist
retreat is operated year round as a heritage
education center and farm museum. More
Hen der son vil le
extension of the Scottish Tartans Society in
Edinburgh, Scotland. scottishtartans.org
Wilderness Taxidermy, 5040 Highlands
Rd., (828) 524-3677. Our modern,
6,000-square-foot studio with a combined
work area, museum and Wildlife Art gallery,
offers the opportunity to view hundreds of
unique specimens from around the world.
wildernesstaxidermy.com
Lake James Cellars, 204 E. Main St., (828)
584-4551. A family-owned winery located in
the North Carolina foothills. Come and relax in
our restored 1915 building and taste the
magnificent flavors of our fine wines.
lakejamescellars.com
Churches of the Frescoes – Holy Trinity
Church, 120 Glendale Springs Rd., (336) 877-
3607. Features the fresco of The Lord’s Supper
by North Carolina native Ben Long. Other
works include Jeffrey Mims’ Fresco of Christ’s
Departure. Holy Trinity dates to the early
1900s. ashefrescoes.org
Eagle Fork Vineyards, 225 Dick Jones Rd.,
(828) 389-8466. At our vineyard, you’ll hear
soft classical music that we play for our nine
varieties of grapes. Science has shown that
music drives the insects from the vines, while
legend has it that the grapes absorb the
Glen Alpine
Glendale Springs
Hayesville
66673
(800) 828-4244
www.historichendersonville.org
Historic Hendersonville is known for its
gentle climate and beautiful scenery.
Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains
of western North Carolina. Explore the
waterfalls of Dupont State Forest, Flat Rock
Playhouse, Blue Ridge Parkway, historic
sites, recreation, family activities and
festivals. For a free planner, please call
toll-free or visit our website listed below.
66677
(866) 914-8406
www.highlandschamber.org
• Awe-inspiring views
• Towering waterfalls
• Award-winning dining
• Arts & theater
• Unique shopping
• Relaxation in its purest form
Highlands 66682
(828) 622-7676
www.nchotsprings.com
• Outdoor private hot tubs for hourly rental
– open year round
• Massage, body treatments & esthetics
• Suites & vacation home rentals
• Campground/camping cabins
nc mountains attractions
56 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
mountains attractions nc
see page 159 for local information sources visitnc.com 57
current park conditions. ncparks.gov/Visit/
parks/gorg/main.php
Sapphire Valley Ski Area, 4350 US 64 W.,
(800) 533-8268. Excellent conditions for
beginning and intermediate skiing and
snowboarding. skisapphire.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
Hawksnest Resort, 2058 Skyland Dr., (800)
822-4295. Year-round recreation opportunities.
Home to the area’s largest snowtubing park.
Try the zipline course – ride 10 different cables
taking you through the trees, over creeks and
even over snow tubers during the winter
months. hawksnest-resort.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
Chateau Laurinda Vineyards, 690 Reeves
Ridge Rd., (800) 650-3236. Producing more
than 30 flavors of wine and specializing in
fresh-fruit wines, we pride ourselves in offering
a wide selection, sure to please even the
discriminating wine connoisseur.
chateaulaurindavineyards.com
Doughton Park, Blue Ridge Pkwy., MP
238.5-244.7, (336) 372-8877. This 7,000-acre
park, the largest recreation area on the Blue
Ridge Parkway, offers a lodge, campground,
hiking trails and picnic areas. Includes the
picturesque Brinegar Cabin and the Caudill
Family Homestead, a dramatic exhibit of
isolated mountain life. nps.gov/blri
Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine, Hwy.
226 S., (828) 765-6130. Gem mine rain or shine
under covered flumes. Sands of Time Museum
is free; fee to mine for gems. gemmountain.
com
Historic Orchard at Altapass, 1025
Seven Devils
Sparta
Spruce Pine
and Montepulciano. raffaldini.com
Broad River Gems and Mining Co., 218
River Landing, (828) 286-1220. Jewelry,
gemstones, rocks, minerals and fossils.
Museum area and on-site gem mining and
fossil dig. broadrivergems.com
Green River Plantation, 6333 Coxe Rd.,
(828) 286-1461. Built in 1807, this magnificent
42-room mansion. rests on land that reflects all
of the gentility and refinement of the old pre-
Civil War South. greenriverplantation.net
KidSenses Children’s Museum, 172 N.
Main St., (828) 286-2120. A hands-on,
interactive playscape for families and children
from birth to 10 years old. Offers 11,000
square feet of fun, including a real fire engine,
a bubble room, science stations and more.
kidsenses.com
Green River, Green River Cove Rd., (800)
440-7848. Class I, II and III rapids make for
great float trips and kayaking classes on the
scenic Green River. Class IV rapids for
advanced paddlers. firstpeaknc.com
Pearson’s Falls, 2748 Pearson’s Falls Rd.,
(828) 749-3031. A 320-acre nature and wildlife
preserve and Natural Heritage Site. Walking
trail to base of 90-foot falls. pearsonsfalls.org
Gorges State Park, Hwy. 281 S., (828) 966-
9099. Plunging waterfalls, rugged river gorges,
sheer rock walls and one of the greatest
concentrations of rare and unique species in
the eastern United States are found here.
Elevation rises some 2,000 feet in only 3-5
miles. As the park is still in its planning and
development phase, visitors are encouraged
to call the park office before visiting for
Rut her for dto n
Saluda
Sapphire
Rendezvous Mountain Educational
State Forest, 1956 Rendezvous Mtn. Rd.,
(336) 667-5072. The Talking Tree Trail features
Talking Trees, each with a recorded message
about itself, its site and the forest history.
Forest Demonstration and Logging History
Demonstration trails. ncesf.org/RMESF
Stone Mountain State Park, 3042 Frank
Pkwy., (336) 957-8185. The 13,500 acres
include 17 miles of trout fishing streams, rock
climbing, hiking trails and waterfalls. ncparks.
gov/Visit/parks/stmo/main.php
Cherohala Skyway, Hwy. 143 W., (800) 470-
3790. Called a mini-Blue Ridge Parkway, the
Skyway travels through some of the best
scenery of the Cherokee and Nantahala
National forests. Enjoy majestic views of nature
or picnic above the clouds at one of the many
overlooks. grahamcountytravel.com
The Dragon, Hwy. 129 N., (828) 479-8400.
One of the best places in the United States to
test your skills and courage on a motorcycle or
your motor vehicle of choice. There are 318
turns throughout 11 miles. tailofthedragon.
com
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest,
Nantahala National Forest, (800) 470-3790.
Ancient hardwood forest has been preserved
as a tribute to the poet of Trees, who was
killed in action during World War I. Two-mile
trail passes under enormous yellow poplars,
some more than 100 feet high.
grahamcountytravel.com
Junaluska Museum, Memorial and
Medicine Plant Trail, Hwy. 143 Bus., (828)
479-4727. Honoring a prominent Cherokee
leader, the museum features several large
displays of Native American artifacts, most of
which were found in Graham County. Trail
located next to the memorial includes plants
and shrubs used by the Cherokee in the
making of traditional medicine. junaluska.com
Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center,
121 School House Rd., (828) 479-3364.
Provides local artisans working studios that are
open for the public to visit. The center is
dedicated to preserving mountain traditions
for generations to come. stecoahvalleycenter.
com
MenaRick Vineyard & Winery, 328
Luffman Rd., (336) 328-7038. We specialize in
Spanish and Portuguese varietals. Come, relax
and enjoy the view from our vineyard.
menarick.com
Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery, 450
Groce Rd., (336) 835-9463. Nestled in the
Yadkin Valley region, this family-owned winery
brings Old World charm to the Old North
State. Known as Chianti in the Carolinas,
Raffaldini currently produces five single
varietal wines and four blends: Vermentino,
Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sangiovese Riserva
Purlear
Roaring Gap
Robbinsville
Ronda
Old Fort Arrowhead Monument, Corner
of Main St. & Hwy. 70 W., (888) 233-6111. In
1930, this 30-foot-tall granite arrowhead was
dedicated to honor the peace between the
pioneers and the Native Americans. During
the ceremony, chiefs of both Cherokee and
Catawba tribes smoked a pipe of peace for
the first time in history. mcdowellnc.org
Old Fort Railroad Museum, 25 W. Main
St., (888) 233-6111. Museum illustrates the
impact of the railroad system on the region.
Railroad and train exhibits, original tools,
signal lights, furniture and signs are housed in
the historic Old Fort Depot building, built in
the 1890s. mcdowellnc.org
Penland School of Crafts – Penland
Gallery, Conley Ridge Rd., (828) 765-6211.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, Penland Gallery
offers a tour of the campus. This in-depth,
guided tour tells the history of the school and
takes visitors to see many of the working
student artists. Reservations are required
through the gallery. penland.org
Allison-Deaver House, NC 280, (828) 862-
6654. This Federal and Greek Revival house,
first built in 1815, has virtually remained
unaltered for almost two centuries. With a
mortise-and-tenon structure, the house has
been revived as a house-restoration museum.
tc150.com/content/allison-deaver-house
Cradle of Forestry in America National
Historic Site, 1001 Pisgah Hwy., (828) 877-
3130. This unique historic site, in the heart of
Pisgah National Forest, includes the Forest
Discovery Center, with hands-on exhibits and
an 18-minute film. Paved trails lead past
historic cabins, a logging train and woods
where the first forestry school in America
operated in the early 1900s. Craftsmen,
guided tours, helicopter simulator and
interpretive programs. cradleofforestry.com
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education,
1401 Fish Hatchery Rd., (828) 877-4423.
Mountain streams, where water and life begin,
is the theme of this educational facility
dedicated to exploring the wonders of North
Carolina’s wildlife. The center is a program of
the North Carolina Wildlife Resources
Commission. Aquariums, 20-minute video,
hands-on exhibits along a paved walkway,
garden display, special programs, viewing and
feeding of trout at the Pisgah Fish Hatchery,
and gift shop. ncwildlife.org
Sliding Rock, Pisgah Hwy., (828) 877-3265.
Take the plunge down a 60-foot slippery
cascade into the 50- to 60-degree, 6-foot
deep pool. fs.usda.gov/recarea/nfsnc/
recreation/recarea/?recid=48156&actid=82
Plumtree Canopy Tours, 913 Big Plumtree
Creek Rd., (828) 687-1411. More than just a
3-hour zipline experience. Enjoy 11 zips and
four sky bridges over beautiful terrain.
plumtreecanopytours.com
Penland
Pisgah Forest
Plumtree
collection of 19th- and 20th-century railroad
memorabilia, including a 100-piece collection
of dining car tableware, a brass bell and a
head lamp from the age of steam locomotives.
Quaker Meadows Plantation, St. Mary’s
Church Rd., (828) 437-4104. The restored
plantation home, (c.1812), is available for
docent-guided tours by appointment. Visitor
center gardens.
Sam J. Ervin, Jr. Library and Museum,
Western Piedmont Community College, 1001
Burkemont Ave., (828) 438-6000. An exact
replica of the late Sen. Ervin’s home library, it
contains hundreds of books and treasures
from his days as chairman of the Senate
Watergate Hearings in the 1970s.
samervinlibrary.org
Cherokee Cellars Winery, 23 Hickory St.,
(828) 835-9565. Spend time at our wine tasting
room and on the beautiful veranda where you
can sit and enjoy a glass of wine.
Cherokee County Historical Museum,
87 Peachtree St., (828) 837-6792. Reflects the
life of the Cherokee Indians during the time of
the Cherokee Nation and the removal along
the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. Depicts the
early life of the white man in Cherokee County.
Doll collection.
Fields of the Wood, Hwy. 294, (828) 494-
7855. An entire mountainside displays the Ten
Commandments written in stone at this 200-
acre Bible park. fieldsofthewoodbiblepark.
com
Valley River Vineyards, 4689 Martins
Creek Rd., (828) 321-5333. A taste of southern
Appalachia with tasting room offering winery
tours by appointment. valleyrivervineyards.
com
Lake James State Park, 6683 NC 126,
(828) 584-7728. Tucked away in rolling hills at
the base of Linville Gorge is Lake James, a
6,510-acre lake with more than 150 miles of
shoreline. This impressive waterway is the
centerpiece of Lake James State Park. Boat,
water ski or fish in cool mountain waters, or
take a walk and enjoy an abundance of
wildflowers and wildlife along park trails.
ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/laja/main.php
South Creek Vineyards and Winery,
2240 South Creek Rd., (828) 652-5729. Come
taste our award-winning Bordeaux-style wines
at our 100-year-old Italian Renaissance
farmhouse. Meander through the vineyards,
tour the winery or just unwind and relax while
sipping our wines. southcreekwinery.com
Mountain Gateway Museum, 24 Water
St., (828) 668-9259. Displays showcase
mountain lifestyle and history from the earliest
original inhabitants through the settlement
period and into the 20th century. The site also
houses two 1800s log cabins, an outdoor
amphitheater and a picnic area by Mill Creek.
mountaingatewaymuseum.org
Murphy
Nebo
Old Fort
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort, 578 Valley View
Cir., (800) 817-4111. Skiing serviced by two
double lifts, two quads, a surface lift and
magic carpet, 82 acres of ski terrain with 100
percent snowmaking capability, snow tubing,
sledding and night skiing. Summer activities
include mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater
rafting, horseback riding and hiking.
skiwolfridgenc.com
Advertising Partner, p. 59
Madison County Courthouse, Main St.,
(828) 649-3031. This two-story Neo-Classical
Revival brick structure was constructed in 1907
at a cost of $30,000. The cupola, a four-stage
polygonal structure, is one of the most
impressive courthouse cupolas in North
Carolina. The conical roof, bearing clocks on
its alternate faces, is capped by a lantern that
serves as a pedestal for a statue of Blind
Justice. visitmadisoncounty.com
Parker-Binns Vineyard, 7382 Hwy. 108 E.,
(828) 894-0154. Join us for a taste of our wines
and discover how we bring our passion for fine
wines into the beautiful foothills of the Blue
Ridge Mountains. Our wines include
Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet
Franc and Rose, plus Blackberry. parker-binnsvineyard.
com
Perry Lowe Orchards, 8741 NC Hwy. 16 S.,
(336) 921-3123. Enjoy apple time talk and a
guided tour of the apple house and cooler,
then head to our orchard for the apple tree
maze and hayride, plus pick apples and
pumpkins. perryloweorchards.com
The Beanstalk Journey at Catawba
Meadows, 220 Catawba Meadows Dr., (828)
430-3440. Come fly away on the aerial
adventures of a lifetime. Imagine an
exhilarating network of 15 interconnected
islands in the sky. You’ll be transported from
one tree house to the next by a series of sky
bridges and ziplines. thebeanstalkjourney.com
Historic District – Morganton, 102 E.
Union St., (828) 438-5280. Self-guided walking
or driving tour of National Register of Historic
Places district. The Old Burke County
Courthouse houses the Heritage Museum and
Visitor Information Center. ci.morganton.nc.us
History Museum of Burke County, 201
W. Meeting St., (828) 437-1777. Tours are
nonscripted and docent-led, giving the visitor
a personalized perspective of the hundreds of
artifacts on display. Visitors walk through room
settings, becoming a part of a doctor’s or
dentist’s office, beauty shop, housewares or
military display. thehistorymuseumofburke.org
Morganton Railroad Depot & Museum,
624 S. Green St., (828) 438-5272. Restored to
its 1916 appearance. Contains an extensive
Mars Hill
Marshall
Mill Spring
Moravian Falls
Morganton
Ariel Gallery, Asheville
nc mountains attractions
58 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
mountains attractions nc
see page 159 for local information sources visitnc.com 59
(800) 445-1378. North Carolina’s oldest cheese
plant, producing quality cheese since 1930.
See it made via our viewing room – open year
round at no charge – on days we’re creating
our tasty cheeses. Then stop by our shop,
where we have 20 varieties of original cheese,
as well our own county butter, homemade
fudge and the popular fresh cheese curds,
plus other locally made items.
ashecountycheese.com
Bluff Mountain Nature Preserve,
Edwards Rd., (336) 977-8405. The mountain’s
unique geology, hydrology and ecology
intertwine to create an unusual mixture of
habitats and wildlife. nature.org/
wherewework/northamerica/states/
northcarolina/preserves/art5590.html
Churches of the Frescoes – St. Mary’s,
400 Beaver Creek School Rd., (336) 982-3076.
Created by native North Carolinian Ben Long.
Mary, Great with Child, John the Baptist and
the moving Mystery of Faith grace the
sanctuary. Creations by Long’s students also
line the walls of this early 20th-century church.
ashefrescoes.org
Historic District – West Jefferson, 1 S.
Jefferson Ave., (866) 607-0093. With one of
the best collections of art galleries in the
mountains, this National Historic District also
has much to offer visitors, ranging from
handicraft shops, antiques, unique specialty
stores, fine restaurants, historic homes and
churches, and many quaint lodging choices.
visitwestjefferson.org
Frescoes at St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church, 200 W. Cowles St., (336) 667-4231.
Two frescoes by world-renowned artist Ben
Long, depicting St. Paul the Apostle’s time of
conversion and while writing the Epistles in
prison. cacwilkes.org/frescos.htm
W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir, 499
Reservoir Rd., (336) 921-3390. In the foothills
of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this lake is an
awesome scenic backdrop for any fun-filled
excursion you plan. Camping, hiking,
swimming, fishing, boating, bird watching,
ranger-led trail tours and children’s activities.
Experience performances at the Forest Edge
Amphitheater at Fort Hamby. saw.usace.army.
mil/wkscott/index.htm
Wilkes Community College Gardens,
1328 S. Collegiate Dr., (336) 838-6100.
Specialty gardens include the unique Eddy
Merle Watson Garden of the Senses, featuring
Braille-labeled plants and sculptured music
and alphabet walls, plus native, rose, Japanese
and other gardens. Walking trail, children’s
playground, duck pond and picnic areas.
wilkescc.edu
Wilkes Heritage Museum, 100 E. Main St.,
(336) 667-3171. The museum tells the stories of
Native Americans, Moravian explorers,
Revolutionary heroes, the Civil War, local
industry, the birthplace of moonshine and
stock-car racing, plus important historical
figures such as Daniel Boone and Tom
“Dooley” Dula. wilkesheritagemuseum.com
Wilkesboro
at Valdese. oldcolonyplayers.com
Waldensian Heritage Wines, 4940 Villar
Ln. N.E., (828) 879-3202. Experience wines
crafted in the Waldensian tradition. Tours,
tastings and sales are available Thursday
through Sunday, or by appointment.
Waldensian Museum, 208 Rodoret St.,
(828) 874-1111. Historic museum that is a
central repository for the many distinctively
Waldensian artifacts relating to the founding
and origin of the town of Valdese. visitvaldese.
com
Waldensian Trail of Faith, 401 Church St.,
(800) 635-4778. This walk through history
depicts the religious persecution and
incredible faith of the Waldensians of northern
Italy. Fourteen building replicas and
monuments. Located next to Old Colony
Players Amphitheater. waldensiantrailoffaith.
org
Mast General Store, Hwy. 194, (828) 963-
6511. Listed on the National Register of
Historic Places as one of the best remaining
examples of an old country store. This historic
landmark, in the heart of the state’s first rural
historic district, has featured quality goods
and traditional clothing since 1883.
mastgeneralstore.com
Advertising Partner, p. 2-3
Dutch Creek Trails, 793 Rubin Walker Rd.,
(828) 297-7117. Enjoy wooded trails, old farm
fields, valley views along Dutch Creek and
Southern hospitality. Whether you are an
experienced cowboy or a little green, our
skilled staff and gentle horses make for a
pleasant visit. dutchcreektrails.com
Scream Time Zipline, 8483 US Hwy. 421,
(828) 898-5404. Our regular tour consists of six
ziplines, the shortest being longer than a
football field at 450 feet and the longest is 800
feet. Add the Super Zip, a 2,000-foot line, to
zip over a mile of cable. Please call to check
availability. screamtimezipline.com
Museum of North Carolina
Handicrafts, 49 Shelton St., (828) 452-1551.
Exhibit of heritage crafts includes wood
carvings, bedding, pottery, china painting,
handcrafted jewelry, Cherokee and Navaho
artifacts, and furniture, all located in historic
Shelton House.
Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State
Historic Site, 911 Reems Creek Rd., (828)
645-6706. Reconstructed birthplace of
Zebulon B. Vance, Civil War governor of North
Carolina. nchistoricsites.org/vance
Ashe County Cheese, 106 E. Main St.,
Valle Crucis
Vilas
Waynesville
Weaverville
West Jefferson
Orchard Rd., (888) 765-9531. An Appalachian
cultural and historical center that also features
hayrides following the path of the
Revolutionary War mountain soldiers or
storytelling hayrides about our part of the
mountains. altapassorchard.com
Museum of NC Minerals, 214 Parkway
Maintenance Rd., Blue Ridge Parkway, MP 331,
(828) 765-2761. Exhibits feature more than 300
varieties of minerals and gems found in North
Carolina.
Tuckasegee River, (800) 962-1911. Canoeing
and funyak trips on gentle Class II whitewater.
McRitchie Winery & Ciderworks, 315
Thurmond Post Office Rd., (336) 874-3003.
Relax on our porches with a glass of wine or
cider, enjoy our gardens or picnic under the
shade trees. Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Merlot,
Ring of Fire Red, Sparkling Niagara and Hard
Cider. mcritchiewine.com
Precious Alpaca Farm, 2930 S. Center
Church Rd., (336) 957-3581. Geared toward all
ages, watch a video to educate you on the
history of the Alpaca from the origin to the
differences in colors and breeds. Then enjoy
interacting with the Alpaca and observe
demonstrations of weaving raw fibers.
preciousalpaca.com
Elk Knob State Park, 5564 Meat Camp
Rd., (336) 957-3581. Enjoy a moderate trail hike
up to the summit of Elk Knob. When the
wildflowers are in bloom, you won’t find a
more spectacular location to experience the
wonders of nature. Bring a picnic for a relaxing
visit. ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/elkn/main.php
Foothills Equestrian Nature Center
(FENCE), 3381 Hunting Country Rd., (828)
859-9021. A 320-acre nature education and
recreational center offering 5 miles of hiking
and riding trails, an equestrian center with
stabling for 200 horses, and a variety of family-oriented
nature education programs, outdoor
concerts and more. fence.org
Overmountain Vineyards, 2012 Sandy
Plains Rd., (828) 551-5449. Your options for the
day are: walk the vineyards during a tour, learn
about the Overmountain Men and their impact
on the nation’s history, take in spectacular
views and, of course, taste our estate wines.
overmountainvineyards.com
From This Day Forward Outdoor
Drama, Old Colony Players Amphitheater, N.
Church St., (828) 879-2126. For more than 40
years, the story of the Waldensians has been
told through music, dance and drama. They
were a religious sect from Italy that migrated
to North Carolina in 1893 to establish a colony
Sylva
Thurmond
Todd
Tryon
Valdese
Ski & Winter
Recreation
Resorts Phone Website
Vertical Drop (Slopes)
Number of Slopes
Chairlifts
Surface Lifts
Rentals
Ski School (Adult & Children)
Group Rates
Food
Lodging Independent
Lounge
Nursery
Snowboarding
Night Skiing
Ice Skating
Tubing Run
Appalachian Ski Mtn.,
Blowing Rock
(800) 322-2373 www.appskimtn.com 365 12 3 3 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Beech Mountain Resort,
Beech Mountain
(800) 438-2093
www.beechmountain
resort.com
830 15 6 3 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Cataloochee Ski Area,
Maggie Valley
(800) 768-0285 www.cataloochee.com 740 17 3 2 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Hawksnest Resort,
Seven Devils
(800) 822-4295 www.hawknest-resort.com 4 2 ● ● ● ●
Sapphire Valley Ski Area,
Sapphire
(828) 743-7663 www.skisapphire.com 200 3 1 2 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Scaly Mountain Outdoor
Sports Park, Highlands
(828) 526-3737 www.scalymountain.com 2 1 ● ● ● ●
Sugar Mountain Resort,
Sugar Mountain
(800) 784-2768 www.skisugar.com 1,200 20 5 3 ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
Wolf Ridge Ski Resort,
Mars Hill
(800) 817-4111 www.skiwolfridgenc.com 700 23 4 2 ● ● ● ● ● ● ●
67067
nc mountains accommodations
60 2013 North Carolina Travel Guide
mountains accommodations nc
see page 159 for local information sources visitnc.com 61 Outdoor Pool Indoor Pool Internet Complimentary Breakfast Exercise Room Restaurant On-site Pets Allowed
Freeman’s Motel &
Cottages
(828) 488-2737
fre ema nsm ote l.c om
A Dogwood Cove Cabin
(828) 488-1657
dog woo dnc .co m
Green Mountain Inn
(239) 898-5253
Turkey Creek
Campground
(828) 488-8966
tur key cre ekc amp gro und
.co m
A Country Hearth Inn
(828) 321-2176
cou ntr yhe art h.c om
Valley Town Motor Court
(828) 321-4280
Andrews Southern
Charm Bed & Breakfast
(828) 321-2348
and rew sso uth ern cha rm.
com
Cozad-Cover House Bed
& Breakfast
(828) 321-1017
cov erh ous eba ndb .co m
Hawkesdene House
Mountain Retreat
(800) 447-9549
haw kes den e.c om
Fernwood Cottage
(828) 321-4442
fer nwo odc ott age .co m
Land of Living Water
Cabins
Almond
Hotels/Motels
Vacation Rentals
Private
Campgrounds
Andrews
Hotels/Motels
B&Bs and
Country Inns
Vacation Rentals
(877) 721-1900
lan dof liv ing wat er. com
Whispering Pines Log
Cabins
(321) 632-3471
nor thc aro lin aca bin s.c om
Comfort Inn-Asheville
Airport
(828) 687-9199
com for tin n.c om
Quality Inn &
Suites-Biltmore South
(800) 228-5151
bil tmo ref arm sho tel s.c om
Bent Creek Lodge
(877) 231-6574
ben tcr eek nc. com
Pa