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ACCESS North Carolina : a vacation and travel guide for people with disabilities
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ACCESS
North Carolina
A Vacation and Travel Guide for People with Disabilities
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ACCESS North Carolina
Cover Photo Descriptions
Top left: Ruben Leon and Martina Moore-Reid visit the International Civil Rights
Center & Museum in Greensboro.
Top right: Davis Teitelbaum enjoys the accessible playground at Marsh Creek Park in
Raleigh.
Bottom left: Ellen Rubin feels the shape of the head of a hammerhead shark model at
the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.
Bottom right: Jennifer Bailey observes animals at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury.
Center: Brittany Eggers pushes Tammy Perkins across the Mile High Swinging
Bridge at Grandfather Mountain in Linville.
How to Use ACCESS North Carolina
ACCESS North Carolina uses a mix of text and icons to present basic tourist site
accessibility information.
Icons allow you to tell at a glance if a site is accessible, partially accessible or not
accessible for a person with a specific type of disability. Those icons look like this:
Accessible: The site provides substantial accessibility.
Partially Accessible: The site provides some accessibility.
Not Accessible: The site provides limited accessibility.
The North Carolina State Building Code Accessibility Code, the Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, tourist site accessibility survey responses and
observations from site visits were used to determine accessibility ratings.
Thumbs Up: This points out a good practice that the site does.
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ACCESS North Carolina
ACCESS
North Carolina
A Vacation and Travel Guide for
People with Disabilities
Sixth Edition
State of North Carolina
Department of Health and Human Services
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
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ACCESS North Carolina
North Carolina
Department of Commerce
Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor Lynn D. Minges, Assistant Secretary
J. Keith Crisco, Secretary
Dear Friends,
Welcome to North Carolina. This guidebook contains a wealth of information designed
to help enhance your travel experience as you make plans to journey across our
amazing state. You might also learn more about travel in our state by visiting us at
visitnc.com.
North Carolina’s natural scenic beauty, rich history and culture, vibrant cities, quaint
small towns, and central East Coast location make it an ideal travel destination.
The abundance of direct air access into the state from national and international
destinations around the globe has helped to position North Carolina as a preferred
international travel destination.
The “Tar Heel State” offers diverse and beautiful geography – with the highest
mountains in the eastern United States, the rolling foothills of the Piedmont, and 300
miles of pristine coastline. We offer opportunities to indulge in some of our state’s
richest traditions, to taste some of our unique foods, and to visit places that have made
North Carolina a popular location for the motion picture industry.
Whether you choose to visit one of our more than 100 wineries, participate in one
of our festivals or special events, or join us for the commemoration of the 150th
anniversary of the Civil War that continues through 2015, we’re sure you will enjoy your
visit to North Carolina.
Sincerely,
Lynn D. Minges
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ACCESS North Carolina
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ACCESS North Carolina
“What I See When I Open My Eyes”
By Davian Robinson
Hickory, NC
Student at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, Raleigh, N.C.
When I open my eyes wide I want to cry.
When I open my eyes to look up at the beautiful blue sky I want to cry.
When I open my eyes I see the sunset over the beautiful smoky mountain
tops of the Carolinas.
But I wonder why when I open my eyes I cry.
My cries are from the beauty that surrounds me.
As I walk through the mountains of the Uwharries
I open my eyes to see the beautiful maple trees all around me.
I see and hear the beautiful bluebirds nestled high in the big oak tree.
When I open my eyes I cry in astonishment,
As I stand in front of the slopes of Raven Rock.
I hear echos of the sounds around me.
But then I close my eyes once more,
And I sit on the shores of the beautiful Outer
Banks.
Looking out over the blue ocean waters I see the Cape Hatteras
Lighthouse.
When I open my eyes I’m walking down the streets of Old Salem.
As I stand staring history right in the face I want to cry.
When I close my eyes tightly I’m flying over Kitty Hawk with the Wright
brothers by my side.
But when I open my eyes I want to cry.
I awake from a dream that makes me realize why I cry
when I open my eyes.
It’s not that I’m so cool or feel like a fool.
The beauty of the nature mesmerizes me.
When I open my eyes,
I see the beautiful pines blowing in the wind.
This is why I cry when I open my eyes wide.
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ACCESS North Carolina
Information about the Accessibility Ratings
The text contains general information about each tourist site and specific information
about:
• Parking
• Types of paths
• Entrances
• Restrooms
• Water fountains, elevators and public telephones (if available).
For entrances that have both a ramp and steps, ACCESS North Carolina will state that
the entrance has a ramp. If the ramp is in a different location than the main entrance,
ACCESS North Carolina will note this wherever possible.
“Easy to open” generally means that doors require a maximum of 8.5 pounds of force to
open. A note will indicate any sites that have automatic doors.
For restroom an accessible restroom means the following elements are present:
1. A stall at least five feet wide and five feet long
2. A toilet seat height 17 to 19 inches above the floor
3. Grab bars in the stall
4. A sink no more than three feet high with at least 29 inches of knee clearance, at
least nine inches of toe space and a pipe covering
5. Restrooms accessories such as the soap and paper towel dispensers are no higher
than four feet above the floor
6. The bottom of the mirror is no higher than 40 inches above the floor.
Each listing also describes the type of sink faucet controls. Automatic (motion sensor)
and lever faucets tend to be the most accessible type for a person with a physical
disability who may have a closed fist. Push button can be accessible depending on the
amount of force required, and turn knob tends to be the least accessible type because it
requires fine grasping with the fingers.
Each listing rates how accessible the tourist site is for visitors with physical/mobility
disabilities. Where applicable, the listing rates how accessible the tourist site is
for visitors who are Deaf and hard of hearing, visitors with vision loss, visitors with
cognitive/intellectual disabilities and visitors with other types of disabilities. Each listing
also provides other important information relevant to accessibility or planning a visit.
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ACCESS North Carolina
A Note about Highways
Highways listed in this book will indicate N.C. if it is a North Carolina highway
(example: N.C. 12) and U.S. if it is a U.S. Highway (example: U.S. 421).
A Note about City and County Parks
This book lists some accessible city and county parks such as Durham parks and
Wake County parks. However, other cities and counties in this state may have
accessible parks. Please check the particular city’s or county’s web site to find more
information about its parks or call to inquire about each park’s accessibility.
About this Edition
This sixth edition of this travel guide was produced by ACCESS North Carolina, a
program of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
DHHS distributes this travel guide in coordination with the North Carolina Department
of Commerce through its Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.
Purposes
We hope ACCESS North Carolina will be useful for planning vacations, weekend
getaways, visits to local sites, school field trips, conferences, relocation, health and
wellness activities or any type of trip. In addition to benefitting people with disabilities,
the information in ACCESS North Carolina can also benefit people who are aging and
parents with child and infant strollers.
A Note of Thanks
An accessibility survey was mailed to every tourist site listed in this book. The site
either responded to the accessibility survey, or the editor and volunteers visited sites
to determine their level of accessibility. Special thanks to those sites that provided
information. Sites that make accessibility improvements are invited to submit
information about the improvements at any time (see contact information on page x).
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ACCESS North Carolina
This edition contains artwork and poetry submitted by North Carolina residents with
disabilities. Special thanks to all individuals who submitted artwork or a poem to
enhance this edition. The artists and poets whose work was selected for publication
are:
• Keny’A Adams (page 23)
• Brandon Austin (page 299)
• S. Barton Cutter (page 97)
• Ethel Ann Gillikin (page 347)
• Remington L. Howell (page 346)
• Verlie Murphy (page 23)
• Alex O’Connor (page 141)
• Davian Robinson (page vi)
Special thanks to the workgroup that provided invaluable feedback to help the editor
improve this edition. They include:
• Steve Brink
• Kevin Earp
• Jenny Golding
• Fred Johnson
• Catherine Lavenburg
• Ronnie Marshall
• Rebecca Sitton
• Janelle Taylor
Special thanks to all individuals who contributed photos or recommendations for this
book and individuals who took the time to visit a tourist site and appear in a photo in
this book.
Special thanks also to Shruti Cherian and Lauren Ellis, students under the
supervision of Clinical Associate Professor Jennifer Womack in the Division of
Occupational Science/Program in Occupational Therapy at the University of North
Carolina at Chapel Hill. They did an accessible tourism project in Western North
Carolina and contributed useful photos and information to this guide.
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ACCESS North Carolina
Contact Information
For additional free copies, please call the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports
Development at 1-800-VISIT NC. Or please call the N.C. Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) at 1-800-689-9090 or 919-733-5924 (TDD:
Telecommunicative Device for the Deaf).
Requests for additional free copies may also be sent to:
access.nc@dhhs.nc.gov or
ACCESS North Carolina
NC DVRS
2801 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-2801
ACCESS North Carolina is available at all North Carolina Welcome Centers.
ACCESS North Carolina is available on-line at
www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/pdf/ACCESS-NC.pdf.
A text version of ACCESS North Carolina is available on-line at
www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/pdf/ACCESS-NC.txt.
If any of the information in this travel guide needs updating, please contact N.C. DVRS
at the above phone numbers, e-mail address, or mailing address, and the information
will be forwarded to the appropriate person. Thank you very much. We need your help
to improve this travel resource, and we invite you to fill out the survey found on page
467.
Disclaimer
The N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is not responsible for
inaccurate or outdated information. Please contact the tourist site directly to verify any
information important to you. Because of budget constraints, some state-operated
parks and facilities may shift to abbreviated schedules. Please check their web sites
or use other listed contact information to verify operating schedules before planning a
visit.
A letter and an accessibility survey were mailed to all sites appearing in this book and
to all sites appearing in the previous edition of ACCESS North Carolina. A follow-up
mailing was sent to those sites that did not respond. A site is not obligated to appear in
ACCESS North Carolina but is welcome to submit accessibility information to appear
in a future edition of the book. The decision not to participate is not a reflection on a
site’s accessibility.
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ACCESS North Carolina
Table of Contents
Mountains pp. 23-95
Appalachian National Scenic Trail p. 25
Blue Ridge Parkway and sites along it pp. 26-31
Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sites within it pp. 32-39
Asheville pp. 40-50
Arts & Culture Asheville Art Museum
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
Entertainment The Health Adventure
Western North Carolina Nature Center
History & Heritage Biltmore Estate
Smith-McDowell House Museum
Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home State Historic
Site
Outdoor Activities Botanical Gardens at Asheville
North Carolina Arboretum
Shopping Grove Arcade
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
Blowing Rock pp. 51-54
Entertainment Mystery Hill/Appalachian Heritage Museum
Tweetsie Railroad
Outdoor Activities Appalachian Ski Mtn.
The Blowing Rock
Brevard p. 55
Entertainment Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and
Festival
Burnsville pp. 56-57
History & Heritage Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County
History
Outdoor Activities Mount Mitchell State Park
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Cherokee p. 58
History & Heritage Oconaluftee Indian Village
Cullowhee pp. 59-63
Western Carolina University
and sites within it, including:
History & Heritage Mountain Heritage Center
Flat Rock pp. 64-65
Arts & Culture Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of
North Carolina
History & Heritage Carl Sandburg Home National Historic
Site
Franklin pp. 66-68
Arts & Culture Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing
Arts
Entertainment The Fun Factory
History & Heritage Macon County Historical Museum
Hendersonville pp. 69-72
Cities & Towns Visitors Information Center for Historic
Hendersonville and Flat Rock Village
History & Heritage Western North Carolina Air Museum
Historic Johnson Farm
Outdoor Activities Holmes Educational State Forest
Highlands p. 73
Arts & Culture Museum of American Cut and Engraved
Glass
Laurel Springs p. 74
Outdoor Activities New River State Park
Linville p. 75
Outdoor Activities Grandfather Mountain
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Maggie Valley pp. 76-77
Entertainment Maggie Valley Opry House
History & Heritage Wheels Through Time Museum
Murphy pp. 78-79
History & Heritage Cherokee County Historical Museum
Outdoor Activities Fields of the Wood
Penland p. 80
Arts & Culture Penland School of Crafts
Pisgah Forest pp. 81-82
Entertainment Cradle of Forestry in America Forest
Discovery Center
Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education
Robbinsville p. 83
Arts & Culture Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center
Sapphire pp. 84-86
Outdoor Activities Gorges State Park
Sapphire Valley Ski Area/Sapphire Valley
Resort
Spruce Pine p. 87
Entertainment Emerald Village
Todd p. 88
Outdoor Activities Elk Knob State Park
Valle Crucis pp. 89-90
Shopping Mast General Store
Mast General Store Annex
Weaverville p. 91
History & Heritage Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State Historic
Site
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West Jefferson pp. 92-95
Arts & Culture Ashe Arts Center
Ashe Civic Center
Culinary Tours & Tastings Ashe County Cheese
Outdoor Activities Mount Jefferson State Natural Area
Foothills p. 97-139
Belmont p. 99
Outdoor Activities Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Boonville p. 100
Culinary Tours & Tastings RagApple Lassie Winery and Vineyards
Chimney Rock p. 101
Outdoor Activities Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Claremont p. 102
History & Heritage Bunker Hill Covered Bridge
Connelly Springs p. 103
Outdoor Activities South Mountains State Park
Dallas p. 104
Arts & Culture Gaston County Museum of Art & History
Dobson p. 105
Culinary Tours & Tastings Shelton Vineyards
Ferguson p. 106
History & Heritage Whippoorwill Village
Gastonia pp. 107-108
History & Heritage American Military Museum
Schiele Museum of Natural History
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Hickory pp. 109-112
Arts & Culture Hickory Museum of Art
Entertainment Catawba Science Center
Hickory Metro Convention Center
Shopping Hickory Furniture Mart
Hiddenite p. 113
Arts & Culture Hiddenite Center/Lucas Mansion Museum
Kings Mountain pp. 114-115
Outdoor Activities Crowders Mountain State Park
Laurel Springs p. 116
Culinary Tours & Tastings Thistle Meadow Winery
Lenoir p. 117
Outdoor Activities Tuttle Educational State Forest
Marion p. 118
Entertainment Linville Caverns
Mooresville pp. 119-120
Sports & Racing Memory Lane Museum
North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Morganton p. 121
History & Heritage Sam J. Ervin, Jr. Library and Museum
Mount Airy pp. 122-123
Culinary Tours & Tastings Round Peak Vineyards
History & Heritage Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
Nebo p. 124
Outdoor Activities Lake James State Park
Newton p. 125
History & Heritage Catawba County Museum of History
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North Wilkesboro p. 126
Outdoor Activities Yadkin River Greenway
Old Fort p. 127
History & Heritage Mountain Gateway Museum
Pinnacle pp. 128-129
History & Heritage Horne Creek Living Historical Farm
Outdoor Activities Pilot Mountain State Park
Purlear p. 130
Outdoor Activities Rendezvous Mountain Educational State
Forest
Roaring Gap p. 131
Outdoor Activities Stone Mountain State Park
Shelby p. 132
Outdoor Activities Shelby City Parks Carrousel and Rotary
Train
Sparta p. 133
Culinary Tours & Tastings Chateau Laurinda Vineyards
Statesville p. 134
History & Heritage Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
Troutman pp. 135-137
Outdoor Activities Lake Norman State Park
LifeSpan’s Blue Sky Nature Center
Zootastic Park
Valdese pp. 138-139
Arts & Culture Valdese Tourism Department/Old Rock
School
History & Heritage Waldensian Heritage Museum
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Piedmont p. 141-298
Albemarle pp. 143-145
Culinary Tours & Tastings Dennis Vineyards Winery
Outdoor Activities Morrow Mountain State Park
Apex p. 146
Outdoor Activities Jordan Lake State Recreational Area
Asheboro pp. 147-150
History & Heritage North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of
Fame
Outdoor Activities North Carolina Zoo
Pisgah Covered Bridge
Brown Summit p. 151
Outdoor Activities Haw River State Park
Burlington p. 152
History & Heritage Alamance Battleground State Historic Site
Carthage p. 153
History & Heritage Bryant House and McLendon Cabin
Cary/Morrisville pp. 154-156
Culinary Tours & Tastings Chatham Hill Winery
History & Heritage Cary Heritage Museum/Page-Walker Arts &
History Center
Outdoor Activities Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel
Park
Chapel Hill pp. 157-162
Arts & Culture Ackland Art Museum
Carolina Performing Arts
Entertainment Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Outdoor Activities Jordan Lake Educational State Forest
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Chapel Hill (continued)
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Sports & Racing Carolina Basketball Museum
Charlotte pp. 163-173
Arts & Culture Bechtler Museum of Art
Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American
Arts + Culture
McColl Center for the Visual Arts
Mint Museum of Art
Entertainment Carowinds
Discovery Place
History & Heritage Billy Graham Library
Carolinas Aviation Museum
Sports & Racing Bank of America Stadium
Hendrick Motorsports
Time Warner Cable Arena
Clemmons p. 174
Culinary Tours & Tastings Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies
Colfax p. 175
Shopping Piedmont Triad Farmers Market
Concord pp. 176-179
Entertainment Great Wolf Lodge
Outdoor Activities Concord Memorial Gardens
Sports & Racing Backing Up Classics Auto Museum
Sports & Racing Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Dirt Track at
Charlotte and ZMAX Dragway
Cooleemee p. 180
History & Heritage Textile Heritage Center Museum and Mill
House Museum
Danbury p. 181
Outdoor Activities Hanging Rock State Park
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Durham pp. 182-197
Arts & Culture Duke University Chapel
Duke Eye Center Touchable Art Gallery
Durham Performing Arts Center
Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University
Entertainment Museum of Life and Science
History & Heritage Bennett Place State Historic Site
Duke Homestead State Historic Site
Historic Stagville State Historic Site
Outdoor Activities C.M. Herndon Park
Duke Park
Eno River State Park
Forest Hills Park
Morreene Road Park
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
Sports & Racing Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke Basketball
Museum & Duke Athletics Hall of Fame
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
Ellerbe p. 198
History & Heritage Rankin Museum of American Heritage
Gold Hill pp. 199-201
History & Heritage Historic Village of Gold Hill
Entertainment E.H. Montgomery General Store Bluegrass
Jam
Outdoor Activities Gold Hill Mines Historic Park
Greensboro pp. 202-209
Arts & Culture Weatherspoon Art Museum
Entertainment Greensboro Children’s Museum
Natural Science Center of Greensboro
History & Heritage Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Outdoor Activities Gardens of Greensboro
Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Waterpark
Shopping Replacements, Ltd.
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Hamlet p. 210
History & Heritage National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame
Henderson p. 211
Outdoor Activities Kerr Lake State Recreation Area
High Point pp. 212-218
Arts & Culture Doll & Miniature Museum of High Point
Cities & Towns High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau
History & Heritage High Point Museum
Outdoor Activities Oak Hollow Campground
Oak Hollow Golf Course
Oak Hollow Park
Piedmont Environmental Center
Hillsborough p. 219
Outdoor Activities Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
Huntersville p. 220
Entertainment Energy Explorium
Kannapolis pp. 221-222
Entertainment North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum
Sports & Racing Dale Earnhardt Plaza
Kernersville p. 223
History & Heritage Körner’s Folly
Knightdale p. 224
Outdoor Activities Knightdale Environmental Park/East Regional
Library
Lexington pp. 225-229
Arts & Culture The Bob Timberlake Gallery
Cities & Towns Uptown Lexington
Culinary Tours & Tastings Childress Vineyards
Outdoor Activities Boones Cave Park
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Lexington (continued)
Sports & Racing Richard Childress Racing Museum and Gift
Shop
Mayodan p. 230
Outdoor Activities Mayo River State Park
Midland p. 231
History & Heritage Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site
Mocksville p. 232
Culinary Tours & Tastings RayLen Vineyards
Monroe p. 233
Cities & Towns Historic Downtown Monroe
Mount Gilead p. 234
History & Heritage Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site
Oxford p. 235
History & Heritage Granville County Historical Society Museums
Pinehurst p. 236
History & Heritage Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives
Outdoor Activities Sandhills Horticultural Gardens
Pineville p. 238
History & Heritage James K. Polk Memorial State Historic Site
Pittsboro pp. 239-240
Cities & Towns Historic Pittsboro
Outdoor Activities Carolina Tiger Rescue
Raleigh pp. 241-272
Arts & Culture Artspace
CAM Raleigh | Contemporary Art Museum
North Carolina Museum of Art
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ACCESS North Carolina
Raleigh (continued)
Progress Energy Center for the Performing
Arts
Entertainment Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX Theatre
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Raleigh Amphitheater
Raleigh Convention Center
History & Heritage Historic Oak View County Park
Historic Oakwood
Historic Yates Mill County Park
Joel Lane Museum House
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens
Mordecai Historic Park
North Carolina Museum of History
North Carolina State Capitol
North Carolina State Legislative Building
Raleigh City Museum
Outdoor Activities Anderson Point Park
Blue Jay Point County Park
Durant Nature Park
J.C. Raulston Arboretum
Marsh Creek Park and Community Center
Pullen Park Amusements
Pullen Aquatics Center
RDU Airport Observation Park
Shelly Lake Park
William B. Umstead State Park
Shopping State Farmers Market
Sports & Racing Ray Price Harley-Davidson Legends of Drag
Racing Museum
PNC Arena
Randleman p. 273
Sports & Racing Richard Petty Museum
Reidsville p. 274
History & Heritage Chinqua Penn Plantation and Vineyards
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Rockwell p. 275
Entertainment Tiger World
Roxboro p. 276
History & Heritage Person County Museum of History
Salisbury pp. 277-279
History & Heritage Rowan Museum, Inc.
Outdoor Activities Dan Nicholas Park
Sports & Racing National Sportscasters and Sportswriters
Association & Hall of Fame
Sanford pp. 280-281
Arts & Culture Temple Theatre
History & Heritage House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site
Seagrove pp. 282-283
Arts & Culture Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery
North Carolina Pottery Center
Sedalia p. 284
History & Heritage Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum State
Historic Site
Snow Camp p. 285
Arts & Culture Historic Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre
Southern Pines pp. 286-287
History & Heritage Historic Shaw House
Outdoor Activities Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve
Spencer p. 288
History & Heritage North Carolina Transportation Museum
Thomasville p. 289
History & Heritage North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Memorial
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ACCESS North Carolina
Wake Forest pp. 290-291
History & Heritage Wake Forest Historical Museum
Outdoor Activities Falls Lake State Recreation Area
Winston-Salem pp. 292-297
Arts & Culture Delta Arts Center
Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery
Reynolda House Museum of American Art
Entertainment SciWorks Science Center
History & Heritage Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Zebulon p. 298
Sports & Racing Five County Stadium
Coastal Plain p. 299-345
Bailey p. 301
History & Heritage Country Doctor Museum
Clayton p. 302
Outdoor Activities Clemmons Educational State Forest
Dunn p. 303
History & Heritage Averasboro Civil War Battlefield & Museum
Elizabethtown pp. 304-305
Outdoor Activities Jones Lake State Park
Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest
Fayetteville pp. 306-308
Entertainment Fascinate-U Children’s Museum
History & Heritage Airborne and Special Operations Museum
Market House
Fort Bragg pp. 309-310
History & Heritage 82d Airborne Division War Memorial
Museum
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ACCESS North Carolina
John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum
Four Oaks p. 311
History & Heritage Bentonville Battleground State Historic Site
Fremont p. 312
History & Heritage Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State
Historic Site
Goldsboro pp. 313-314
History & Heritage Cherry Hospital Museum
Wayne County Museum
Halifax p. 315
History & Heritage Historic Halifax State Historic Site
Hollister p. 316
Outdoor Activities Medoc Mountain State Park
Kelly p. 317
Outdoor Activities Singletary Lake State Park
Kenansville pp. 318-319
Entertainment Duplin County Events Center
Outdoor Activities Kenan Park
Kenly p. 320
History & Heritage Tobacco Farm Life Museum
Kinston pp. 321-323
Arts & Culture Community Council for the Arts
History & Heritage CSS Neuse State Historic Site and Governor
Richard Caswell Memorial
Outdoor Activities Neuseway Nature Park
Lake Waccamaw p. 324
Outdoor Activities Lake Waccamaw State Park
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Lillington p. 325
Outdoor Activities Raven Rock State Park
Lumberton p. 326
Shopping Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural
Center Farmers Market
Orrum p. 327
Outdoor Activities Lumber River State Park
Pembroke p. 328
History & Heritage Native American Resource Center
Pink Hill p. 329
Outdoor Activities Cabin Lake County Park
Princeton p. 330
Outdoor Activities Powell’s Gardens
Rocky Mount p. 331
Entertainment The Imperial Centre for the Arts and
Sciences/Rocky Mount Children’s
Museum and Science Center
Rose Hill p. 332
Culinary Tours & Tastings Duplin Winery
Scotland Neck p. 333
Outdoor Activities Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park
Selma p. 334
Entertainment American Music Jubilee
Seven Springs p. 335
Outdoor Activities Cliffs of the Neuse State Park
Smithfield pp. 336-337
Entertainment Ava Gardner Museum
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ACCESS North Carolina
Smithfield (continued)
History & Heritage Johnston County Heritage Center
Tarboro p. 338
History & Heritage Blount-Bridgers House/Hobson Pittman
Gallery
Warsaw p. 339
History & Heritage Duplin County Veterans Memorial
White Oak p. 340
History & Heritage Harmony Hall Plantation
Whiteville p. 341
History & Heritage North Carolina Museum of Forestry
Williamston p. 342
Entertainment Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural
Center
Wilson pp. 343-345
Arts & Culture Arts Council of Wilson: Wilson Arts Center
and Edna Boykin Cultural Center
Entertainment Imagination Station Science Museum
History & Heritage North Carolina Museum of the Coastal Plain
Outdoor Activities Wilson Rose Garden
Coast pp. 347-421
Adaptive Golf Cart Locations p. 349
Beach Wheelchair Locations pp. 350-351
Cape Hatteras National Seashore pp. 352-353
Cape Lookout National Seashore pp. 354-356
Atlantic Beach pp. 357-358
Outdoor Activities Fort Macon State Park
Les & Sally Moore Public Beach Access
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Aurora p. 359
History & Heritage Aurora Fossil Museum
Bath p. 360
History & Heritage Historic Bath State Historic Site
Beaufort pp. 361-362
History & Heritage Beaufort Historic Site
North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort
Bogue Banks p. 363
Outdoor Activities Public Beach Access
Carolina Beach p. 364
Outdoor Activities Carolina Beach State Park
Caswell Beach p. 365
Outdoor Activities Oak Island Lighthouse
Columbia p. 366
Outdoor Activities Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Corolla p. 367
History & Heritage The Whalehead Club
Creswell pp. 368-369
History & Heritage Somerset Place State Historic Site
Outdoor Activities Pettigrew State Park
Currie p. 370
History & Heritage Moores Creek National Battlefield
Edenton p. 371
History & Heritage Historic Edenton State Historic Site
Elizabeth City pp. 372-373
Entertainment Elizabeth City State University Planetarium
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Elizabeth City (continued)
History & Heritage Museum of the Albemarle
Frisco p. 374
History & Heritage Native American Museum and Natural History
Center
Gatesville p. 375
Outdoor Activities Merchants Millpond State Park
Hatteras p. 376
History & Heritage Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
Hertford p. 377
Cities & Towns Hertford National Historic District/Perquimans
County Visitor Center
Jacksonville p. 378
Outdoor Activities Lynwood Park Zoo
Kill Devil Hills p. 379
History & Heritage Wright Brothers National Memorial
Knotts Island p. 380
Culinary Tours & Tastings Martin Vineyards
Kure Beach pp. 381-383
Entertainment North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher
History & Heritage Fort Fisher State Historic Site
Outdoor Activities Fort Fisher State Recreation Area
Manteo pp. 384-389
Arts & Culture The Lost Colony/Waterside Theatre
Entertainment North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island
History & Heritage Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
Roanoke Island Festival Park
Outdoor Activities Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge
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ACCESS North Carolina
Morehead City pp. 390-391
Arts & Culture Morehead City Waterside
History & Heritage The History Place
Murfreesboro p. 392
Arts & Culture Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana
Nags Head p. 393
Outdoor Activities Jockey’s Ridge State Park
New Bern pp. 394-397
Entertainment New Bern Riverfront Convention Center
History & Heritage North Carolina History Center at Tryon
Palace
Tryon Palace
Shopping The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola
Ocean Isle Beach p. 398
Culinary Tours & Tastings Silver Coast Winery
Pine Knoll Shores p. 399
Entertainment North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll
Shores
Plymouth p. 400
History & Heritage Port O’Plymouth Museum
South Mills p. 401
Outdoor Activities Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center
Dismal Swamp State Park
Southport p. 403
History & Heritage North Carolina Maritime Museum at
Southport
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ACCESS North Carolina
Swansboro p. 404
Outdoor Activities Hammocks Beach State Park
Washington pp. 405-406
Entertainment North Carolina Estuarium
Outdoor Activities Goose Creek State Park
Wilmington pp. 407-418
Arts & Culture Cameron Art Museum
Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts
Entertainment Cape Fear Riverboats – Henrietta III
The Children’s Museum of Wilmington
History & Heritage Battleship USS North Carolina
Burgwin-Wright House Museum
Cape Fear Museum
Historic Poplar Grove Plantation
Wilmington Railroad Museum
Outdoor Activities The Ability Garden at the New Hanover
County Arboretum
Outdoor Activities Airlie Gardens
Tregembo Animal Park
Windsor p. 419
Entertainment Roanoke/Cashie River Center
Winnabow p. 420
History & Heritage Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic
Site
Wrightsville Beach p. 421
History & Heritage Wrightsville Beach Museum of History
Resources pp. 423-467
America the Beautiful Access Pass p. 424
22
ACCESS North Carolina
Agency Resources pp. 425-454
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services p. 425
Services for People with Disabilities
North Carolina Department of Transportation (N.C. DOT) pp. 426-427
Amtrak Train Service
Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP)
Litter Prevention
Wildflower Program
North Carolina Rest Area System pp. 428-430
North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development p.
431
North Carolina Welcome Centers pp. 431
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission pp. 432-455
Accessible Fishing Areas
Other Resources for Travelers with Disabilities pp. 456-457
Arts Access p. 456
Captioned and Audio Described Movies p. 456
Coastal Carolina Partnership for Accessible Recreation p. 456
Life Rolls On p. 457
Alphabetical Index pp. 458-466
Travel Accessibility Survey p. 467
23
ACCESS North Carolina
Mountains
“Rock Wall”
By Verlie Murphy, Painter who is Hard of Hearing
Saluda, N.C.
“Rock Walls”
Climb, climb, slowly
Fall, fall,
Think not weak
Man help boost
Strong, Success!
By Keny’A Adams
Shelby, N.C.
Student at the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton
24
ACCESS North Carolina
Counties
Ashe
Avery
Buncombe
Cherokee
Graham
Haywood
Henderson
Jackson
Macon
Madison
Mitchell
Swain
Transylvania
Watauga
Yancey
Cities
Asheville
Blowing Rock
Brevard
Burnsville
Cherokee
Cullowhee
Flat Rock
Franklin
Hendersonville
Highlands
Jefferson
Laurel Springs
Linville
Maggie Valley
Murphy
Penland
Pisgah Forest
Robbinsville
Sapphire
Spruce Pine
Todd
Valle Crucis
Weaverville
West Jefferson
Accessible Partially Accessible Not Accessible
Key
Ashe
Buncombe McDowell
Madison
Yancey
Cherokee
Graham
Clay Macon
Jackson
Swain
Avery
25
ACCESS North Carolina
Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Appalachian Trail Park Office
P.O. Box 50
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
Location: The trail runs along the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia. In
Western North Carolina, the trail crosses the Pisgah and Nantahala Forests
and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Open: All year.
Phone: 304-535-6331 or 304-535-2200
Web Site: www.appalachiantrail.org or www.nps.gov/appa
Cost: Free.
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,175-mile long public footpath. Conceived in 1921 and
completed in 1937, private citizens built the trail and thousands volunteer to maintain
its footprint each year. From Maine’s Mount Katahdin and Georgia’s Springer Mountain,
this footpath traverses scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild and culturally resonant lands
through 14 of the eastern United States. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is the
primary source of and clearinghouse for information about the trail. Approximately
165,000 two-inch by six-inch vertical white paint blazes mark the trail, and signs
provide information. A double blaze, one above the other, is placed before turns,
junctions or other areas that require hikers to be alert.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The trail is steep in many places, no more than 18 inches
wide in others and is maintained only for foot traffic. The National Park Service’s
web site states that hikers with a range of mobility limitations have enjoyed the
trail.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The National Park Service’s web site states that
hikers who are Deaf and hard of hearing have enjoyed the trail. Approximately
165,000 white paint blazes mark the trail, and signs provide information.
Vision Loss: The National Park Service’s web site states that hikers with vision
loss have enjoyed the trail. Signs along the trail contain all capital letters and
good contrast white paint on a brown background.
Appalachian National Scenic Trail Outdoor Activities
26
ACCESS North Carolina
Blue Ridge Parkway
199 Hemphill Knob Road
Asheville, NC 28803-8606
Location: The Parkway winds through Alleghany, Ashe, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes,
Burke, McDowell, Caldwell, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, Buncombe, Henderson,
Transylvania, Haywood and Jackson counties.
Open: Most facilities are open May - October. Some sections are closed during
winter owing to ice and snow. For road information, call 828-298-0398.
Phone: Recorded information: 828-298-0398
Headquarters: 828-271-4779
TTY: 828-298-0358
E-mail: blri_superintendent@nps.gov
Web Site: www.nps.gov/blri or www.reservation.gov
Cost: There are fees for camping and some activities.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited members of America’s National
Park System. A drive down the Parkway provides stunning, long-range vistas
and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian
Mountains. It is designated as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience.
Reservations can be made for portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds on-line
at www.recreation.gov.
Some Sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville Visitor Center
Location: Milepost 384.7; one mile north of the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway
and U.S. 74A.
Open: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Day.
Cost: Free.
The Asheville Visitor Center showcases the Blue Ridge Parkway and all of Western
North Carolina and includes exhibits with large print, book and gift sales, and a movie
theater presenting the movie “America’s Favorite Drive,” which is captioned. A short,
non-accessible loop trail is available for kids of all ages. The center has six accessible
parking spaces, RV and bus parking, several accessible picnic tables, an elevator, an
accessible water fountain and accessible restrooms with automatic sinks. Staff are
available to assist visitors with vision loss.
Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities
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ACCESS North Carolina
Crabtree Meadows
Location: Milepost 339.5
Open: May - October.
Cost: Fee for camping.
Crabtree Falls features a picnic area, two accessible campsites and many miles of
hiking trails. Two 12-foot wide parking spaces in the picnic area share a five-foot aisle.
From the parking lot, a four-foot wide asphalt path, which does not exceed a grade of
1:12, leads to two accessible picnic sites with tables and grills. A five-foot wide asphalt
path leads to two accessible picnic sites with tables and grills. A five-foot wide asphalt
path leads to the comfort station. The comfort station has 36-inch by 50-inch stalls with
grab bars. Accessible campsites are primarily level. Campsite restroom stall doors
are 32 inches wide. The hike down to Crabtree Falls is quite steep, and hikers should
prepare for a strenuous climb. The campstore and gift shop are wheelchair accessible,
but restrooms at the store are not accessible.
Craggy Gardens
Location: Milepost 364.6
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
June and July are the months to visit this spectacular showplace of Catawba
rhododendron and other late-blooming wildflowers. There are no designated parking
spaces at the visitor center. The entrance and first floor are accessible. The visitor
center restrooms are not accessible. The picnic area has three parking spaces
designated for visitors with disabilities. All three are about 10 feet wide with no access
aisles. Two accessible picnic tables are along a three-foot-wide asphalt path from the
parking lot. Both tables are located within 170 feet of the comfort station. Restrooms in
the picnic area have 52-inch by 58-inch stalls.
Cumberland Knob
Location: Milepost 217.5
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began at Cumberland Knob in 1935. This
first recreation area that opened to the public is still a favorite destination for visitors.
Located near the North Carolina-Virginia state line, the mixture of lush woodlands and
open fields is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. Two marked parking spaces
are adjacent to the comfort station. An eight-foot wide asphalt path (slope less than
1:20) leads to the comfort station. The two parking spaces are near an accessible
picnic pad. Accessible tables have the international accessibility symbol painted on top
of them. Hiking trails are steep. Asphalt paths lead from the picnic area to the comfort
station. Comfort station stalls are 40 inches by 56 inches with grab bars on each side.
Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities
28
ACCESS North Carolina
Doughton Park
Location: Milepost 241.1
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
Doughton Park is a prime spot along the Parkway to view white-tailed deer, raccoons,
red and grey foxes and bobcats. The flame azalea and rhododendron bloom in the
late spring. There are no accessible parking spaces in a parking lot adjacent to
Brinegar Cabin, and the sidewalk has no curb cuts. Brinegar Cabin is not accessible;
it has two levels with steps leading to the lower level. The park has steep inclines and
many barriers. The camping area has a smooth and level paved lot, but campground
restrooms are difficult to get to and enter. Observation points allow visitors to take in
the view from their personal vehicle.
Julian Price Memorial Park
Location: Milepost 297
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
The largest campground and one of the more popular picnic areas along the Parkway
are located here. Interpretive programs, fishing, boat rentals and an extensive trail
system are also available at this popular destination. The park has an attractive
campground for tents and mobile pop-up trailers, large picnic area, fishing at Price
Lake, hiking trails and an amphitheater. One sign designates two 12-foot wide parking
spaces at the park entrance. Two camping trailer spaces in camping loop “A” are
accessible. One accessible tent space is located in camping loop “C” near restrooms.
Restroom stalls in camping loops “A” and “C” have enough room for front transfer from
wheelchairs. The Price Lake Overlook has an accessible deck over the lake. A paved
walkway leads to the amphitheater, which has accessible seating. Some trails are
designed for people with mobility disabilities; others have rough terrain. Restrooms at
picnic areas have 38” by 48” toilet stalls.
Linn Cove Viaduct
Location: Milepost 304
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
Hugging the face of Grandfather Mountain is the Linn Cove Viaduct. The last section
of the Parkway completed is an engineering marvel. An accessible, paved 800-foot
trail leads to a beautiful view of the viaduct from underneath. The paved parking area
has two accessible spaces. A visitor center is located near the parking lot and hiking
trail. The entrance to the single-level center is accessible, as is the interior. The visitor
center restroom stalls are three feet wide. One lockable family restroom is available.
Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities
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ACCESS North Carolina
Linville Falls
Location: Milepost 316
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
The overlooks to the upper and lower falls are not accessible. But Linville Falls has
other things to do. There are two accessible parking spaces in the information center
lot adjacent to trails and the falls. The walkway to the accessible information center is
firm and smooth. The center has a family restroom. The first loop of the picnic area has
designated parking and accessible restrooms. Two accessible campsites are available
with nearby accessible parking and accessible restrooms.
Moses H. Cone Memorial Park
Location: Milepost 292.7
Open: May - October.
Cost: Free.
The Moses Cone estate features walking trails, horseback riding, carriage trails, lakes
and the Cone Estate, Flat Top Manor. The home features the Parkway’s official craft
center. Flat Top Manor also serves as an information center for the Parkway. The
manor house has accessible parking spaces. The information center, bookstore and
arts and crafts sales area on the manor house lower level are accessible. Guided
tours of the manor house are available by reservation and require the use of steep
stairways. The accessible trail around Bass Lake is a mile-long loop. The trail surface
is a mix of hard packed soil and small gravel. It could be tough to travel during and just
after wet weather. Other trails and carriage roads have rough and mountainous terrain.
Accessible restrooms are available in the Carriage Barn, near the accessible route
from the manor house parking and at the Bass Lake parking area.
Mt. Pisgah Campground
Location: Milepost 408.8; 15.2 miles south of the intersection of the Blue Ridge
Parkway and N.C. 191 or three miles north of the intersection of the Blue
Ridge Parkway and U.S. 276.
Open: May - October
Cost: Fee for camping.
The Mt. Pisgah Campground located at 4,900 feet above sea level provides a cool
retreat from hot summer days. The campground includes two accessible campsites
and an accessible restroom with showers. The accessible paths are paved or
compacted gravel.
Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities
30
ACCESS North Carolina
The Museum of North Carolina Minerals
Location: Milepost 331 just off the Parkway on NC 226.
Route 1, Box 798
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Open: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 828-765-2761
Cost: Free.
The attractive Museum of North Carolina Minerals provides educational exhibits
about the geology of the region and the history of mining in the Spruce Pine area and
features displays of minerals mined from North Carolina, books, postcards and special
information on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Parkway Overlooks with Accessible Picnic Tables
Location: Milepost 423.5 Courthouse Valley Overlook
Milepost 428.5 Beartrap Gap Overlook
Milepost 430.4 Beartrail Ridge Overlook
Milepost 431.0 Haywood-Jackson Overlook
These are south of the intersection of the Parkway and N.C. 215 or north of the
intersection of the Parkway and U.S. 74/23 near Waynesville.
Open: The road may be closed in winter owing to the weather.
Cost: Free.
These overlooks provide scenic views of surrounding mountains. Each overlook has
one accessible parking space and one accessible picnic table with parking and curb
cuts. No restrooms or water is available. The pathways at each overlook are paved.
Southern Highland Folk Art Center
382 Blue Ridge Parkway
Asheville, NC 28805
Location: Milepost 380.1 at the Parkway Visitor Center approximately one half-mile
from U.S. 70
Open: Spring, summer and autumn months: daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Winter months:
daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas
Day.
Phone: 828-298-7928
Web Site: www.southernhighlandguild.org
Cost: Free.
Traditional and contemporary arts and crafts by members of the Southern Highland
Handicraft Guild are for sale here. The changing exhibitions feature Appalachian folk
arts, demonstrations by artisans, interpretive programs and special events. The Robert
W. Gray Library, located on the Center’s second floor, is open during the same hours
as the Center. The library collects, preserves and makes research materials concerning
traditional and contemporary crafts available. Library materials are for on-site use only.
Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities
31
ACCESS North Carolina
Waterrock Knob Visitor Center
Location: Milepost 451.2; between U.S. 23/74 (near Balsam) and U.S. 19 (near
Maggie Valley)
Open: May - October: daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: Free.
The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center provides splendid views of the southern
Appalachian Mountains and a great place to watch sunsets. The center includes
exhibits and books sales. During operating hours, staff are available to provide
assistance to visitors with disabilities in the center. The center has three accessible
parking spaces and paved paths to a level entrance. Accessible picnic tables and
restrooms are available. A major attraction is the non-accessible trail to the summit of
Waterrock Knob.
Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities
32
ACCESS North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Headquarters Oconaluftee Visitor Center
107 Park Headquarters Road U.S. 441 North
Gatlinburg, TN 37778 Cherokee, NC 28719
Location: The North Carolina entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on
U.S. 441 North. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is two miles north
of Cherokee.
Open: All year. Hours of operation vary from season to season. Go to
www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm for a list of seasonal
hours for each visitor center.
Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: www.nps.gov/grsm
Cost: Free. Fee for camping.
Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee
in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant
and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of
Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park.
The half million-acre national park straddles the states of North Carolina and
Tennessee in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Ninety-five percent of the park
is forested and elevations range from 875 to 6,643 feet. The average annual rainfall
varies from approximately 55 inches in the valleys to over 85 inches on some peaks.
Changes in altitude, moisture, and temperature create a range of ecosystems that
support a tremendous diversity of life. Culturally, the mountains have had a long human
history spanning over 9,000 years – from prehistoric Indians to European settlement
in the 1800s. Visitors can see some of the most spectacular mountain vistas and
explore the cultural heritage of the Smokies through preserved buildings, scenes and
landscapes characteristic of early settlers life.
Auto touring and self-guiding booklets are available for a number of areas in the park.
During peak season, ranger-led talks are given at the visitor centers and campgrounds.
Activities range from viewing scenery to exploring the intricacies of the forest floor to
learning about the resourceful people who made a living from this wilderness.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
33
ACCESS North Carolina
Sites of Interest in
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Cataloochee Group Camp
3576 Ranger Station Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
Location: Take I-40 to Exit 20, 25 miles west of Asheville. Turn right onto Cove Creek
road one-tenth mile from I-40. Follow Cove Creek Road to the Park
boundary. The road goes from pavement to gravel to pavement. Upon
reaching the pavement the second time, turn left. Go 2.5 miles and turn right
onto a dirt road after crossing a bridge. Go one mile to group camp gate.
Open: Mid-March - October.
Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200; Reservations: 877-444-6777
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm
Reservations: www.recreation.gov
Cost: Fee to camp.
Reservations are required for the Cataloochee group camp. At the group camp, there
are no showers, no electrical or water hookups and no drinking water. The site has five
specially-designed picnic tables and accessible grills along with accessible vault toilets.
The group camp is located in Cataloochee Valley, an isolated valley surrounded by
mountains. The valley is a short distance from the group camp, where elk are visible
during certain parts of the day. Many visitors do a windshield tour of the valley. There
is one accessible vault toilet in the valley. The historic buildings are not accessible.
Parking: Parking spaces are not striped, but there are two hardened gravel parking
spaces and curb cuts.
Types of Paths: Hardened gravel path from the parking area to the campsite at least
four feet wide with slight slopes.
Entrance: The entrance has a ramp.
Restrooms: One accessible vault toilet in the group camp and one accessible vault
toilet in the valley. Instead of a sink, there is hand sanitizer. There is no mirror.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. The campsite itself is accessible
to people with mobility disabilities, but areas around the campsite may not be
accessible.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
34
ACCESS North Carolina
Clingmans Dome
No physical address.
Location: From Cherokee travel north on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) 16 miles
and turn left on Clingmans Dome Road for seven miles.
Open: April - November.
Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: www.nps.gov/grsm
Cost: Free.
At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is
the highest point in Great Smoky
Mountains National Park and offers
spectacular views of the Smokies.
The vantage point from the parking
area is good. The parking area
contains accessible vault toilets.
From there, a steep asphalt-paved
trail leads to a visitor contact station/
bookstore and sales area and an
observation tower. The visitor contact
station is 100 yards from the parking
area.
Parking: Six marked accessible
parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Asphalt and
concrete pathways at least four feet wide with slopes. There are five benches along the
path up to the observation tower, but they are more than 400 feet apart.
Entrance: A ramp with a grade that exceeds 1:12 leads to the visitor contact station/
bookstore. The entrance to the observation tower is level with the pathway, and a ramp
winds up to the top of the tower.
Restrooms: Two restrooms have four accessible stalls. Instead of a sink, there is hand
sanitizer. There is no mirror.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The observation tower is one-half a mile uphill on a steep
slope. The winding ramp to the top of the 45-foot-tall observation tower has a
grade exceeding 20 percent, which does not meet ADA standards. The park
strongly recommends that visitors with mobility disabilities use a motorized
wheelchair or have other assistance to climb the hill and to reach the top of the
observation tower.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
The observation tower on
Clingmans Dome has a ramp to the top.
35
ACCESS North Carolina
Deep Creek Group Camp
1912 East Deep Creek Road
Bryson City, NC 28713
Location: From U.S. 74, take Exit 67. The picnic area is three miles north of Bryson
City. Once in Bryson City at Everett Street, follow the brown signs with white
lettering to Deep Creek.
Open: Mid-March - October.
Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200; Reservations: 877-444-6777
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm; Reservations: www.recreation.gov
Cost: Fee to camp.
Reservations are required for the Deep Creek group camp, which is located along the
creek in an area that is generally level. One of the three group sites is accessible and
has a specially-designed picnic table and accessible fire ring and fire grill located on
the site. A short distance by car is the Deep Creek Trail. A motorized wheelchair can
maneuver the trail which leads to the Toms Branch Waterfalls. The trail to the falls is a
wide gravel trail (previously a roadbed).
Parking: Parking spaces are not striped.
Types of Paths: A concrete path at least four feet wide with slight slopes.
Entrance: The entrance to the group camp has no steps.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom. Sink faucets have levers.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes.
Deep Creek Picnic Area
There are four picnic sites. Two of the sites are creekside, and two sit along a grassy
field. A specially designed picnic table and accessible grill are located on each site that
is level. A motorized wheelchair can maneuver the nearby Deep Creek Trail that leads
to the Toms Branch Waterfalls. The trail to the falls is a wide gravel trail (previously a
roadbed). A motorized wheelchair can travel the short distance (one-tenth of a mile)
between the trailhead and picnic area.
Parking: There are five parking spaces that can accommodate a van-sized vehicle.
Types of Paths: A concrete level path at least four feet wide.
Entrance: The entrance to the picnic sites has a ramp.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom. The sinks have lever handles.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
36
ACCESS North Carolina
Mingus Mill
No physical address.
Location: Located off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) 2.5 miles north of Cherokee.
Open: March - November.
Phone: 828-497-1904
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: nps.gov/grsm
Cost: Free.
A miller demonstrates grinding corn into cornmeal and wheat into flour at the historic
turbine-powered mill daily during season.
Types of Paths: A paved and packed-gravel trail about 100 yards long makes the mill
accessible with assistance.
Entrance: The entrance to the mill has steps.
Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: A guide leaflet and loose-leaf binder with photographs
are available at the mill to provide information.
Vision Loss: The mill does not have headroom at least 80 inches above the floor,
and objects protrude more than four inches from the wall without a leading edge
within 27 inches of the floor. Visitors with vision loss should have another person
assist them.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
37
ACCESS North Carolina
Mountain Farm Museum
1194 Newfound Gap Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Location: Located off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) two miles north of Cherokee.
Open: All year.
Phone: 828-497-1904
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm; Reservations: www.recreation.gov
Cost: Free.
This two-acre open-air museum features historic farm structures relocated from
across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several buildings on site include
a log house, blacksmith shop, springhouse, barns, corn cribs, chicken house, meat
house and pig pens. The buildings are viewed by the public from the outside and are
accessible over grass and dirt paths. The main house has a ramp to the back porch,
where visitors can view the inside of the house.
Parking: Four accessible parking spaces at the visitor center parking area.
Types of Paths: A paved walkway from the visitor center leads to the farm’s main
pathway which is basically flat with hard-packed gravel and dirt.
Entrance: The main log house has a ramp to the back porch.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom and one family restroom located at the adjacent
visitor center. Sink faucets have spring-loaded push handles.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. The Mountain Farm is basically flat
and suitable for most wheelchairs, although some visitors with mobility disabilities
may need assistance. A wheelchair is available for use.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: A self-guiding interpretive booklet is available for a
minimal fee.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
38
ACCESS North Carolina
Oconaluftee Visitor Center
1194 Newfound Gap Road
Cherokee, NC 28719
Location: Inside the park off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441), two miles north of
Cherokee.
Open: All year except Christmas Day. Hours of operation vary seasonally.
June - August 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; September - October 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.;
November - April 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; May 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 828-497-1904
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: www.nps.gov/grsm
Cost: Free.
The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is at the Park’s entrance near Cherokee in North
Carolina and is fully accessible. Construction of a new state of the art visitor center
is scheduled for completion in 2011. Many earth-friendly materials and renewable
resources were used in construction. The exhibits focus on the Park’s cultural history
from pre-historic native American occupancy through the creation of the national park
in 1934. Many of the displays are interactive.
Parking: Four marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Concrete and asphalt pavements at least four feet wide with minimal
slopes.
Entrance: A ramp leads to the entrance, and the door is at least 32 inches wide and is
easy to open.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom and one family restroom. Sink faucets have
spring-loaded push handles.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. The center’s information desk,
exhibits and bookstore/sales area are all on one level. A wheelchair is available for
use.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Two video podcasts are captioned. Another video
from the archives is not captioned, but the park will attempt to caption it in the
future.
Vision Loss: Audio phones are available to listen to oral history recordings. A
section of a topographic map of the Smokies has a tactile feature.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
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ACCESS North Carolina
Smokemont Campground
No physical address.
Location: From Cherokee, take Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) north six miles. Turn
right at the campground sign.
Open: All year.
Phone: 865-436-1200 for Park information; 877-444-6777 for reservations
E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov
Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm; Reservations: www.recreation.gov
Cost: Fee to camp.
Reservations are required between May 15 and October 31; campers do self-registration
during other times of the year. The Smokemont campground is one of the
larger campgrounds in the Park. The Oconaluftee River runs through the campground.
There are no showers or electrical or water hookups.
Parking: Eight campsites have accessible parking areas.
Types of Paths: Concrete or hardened gravel path at least four feet wide with slopes.
Entrance: The entrance has a ramp.
Restrooms: Six accessible restrooms. The sinks have push-in faucets.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: A specially-designed picnic table and accessible grill are
located at accessible sites. As stated above, eight campsites have accessible
parking, and there are six accessible restrooms. The rating is for the accessible
campsites themselves and not for all areas surrounding the campsites.
Vision Loss: Some objects in the restroom protrude more than four inches from
the wall without a leading edge 27 inches or less from the floor.
Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities
40
ACCESS North Carolina
Asheville Art Museum
2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
Location: Inside the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center.
From I-240, take Exit 5A for Merrimon Avenue. Turn left at the light on
Merrimon Avenue, and the street will become Broadway Street. Continue on
Broadway Street toward the Vance Monument.
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed
Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. If Asheville City Schools
are closed, the museum will open at noon, weather permitting. Call 828-
253-3227 for information regarding closings.
Phone: 828-253-3227
Web Site: www.ashevilleart.org
Cost: Admission fee. Children under age 4 are free.
The Asheville Art Museum annually presents an exciting, inviting and active schedule
of exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent collection of 20th and
21st century American art. A visit will also include experience with works significant
to Western North Carolina cultural heritage, including Studio Craft, Black Mountain
College and Cherokee artists. Special exhibitions feature renowned regional and
national artists and explore issues of enduring interest. The museum also offers a wide
array of innovative, inspiring and entertaining educational programs for people of all
ages.
Parking: The nearby parking deck has marked accessible parking spaces and
accessible pathways to the museum. There is also free accessible parking along the
street.
Types of Paths: Sidewalks with areas of rest every 400 feet.
Entrance: The entrance is level.
Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers.
Elevator: Yes.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The museum is wheelchair-accessible.
Other Disabilities: The museum does not offer special tours on a regular basis
but could work with guests with disabilities to arrange special tours.
Asheville Arts & Culture
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ACCESS North Carolina
Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place
2 South Pack Square
Asheville, NC 28801
Location: Inside the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center.
From I-240, take Exit 5A for Merrimon Avenue. Turn left at the light onto
Merrimon Avenue, and the street will become Broadway Street. Continue on
Broadway Street toward the Vance Monument.
Open: Box Office: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Also, one hour prior to performance curtain time.
Phone: 828-257-4530
Web Site: www.dwtheatre.com
Cost: Varies by event.
In the heart of the Pack Square Cultural District is the city’s finest theatre, the Diana
Wortham Theatre, an intimate 500-seat theatre inside the Pack Place complex with
convenient off-street parking and numerous downtown restaurants within a block.
The Theatre offers live performances of music, theatre and dance throughout the
year by nationally touring artists (the Mainstage Series) as well as a wide array of
performances by professional and avocational regional arts groups.
Parking: A privately operated parking deck adjacent to the Theatre has four marked
accessible parking spaces. There is also free accessible parking along the street.
Types of Paths: Sidewalks with areas of rest every 400 feet. The path to the front
entrance is at least four feet wide, but the path through the Biltmore Courtyard is
narrower than four feet. The topography around the building is sloped.
Entrance: The main entrance on Pack Square is level. The entrance through the
Biltmore Courtyard has a ramp.
Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Elevator: Yes.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Row H in the center of the orchestra level contains 13
removable seats that create enough space for 10 wheelchairs. These are sold at
the lowest price to a patron who uses a wheelchair or has other special seating
needs.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Infrared assistive listening devices are available at no
charge through the Pack Place Box Office. The Theatre will provide sign language
interpretation with advance notice.
Vision Loss: The Theatre will provide audio description with advance notice.
Playbill inserts are available in large print with advance notice.
Asheville Arts & Culture/Entertainment
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ACCESS North Carolina
The Health Adventure
800 Brevard Road, Suite 620 P.O. Box 180
Asheville, NC 28806 Asheville, NC 28802-1080
Location: Inside the Biltmore Square Mall. From I-26, take Exit 33 for Brevard Road
and go south one-half mile. Turn left on Ridgefield Road and take the
second entrance into the mall. Follow the signs to The Health Adventure.
Open: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.
Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Phone: 828-665-2217
Web Site: www.thehealthadventure.org
Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for seniors and children ages 2-16. Children
under age 2 are free.
The Health Adventure explores the wonders of the human body and the world around
us while encouraging curiosity, creativity and the capacity for individual discovery. The
interactive exhibits and curricula emphasize health, biological and physical sciences,
technology and the scientific process as well as participation, exploration and fun. As
each person perceives the world from a unique vantage point, The Health Adventure
believes increasing science literacy enables people to make informed decisions about
personal health, scientific advances and career choices. The Health Adventure opened
at its new location in November 2011.
Parking: Marked accessible parking spaces and curb cuts in the mall parking lot.
Types of Paths: A concrete sidewalk surrounds the mall. The interior has a tile floor
with matted areas around the activity stations. Benches, regular chairs, and rocking
chairs provide areas of rest.
Entrance: The entrance is level and has mall doors that pull outward.
Restrooms: One male and one female accessible restroom. Sink faucets have single
levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The Health Adventure is accessible to visitors with mobility
disabilities. However, a few activity stations have steps to climb. Some activity
stations have step stools for young children and visitors of short stature.
Vision Loss: Many activities are hands-on but require vision to see the results.
Signs have some large print with good contrast. Room signs have Braille. Tactile
anatomic models can help visitors with vision loss learn about the human body.
Additional Information: Many instructional signs have both English and
Spanish. The Health Adventure offers senior programs such as Tai Chi for
Arthritis.
Asheville Entertainment
43
ACCESS North Carolina
Western North Carolina Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Location: About two miles from I-40 off of N.C. 81.
Open: Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New
Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Phone: 828-298-5600
Web Site: www.wildwnc.org
www.wncnaturecenter.com
Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for seniors ages 65+ and children ages 3-15.
Children under age 3 are free.
The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a museum of plants and animals native
to the south Appalachian region. Its mission is to increase public awareness and
understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina.
Parking: Numerous accessible parking spaces in Parking Area B.
Types of Paths: Paved pathways at least four feet wide with slopes. The center is
located on a hillside.
Entrance: The center has two entrances. One has a ramp and then a flight of stairs.
However, the upper entrance is level with Parking Lot B. The door is at least 32 inches
wide and is easy to open.
Restrooms: Three restrooms. However, there is not a stall at least five feet long by
five feet wide. The largest stall is six feet long by 33 inches wide, and it has grab bars.
Sink faucets have levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes about Parking Lot B and the two
entrances. A wheelchair is available for visitors with mobility disabilities to use.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Descriptive signs available on the grounds provide
information.
Vision Loss: The center has a touch table with a variety of items such as skulls,
pelts and snake skins.
Asheville Entertainment/Outdoor Activities
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ACCESS North Carolina
Biltmore Estate
1 Approach Road
Asheville, NC 28803
Location: Take I-40 to Exit 50. Turn left on Hendersonville Road,
turn left on Lodge Street and enter the main gate.
Open: Daily.
Phone: 800-543-2961; Guest Services: 800-411-3812
Web Site: www.biltmore.com
Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for visitors with
disabilities who cannot view the entire house.
Biltmore, the vision of George W. Vanderbilt, is home to Biltmore
House, century-old gardens, an award-winning Winery, Antler Hill
Farm and the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate. Biltmore House,
designed by Richard Morris Hunt and known as America’s largest
home, is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting
the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and
antiques. Biltmore Estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres with sweeping views of
the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Parking: Numerous marked accessible parking spaces at each facility listed above.
Types of Paths: Paved paths to each facility listed above.
Entrance: The entrance to Biltmore House has two metal ramps for visitors who
cannot use the steps. Doors are at least 32 inches wide, and staff open them.
Restrooms: The Visitor Center has accessible restrooms with automatic sinks;
however, the mirror is 46 inches above the floor. Two restaurants on the Estate have
restrooms with varying degrees of accessibility.
Water Fountain: The Visitor Center has a water fountain no more than three feet high.
Elevator: Biltmore House and Cedric’s Tavern in the Antler Hill Village have an
elevator. The elevator in the House cannot access the third floor or the basement.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. 10 wheelchairs are available.
Shuttles run from Biltmore House parking lots to the front door and from the house
to the Conservatory. The second floor rest area has a video of inaccessible rooms.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Neckloop Telecoil Couplers and printed copies of the
audio guide are available at Guest Services. Scripts are available for all films. A
sign language interpreter is available for all tours. To request a sign language
interpreter, call Guest Services at least seven days prior to visiting.
Vision Loss: An audio guide is available on request at Guest Services at no
charge for visitors with vision loss. Wall-mounted lights in a fourth floor hallway
pose a possible barrier. Restroom signs have Braille.
The elevator in Biltmore
House serves visitors
with mobility disabilities.
Asheville History & Heritage
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ACCESS North Carolina
Smith-McDowell House Museum
283 Victoria Road
Asheville, NC 28801
Location: On the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College.
Follow the signs to A-B Tech College. From I-40, take Exit 50 toward
Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville. Go one-half a mile and stay to the
right as the road forks (Biltmore Avenue/Highway 25 North). Proceed one
mile and turn left onto Victoria Road at the signal at Mission Hospital’s St.
Joseph Campus. The museum is located one-half mile down Victoria Road
on the right.
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday noon - 4 p.m.
Phone: 828-253-9231
E-mail: smh@wnchistory.org
Web Site: www.wnchistory.org
Cost: Admission fee.
The Smith-McDowell House, built in the early 1840s, is the oldest brick home in the
Asheville area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has been
home to a Civil War major, a Mayor and friends of the Vanderbilt family. The house,
including the winter kitchen, rises three stories high, and only one outer building
survives. The house hosts many special events and changing exhibits bringing history
alive today.
Parking: One marked accessible parking space.
Types of Paths: A level flagstone walkway with some gravel at least four feet wide.
Entrance: The entrance has steps, the door is at least 32 inches wide, and staff open
the doors for visitors.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom. However, the bottom of the mirror is more than
40 inches above the floor. Sink faucets have levers.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The back entrance, adjacent to accessible parking,
provides access to the main level of the house without any steps. Only the main
level of the house is accessible (stairs to the second level), but all visitors may
view a video of the upper levels. The main level includes some period rooms,
special exhibit galleries and lecture/programming rooms.
Vision Loss: Some objects protrude four to six inches from the wall, but they
have a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor.
Other Disabilities: The web site asks visitors to notify staff if they have any
special needs so that staff may assist.
Asheville History & Heritage
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ACCESS North Carolina
Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home State Historic Site
52 North Market Street
Asheville, NC 28801
Location: Take Exit 5A off of I-240 and follow the signs.
Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 828-253-8304
E-mail: contactus@wolfememorial.com
Web Site: www.wolfememorial.com
Cost: Free to visit the Visitor Center. A small fee to tour the house.
The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home State Historic Site is the boyhood home of writer
Thomas Wolfe. His mother operated the house as a boardinghouse called “Old
Kentucky Home.” Wolfe immortalized the house as “Dixieland” in his 1929 novel Look
Homeward Angel.
Parking: One accessible parking space in front of the Visitor Center.
Types of Paths: Concrete and brick paved
path at least four feet wide with gentle slopes.
Entrance: The visitor center is level with the
ground. The historic house has steps, but a
wheelchair lift (pictured) provides access.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom for
each gender in the visitor center. Sink faucets
have levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet
high in visitor center.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The wheelchair
lift, added during a restoration in 2004,
provides access to the historic house.
Only the first floor of the house is
accessible (stairs to the second floor).
The web site has a virtual tour of the
rooms in the house. The visitor center is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Printed supplemental handouts are available,
including a script of the audio-visual in the visitor center. The audio-visual is not
captioned.
Vision Loss: Some objects protrude more than four inches from the wall. The
audio-visual does not contain audio description.
Asheville History & Heritage
The wheelchair lift provides access to
the home’s porch and first floor.
47
ACCESS North Carolina
Botanical Gardens at Asheville
151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard
Asheville, NC 28804
Location: At the base of the UNC-Asheville campus, North Asheville, at the
intersection of Broadway and W.T. Weaver Boulevard.
Open: Visitor center hours vary by season. Garden open daily during
daylight hours. Garden Path Gift Shop open mid-March - mid-December.
Closed Thanksgiving.
Phone: 828-252-1211
E-mail: bgardens@bellsouth.net
Web Site: www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/
Cost: Free. Donations welcome. Fee for guided tours.
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville offers ten acres in a natural setting displaying
approximately 600 species of plants native to the Southern Appalachians. A walking
trail forming a half-mile loop leads visitors across bridges spanning streams, through
meadows and over a woodland ridge to a wildflower cove. An authentic “dog trot”
cabin and a spring house demonstrate how our ancestors lived, and a lovely gazebo
provides shelter in the midst of the Sunshine Meadow. Along the way, strategically
placed picnic benches and tables invite visitors to stop for a picnic lunch or to spend
some quiet moments listening to the creeks ripple and the birds sing.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Paths are gravel/gravel dust at least four feet wide with slopes and
areas of rest.
Entrance: The visitor center has a ramp. The door is at least 32 inches wide, has large
vertical D handles and is easy to open.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom for each gender. However, the sinks do not
have at least 29 inches of knee clearance. Sink faucets have hot/cold rotary knobs with
levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Public Telephone: Yes, but no TTY available.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Most paths are wheelchair accessible.
Additional Information: Please do not bring pets, radios or sports equipment – help to
preserve the serenity for all guests.
The Botanical Gardens at Asheville offer tours by reservation for groups of five or
more. These tours are for adults of any age and student groups of middle school or
high school age.
Asheville Outdoor Activities
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ACCESS North Carolina
North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way
Asheville, NC 28806
Location: Take Exit 33 on I-26, go 1.5 miles south on N.C.191, and the Arboretum
entrance is at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp. Or exit at mile
marker 393 on Blue Ridge Parkway.
Open: April - October: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; November - March: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Phone: 828-665-2492
Web Site: www.ncarboretum.org
Cost: Parking fee for each passenger vehicle.
The North Carolina Arboretum is an affiliate campus of the University of North Carolina
System. The 434-acre site includes 65 acres of cultivated outdoor exhibit space. Hiking
and biking trails exist as well as cultivated garden and educational areas such as the
acclaimed Bonsai Demonstration Garden. Retail sales areas as well as a seasonal
cafe are present.
Parking: 14 marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: The Arboretum contains a variety of paths, including paved walkways,
gravel paths and stone steps. Paths are four feet wide with slopes. Benches along the
paths provide areas of rest.
Entrance: The buildings have a ramp, and the doors are at least 32 inches wide, but
some may be difficult to open.
Restrooms: Ten restrooms. Sink faucets have levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Wheelchairs are available at the reception desk for visitor
use. A map of the Arboretum available on the web site shows which areas are
accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities. Not all paths are wheelchair-accessible.
Vision Loss: Some objects protrude more than four inches from the wall, but they
have a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Some plants may protrude into
the pathway. Many plants may provide a rich sensory experience for visitors with
vision loss.
Asheville Outdoor Activities
49
ACCESS North Carolina
Grove Arcade
One Page Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801
Location: Take Exit 4C or 4B off of I-240.
Open: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday noon - 5 p.m.
Phone: 828-252-7799
Web Site: www.grovearcade.com
Cost: Free.
One of the last shopping arcades constructed in the U.S., the Grove Arcade offers
boutique shopping and dining in a downtown architectural wonder. It opened in 1929 as
a fine collection of local shops and services, but the federal government took control of
the building in 1942 as part of the effort to win World War II. The Arcade was restored
and reopened to the public in 2002 and remains a downtown landmark and community
resource.
Parking: Four marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Level concrete paths at least four feet wide. Benches and rocking
chairs provide areas of rest.
Entrance: Flat with an automatic door opener. One entrance has a revolving door.
Restrooms: One accessible restroom for each gender. Sink faucets have levers.
Elevator: Yes.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Flat, smooth surfaces, an automatic door opener and an
elevator provide wheelchair access throughout the Arcade, and benches and
rocking chairs provide areas of rest.
Asheville Shopping
50
ACCESS North Carolina
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
570 Brevard Road
Asheville, NC 28806
Location: From I-40 and I-26, take the N.C. 191 exit for Brevard Road (Exit 47 off of
I-40 and Exit 33 off of I-26). Follow the signs.
Open: Daily. April - October: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; November - March: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 828-253-1691
Web Site: www.wncfarmersmarket.org
Cost: Free.
The Western North Carolina Farmers Market, operated by the N.C. Department
of Agriculture, sits on a 36-acre site overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The
facility has retail and wholesale fresh produce, canned goods, honey, molasses and
handmade crafts. The market also has a garden center, a restaurant and a deli.
Parking: Accessible parking spaces at both ends of the retail buildings. However, there
are no clear signs indicating the availability of these spaces, and boxes may block the
entrance areas. The retails shops have a curb cut, but the landscape center does not.
Types of Paths: Sidewalks with slopes and areas of rest. However, there is not an
accessible walkway connecting all of the market areas.
Entrance: Ramps with handrails connect both retail buildings. Doors are at least 32
inches wide and easy to open.
Restrooms: Eight accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have push/pull levers.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes about parking areas, curb cuts,
and paths between buildings. In each store, not all areas are wide enough for
wheelchairs, and some displays do not have openings to allow wheelchairs.
Some items in the landscape center are placed high, but staff is available to
assist. The wholesale area may be available for drive-up shopping; please call for
more information.
Vision Loss: In each store, some items protrude more than four inches.
Asheville Shopping
51
ACCESS North Carolina
Mystery Hill/Appalachian Heritage Museum
129 Mystery Hill
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Location: In Watauga County on U.S. 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone.
Open: All year except Christmas Day. June - August: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.;
September - May: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: 828-263-0507
E-mail: mysteryhillnc@gmail.com
Web Site: www.mysteryhill-nc.com
Cost: Admission fee. Special rate consideration for people with disabilities. Tickets
are good all day for all parts of the complex.
This family-oriented entertainment complex features Mystery Platform, Mystery
House, the Hall of Mystery, the Native Artifacts Museum and the Appalachian Heritage
Museum. Come see where gravity defies the law of nature, watch a ball roll uphill
and do other wacky experiments at Mystery Platform, Mystery House and the Hall of
Mystery! The Native Artifacts Museum contains more than 50,000 Native American
artifacts, including a remarkable collection of arrowheads. The Appalachian Heritage
Museum, originally on the campus of Appalachian State University, was the first house
in the county to have electricity and running water and now portrays life for middle
class mountain families in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Gravel pathways lead through the complex.
Entrance: The entrances have ramps, and doors at least 32 inches wide and easy to
open.
Restrooms: Four restrooms (two for each gender). Each restroom has a stall with
grab bars, but none are at least five feet by five feet. The sinks are not within three feet
of the floor and do not have 29 inches of knee clearance. Restroom accessories are
higher than four feet above the floor, and the mirror is higher than 40 inches above the
floor. Sink faucets have single levers.
Water Fountain: No water fountain, but cups of water are available upon request.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Gravity in Mystery House causes people’s bodies to stand
at 45-degree angles instead of upright at 90-degree angles. Visitors with physical
disabilities should use caution if they want to experience Mystery House. Mystery
Hill recommends that they sit or stand at the door, where they can still see all
of the activities in the room and the effect of the downward pull. They can also
enjoy visiting the other buildings in the complex. The restrooms are not fully
accessible.
Blowing Rock Entertainment/History & Heritage
52
ACCESS North Carolina
Tweetsie Railroad
300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane
Blowing Rock, NC 28605-9787
Location: U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock.
Open: Early - mid-May: Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Late May - late August:
daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Late August - October: Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone: 828-264-9061 or 888-TWEETSIE (toll-free)
E-mail: info@tweetsie.com
Web Site: www.tweetsie.com
Cost: Admission fee for adults and children ages 3-12. Free for children ages 2
and under.
Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s first theme park, provides a fun-filled trip back to
the days of the Wild West. Visitors enjoy the historic train ride, live entertainment, zoo,
chair lift to Miner’s Mountain, gem mining and panning for gold. Tweetsie Railroad’s
centerpiece is Number 12, an historic narrow-gauge, coal-fired steam locomotive.
Parking: Marked accessible parking spaces available next to the front entrance.
Parking is free for all visitors except on July 4th.
Types of Paths: Asphalt and packed gravel pathways at least four feet wide. There
are some hills.
Entrance: The theme park’s entrances have ramps, and the doors at least 32 inches
wide and easy to open.
Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. The sinks have lever and push handles.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Sections of the park are on level ground; however, the park
is located on mountain terrain, so there are several hills. The Wild West Train Ride
and all show venues are wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with physical disabilities
may want to consider entering a venue 15 minutes prior to the published show
time to allow easier access. Standard wheelchairs are available for rent on a first
come, first served basis.
Vision Loss: Some items protrude more than four inches from the wall without a
leading edge within 27 inches of the floor.
Blowing Rock Entertainment
53
ACCESS North Carolina
Appalachian Ski Mtn.
940 Ski Mtn. Road
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Location: Take U.S. 321 to Edmisten Road and then straight on Ski Mtn. Road to the
parking lot.
Open: Seasonal. November - March 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. or 8 a.m. - midnight during
some weekends.
Phone: 828-295-7828
Web Site: www.appskimtn.com
Cost: Depends on the day and the equipment rented.
Appalachian Ski Mtn. is a family fun ski and snowboard resort with North Carolina’s
only Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice skating arena. A roaring fire in the Lodge’s dining
room, wireless internet, heated sidewalks, automatic doors, music on the slopes and
seatpads on all lift chairs represent a few of the details that visitors enjoy every day.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Snow on slopes. Ski lifts and conveyors provide access to some
areas. Paths are at least four feet wide with areas of rest.
Entrance: The entrance has a ramp. Doors are at least 32 inches wide and are
automatic.
Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. However, the sinks do not provide 29 inches
of knee clearance. Sink faucets have single handle lifts.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The Lodge has many accessible aspects. Appalachian Ski
Mtn. has sit skis and outriggers. French Swiss Ski College operates the slopes
and provides instruction for all individuals, including individuals with physical
disabilities.
All Disabilities: The Special Olympics are held at Appalachian Ski Mtn. four
times annually.
Blowing Rock Outdoor Activities
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ACCESS North Carolina
The Blowing Rock
432 Rock Road P.O. Box 145
Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Blowing Rock, NC 28605
Location: From Boone take U.S. 321 south, and it is just past the Green Park Inn on
the right. From Lenoir take U.S. 321, and it is on the left.
Open: Daily March - mid-January. Weekends only mid-January - February. See the
web site for specific hours.
Phone: 828-295-7111
E-mail: brockattraction@bellsouth.net
Web Site: www.theblowingrock.com
Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for seniors ages 60+, children ages 4-11 and
visitors who use wheelchairs. Children ages 3 and under are free.
The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction, having opened in 1933.
An immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhangs Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet
below. The rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind
sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void. The grounds
include a small garden waterfall, an observation tower, a nature trail and a snack shop/
gift shop/deck.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces in a large gravel parking area.
Types of Paths: Paved and gravel paths at least four feet wide with some gentle
slopes. Benches provide areas of rest; however, some require visitors to cross gravel.
A short scenic walk has intermittent steep-grade incline/decline portions with views
of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Hawksbill. The entire trail is approximately
1,200 feet long.
Entrance: The entrance to the main building has a ramp, and the door is at least 32
inches wide and easy to open.
Restrooms: Restrooms are around the back and down the steps. However, there is
one accessible restroom about 100 yards from the main shop. Visitors should ask for it.
The stall is at least five feet by five feet but does not have grab bars, and the sink does
not have 29 inches of knee clearance or nine inches of toe clearance.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The main building, waterfall, observation tower and snack
shop/gift shop/deck are wheelchair-accessible. Some benches require visitors to
cross gravel, and the scenic walk/nature trail has some intermittent steep incline/
decline portions without handrails. The photo gallery area in the main building is
cabinet-style, preventing wheelchairs from rolling under the cabinets to view the
photos up close. See the above notes about the restrooms.
Blowing Rock Outdoor Activities
55
ACCESS North Carolina
Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival
P.O. Box 312
Brevard, NC 28712
Location: One mile west of the center of Brevard, off Probart Street. Follow signs.
Open: Each summer from mid-June - early August. Concerts at various times
during the week.
Phone: 828-862-2105 or 888-384-8682 (toll-free)
Web Site: www.brevardmusic.org
Cost: Admission fee for some events; call for information.
Brevard Music Center, in western North Carolina, presents over 80 public concerts
throughout its seven-week festival, bringing major orchestral, chamber and operatic
repertoire to tens of thousands of listeners each year. In addition to the talented
students and faculty, world-class visiting artists have appeared here, including cellist
Yo-Yo Ma, violinists Joshua Bell and Midori, pianists André Watts and Emanuel Ex,
soprano Renée Fleming and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade.
Parking: Eight marked accessible parking spaces with an access aisle and 22 marked
spaces without an access aisle.
Types of Paths: Asphalt and concrete paths at least four feet wide with some gentle to
moderate slopes and areas of rest.
Entrance: The entrance has a ramp, and the doors are at least 32 inches wide and
easy to open.
Restrooms: Six restrooms with grab bars in a stall, sink faucets with levers, restroom
accessories no higher than four feet above the floor, and a mirror no higher than
40 inches above the floor. Three have a stall measuring five feet by five feet. Some
restrooms have sinks that do not provide at least 29 inches of knee clearance or at
least nine inches of knee and toe space below the sink and pipe covering.
Water Fountain: Yes, no higher than three feet above the floor.
Elevator: Yes, to provide access to the orchestra pit.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes regarding restroom accessibility and
the elevator that provides access to the orchestra pit.
Brevard Arts & Culture
56
ACCESS North Carolina
Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History
3 Academy Street P.O. Box 1088
Burnsville, NC 28714 Burnsville, NC 28714
Location: Take U.S.19 East at Burnsville to the Town Square and then Main Street to
Academy Street.
Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Phone: 828-678-9587
Web Site: No web site up at this time, but information and photos available at
www.inst.ncecho.org/InstHitList.aspx?qry=InstById&Id=586.
Cost: Admission fee for adults.
The Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History, built in the 1840s and operated
by the Yancey History Association, served as the headquarters for the Home Guard
in the latter part of the War Between the States. It also contains a genealogy library, a
Veterans Wall of Honor, a medical display, a mineral display and a gift shop.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces: one at the annex and one at the
museum.
Types of Paths: Gravel path with slight slopes and areas of rest.
Entrance: The main entrance has two steps, but a ramp at the side of the building
provides access for visitors with mobility disabilities.
Restrooms: Two restrooms with a stall at least five feet by five feet but no grab bars.
Sink faucets have knob handles that could require fine grasping.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: Museum staff will provide assistance if requested. See
entrance and restroom notes.
Vision Loss: Some museum items protrude more than four inches from the wall,
but photos show that most have a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Many
signs in the museum have large print with good contrast.
Burnsville History & Heritage
57
ACCESS North Carolina
Mount Mitchell State Park
2388 State Highway 128
Burnsville, NC 28714
Location: Entrance is at mile marker 355.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Open: Park Hours: November - February: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; March, April, September
and October: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; May - August: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Closed Christmas Day. Exhibit Hall: May - October: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Phone: 828-675-4611 E-mail: mount.mitchell@ncdenr.gov
Web Site: www.ncparks.gov
Cost: No entrance fee. Fee for camping and facility rentals.
In the crest of the Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point
east of the Mississippi River. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms on
the horizon is a feast for the eyes – breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains,
rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell
State Park will provide visitors with some of the most tranquil moments they will ever
experience. Facilities at the park include a nine-site campground (tent camping only),
an environmental education center, a museum, a picnic area, a concession stand, a gift
shop and a restaurant.
Parking: 12 marked accessible parking spaces located throughout the park.
Types of Paths: There is a paved 280-yard Summit Tower Trail that is ADA-accessible.
All other trail systems have gravel or a naturally occurring base such as rock or dirt.
There are areas of rest, including benches at the summit tower.
Entrance: The entrance to the park office, restaurant, and gift shop/museum all have a
sidewalk to a ramp and a door at least 32 inches wide.
Restrooms: Three accessible public restroom facilities located at the park office, the
summit area and the restaurant. Restroom doors are difficult to open. Sink faucets
have push buttons with automatic water shutoff.
Water Fountain: Four water fountains no more than three feet high at the summit.
Public Telephone: Yes, at the park office and restaurant, but no TTY is available.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: A four-passenger All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is available
upon request to transport people with mobility disabilities to the Observation Deck.
This service is not available during inclement weather (heavy rain, snow and
high winds). The ACCESS North Carolina program built a boardwalk ramp and
paved an accessible path to a picnic area near the summit to provide an
opportunity for all visitors to experience Mount Mitchell’s vistas from the picnic
shelter.
Vision Loss: Some shelves in the Balsam Gift Shop may protrude more than
four inches from the wall without a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. The
exhibit hall has tactile objects and signs with good contrast.
Burnsville Outdoor Activities
58
ACCESS North Carolina
Oconaluftee Indian Village
P.O. Box 398
Cherokee, NC 28719
Location: Take U.S. 441 North. Turn left at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian,
follow the blue arrows past Unto These Hills Outdoor Theater to the
Oconoluftee Indian Village.
Open: Seasonal, usually May - late October. During the season, daily 9 a.m. -
4:15 p.m.
Phone: 828-497-2111 ext. 305
Web Site: www.cherokeehistorical.org
Cost: Admission fee. The fee is slightly higher on Thursday through Saturday
than on Sunday through Wednesday. Reduced fee for children. Children
ages 5 and under are free.
The Oconaluftee Indian Village presents a replica of the Cherokee village from the
mid-1700s. Activities include reenactments of Time of War, traditional dances, hands-on
kids pottery class, viewing arts and crafts of the Cherokee people and hearing their
story. The Indian Village is entirely outdoors except for the gift shop and restrooms.
Near the Indian Village, Oconaluftee Islands Park has an accessible boardwalk bridge
and accessible restrooms.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Sawdust paths at least four feet wide somewhat steep in some
places. There are steps at certain spots in the botanical garden. A boardwalk bridge
leads to Oconaluftee Islands Park, which has grassy hills and gravel paths.
Entrance: The village has a level entrance. The gift shop entrance has a ramp, and
the door is at least 32 inches wide and easy to open.
Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. However, the bottom of the mirror is more
than 40 inches above the floor. Sink faucets have turn knobs.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the above notes about the paths and restrooms.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Private tours are available. However, the site does
not provide sign language interpreters.
Vision Loss: Private tours are available. However, the site does not provide audio
describers.
Cherokee History & Heritage/Outdoor Activities
59
ACCESS North Carolina
Western Carolina University (WCU)
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Location: In Cullowhee, five miles south of Sylva on N.C. 107.
Web Site: www.wcu.edu; click on Campus Map and Print Version of the Campus Map
Sites of Interest at WCU
Unless otherwise specified, all sites listed here have the following:
• Marked accessible parking spaces
• Concrete, asphalt or smooth paved paths at least four feet wide with areas of rest
• A level entrance or an entrance ramp and a doors at least 32 inches wide
• Accessible restrooms with sink faucets that have levers
• Braille signage
Catamount Athletic Complex
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Memorial Drive (second right off the
turnabout), and the complex is on the left (building #21 on campus map).
Open: Varies by event.
Phone: 828-227-7338
Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-athletic-complex.html
Cost: Varies by event.
Opened in 2005, the Catamount Athletic Complex (CAC) serves as the home venue
for WCU’s women’s soccer, women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field
teams. The 1,000-seat complex features a fully functional press box with views of the
soccer pitch and track and eight tennis courts, including two with “center court” feel.
Located along the picturesque banks of Cullowhee Creek on the north end of the
Western Carolina campus, the facility also includes Charles Schrader Field, a grass
practice and warm-up field which served as the original home of the WCU women’s
soccer program upon its inception in 1999.
Catamount Softball Complex
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Memorial Drive (second right off the
turnabout), then the first left (no street sign) past the Athletic Complex, and the Softball
Complex is on the left (building #24 on campus map).
Open: Varies by event.
Phone: 828-227-7338
Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-softball-stadium.html
Cost: Varies by event.
WCU’s softball facilities are located on the north end of the campus, accessible from
the Walker “A” parking lot. The venue has a 250-seat grandstand seating area and is
skirted down the right-field side by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek.
Cullowhee Sports & Racing
60
ACCESS North Carolina
The Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University
199 Centennial Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn right on Centennial Drive, and the
museum is located inside the FPAC building on the left (building #2 on campus map).
Open: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Closed weekends
and university holidays.
Phone: 828-227-3591
Web Site: www.wcu.edu/museum/index.html
Cost: Free.
While WCU’s School of Art and Design and the former Belk Gallery have maintained a
strong academic and contemporary art exhibition program over the years, the new Fine
Art Museum continues the tradition while strengthening its role as a cultural catalyst
to celebrate and preserve the artistic legacy of the Western North Carolina region
with a developing focus to collect, interpret and showcase innovation in contemporary
art. Tours are offered to community groups, university groups and elementary and
secondary school groups. At least two weeks’ notice is required for large groups.
Entrance: Curb cuts lead to the museum’s entrance.
Physical Disabilities: Gallery spaces and display cases are accessible to visitors
with mobility disabilities. An Ortho Novo-Med four-wheeled walker is available.
Vision Loss: Artwork labels contain 14-point font. The museum can provide an
audio described tour with one week’s notice. Certain exhibits may have tactile
elements for a tactile tour. An audio tour of the sculptures on campus is available.
All Disabilities: Staff is undergoing etiquette training on interacting with visitors
with disabilities.
Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC)
199 Centennial Drive
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn right on Centennial Drive, and the FPAC is
on the left (building #2 on campus map).
Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Phone: 828-227-2505
Web Site: www.wcu.edu/fapac.index.html
Cost: Free to visitors. Ticket cost varies by production.
The Fine and Performing Arts Center, a 900-seat proscenium theater completed in
2005, boasts some of the best acoustics in the state and has hosted a wide variety of
artists. It houses the School of Art and Design’s state-of-the-art academic classrooms
and studios for the Bachelor of Fine Arts students in visual arts to accommodate
painting and drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, printmaking and book arts,
graphic design, interior design, new media, art history and art teacher education.
Elevator: Two that go to the balcony.
Cullowhee Arts & Culture
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ACCESS North Carolina
Hennon Stadium
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Forest Hills Road, and the stadium
is on the right (building #8 on campus map).
Open: Varies by event.
Phone: 828-227-7338
Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-hennon-stadium.html
Cost: Varies by event.
Description: WCU’s baseball facilities, on the south end of the WCU campus, include
a 1,500-seat grandstand seating area. The venue is skirted down the right-field side by
the picturesque Cullowhee Creek. The “Purple Monster” wall in left field is 100 feet long
and is divided into two 50-foot sections.
Restrooms: The restrooms have an alternate stall design and do not contain a toilet
stall at least five feet by five feet.
Mountain Heritage Center
150 H.F. Robinson Administration Building
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, proceed straight ahead (building #1 on campus
map).
Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.- 5
p.m. (June - October).
Phone: 828-227-7129
Web Site: www.wcu.edu/2389.asp
Cost: Free.
A regional museum, the Mountain Heritage Center studies, documents and interprets
the culture and history of Southern Appalachia and provides museum services to the
western part of the state. To that end, it collects artifacts, builds exhibitions, documents
and presents traditional craft demonstrations and musical performances, produces
books and musical recordings, and enriches the curricula of elementary, secondary and
university students. The Center is committed to public history, especially to interpreting
current academic studies of Appalachia to the public. Its programming highlights
traditional music and crafts along with the history and natural history of Appalachia. The
Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Life Center of the Library of Congress
have adopted some of its programming. Major research exhibits have examined the
Scots-Irish, various handicraft traditions and mountain trout. Mountain Heritage Day, a
fall festival always held the last Saturday of September, presents traditional mountain
music, crafts and culture to tens of thousands of visitors.
Cullowhee History & Heritage/Sports & Racing
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ACCESS North Carolina
Niggli Theatre
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Centennial Drive to the bookstore,
turn right, and pass the University Center and Killian building. The theatre is on the
right at the end of the Stillwell building (building #40 on campus map).
Open: Varies by event.
Phone: Box office: 828-227-2479
Web Site: www.wcu.edu/6245.asp
Cost: Varies by event.
The 137-seat Josefina Niggli Theatre is WCU’s most intimate theatre. It serves as a
“classroom of imagination,” which is primarily used as a classroom but also serves as
the home to many University Players productions. The theater is also used as a motion
picture screening room owing to its high-definition capabilities.
Ramsey Regional Activity Center
92 Catamount Road
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Forest Hills Road (third traffic
signal). The Ramsey Center is a big black glass building on the left adjacent to the
football stadium.
Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday - Sunday noon - 9 p.m.
Phone: 828-227-7677
Web Site: www.wcu.edu/ramsey
Cost: Please contact Ramsey staff for detailed information.
The Ramsey Center’s 8,000-seat arena offers the largest seating capacity of any
venue in the region outside of Charlotte, Atlanta and Knoxville. The Ramsey Center’s
recreation facilities are open to the public and include five racquetball courts, two
basketball courts, a walking/jogging concourse and a lighted, outdoor rollerblade/
skateboard area. Please note that facility access is subject to change depending on
Ramsey Center events.
Parking: Four marked accessible parking spaces with an accessible court for another
ten cars on the upper level off Forest Hills Drive.
Cullowhee Arts & Culture/Entertainment
63
ACCESS North Carolina
A.K. Hinds University Center (UC)
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Memorial Drive (second right off
the turnabout), and turn right to continue on Memorial Drive. The center is the second
building on the right (building #31 on campus map).
Open: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday - Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. Special or
holiday hours will be posted at the main entrances.
Phone: 828-227-7206
Web Site: www.wcu.edu/171.asp
Cost: Varies by event.
The A.K. Hinds University Center provides an inclusive student-centered community
that supports and encourages student learning, leadership opportunities, personal
development and active learning in a caring atmosphere. The UC features a two-story
atrium, meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, a 170-seat movie theater, club Illusions, retail
space, an expanded food court and the student mailroom. The additional space also
includes the Intercultural Center and the Center for Student Involvement with offices,
workspace and conference rooms for clubs and organizations.
Whitmire Stadium
Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn right on Centennial Drive, right on
Catamount Road, and the stadium is on the left (building #10 on campus map).
Open: Varies by event.
Phone: 828-227-7338
Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-whitmire-stadium.html
Cost: Varies by event.
Currently with 13,742 seats, the football facility is located on the south end of the
WCU campus and is bordered by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek on the west side;
Jordan-Phillips Field House and WCU Weight Room on its north end; and the Liston
B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. The press box at Whitmire Stadium includes
matching booths for both home and visiting radio as well as coaches’ boxes that
bookend the building. There is also two-tiered seating in the main press room with
wireless internet access.
Types of Paths: Concrete and metal at the ramps and ramps into the stadium.
Cullowhee Entertainment/Sports & Racing
64
ACCESS North Carolina
Flat Rock Playhouse –
The State Theatre of North Carolina
2661 Greenville Highway P.O. Box 310
Flat Rock, NC 28731 Flat Rock, NC 28731
Location: From Asheville (west/north), travel I-26 to Exit 53 for Upward Road. Turn
right off the exit and travel 2.5 miles to Greenville Highway. Turn left on
Greenville Highway and travel one-half mile to the playhouse on the right.
From Greenville, S.C. (east/south), travel I-26 to Exit 53 for Upward Road.
Turn left off the exit and travel 2.5 miles to Greenville Highway. Turn left on
Greenville Highway and travel one-half mile to the playhouse on the right.
Open: March - December: performances. Year-round: classes for youth and adults.
Phone: Box Office: 828-693-0731
Web Site: www.flatrockplayhouse.org
Cost: Admission charge for tickets. Discounts for seniors, students and groups.
Flat Rock Playhouse is a professional producing theater company. The company
stages a variety of productions each year ranging from musical to comedy, Broadway
standards to original works. YouTheatre is the educational division of the company that
offers year-round classes and performances for all ages and skill levels.
Parking: A parking staff is on duty at all events. When a patron requests accessible
parking or extra space, the staff provides for the need on a per-customer basis.
Types of Paths: Paved sidewalks lead from the parking area to the playhouse. A
ramped sidewalk leads to an entrance on the left at Row 3. There are areas of rest.
The center aisle of the playhouse has a ramp.
Entrance: The main entrance has a ramp, and the entrance to the house at Row 3 has
a ramp. The doorway is level, and doors is at least 32 inches wide and is easy to open.
Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have push handles.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The playhouse has a wheelchair on site, and staff will
provide assistance upon request. The left and right ends of the Row 3 are
designated as accessible wheelchair seating areas, and the playhouse holds the
companion seat in these areas for patrons with a companion. Rows 23 and 24
have portable seats, and any of these spaces can accommodate a wheelchair for
a lower price than Row 3.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Assistive listening devices (FM receivers) are
available. The playhouse will provide a sign language interpreter upon request.
Vision Loss: Staff will provide assistance upon request. The playhouse instituted
audio described performances in 2011. View the schedule on the web site.
Other Disabilities: Staff will provide assistance upon request.
Flat Rock Arts & Culture/Entertainment
65
ACCESS North Carolina
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
81 Carl Sandburg Lane
Flat Rock, NC 28731
Location: The park is located three miles south of Hendersonville on Little River Road
off of Greenville Highway/N.C. 225 in Flat Rock. From I-26, take Exit 53;
from I-26 East, turn right onto Upward Road; from I-26 West, turn left
on Upward Road. At the intersection with U.S. 176/Spartanburg Highway,
continue straight. Upward Road turns into Highland Lake Road. At the light,
turn left on N.C. 225/Greenville Highway South. At the next light, turn right
on Little River Road. Visitor parking is on left.
Open: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day.
Phone: 828-693-4178 E-mail: carl_administration@nps.gov
Web Site: www.nps.gov/carl
Cost: Free to visit the grounds, trails and barn. A small fee for the house tour.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, located on 264 acres in Western North
Carolina, was the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author Carl Sandburg and
his family for 22 years (1945-1967). Visitors can tour the Sandburg Home, enjoy more
than five miles of trails, stroll through gardens and greet the descendants of Mrs.
Sandburg’s dairy goat herd. A typical visit lasts two hours.
Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Some paths are paved, but most are natural surfaces. There are
areas of rest.
Entrance: The entrance has a ramp, but the grade is steeper than 1:12. The door is at
least 32 inches wide and is easy to open.
Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. The sinks have automatic and lever handles.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Elevator: Yes. An outdoor motorized lift allows visitors to reach the second level of
the Sandburg Home without climbing the stairs. The lift does not provide access to the
third floor.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The park offers a shuttle service from the parking lot to the
main house, as there is a steep hill approximately one-third a mile to walk up to
reach the Sandburg Home. If the shuttle is not running, other accommodations
can be made.
All Disabilities: A phone is available in the parking lot to call up to the house and
speak with a Park Ranger. The site encourages any visitor with questions about
accessibility to use that phone before starting a visit to receive the best
information about services and accommodations available.
Flat Rock History & Heritage
66
ACCESS North Carolina
Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
1028 Georgia Road
Franklin, NC 28734
Location: Take U.S. 23/U.S. 441 and merge onto Georgia Road.
Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Show times differ.
Phone: 828-524-1598 or 866-273-4615 (toll-free)
Web Site: www.GreatMountainMusic.com
Cost: Free or admission charge (depending on performance).
This 1,500-seat state of the art facility presents the finest in performing arts to the
surrounding towns. Performances include passion plays, musical productions,
professional drama troupes, dance and choral festivals, recitals and various genres,
including country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian and more. With the
main focus on family entertainment, the center strives to nurture the development,
understanding and appreciation of the arts throughout the community and the region.
Parking: Eight marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: Concrete paths at least four feet wide with slopes.
Entrance: The entrance is level, and all doors are three feet wide and easy to open. A
ramp with a slope of 1:14 provides access to the theater for performing artists.
Restrooms: Eight restrooms, including some accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have
levers. In the non-accessible restrooms, all restroom accessories are within four feet of
the floor except the paper towel dispensers, which are 52 inches to the bottom of the
dispenser.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Elevator: Yes, two.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The center has accessible seating at the orchestra level:
four spaces for wheelchairs or motorized devices in Row L halfway up and four
spaces in Row X near the top.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Assistive listening devices can be checked out for
each performance. With two weeks notice, the center will provide a sign language
interpreter.
Vision Loss: All signage meets ADA requirements, including Braille signs. The
center will try to provide an audio describer if it receives a request for one.
Franklin Arts & Culture/Entertainment
67
ACCESS North Carolina
The Fun Factory
1024 Georgia Road
Franklin, NC 28734
Location: Take U.S. 23/U.S. 441 and merge onto Georgia Road.
Open: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. - midnight.
Phone: 828-349-8888 or 866-482-2386 (toll-free)
Web Site: www.funfactoryfranklin.com
Cost: Fee to play games or do activities. Group rates are available.
This family entertainment center calls itself “the best place in the Smokies to crank up
your fun!” Games and activities include go-carts, bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, mini
golf, over 150 video games, a Child’s Play area and Animaland, where people can
make stuffed animals. The Fun Factory also has three restaurants to dine at, including
the Boiler Room Steak House, the Pizza Factory and the Dessert Factory, and a Snack
Shack.
Parking: 12 marked accessible parking spaces with curb cut ramps.
Types of Paths: Level paved paths at least four feet wide.
Entrance: The entrance is level. The doors are at least 32 inches wide and have
outward pull handles.
Restrooms: Six accessible restrooms.
Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: The Fun Factory building is accessible to visitors with
physical disabilities, but it is not clear whether these visitors will be able to
participate in certain games and activities.
Cognitive/Intellectual Disabilities: The Fun Factory’s games and activities may
appeal to visitors with cognitive/intellectual disabilities and visitors on the autism
spectrum.
Franklin Entertainment
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ACCESS North Carolina
Macon County Historical Museum
36 West Main Street
Franklin, NC 28734
Location: Located on historic Main Street just across from the courthouse.
Open: Memorial Day - October: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Other hours
available by appointment. November - Memorial Day: Monday - Friday 10
a.m. - 4 p.m. In case of inclement weather, call for open/closed status.
Phone: 828-524-9758
Web Site: www.maconnchistorical.org/museum
Cost: Free. Donations are appreciated, and memberships are available.
The Macon County Historical Museum offers a collection of historic memorabilia
ranging from the early native populations through modern times. The museum is
located in the historic Pendergrass Building, which is a National Historic Trust Site.
Parking: One marked accessible parking space at the front door.
Types of Paths: A level brick sidewalk runs in front of the museum, and benches
provide areas of rest in front of the museum. A level garden walkway next to the
museum is paved with bricks, but it is less than four feet wide in some areas.
Entrance: The entrance is level, but a concrete threshold separates the entry area
from the sidewalk.
Restrooms: No restrooms available in the museum. Restrooms are located across the
street at the courthouse.
Accessibility Rating
Physical Disabilities: See the notes about the paths, entrance and restrooms.
The Pendergrass Building is a National Historic Trust Site and has limited access
beyond the first floor for visitors with mobility disabilities.
Franklin History & Heritage
69
ACCESS North Carolina
Visitors Information Center for
Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock Village
201 South Main Street
Hendersonville, NC 28792
Location: From I-26, take Exit 49B onto Highway 64 West, travel approximately two
miles, turn left on Main Street, go south eight blocks, and the Visitors
Information Center is on the right at the corner of Main Street and Allen
Street.
Open: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. - 5
p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Phone: 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244 (toll-free)
Web Site: www.historichendersonville.org
Cost: Free.
Enjoy the hospitality of the Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock area, known for its
gentle climate, beautiful scenery, a rich culture and history and friendly people. The
area has been a popular vacation destination for over a century. Hendersonville is
located 22 miles south of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains on a plateau 2,200 feet
above sea level. Drop by the Henderson County Travel & Tourism Visitors Information
Center for a complimentary copy of the Mountain Seasons Vacation Planner, area
brochures and maps. Or call for a free Vacation Planner. Downtown Hendersonville
hosts many activities, including the North Carolina Apple Festival every Labor Day
weekend, Garden Jubilee, the Music on Main Street summer concert series, street
dances, art shows and parades.
Parking: Three marked accessible parking spaces.
Types of Paths: A sidewalk with some slopes and curb cuts leads to the Visitors
Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.
| Rating | |
| Title | ACCESS North Carolina : a vacation and travel guide for people with disabilities |
| Other Title | Vacation and travel guide for people with disabilities |
| Contributor |
North Carolina. Department of Health and Human Services. North Carolina. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. |
| Subjects |
Recreation areas and people with disabilities--North Carolina--Directories People with disabilities--Recreation--North Carolina--Directories Recreation areas--Barrier-free design--North Carolina--Directories |
| Place | North Carolina, United States |
| Description | 6th ed.; Includes index. |
| Abstract | ACCESS North Carolina will be useful for planning vacations, weekend getaways, visits to local sites, school field trips, conferences, relocation, health and wellness activities or any type of trip. In addition to benefiting people with disabilities, the information in ACCESS North Carolina can also benefit people who are aging and parents with child and infant strollers. |
| Publisher | N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services |
| Agency-Current |
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services |
| Rights | State Document see http://digital.ncdcr.gov/u?/p249901coll22,63754 |
| Physical Characteristics | x, 469 p. : col. ill., maps ; 28 cm. |
| Collection | North Carolina State Documents Collection. State Library of North Carolina |
| Type | Text |
| Language | English |
| Format | Directories |
| Digital Characteristics-A | 41.61 MB; 480 p. |
| Digital Collection | North Carolina Digital State Documents Collection |
| Digital Format | application/pdf |
| Related Items | http://worldcat.org/oclc/794398094/viewonline |
| Audience | All |
| Pres File Name-M | pubs_ACCESSNorthCarolina2012.pdf |
| Pres Local File Path-M | \Preservation_content\StatePubs\pubs_borndigital\images_master\ |
| Full Text | ACCESS North Carolina A Vacation and Travel Guide for People with Disabilities ii ACCESS North Carolina Cover Photo Descriptions Top left: Ruben Leon and Martina Moore-Reid visit the International Civil Rights Center & Museum in Greensboro. Top right: Davis Teitelbaum enjoys the accessible playground at Marsh Creek Park in Raleigh. Bottom left: Ellen Rubin feels the shape of the head of a hammerhead shark model at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Bottom right: Jennifer Bailey observes animals at Dan Nicholas Park in Salisbury. Center: Brittany Eggers pushes Tammy Perkins across the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain in Linville. How to Use ACCESS North Carolina ACCESS North Carolina uses a mix of text and icons to present basic tourist site accessibility information. Icons allow you to tell at a glance if a site is accessible, partially accessible or not accessible for a person with a specific type of disability. Those icons look like this: Accessible: The site provides substantial accessibility. Partially Accessible: The site provides some accessibility. Not Accessible: The site provides limited accessibility. The North Carolina State Building Code Accessibility Code, the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, tourist site accessibility survey responses and observations from site visits were used to determine accessibility ratings. Thumbs Up: This points out a good practice that the site does. iii ACCESS North Carolina ACCESS North Carolina A Vacation and Travel Guide for People with Disabilities Sixth Edition State of North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services iv ACCESS North Carolina North Carolina Department of Commerce Beverly Eaves Perdue, Governor Lynn D. Minges, Assistant Secretary J. Keith Crisco, Secretary Dear Friends, Welcome to North Carolina. This guidebook contains a wealth of information designed to help enhance your travel experience as you make plans to journey across our amazing state. You might also learn more about travel in our state by visiting us at visitnc.com. North Carolina’s natural scenic beauty, rich history and culture, vibrant cities, quaint small towns, and central East Coast location make it an ideal travel destination. The abundance of direct air access into the state from national and international destinations around the globe has helped to position North Carolina as a preferred international travel destination. The “Tar Heel State” offers diverse and beautiful geography – with the highest mountains in the eastern United States, the rolling foothills of the Piedmont, and 300 miles of pristine coastline. We offer opportunities to indulge in some of our state’s richest traditions, to taste some of our unique foods, and to visit places that have made North Carolina a popular location for the motion picture industry. Whether you choose to visit one of our more than 100 wineries, participate in one of our festivals or special events, or join us for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War that continues through 2015, we’re sure you will enjoy your visit to North Carolina. Sincerely, Lynn D. Minges v ACCESS North Carolina vi ACCESS North Carolina “What I See When I Open My Eyes” By Davian Robinson Hickory, NC Student at the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, Raleigh, N.C. When I open my eyes wide I want to cry. When I open my eyes to look up at the beautiful blue sky I want to cry. When I open my eyes I see the sunset over the beautiful smoky mountain tops of the Carolinas. But I wonder why when I open my eyes I cry. My cries are from the beauty that surrounds me. As I walk through the mountains of the Uwharries I open my eyes to see the beautiful maple trees all around me. I see and hear the beautiful bluebirds nestled high in the big oak tree. When I open my eyes I cry in astonishment, As I stand in front of the slopes of Raven Rock. I hear echos of the sounds around me. But then I close my eyes once more, And I sit on the shores of the beautiful Outer Banks. Looking out over the blue ocean waters I see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. When I open my eyes I’m walking down the streets of Old Salem. As I stand staring history right in the face I want to cry. When I close my eyes tightly I’m flying over Kitty Hawk with the Wright brothers by my side. But when I open my eyes I want to cry. I awake from a dream that makes me realize why I cry when I open my eyes. It’s not that I’m so cool or feel like a fool. The beauty of the nature mesmerizes me. When I open my eyes, I see the beautiful pines blowing in the wind. This is why I cry when I open my eyes wide. vii ACCESS North Carolina Information about the Accessibility Ratings The text contains general information about each tourist site and specific information about: • Parking • Types of paths • Entrances • Restrooms • Water fountains, elevators and public telephones (if available). For entrances that have both a ramp and steps, ACCESS North Carolina will state that the entrance has a ramp. If the ramp is in a different location than the main entrance, ACCESS North Carolina will note this wherever possible. “Easy to open” generally means that doors require a maximum of 8.5 pounds of force to open. A note will indicate any sites that have automatic doors. For restroom an accessible restroom means the following elements are present: 1. A stall at least five feet wide and five feet long 2. A toilet seat height 17 to 19 inches above the floor 3. Grab bars in the stall 4. A sink no more than three feet high with at least 29 inches of knee clearance, at least nine inches of toe space and a pipe covering 5. Restrooms accessories such as the soap and paper towel dispensers are no higher than four feet above the floor 6. The bottom of the mirror is no higher than 40 inches above the floor. Each listing also describes the type of sink faucet controls. Automatic (motion sensor) and lever faucets tend to be the most accessible type for a person with a physical disability who may have a closed fist. Push button can be accessible depending on the amount of force required, and turn knob tends to be the least accessible type because it requires fine grasping with the fingers. Each listing rates how accessible the tourist site is for visitors with physical/mobility disabilities. Where applicable, the listing rates how accessible the tourist site is for visitors who are Deaf and hard of hearing, visitors with vision loss, visitors with cognitive/intellectual disabilities and visitors with other types of disabilities. Each listing also provides other important information relevant to accessibility or planning a visit. viii ACCESS North Carolina A Note about Highways Highways listed in this book will indicate N.C. if it is a North Carolina highway (example: N.C. 12) and U.S. if it is a U.S. Highway (example: U.S. 421). A Note about City and County Parks This book lists some accessible city and county parks such as Durham parks and Wake County parks. However, other cities and counties in this state may have accessible parks. Please check the particular city’s or county’s web site to find more information about its parks or call to inquire about each park’s accessibility. About this Edition This sixth edition of this travel guide was produced by ACCESS North Carolina, a program of the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). DHHS distributes this travel guide in coordination with the North Carolina Department of Commerce through its Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. Purposes We hope ACCESS North Carolina will be useful for planning vacations, weekend getaways, visits to local sites, school field trips, conferences, relocation, health and wellness activities or any type of trip. In addition to benefitting people with disabilities, the information in ACCESS North Carolina can also benefit people who are aging and parents with child and infant strollers. A Note of Thanks An accessibility survey was mailed to every tourist site listed in this book. The site either responded to the accessibility survey, or the editor and volunteers visited sites to determine their level of accessibility. Special thanks to those sites that provided information. Sites that make accessibility improvements are invited to submit information about the improvements at any time (see contact information on page x). ix ACCESS North Carolina This edition contains artwork and poetry submitted by North Carolina residents with disabilities. Special thanks to all individuals who submitted artwork or a poem to enhance this edition. The artists and poets whose work was selected for publication are: • Keny’A Adams (page 23) • Brandon Austin (page 299) • S. Barton Cutter (page 97) • Ethel Ann Gillikin (page 347) • Remington L. Howell (page 346) • Verlie Murphy (page 23) • Alex O’Connor (page 141) • Davian Robinson (page vi) Special thanks to the workgroup that provided invaluable feedback to help the editor improve this edition. They include: • Steve Brink • Kevin Earp • Jenny Golding • Fred Johnson • Catherine Lavenburg • Ronnie Marshall • Rebecca Sitton • Janelle Taylor Special thanks to all individuals who contributed photos or recommendations for this book and individuals who took the time to visit a tourist site and appear in a photo in this book. Special thanks also to Shruti Cherian and Lauren Ellis, students under the supervision of Clinical Associate Professor Jennifer Womack in the Division of Occupational Science/Program in Occupational Therapy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. They did an accessible tourism project in Western North Carolina and contributed useful photos and information to this guide. x ACCESS North Carolina Contact Information For additional free copies, please call the N.C. Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development at 1-800-VISIT NC. Or please call the N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) at 1-800-689-9090 or 919-733-5924 (TDD: Telecommunicative Device for the Deaf). Requests for additional free copies may also be sent to: access.nc@dhhs.nc.gov or ACCESS North Carolina NC DVRS 2801 Mail Service Center Raleigh, NC 27699-2801 ACCESS North Carolina is available at all North Carolina Welcome Centers. ACCESS North Carolina is available on-line at www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/pdf/ACCESS-NC.pdf. A text version of ACCESS North Carolina is available on-line at www.ncdhhs.gov/dvrs/pdf/ACCESS-NC.txt. If any of the information in this travel guide needs updating, please contact N.C. DVRS at the above phone numbers, e-mail address, or mailing address, and the information will be forwarded to the appropriate person. Thank you very much. We need your help to improve this travel resource, and we invite you to fill out the survey found on page 467. Disclaimer The N.C. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services is not responsible for inaccurate or outdated information. Please contact the tourist site directly to verify any information important to you. Because of budget constraints, some state-operated parks and facilities may shift to abbreviated schedules. Please check their web sites or use other listed contact information to verify operating schedules before planning a visit. A letter and an accessibility survey were mailed to all sites appearing in this book and to all sites appearing in the previous edition of ACCESS North Carolina. A follow-up mailing was sent to those sites that did not respond. A site is not obligated to appear in ACCESS North Carolina but is welcome to submit accessibility information to appear in a future edition of the book. The decision not to participate is not a reflection on a site’s accessibility. 1 ACCESS North Carolina Table of Contents Mountains pp. 23-95 Appalachian National Scenic Trail p. 25 Blue Ridge Parkway and sites along it pp. 26-31 Great Smoky Mountains National Park and sites within it pp. 32-39 Asheville pp. 40-50 Arts & Culture Asheville Art Museum Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place Entertainment The Health Adventure Western North Carolina Nature Center History & Heritage Biltmore Estate Smith-McDowell House Museum Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home State Historic Site Outdoor Activities Botanical Gardens at Asheville North Carolina Arboretum Shopping Grove Arcade Western North Carolina Farmers Market Blowing Rock pp. 51-54 Entertainment Mystery Hill/Appalachian Heritage Museum Tweetsie Railroad Outdoor Activities Appalachian Ski Mtn. The Blowing Rock Brevard p. 55 Entertainment Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival Burnsville pp. 56-57 History & Heritage Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History Outdoor Activities Mount Mitchell State Park 2 ACCESS North Carolina Cherokee p. 58 History & Heritage Oconaluftee Indian Village Cullowhee pp. 59-63 Western Carolina University and sites within it, including: History & Heritage Mountain Heritage Center Flat Rock pp. 64-65 Arts & Culture Flat Rock Playhouse, The State Theatre of North Carolina History & Heritage Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site Franklin pp. 66-68 Arts & Culture Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts Entertainment The Fun Factory History & Heritage Macon County Historical Museum Hendersonville pp. 69-72 Cities & Towns Visitors Information Center for Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock Village History & Heritage Western North Carolina Air Museum Historic Johnson Farm Outdoor Activities Holmes Educational State Forest Highlands p. 73 Arts & Culture Museum of American Cut and Engraved Glass Laurel Springs p. 74 Outdoor Activities New River State Park Linville p. 75 Outdoor Activities Grandfather Mountain 3 ACCESS North Carolina Maggie Valley pp. 76-77 Entertainment Maggie Valley Opry House History & Heritage Wheels Through Time Museum Murphy pp. 78-79 History & Heritage Cherokee County Historical Museum Outdoor Activities Fields of the Wood Penland p. 80 Arts & Culture Penland School of Crafts Pisgah Forest pp. 81-82 Entertainment Cradle of Forestry in America Forest Discovery Center Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education Robbinsville p. 83 Arts & Culture Stecoah Valley Cultural Arts Center Sapphire pp. 84-86 Outdoor Activities Gorges State Park Sapphire Valley Ski Area/Sapphire Valley Resort Spruce Pine p. 87 Entertainment Emerald Village Todd p. 88 Outdoor Activities Elk Knob State Park Valle Crucis pp. 89-90 Shopping Mast General Store Mast General Store Annex Weaverville p. 91 History & Heritage Zebulon B. Vance Birthplace State Historic Site 4 ACCESS North Carolina West Jefferson pp. 92-95 Arts & Culture Ashe Arts Center Ashe Civic Center Culinary Tours & Tastings Ashe County Cheese Outdoor Activities Mount Jefferson State Natural Area Foothills p. 97-139 Belmont p. 99 Outdoor Activities Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Boonville p. 100 Culinary Tours & Tastings RagApple Lassie Winery and Vineyards Chimney Rock p. 101 Outdoor Activities Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park Claremont p. 102 History & Heritage Bunker Hill Covered Bridge Connelly Springs p. 103 Outdoor Activities South Mountains State Park Dallas p. 104 Arts & Culture Gaston County Museum of Art & History Dobson p. 105 Culinary Tours & Tastings Shelton Vineyards Ferguson p. 106 History & Heritage Whippoorwill Village Gastonia pp. 107-108 History & Heritage American Military Museum Schiele Museum of Natural History 5 ACCESS North Carolina Hickory pp. 109-112 Arts & Culture Hickory Museum of Art Entertainment Catawba Science Center Hickory Metro Convention Center Shopping Hickory Furniture Mart Hiddenite p. 113 Arts & Culture Hiddenite Center/Lucas Mansion Museum Kings Mountain pp. 114-115 Outdoor Activities Crowders Mountain State Park Laurel Springs p. 116 Culinary Tours & Tastings Thistle Meadow Winery Lenoir p. 117 Outdoor Activities Tuttle Educational State Forest Marion p. 118 Entertainment Linville Caverns Mooresville pp. 119-120 Sports & Racing Memory Lane Museum North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame Morganton p. 121 History & Heritage Sam J. Ervin, Jr. Library and Museum Mount Airy pp. 122-123 Culinary Tours & Tastings Round Peak Vineyards History & Heritage Mount Airy Museum of Regional History Nebo p. 124 Outdoor Activities Lake James State Park Newton p. 125 History & Heritage Catawba County Museum of History 6 ACCESS North Carolina North Wilkesboro p. 126 Outdoor Activities Yadkin River Greenway Old Fort p. 127 History & Heritage Mountain Gateway Museum Pinnacle pp. 128-129 History & Heritage Horne Creek Living Historical Farm Outdoor Activities Pilot Mountain State Park Purlear p. 130 Outdoor Activities Rendezvous Mountain Educational State Forest Roaring Gap p. 131 Outdoor Activities Stone Mountain State Park Shelby p. 132 Outdoor Activities Shelby City Parks Carrousel and Rotary Train Sparta p. 133 Culinary Tours & Tastings Chateau Laurinda Vineyards Statesville p. 134 History & Heritage Fort Dobbs State Historic Site Troutman pp. 135-137 Outdoor Activities Lake Norman State Park LifeSpan’s Blue Sky Nature Center Zootastic Park Valdese pp. 138-139 Arts & Culture Valdese Tourism Department/Old Rock School History & Heritage Waldensian Heritage Museum 7 ACCESS North Carolina Piedmont p. 141-298 Albemarle pp. 143-145 Culinary Tours & Tastings Dennis Vineyards Winery Outdoor Activities Morrow Mountain State Park Apex p. 146 Outdoor Activities Jordan Lake State Recreational Area Asheboro pp. 147-150 History & Heritage North Carolina Aviation Museum and Hall of Fame Outdoor Activities North Carolina Zoo Pisgah Covered Bridge Brown Summit p. 151 Outdoor Activities Haw River State Park Burlington p. 152 History & Heritage Alamance Battleground State Historic Site Carthage p. 153 History & Heritage Bryant House and McLendon Cabin Cary/Morrisville pp. 154-156 Culinary Tours & Tastings Chatham Hill Winery History & Heritage Cary Heritage Museum/Page-Walker Arts & History Center Outdoor Activities Kids Together Playground at Marla Dorrel Park Chapel Hill pp. 157-162 Arts & Culture Ackland Art Museum Carolina Performing Arts Entertainment Morehead Planetarium and Science Center Outdoor Activities Jordan Lake Educational State Forest 8 ACCESS North Carolina Chapel Hill (continued) North Carolina Botanical Garden Sports & Racing Carolina Basketball Museum Charlotte pp. 163-173 Arts & Culture Bechtler Museum of Art Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture McColl Center for the Visual Arts Mint Museum of Art Entertainment Carowinds Discovery Place History & Heritage Billy Graham Library Carolinas Aviation Museum Sports & Racing Bank of America Stadium Hendrick Motorsports Time Warner Cable Arena Clemmons p. 174 Culinary Tours & Tastings Mrs. Hanes Moravian Cookies Colfax p. 175 Shopping Piedmont Triad Farmers Market Concord pp. 176-179 Entertainment Great Wolf Lodge Outdoor Activities Concord Memorial Gardens Sports & Racing Backing Up Classics Auto Museum Sports & Racing Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Dirt Track at Charlotte and ZMAX Dragway Cooleemee p. 180 History & Heritage Textile Heritage Center Museum and Mill House Museum Danbury p. 181 Outdoor Activities Hanging Rock State Park 9 ACCESS North Carolina Durham pp. 182-197 Arts & Culture Duke University Chapel Duke Eye Center Touchable Art Gallery Durham Performing Arts Center Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University Entertainment Museum of Life and Science History & Heritage Bennett Place State Historic Site Duke Homestead State Historic Site Historic Stagville State Historic Site Outdoor Activities C.M. Herndon Park Duke Park Eno River State Park Forest Hills Park Morreene Road Park Sarah P. Duke Gardens Sports & Racing Cameron Indoor Stadium, Duke Basketball Museum & Duke Athletics Hall of Fame Durham Bulls Athletic Park Ellerbe p. 198 History & Heritage Rankin Museum of American Heritage Gold Hill pp. 199-201 History & Heritage Historic Village of Gold Hill Entertainment E.H. Montgomery General Store Bluegrass Jam Outdoor Activities Gold Hill Mines Historic Park Greensboro pp. 202-209 Arts & Culture Weatherspoon Art Museum Entertainment Greensboro Children’s Museum Natural Science Center of Greensboro History & Heritage Guilford Courthouse National Military Park International Civil Rights Center & Museum Outdoor Activities Gardens of Greensboro Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Waterpark Shopping Replacements, Ltd. 10 ACCESS North Carolina Hamlet p. 210 History & Heritage National Railroad Museum and Hall of Fame Henderson p. 211 Outdoor Activities Kerr Lake State Recreation Area High Point pp. 212-218 Arts & Culture Doll & Miniature Museum of High Point Cities & Towns High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau History & Heritage High Point Museum Outdoor Activities Oak Hollow Campground Oak Hollow Golf Course Oak Hollow Park Piedmont Environmental Center Hillsborough p. 219 Outdoor Activities Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area Huntersville p. 220 Entertainment Energy Explorium Kannapolis pp. 221-222 Entertainment North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum Sports & Racing Dale Earnhardt Plaza Kernersville p. 223 History & Heritage Körner’s Folly Knightdale p. 224 Outdoor Activities Knightdale Environmental Park/East Regional Library Lexington pp. 225-229 Arts & Culture The Bob Timberlake Gallery Cities & Towns Uptown Lexington Culinary Tours & Tastings Childress Vineyards Outdoor Activities Boones Cave Park 11 ACCESS North Carolina Lexington (continued) Sports & Racing Richard Childress Racing Museum and Gift Shop Mayodan p. 230 Outdoor Activities Mayo River State Park Midland p. 231 History & Heritage Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site Mocksville p. 232 Culinary Tours & Tastings RayLen Vineyards Monroe p. 233 Cities & Towns Historic Downtown Monroe Mount Gilead p. 234 History & Heritage Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site Oxford p. 235 History & Heritage Granville County Historical Society Museums Pinehurst p. 236 History & Heritage Given Memorial Library and Tufts Archives Outdoor Activities Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Pineville p. 238 History & Heritage James K. Polk Memorial State Historic Site Pittsboro pp. 239-240 Cities & Towns Historic Pittsboro Outdoor Activities Carolina Tiger Rescue Raleigh pp. 241-272 Arts & Culture Artspace CAM Raleigh | Contemporary Art Museum North Carolina Museum of Art 12 ACCESS North Carolina Raleigh (continued) Progress Energy Center for the Performing Arts Entertainment Marbles Kids Museum and IMAX Theatre North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences Raleigh Amphitheater Raleigh Convention Center History & Heritage Historic Oak View County Park Historic Oakwood Historic Yates Mill County Park Joel Lane Museum House Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Gardens Mordecai Historic Park North Carolina Museum of History North Carolina State Capitol North Carolina State Legislative Building Raleigh City Museum Outdoor Activities Anderson Point Park Blue Jay Point County Park Durant Nature Park J.C. Raulston Arboretum Marsh Creek Park and Community Center Pullen Park Amusements Pullen Aquatics Center RDU Airport Observation Park Shelly Lake Park William B. Umstead State Park Shopping State Farmers Market Sports & Racing Ray Price Harley-Davidson Legends of Drag Racing Museum PNC Arena Randleman p. 273 Sports & Racing Richard Petty Museum Reidsville p. 274 History & Heritage Chinqua Penn Plantation and Vineyards 13 ACCESS North Carolina Rockwell p. 275 Entertainment Tiger World Roxboro p. 276 History & Heritage Person County Museum of History Salisbury pp. 277-279 History & Heritage Rowan Museum, Inc. Outdoor Activities Dan Nicholas Park Sports & Racing National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association & Hall of Fame Sanford pp. 280-281 Arts & Culture Temple Theatre History & Heritage House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site Seagrove pp. 282-283 Arts & Culture Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery North Carolina Pottery Center Sedalia p. 284 History & Heritage Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum State Historic Site Snow Camp p. 285 Arts & Culture Historic Snow Camp Outdoor Theatre Southern Pines pp. 286-287 History & Heritage Historic Shaw House Outdoor Activities Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve Spencer p. 288 History & Heritage North Carolina Transportation Museum Thomasville p. 289 History & Heritage North Carolina Vietnam Veterans Memorial 14 ACCESS North Carolina Wake Forest pp. 290-291 History & Heritage Wake Forest Historical Museum Outdoor Activities Falls Lake State Recreation Area Winston-Salem pp. 292-297 Arts & Culture Delta Arts Center Piedmont Craftsmen Gallery Reynolda House Museum of American Art Entertainment SciWorks Science Center History & Heritage Old Salem Museums & Gardens Zebulon p. 298 Sports & Racing Five County Stadium Coastal Plain p. 299-345 Bailey p. 301 History & Heritage Country Doctor Museum Clayton p. 302 Outdoor Activities Clemmons Educational State Forest Dunn p. 303 History & Heritage Averasboro Civil War Battlefield & Museum Elizabethtown pp. 304-305 Outdoor Activities Jones Lake State Park Turnbull Creek Educational State Forest Fayetteville pp. 306-308 Entertainment Fascinate-U Children’s Museum History & Heritage Airborne and Special Operations Museum Market House Fort Bragg pp. 309-310 History & Heritage 82d Airborne Division War Memorial Museum 15 ACCESS North Carolina John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Museum Four Oaks p. 311 History & Heritage Bentonville Battleground State Historic Site Fremont p. 312 History & Heritage Governor Charles B. Aycock Birthplace State Historic Site Goldsboro pp. 313-314 History & Heritage Cherry Hospital Museum Wayne County Museum Halifax p. 315 History & Heritage Historic Halifax State Historic Site Hollister p. 316 Outdoor Activities Medoc Mountain State Park Kelly p. 317 Outdoor Activities Singletary Lake State Park Kenansville pp. 318-319 Entertainment Duplin County Events Center Outdoor Activities Kenan Park Kenly p. 320 History & Heritage Tobacco Farm Life Museum Kinston pp. 321-323 Arts & Culture Community Council for the Arts History & Heritage CSS Neuse State Historic Site and Governor Richard Caswell Memorial Outdoor Activities Neuseway Nature Park Lake Waccamaw p. 324 Outdoor Activities Lake Waccamaw State Park 16 ACCESS North Carolina Lillington p. 325 Outdoor Activities Raven Rock State Park Lumberton p. 326 Shopping Southeastern North Carolina Agricultural Center Farmers Market Orrum p. 327 Outdoor Activities Lumber River State Park Pembroke p. 328 History & Heritage Native American Resource Center Pink Hill p. 329 Outdoor Activities Cabin Lake County Park Princeton p. 330 Outdoor Activities Powell’s Gardens Rocky Mount p. 331 Entertainment The Imperial Centre for the Arts and Sciences/Rocky Mount Children’s Museum and Science Center Rose Hill p. 332 Culinary Tours & Tastings Duplin Winery Scotland Neck p. 333 Outdoor Activities Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park Selma p. 334 Entertainment American Music Jubilee Seven Springs p. 335 Outdoor Activities Cliffs of the Neuse State Park Smithfield pp. 336-337 Entertainment Ava Gardner Museum 17 ACCESS North Carolina Smithfield (continued) History & Heritage Johnston County Heritage Center Tarboro p. 338 History & Heritage Blount-Bridgers House/Hobson Pittman Gallery Warsaw p. 339 History & Heritage Duplin County Veterans Memorial White Oak p. 340 History & Heritage Harmony Hall Plantation Whiteville p. 341 History & Heritage North Carolina Museum of Forestry Williamston p. 342 Entertainment Senator Bob Martin Eastern Agricultural Center Wilson pp. 343-345 Arts & Culture Arts Council of Wilson: Wilson Arts Center and Edna Boykin Cultural Center Entertainment Imagination Station Science Museum History & Heritage North Carolina Museum of the Coastal Plain Outdoor Activities Wilson Rose Garden Coast pp. 347-421 Adaptive Golf Cart Locations p. 349 Beach Wheelchair Locations pp. 350-351 Cape Hatteras National Seashore pp. 352-353 Cape Lookout National Seashore pp. 354-356 Atlantic Beach pp. 357-358 Outdoor Activities Fort Macon State Park Les & Sally Moore Public Beach Access 18 ACCESS North Carolina Aurora p. 359 History & Heritage Aurora Fossil Museum Bath p. 360 History & Heritage Historic Bath State Historic Site Beaufort pp. 361-362 History & Heritage Beaufort Historic Site North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort Bogue Banks p. 363 Outdoor Activities Public Beach Access Carolina Beach p. 364 Outdoor Activities Carolina Beach State Park Caswell Beach p. 365 Outdoor Activities Oak Island Lighthouse Columbia p. 366 Outdoor Activities Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge Corolla p. 367 History & Heritage The Whalehead Club Creswell pp. 368-369 History & Heritage Somerset Place State Historic Site Outdoor Activities Pettigrew State Park Currie p. 370 History & Heritage Moores Creek National Battlefield Edenton p. 371 History & Heritage Historic Edenton State Historic Site Elizabeth City pp. 372-373 Entertainment Elizabeth City State University Planetarium 19 ACCESS North Carolina Elizabeth City (continued) History & Heritage Museum of the Albemarle Frisco p. 374 History & Heritage Native American Museum and Natural History Center Gatesville p. 375 Outdoor Activities Merchants Millpond State Park Hatteras p. 376 History & Heritage Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Hertford p. 377 Cities & Towns Hertford National Historic District/Perquimans County Visitor Center Jacksonville p. 378 Outdoor Activities Lynwood Park Zoo Kill Devil Hills p. 379 History & Heritage Wright Brothers National Memorial Knotts Island p. 380 Culinary Tours & Tastings Martin Vineyards Kure Beach pp. 381-383 Entertainment North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher History & Heritage Fort Fisher State Historic Site Outdoor Activities Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Manteo pp. 384-389 Arts & Culture The Lost Colony/Waterside Theatre Entertainment North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island History & Heritage Fort Raleigh National Historic Site Roanoke Island Festival Park Outdoor Activities Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge 20 ACCESS North Carolina Morehead City pp. 390-391 Arts & Culture Morehead City Waterside History & Heritage The History Place Murfreesboro p. 392 Arts & Culture Brady C. Jefcoat Museum of Americana Nags Head p. 393 Outdoor Activities Jockey’s Ridge State Park New Bern pp. 394-397 Entertainment New Bern Riverfront Convention Center History & Heritage North Carolina History Center at Tryon Palace Tryon Palace Shopping The Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola Ocean Isle Beach p. 398 Culinary Tours & Tastings Silver Coast Winery Pine Knoll Shores p. 399 Entertainment North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores Plymouth p. 400 History & Heritage Port O’Plymouth Museum South Mills p. 401 Outdoor Activities Dismal Swamp Canal Welcome Center Dismal Swamp State Park Southport p. 403 History & Heritage North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport 21 ACCESS North Carolina Swansboro p. 404 Outdoor Activities Hammocks Beach State Park Washington pp. 405-406 Entertainment North Carolina Estuarium Outdoor Activities Goose Creek State Park Wilmington pp. 407-418 Arts & Culture Cameron Art Museum Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts Entertainment Cape Fear Riverboats – Henrietta III The Children’s Museum of Wilmington History & Heritage Battleship USS North Carolina Burgwin-Wright House Museum Cape Fear Museum Historic Poplar Grove Plantation Wilmington Railroad Museum Outdoor Activities The Ability Garden at the New Hanover County Arboretum Outdoor Activities Airlie Gardens Tregembo Animal Park Windsor p. 419 Entertainment Roanoke/Cashie River Center Winnabow p. 420 History & Heritage Brunswick Town/Fort Anderson State Historic Site Wrightsville Beach p. 421 History & Heritage Wrightsville Beach Museum of History Resources pp. 423-467 America the Beautiful Access Pass p. 424 22 ACCESS North Carolina Agency Resources pp. 425-454 North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services p. 425 Services for People with Disabilities North Carolina Department of Transportation (N.C. DOT) pp. 426-427 Amtrak Train Service Incident Management Assistance Patrol (IMAP) Litter Prevention Wildflower Program North Carolina Rest Area System pp. 428-430 North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development p. 431 North Carolina Welcome Centers pp. 431 North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission pp. 432-455 Accessible Fishing Areas Other Resources for Travelers with Disabilities pp. 456-457 Arts Access p. 456 Captioned and Audio Described Movies p. 456 Coastal Carolina Partnership for Accessible Recreation p. 456 Life Rolls On p. 457 Alphabetical Index pp. 458-466 Travel Accessibility Survey p. 467 23 ACCESS North Carolina Mountains “Rock Wall” By Verlie Murphy, Painter who is Hard of Hearing Saluda, N.C. “Rock Walls” Climb, climb, slowly Fall, fall, Think not weak Man help boost Strong, Success! By Keny’A Adams Shelby, N.C. Student at the North Carolina School for the Deaf in Morganton 24 ACCESS North Carolina Counties Ashe Avery Buncombe Cherokee Graham Haywood Henderson Jackson Macon Madison Mitchell Swain Transylvania Watauga Yancey Cities Asheville Blowing Rock Brevard Burnsville Cherokee Cullowhee Flat Rock Franklin Hendersonville Highlands Jefferson Laurel Springs Linville Maggie Valley Murphy Penland Pisgah Forest Robbinsville Sapphire Spruce Pine Todd Valle Crucis Weaverville West Jefferson Accessible Partially Accessible Not Accessible Key Ashe Buncombe McDowell Madison Yancey Cherokee Graham Clay Macon Jackson Swain Avery 25 ACCESS North Carolina Appalachian National Scenic Trail Appalachian Trail Park Office P.O. Box 50 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 Location: The trail runs along the Appalachian Mountains from Maine to Georgia. In Western North Carolina, the trail crosses the Pisgah and Nantahala Forests and Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Open: All year. Phone: 304-535-6331 or 304-535-2200 Web Site: www.appalachiantrail.org or www.nps.gov/appa Cost: Free. The Appalachian Trail is a 2,175-mile long public footpath. Conceived in 1921 and completed in 1937, private citizens built the trail and thousands volunteer to maintain its footprint each year. From Maine’s Mount Katahdin and Georgia’s Springer Mountain, this footpath traverses scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild and culturally resonant lands through 14 of the eastern United States. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is the primary source of and clearinghouse for information about the trail. Approximately 165,000 two-inch by six-inch vertical white paint blazes mark the trail, and signs provide information. A double blaze, one above the other, is placed before turns, junctions or other areas that require hikers to be alert. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The trail is steep in many places, no more than 18 inches wide in others and is maintained only for foot traffic. The National Park Service’s web site states that hikers with a range of mobility limitations have enjoyed the trail. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The National Park Service’s web site states that hikers who are Deaf and hard of hearing have enjoyed the trail. Approximately 165,000 white paint blazes mark the trail, and signs provide information. Vision Loss: The National Park Service’s web site states that hikers with vision loss have enjoyed the trail. Signs along the trail contain all capital letters and good contrast white paint on a brown background. Appalachian National Scenic Trail Outdoor Activities 26 ACCESS North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway 199 Hemphill Knob Road Asheville, NC 28803-8606 Location: The Parkway winds through Alleghany, Ashe, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Burke, McDowell, Caldwell, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey, Buncombe, Henderson, Transylvania, Haywood and Jackson counties. Open: Most facilities are open May - October. Some sections are closed during winter owing to ice and snow. For road information, call 828-298-0398. Phone: Recorded information: 828-298-0398 Headquarters: 828-271-4779 TTY: 828-298-0358 E-mail: blri_superintendent@nps.gov Web Site: www.nps.gov/blri or www.reservation.gov Cost: There are fees for camping and some activities. The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most visited members of America’s National Park System. A drive down the Parkway provides stunning, long-range vistas and close-up looks at the natural and cultural history of the southern Appalachian Mountains. It is designated as a drive-awhile and stop-awhile experience. Reservations can be made for portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway campgrounds on-line at www.recreation.gov. Some Sites along the Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville Visitor Center Location: Milepost 384.7; one mile north of the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and U.S. 74A. Open: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Cost: Free. The Asheville Visitor Center showcases the Blue Ridge Parkway and all of Western North Carolina and includes exhibits with large print, book and gift sales, and a movie theater presenting the movie “America’s Favorite Drive,” which is captioned. A short, non-accessible loop trail is available for kids of all ages. The center has six accessible parking spaces, RV and bus parking, several accessible picnic tables, an elevator, an accessible water fountain and accessible restrooms with automatic sinks. Staff are available to assist visitors with vision loss. Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities 27 ACCESS North Carolina Crabtree Meadows Location: Milepost 339.5 Open: May - October. Cost: Fee for camping. Crabtree Falls features a picnic area, two accessible campsites and many miles of hiking trails. Two 12-foot wide parking spaces in the picnic area share a five-foot aisle. From the parking lot, a four-foot wide asphalt path, which does not exceed a grade of 1:12, leads to two accessible picnic sites with tables and grills. A five-foot wide asphalt path leads to two accessible picnic sites with tables and grills. A five-foot wide asphalt path leads to the comfort station. The comfort station has 36-inch by 50-inch stalls with grab bars. Accessible campsites are primarily level. Campsite restroom stall doors are 32 inches wide. The hike down to Crabtree Falls is quite steep, and hikers should prepare for a strenuous climb. The campstore and gift shop are wheelchair accessible, but restrooms at the store are not accessible. Craggy Gardens Location: Milepost 364.6 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. June and July are the months to visit this spectacular showplace of Catawba rhododendron and other late-blooming wildflowers. There are no designated parking spaces at the visitor center. The entrance and first floor are accessible. The visitor center restrooms are not accessible. The picnic area has three parking spaces designated for visitors with disabilities. All three are about 10 feet wide with no access aisles. Two accessible picnic tables are along a three-foot-wide asphalt path from the parking lot. Both tables are located within 170 feet of the comfort station. Restrooms in the picnic area have 52-inch by 58-inch stalls. Cumberland Knob Location: Milepost 217.5 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. Construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway began at Cumberland Knob in 1935. This first recreation area that opened to the public is still a favorite destination for visitors. Located near the North Carolina-Virginia state line, the mixture of lush woodlands and open fields is home to a variety of birds and other wildlife. Two marked parking spaces are adjacent to the comfort station. An eight-foot wide asphalt path (slope less than 1:20) leads to the comfort station. The two parking spaces are near an accessible picnic pad. Accessible tables have the international accessibility symbol painted on top of them. Hiking trails are steep. Asphalt paths lead from the picnic area to the comfort station. Comfort station stalls are 40 inches by 56 inches with grab bars on each side. Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities 28 ACCESS North Carolina Doughton Park Location: Milepost 241.1 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. Doughton Park is a prime spot along the Parkway to view white-tailed deer, raccoons, red and grey foxes and bobcats. The flame azalea and rhododendron bloom in the late spring. There are no accessible parking spaces in a parking lot adjacent to Brinegar Cabin, and the sidewalk has no curb cuts. Brinegar Cabin is not accessible; it has two levels with steps leading to the lower level. The park has steep inclines and many barriers. The camping area has a smooth and level paved lot, but campground restrooms are difficult to get to and enter. Observation points allow visitors to take in the view from their personal vehicle. Julian Price Memorial Park Location: Milepost 297 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. The largest campground and one of the more popular picnic areas along the Parkway are located here. Interpretive programs, fishing, boat rentals and an extensive trail system are also available at this popular destination. The park has an attractive campground for tents and mobile pop-up trailers, large picnic area, fishing at Price Lake, hiking trails and an amphitheater. One sign designates two 12-foot wide parking spaces at the park entrance. Two camping trailer spaces in camping loop “A” are accessible. One accessible tent space is located in camping loop “C” near restrooms. Restroom stalls in camping loops “A” and “C” have enough room for front transfer from wheelchairs. The Price Lake Overlook has an accessible deck over the lake. A paved walkway leads to the amphitheater, which has accessible seating. Some trails are designed for people with mobility disabilities; others have rough terrain. Restrooms at picnic areas have 38” by 48” toilet stalls. Linn Cove Viaduct Location: Milepost 304 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. Hugging the face of Grandfather Mountain is the Linn Cove Viaduct. The last section of the Parkway completed is an engineering marvel. An accessible, paved 800-foot trail leads to a beautiful view of the viaduct from underneath. The paved parking area has two accessible spaces. A visitor center is located near the parking lot and hiking trail. The entrance to the single-level center is accessible, as is the interior. The visitor center restroom stalls are three feet wide. One lockable family restroom is available. Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities 29 ACCESS North Carolina Linville Falls Location: Milepost 316 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. The overlooks to the upper and lower falls are not accessible. But Linville Falls has other things to do. There are two accessible parking spaces in the information center lot adjacent to trails and the falls. The walkway to the accessible information center is firm and smooth. The center has a family restroom. The first loop of the picnic area has designated parking and accessible restrooms. Two accessible campsites are available with nearby accessible parking and accessible restrooms. Moses H. Cone Memorial Park Location: Milepost 292.7 Open: May - October. Cost: Free. The Moses Cone estate features walking trails, horseback riding, carriage trails, lakes and the Cone Estate, Flat Top Manor. The home features the Parkway’s official craft center. Flat Top Manor also serves as an information center for the Parkway. The manor house has accessible parking spaces. The information center, bookstore and arts and crafts sales area on the manor house lower level are accessible. Guided tours of the manor house are available by reservation and require the use of steep stairways. The accessible trail around Bass Lake is a mile-long loop. The trail surface is a mix of hard packed soil and small gravel. It could be tough to travel during and just after wet weather. Other trails and carriage roads have rough and mountainous terrain. Accessible restrooms are available in the Carriage Barn, near the accessible route from the manor house parking and at the Bass Lake parking area. Mt. Pisgah Campground Location: Milepost 408.8; 15.2 miles south of the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and N.C. 191 or three miles north of the intersection of the Blue Ridge Parkway and U.S. 276. Open: May - October Cost: Fee for camping. The Mt. Pisgah Campground located at 4,900 feet above sea level provides a cool retreat from hot summer days. The campground includes two accessible campsites and an accessible restroom with showers. The accessible paths are paved or compacted gravel. Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities 30 ACCESS North Carolina The Museum of North Carolina Minerals Location: Milepost 331 just off the Parkway on NC 226. Route 1, Box 798 Spruce Pine, NC 28777 Open: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone: 828-765-2761 Cost: Free. The attractive Museum of North Carolina Minerals provides educational exhibits about the geology of the region and the history of mining in the Spruce Pine area and features displays of minerals mined from North Carolina, books, postcards and special information on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Parkway Overlooks with Accessible Picnic Tables Location: Milepost 423.5 Courthouse Valley Overlook Milepost 428.5 Beartrap Gap Overlook Milepost 430.4 Beartrail Ridge Overlook Milepost 431.0 Haywood-Jackson Overlook These are south of the intersection of the Parkway and N.C. 215 or north of the intersection of the Parkway and U.S. 74/23 near Waynesville. Open: The road may be closed in winter owing to the weather. Cost: Free. These overlooks provide scenic views of surrounding mountains. Each overlook has one accessible parking space and one accessible picnic table with parking and curb cuts. No restrooms or water is available. The pathways at each overlook are paved. Southern Highland Folk Art Center 382 Blue Ridge Parkway Asheville, NC 28805 Location: Milepost 380.1 at the Parkway Visitor Center approximately one half-mile from U.S. 70 Open: Spring, summer and autumn months: daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Winter months: daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Phone: 828-298-7928 Web Site: www.southernhighlandguild.org Cost: Free. Traditional and contemporary arts and crafts by members of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild are for sale here. The changing exhibitions feature Appalachian folk arts, demonstrations by artisans, interpretive programs and special events. The Robert W. Gray Library, located on the Center’s second floor, is open during the same hours as the Center. The library collects, preserves and makes research materials concerning traditional and contemporary crafts available. Library materials are for on-site use only. Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities 31 ACCESS North Carolina Waterrock Knob Visitor Center Location: Milepost 451.2; between U.S. 23/74 (near Balsam) and U.S. 19 (near Maggie Valley) Open: May - October: daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Cost: Free. The Waterrock Knob Visitor Center provides splendid views of the southern Appalachian Mountains and a great place to watch sunsets. The center includes exhibits and books sales. During operating hours, staff are available to provide assistance to visitors with disabilities in the center. The center has three accessible parking spaces and paved paths to a level entrance. Accessible picnic tables and restrooms are available. A major attraction is the non-accessible trail to the summit of Waterrock Knob. Blue Ridge Parkway Outdoor Activities 32 ACCESS North Carolina Great Smoky Mountains National Park Headquarters Oconaluftee Visitor Center 107 Park Headquarters Road U.S. 441 North Gatlinburg, TN 37778 Cherokee, NC 28719 Location: The North Carolina entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park is on U.S. 441 North. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is two miles north of Cherokee. Open: All year. Hours of operation vary from season to season. Go to www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/visitorcenters.htm for a list of seasonal hours for each visitor center. Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: www.nps.gov/grsm Cost: Free. Fee for camping. Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park. The half million-acre national park straddles the states of North Carolina and Tennessee in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Ninety-five percent of the park is forested and elevations range from 875 to 6,643 feet. The average annual rainfall varies from approximately 55 inches in the valleys to over 85 inches on some peaks. Changes in altitude, moisture, and temperature create a range of ecosystems that support a tremendous diversity of life. Culturally, the mountains have had a long human history spanning over 9,000 years – from prehistoric Indians to European settlement in the 1800s. Visitors can see some of the most spectacular mountain vistas and explore the cultural heritage of the Smokies through preserved buildings, scenes and landscapes characteristic of early settlers life. Auto touring and self-guiding booklets are available for a number of areas in the park. During peak season, ranger-led talks are given at the visitor centers and campgrounds. Activities range from viewing scenery to exploring the intricacies of the forest floor to learning about the resourceful people who made a living from this wilderness. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 33 ACCESS North Carolina Sites of Interest in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Cataloochee Group Camp 3576 Ranger Station Road Waynesville, NC 28786 Location: Take I-40 to Exit 20, 25 miles west of Asheville. Turn right onto Cove Creek road one-tenth mile from I-40. Follow Cove Creek Road to the Park boundary. The road goes from pavement to gravel to pavement. Upon reaching the pavement the second time, turn left. Go 2.5 miles and turn right onto a dirt road after crossing a bridge. Go one mile to group camp gate. Open: Mid-March - October. Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200; Reservations: 877-444-6777 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm Reservations: www.recreation.gov Cost: Fee to camp. Reservations are required for the Cataloochee group camp. At the group camp, there are no showers, no electrical or water hookups and no drinking water. The site has five specially-designed picnic tables and accessible grills along with accessible vault toilets. The group camp is located in Cataloochee Valley, an isolated valley surrounded by mountains. The valley is a short distance from the group camp, where elk are visible during certain parts of the day. Many visitors do a windshield tour of the valley. There is one accessible vault toilet in the valley. The historic buildings are not accessible. Parking: Parking spaces are not striped, but there are two hardened gravel parking spaces and curb cuts. Types of Paths: Hardened gravel path from the parking area to the campsite at least four feet wide with slight slopes. Entrance: The entrance has a ramp. Restrooms: One accessible vault toilet in the group camp and one accessible vault toilet in the valley. Instead of a sink, there is hand sanitizer. There is no mirror. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. The campsite itself is accessible to people with mobility disabilities, but areas around the campsite may not be accessible. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 34 ACCESS North Carolina Clingmans Dome No physical address. Location: From Cherokee travel north on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) 16 miles and turn left on Clingmans Dome Road for seven miles. Open: April - November. Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: www.nps.gov/grsm Cost: Free. At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offers spectacular views of the Smokies. The vantage point from the parking area is good. The parking area contains accessible vault toilets. From there, a steep asphalt-paved trail leads to a visitor contact station/ bookstore and sales area and an observation tower. The visitor contact station is 100 yards from the parking area. Parking: Six marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Asphalt and concrete pathways at least four feet wide with slopes. There are five benches along the path up to the observation tower, but they are more than 400 feet apart. Entrance: A ramp with a grade that exceeds 1:12 leads to the visitor contact station/ bookstore. The entrance to the observation tower is level with the pathway, and a ramp winds up to the top of the tower. Restrooms: Two restrooms have four accessible stalls. Instead of a sink, there is hand sanitizer. There is no mirror. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The observation tower is one-half a mile uphill on a steep slope. The winding ramp to the top of the 45-foot-tall observation tower has a grade exceeding 20 percent, which does not meet ADA standards. The park strongly recommends that visitors with mobility disabilities use a motorized wheelchair or have other assistance to climb the hill and to reach the top of the observation tower. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities The observation tower on Clingmans Dome has a ramp to the top. 35 ACCESS North Carolina Deep Creek Group Camp 1912 East Deep Creek Road Bryson City, NC 28713 Location: From U.S. 74, take Exit 67. The picnic area is three miles north of Bryson City. Once in Bryson City at Everett Street, follow the brown signs with white lettering to Deep Creek. Open: Mid-March - October. Phone: Recorded information: 865-436-1200; Reservations: 877-444-6777 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm; Reservations: www.recreation.gov Cost: Fee to camp. Reservations are required for the Deep Creek group camp, which is located along the creek in an area that is generally level. One of the three group sites is accessible and has a specially-designed picnic table and accessible fire ring and fire grill located on the site. A short distance by car is the Deep Creek Trail. A motorized wheelchair can maneuver the trail which leads to the Toms Branch Waterfalls. The trail to the falls is a wide gravel trail (previously a roadbed). Parking: Parking spaces are not striped. Types of Paths: A concrete path at least four feet wide with slight slopes. Entrance: The entrance to the group camp has no steps. Restrooms: One accessible restroom. Sink faucets have levers. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. Deep Creek Picnic Area There are four picnic sites. Two of the sites are creekside, and two sit along a grassy field. A specially designed picnic table and accessible grill are located on each site that is level. A motorized wheelchair can maneuver the nearby Deep Creek Trail that leads to the Toms Branch Waterfalls. The trail to the falls is a wide gravel trail (previously a roadbed). A motorized wheelchair can travel the short distance (one-tenth of a mile) between the trailhead and picnic area. Parking: There are five parking spaces that can accommodate a van-sized vehicle. Types of Paths: A concrete level path at least four feet wide. Entrance: The entrance to the picnic sites has a ramp. Restrooms: One accessible restroom. The sinks have lever handles. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 36 ACCESS North Carolina Mingus Mill No physical address. Location: Located off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) 2.5 miles north of Cherokee. Open: March - November. Phone: 828-497-1904 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: nps.gov/grsm Cost: Free. A miller demonstrates grinding corn into cornmeal and wheat into flour at the historic turbine-powered mill daily during season. Types of Paths: A paved and packed-gravel trail about 100 yards long makes the mill accessible with assistance. Entrance: The entrance to the mill has steps. Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: A guide leaflet and loose-leaf binder with photographs are available at the mill to provide information. Vision Loss: The mill does not have headroom at least 80 inches above the floor, and objects protrude more than four inches from the wall without a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Visitors with vision loss should have another person assist them. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 37 ACCESS North Carolina Mountain Farm Museum 1194 Newfound Gap Road Cherokee, NC 28719 Location: Located off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) two miles north of Cherokee. Open: All year. Phone: 828-497-1904 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm; Reservations: www.recreation.gov Cost: Free. This two-acre open-air museum features historic farm structures relocated from across the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Several buildings on site include a log house, blacksmith shop, springhouse, barns, corn cribs, chicken house, meat house and pig pens. The buildings are viewed by the public from the outside and are accessible over grass and dirt paths. The main house has a ramp to the back porch, where visitors can view the inside of the house. Parking: Four accessible parking spaces at the visitor center parking area. Types of Paths: A paved walkway from the visitor center leads to the farm’s main pathway which is basically flat with hard-packed gravel and dirt. Entrance: The main log house has a ramp to the back porch. Restrooms: One accessible restroom and one family restroom located at the adjacent visitor center. Sink faucets have spring-loaded push handles. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. The Mountain Farm is basically flat and suitable for most wheelchairs, although some visitors with mobility disabilities may need assistance. A wheelchair is available for use. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: A self-guiding interpretive booklet is available for a minimal fee. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 38 ACCESS North Carolina Oconaluftee Visitor Center 1194 Newfound Gap Road Cherokee, NC 28719 Location: Inside the park off Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441), two miles north of Cherokee. Open: All year except Christmas Day. Hours of operation vary seasonally. June - August 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; September - October 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; November - April 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; May 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone: 828-497-1904 E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: www.nps.gov/grsm Cost: Free. The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is at the Park’s entrance near Cherokee in North Carolina and is fully accessible. Construction of a new state of the art visitor center is scheduled for completion in 2011. Many earth-friendly materials and renewable resources were used in construction. The exhibits focus on the Park’s cultural history from pre-historic native American occupancy through the creation of the national park in 1934. Many of the displays are interactive. Parking: Four marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Concrete and asphalt pavements at least four feet wide with minimal slopes. Entrance: A ramp leads to the entrance, and the door is at least 32 inches wide and is easy to open. Restrooms: One accessible restroom and one family restroom. Sink faucets have spring-loaded push handles. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. The center’s information desk, exhibits and bookstore/sales area are all on one level. A wheelchair is available for use. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Two video podcasts are captioned. Another video from the archives is not captioned, but the park will attempt to caption it in the future. Vision Loss: Audio phones are available to listen to oral history recordings. A section of a topographic map of the Smokies has a tactile feature. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 39 ACCESS North Carolina Smokemont Campground No physical address. Location: From Cherokee, take Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) north six miles. Turn right at the campground sign. Open: All year. Phone: 865-436-1200 for Park information; 877-444-6777 for reservations E-mail: GRSM_Smokies_Information@nps.gov Web Site: General information: www.nps.gov/grsm; Reservations: www.recreation.gov Cost: Fee to camp. Reservations are required between May 15 and October 31; campers do self-registration during other times of the year. The Smokemont campground is one of the larger campgrounds in the Park. The Oconaluftee River runs through the campground. There are no showers or electrical or water hookups. Parking: Eight campsites have accessible parking areas. Types of Paths: Concrete or hardened gravel path at least four feet wide with slopes. Entrance: The entrance has a ramp. Restrooms: Six accessible restrooms. The sinks have push-in faucets. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: A specially-designed picnic table and accessible grill are located at accessible sites. As stated above, eight campsites have accessible parking, and there are six accessible restrooms. The rating is for the accessible campsites themselves and not for all areas surrounding the campsites. Vision Loss: Some objects in the restroom protrude more than four inches from the wall without a leading edge 27 inches or less from the floor. Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Activities 40 ACCESS North Carolina Asheville Art Museum 2 South Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801 Location: Inside the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center. From I-240, take Exit 5A for Merrimon Avenue. Turn left at the light on Merrimon Avenue, and the street will become Broadway Street. Continue on Broadway Street toward the Vance Monument. Open: Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. If Asheville City Schools are closed, the museum will open at noon, weather permitting. Call 828- 253-3227 for information regarding closings. Phone: 828-253-3227 Web Site: www.ashevilleart.org Cost: Admission fee. Children under age 4 are free. The Asheville Art Museum annually presents an exciting, inviting and active schedule of exhibitions and public programs based on its permanent collection of 20th and 21st century American art. A visit will also include experience with works significant to Western North Carolina cultural heritage, including Studio Craft, Black Mountain College and Cherokee artists. Special exhibitions feature renowned regional and national artists and explore issues of enduring interest. The museum also offers a wide array of innovative, inspiring and entertaining educational programs for people of all ages. Parking: The nearby parking deck has marked accessible parking spaces and accessible pathways to the museum. There is also free accessible parking along the street. Types of Paths: Sidewalks with areas of rest every 400 feet. Entrance: The entrance is level. Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers. Elevator: Yes. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The museum is wheelchair-accessible. Other Disabilities: The museum does not offer special tours on a regular basis but could work with guests with disabilities to arrange special tours. Asheville Arts & Culture 41 ACCESS North Carolina Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place 2 South Pack Square Asheville, NC 28801 Location: Inside the Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center. From I-240, take Exit 5A for Merrimon Avenue. Turn left at the light onto Merrimon Avenue, and the street will become Broadway Street. Continue on Broadway Street toward the Vance Monument. Open: Box Office: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Also, one hour prior to performance curtain time. Phone: 828-257-4530 Web Site: www.dwtheatre.com Cost: Varies by event. In the heart of the Pack Square Cultural District is the city’s finest theatre, the Diana Wortham Theatre, an intimate 500-seat theatre inside the Pack Place complex with convenient off-street parking and numerous downtown restaurants within a block. The Theatre offers live performances of music, theatre and dance throughout the year by nationally touring artists (the Mainstage Series) as well as a wide array of performances by professional and avocational regional arts groups. Parking: A privately operated parking deck adjacent to the Theatre has four marked accessible parking spaces. There is also free accessible parking along the street. Types of Paths: Sidewalks with areas of rest every 400 feet. The path to the front entrance is at least four feet wide, but the path through the Biltmore Courtyard is narrower than four feet. The topography around the building is sloped. Entrance: The main entrance on Pack Square is level. The entrance through the Biltmore Courtyard has a ramp. Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Elevator: Yes. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Row H in the center of the orchestra level contains 13 removable seats that create enough space for 10 wheelchairs. These are sold at the lowest price to a patron who uses a wheelchair or has other special seating needs. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Infrared assistive listening devices are available at no charge through the Pack Place Box Office. The Theatre will provide sign language interpretation with advance notice. Vision Loss: The Theatre will provide audio description with advance notice. Playbill inserts are available in large print with advance notice. Asheville Arts & Culture/Entertainment 42 ACCESS North Carolina The Health Adventure 800 Brevard Road, Suite 620 P.O. Box 180 Asheville, NC 28806 Asheville, NC 28802-1080 Location: Inside the Biltmore Square Mall. From I-26, take Exit 33 for Brevard Road and go south one-half mile. Turn left on Ridgefield Road and take the second entrance into the mall. Follow the signs to The Health Adventure. Open: Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday 12:30 p.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Phone: 828-665-2217 Web Site: www.thehealthadventure.org Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for seniors and children ages 2-16. Children under age 2 are free. The Health Adventure explores the wonders of the human body and the world around us while encouraging curiosity, creativity and the capacity for individual discovery. The interactive exhibits and curricula emphasize health, biological and physical sciences, technology and the scientific process as well as participation, exploration and fun. As each person perceives the world from a unique vantage point, The Health Adventure believes increasing science literacy enables people to make informed decisions about personal health, scientific advances and career choices. The Health Adventure opened at its new location in November 2011. Parking: Marked accessible parking spaces and curb cuts in the mall parking lot. Types of Paths: A concrete sidewalk surrounds the mall. The interior has a tile floor with matted areas around the activity stations. Benches, regular chairs, and rocking chairs provide areas of rest. Entrance: The entrance is level and has mall doors that pull outward. Restrooms: One male and one female accessible restroom. Sink faucets have single levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The Health Adventure is accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities. However, a few activity stations have steps to climb. Some activity stations have step stools for young children and visitors of short stature. Vision Loss: Many activities are hands-on but require vision to see the results. Signs have some large print with good contrast. Room signs have Braille. Tactile anatomic models can help visitors with vision loss learn about the human body. Additional Information: Many instructional signs have both English and Spanish. The Health Adventure offers senior programs such as Tai Chi for Arthritis. Asheville Entertainment 43 ACCESS North Carolina Western North Carolina Nature Center 75 Gashes Creek Road Asheville, NC 28805 Location: About two miles from I-40 off of N.C. 81. Open: Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, New Year’s Day and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Phone: 828-298-5600 Web Site: www.wildwnc.org www.wncnaturecenter.com Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for seniors ages 65+ and children ages 3-15. Children under age 3 are free. The Western North Carolina Nature Center is a museum of plants and animals native to the south Appalachian region. Its mission is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina. Parking: Numerous accessible parking spaces in Parking Area B. Types of Paths: Paved pathways at least four feet wide with slopes. The center is located on a hillside. Entrance: The center has two entrances. One has a ramp and then a flight of stairs. However, the upper entrance is level with Parking Lot B. The door is at least 32 inches wide and is easy to open. Restrooms: Three restrooms. However, there is not a stall at least five feet long by five feet wide. The largest stall is six feet long by 33 inches wide, and it has grab bars. Sink faucets have levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes about Parking Lot B and the two entrances. A wheelchair is available for visitors with mobility disabilities to use. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Descriptive signs available on the grounds provide information. Vision Loss: The center has a touch table with a variety of items such as skulls, pelts and snake skins. Asheville Entertainment/Outdoor Activities 44 ACCESS North Carolina Biltmore Estate 1 Approach Road Asheville, NC 28803 Location: Take I-40 to Exit 50. Turn left on Hendersonville Road, turn left on Lodge Street and enter the main gate. Open: Daily. Phone: 800-543-2961; Guest Services: 800-411-3812 Web Site: www.biltmore.com Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for visitors with disabilities who cannot view the entire house. Biltmore, the vision of George W. Vanderbilt, is home to Biltmore House, century-old gardens, an award-winning Winery, Antler Hill Farm and the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate. Biltmore House, designed by Richard Morris Hunt and known as America’s largest home, is a 250-room French Renaissance chateau, exhibiting the Vanderbilt family’s original collection of furnishings, art and antiques. Biltmore Estate encompasses more than 8,000 acres with sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Parking: Numerous marked accessible parking spaces at each facility listed above. Types of Paths: Paved paths to each facility listed above. Entrance: The entrance to Biltmore House has two metal ramps for visitors who cannot use the steps. Doors are at least 32 inches wide, and staff open them. Restrooms: The Visitor Center has accessible restrooms with automatic sinks; however, the mirror is 46 inches above the floor. Two restaurants on the Estate have restrooms with varying degrees of accessibility. Water Fountain: The Visitor Center has a water fountain no more than three feet high. Elevator: Biltmore House and Cedric’s Tavern in the Antler Hill Village have an elevator. The elevator in the House cannot access the third floor or the basement. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes. 10 wheelchairs are available. Shuttles run from Biltmore House parking lots to the front door and from the house to the Conservatory. The second floor rest area has a video of inaccessible rooms. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Neckloop Telecoil Couplers and printed copies of the audio guide are available at Guest Services. Scripts are available for all films. A sign language interpreter is available for all tours. To request a sign language interpreter, call Guest Services at least seven days prior to visiting. Vision Loss: An audio guide is available on request at Guest Services at no charge for visitors with vision loss. Wall-mounted lights in a fourth floor hallway pose a possible barrier. Restroom signs have Braille. The elevator in Biltmore House serves visitors with mobility disabilities. Asheville History & Heritage 45 ACCESS North Carolina Smith-McDowell House Museum 283 Victoria Road Asheville, NC 28801 Location: On the campus of Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. Follow the signs to A-B Tech College. From I-40, take Exit 50 toward Biltmore Estate and downtown Asheville. Go one-half a mile and stay to the right as the road forks (Biltmore Avenue/Highway 25 North). Proceed one mile and turn left onto Victoria Road at the signal at Mission Hospital’s St. Joseph Campus. The museum is located one-half mile down Victoria Road on the right. Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday noon - 4 p.m. Phone: 828-253-9231 E-mail: smh@wnchistory.org Web Site: www.wnchistory.org Cost: Admission fee. The Smith-McDowell House, built in the early 1840s, is the oldest brick home in the Asheville area. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house has been home to a Civil War major, a Mayor and friends of the Vanderbilt family. The house, including the winter kitchen, rises three stories high, and only one outer building survives. The house hosts many special events and changing exhibits bringing history alive today. Parking: One marked accessible parking space. Types of Paths: A level flagstone walkway with some gravel at least four feet wide. Entrance: The entrance has steps, the door is at least 32 inches wide, and staff open the doors for visitors. Restrooms: One accessible restroom. However, the bottom of the mirror is more than 40 inches above the floor. Sink faucets have levers. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The back entrance, adjacent to accessible parking, provides access to the main level of the house without any steps. Only the main level of the house is accessible (stairs to the second level), but all visitors may view a video of the upper levels. The main level includes some period rooms, special exhibit galleries and lecture/programming rooms. Vision Loss: Some objects protrude four to six inches from the wall, but they have a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Other Disabilities: The web site asks visitors to notify staff if they have any special needs so that staff may assist. Asheville History & Heritage 46 ACCESS North Carolina Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home State Historic Site 52 North Market Street Asheville, NC 28801 Location: Take Exit 5A off of I-240 and follow the signs. Open: Tuesday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Phone: 828-253-8304 E-mail: contactus@wolfememorial.com Web Site: www.wolfememorial.com Cost: Free to visit the Visitor Center. A small fee to tour the house. The Thomas Wolfe Memorial Home State Historic Site is the boyhood home of writer Thomas Wolfe. His mother operated the house as a boardinghouse called “Old Kentucky Home.” Wolfe immortalized the house as “Dixieland” in his 1929 novel Look Homeward Angel. Parking: One accessible parking space in front of the Visitor Center. Types of Paths: Concrete and brick paved path at least four feet wide with gentle slopes. Entrance: The visitor center is level with the ground. The historic house has steps, but a wheelchair lift (pictured) provides access. Restrooms: One accessible restroom for each gender in the visitor center. Sink faucets have levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high in visitor center. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The wheelchair lift, added during a restoration in 2004, provides access to the historic house. Only the first floor of the house is accessible (stairs to the second floor). The web site has a virtual tour of the rooms in the house. The visitor center is fully wheelchair-accessible. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Printed supplemental handouts are available, including a script of the audio-visual in the visitor center. The audio-visual is not captioned. Vision Loss: Some objects protrude more than four inches from the wall. The audio-visual does not contain audio description. Asheville History & Heritage The wheelchair lift provides access to the home’s porch and first floor. 47 ACCESS North Carolina Botanical Gardens at Asheville 151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard Asheville, NC 28804 Location: At the base of the UNC-Asheville campus, North Asheville, at the intersection of Broadway and W.T. Weaver Boulevard. Open: Visitor center hours vary by season. Garden open daily during daylight hours. Garden Path Gift Shop open mid-March - mid-December. Closed Thanksgiving. Phone: 828-252-1211 E-mail: bgardens@bellsouth.net Web Site: www.ashevillebotanicalgardens.org/ Cost: Free. Donations welcome. Fee for guided tours. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville offers ten acres in a natural setting displaying approximately 600 species of plants native to the Southern Appalachians. A walking trail forming a half-mile loop leads visitors across bridges spanning streams, through meadows and over a woodland ridge to a wildflower cove. An authentic “dog trot” cabin and a spring house demonstrate how our ancestors lived, and a lovely gazebo provides shelter in the midst of the Sunshine Meadow. Along the way, strategically placed picnic benches and tables invite visitors to stop for a picnic lunch or to spend some quiet moments listening to the creeks ripple and the birds sing. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Paths are gravel/gravel dust at least four feet wide with slopes and areas of rest. Entrance: The visitor center has a ramp. The door is at least 32 inches wide, has large vertical D handles and is easy to open. Restrooms: One accessible restroom for each gender. However, the sinks do not have at least 29 inches of knee clearance. Sink faucets have hot/cold rotary knobs with levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Public Telephone: Yes, but no TTY available. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Most paths are wheelchair accessible. Additional Information: Please do not bring pets, radios or sports equipment – help to preserve the serenity for all guests. The Botanical Gardens at Asheville offer tours by reservation for groups of five or more. These tours are for adults of any age and student groups of middle school or high school age. Asheville Outdoor Activities 48 ACCESS North Carolina North Carolina Arboretum 100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way Asheville, NC 28806 Location: Take Exit 33 on I-26, go 1.5 miles south on N.C.191, and the Arboretum entrance is at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance ramp. Or exit at mile marker 393 on Blue Ridge Parkway. Open: April - October: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; November - March: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Phone: 828-665-2492 Web Site: www.ncarboretum.org Cost: Parking fee for each passenger vehicle. The North Carolina Arboretum is an affiliate campus of the University of North Carolina System. The 434-acre site includes 65 acres of cultivated outdoor exhibit space. Hiking and biking trails exist as well as cultivated garden and educational areas such as the acclaimed Bonsai Demonstration Garden. Retail sales areas as well as a seasonal cafe are present. Parking: 14 marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: The Arboretum contains a variety of paths, including paved walkways, gravel paths and stone steps. Paths are four feet wide with slopes. Benches along the paths provide areas of rest. Entrance: The buildings have a ramp, and the doors are at least 32 inches wide, but some may be difficult to open. Restrooms: Ten restrooms. Sink faucets have levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Wheelchairs are available at the reception desk for visitor use. A map of the Arboretum available on the web site shows which areas are accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities. Not all paths are wheelchair-accessible. Vision Loss: Some objects protrude more than four inches from the wall, but they have a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Some plants may protrude into the pathway. Many plants may provide a rich sensory experience for visitors with vision loss. Asheville Outdoor Activities 49 ACCESS North Carolina Grove Arcade One Page Avenue Asheville, NC 28801 Location: Take Exit 4C or 4B off of I-240. Open: Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday noon - 5 p.m. Phone: 828-252-7799 Web Site: www.grovearcade.com Cost: Free. One of the last shopping arcades constructed in the U.S., the Grove Arcade offers boutique shopping and dining in a downtown architectural wonder. It opened in 1929 as a fine collection of local shops and services, but the federal government took control of the building in 1942 as part of the effort to win World War II. The Arcade was restored and reopened to the public in 2002 and remains a downtown landmark and community resource. Parking: Four marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Level concrete paths at least four feet wide. Benches and rocking chairs provide areas of rest. Entrance: Flat with an automatic door opener. One entrance has a revolving door. Restrooms: One accessible restroom for each gender. Sink faucets have levers. Elevator: Yes. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Flat, smooth surfaces, an automatic door opener and an elevator provide wheelchair access throughout the Arcade, and benches and rocking chairs provide areas of rest. Asheville Shopping 50 ACCESS North Carolina Western North Carolina Farmers Market 570 Brevard Road Asheville, NC 28806 Location: From I-40 and I-26, take the N.C. 191 exit for Brevard Road (Exit 47 off of I-40 and Exit 33 off of I-26). Follow the signs. Open: Daily. April - October: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; November - March: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone: 828-253-1691 Web Site: www.wncfarmersmarket.org Cost: Free. The Western North Carolina Farmers Market, operated by the N.C. Department of Agriculture, sits on a 36-acre site overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The facility has retail and wholesale fresh produce, canned goods, honey, molasses and handmade crafts. The market also has a garden center, a restaurant and a deli. Parking: Accessible parking spaces at both ends of the retail buildings. However, there are no clear signs indicating the availability of these spaces, and boxes may block the entrance areas. The retails shops have a curb cut, but the landscape center does not. Types of Paths: Sidewalks with slopes and areas of rest. However, there is not an accessible walkway connecting all of the market areas. Entrance: Ramps with handrails connect both retail buildings. Doors are at least 32 inches wide and easy to open. Restrooms: Eight accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have push/pull levers. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes about parking areas, curb cuts, and paths between buildings. In each store, not all areas are wide enough for wheelchairs, and some displays do not have openings to allow wheelchairs. Some items in the landscape center are placed high, but staff is available to assist. The wholesale area may be available for drive-up shopping; please call for more information. Vision Loss: In each store, some items protrude more than four inches. Asheville Shopping 51 ACCESS North Carolina Mystery Hill/Appalachian Heritage Museum 129 Mystery Hill Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Location: In Watauga County on U.S. 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone. Open: All year except Christmas Day. June - August: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.; September - May: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Phone: 828-263-0507 E-mail: mysteryhillnc@gmail.com Web Site: www.mysteryhill-nc.com Cost: Admission fee. Special rate consideration for people with disabilities. Tickets are good all day for all parts of the complex. This family-oriented entertainment complex features Mystery Platform, Mystery House, the Hall of Mystery, the Native Artifacts Museum and the Appalachian Heritage Museum. Come see where gravity defies the law of nature, watch a ball roll uphill and do other wacky experiments at Mystery Platform, Mystery House and the Hall of Mystery! The Native Artifacts Museum contains more than 50,000 Native American artifacts, including a remarkable collection of arrowheads. The Appalachian Heritage Museum, originally on the campus of Appalachian State University, was the first house in the county to have electricity and running water and now portrays life for middle class mountain families in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Gravel pathways lead through the complex. Entrance: The entrances have ramps, and doors at least 32 inches wide and easy to open. Restrooms: Four restrooms (two for each gender). Each restroom has a stall with grab bars, but none are at least five feet by five feet. The sinks are not within three feet of the floor and do not have 29 inches of knee clearance. Restroom accessories are higher than four feet above the floor, and the mirror is higher than 40 inches above the floor. Sink faucets have single levers. Water Fountain: No water fountain, but cups of water are available upon request. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Gravity in Mystery House causes people’s bodies to stand at 45-degree angles instead of upright at 90-degree angles. Visitors with physical disabilities should use caution if they want to experience Mystery House. Mystery Hill recommends that they sit or stand at the door, where they can still see all of the activities in the room and the effect of the downward pull. They can also enjoy visiting the other buildings in the complex. The restrooms are not fully accessible. Blowing Rock Entertainment/History & Heritage 52 ACCESS North Carolina Tweetsie Railroad 300 Tweetsie Railroad Lane Blowing Rock, NC 28605-9787 Location: U.S. 321 between Boone and Blowing Rock. Open: Early - mid-May: Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Late May - late August: daily 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Late August - October: Friday - Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Phone: 828-264-9061 or 888-TWEETSIE (toll-free) E-mail: info@tweetsie.com Web Site: www.tweetsie.com Cost: Admission fee for adults and children ages 3-12. Free for children ages 2 and under. Tweetsie Railroad, North Carolina’s first theme park, provides a fun-filled trip back to the days of the Wild West. Visitors enjoy the historic train ride, live entertainment, zoo, chair lift to Miner’s Mountain, gem mining and panning for gold. Tweetsie Railroad’s centerpiece is Number 12, an historic narrow-gauge, coal-fired steam locomotive. Parking: Marked accessible parking spaces available next to the front entrance. Parking is free for all visitors except on July 4th. Types of Paths: Asphalt and packed gravel pathways at least four feet wide. There are some hills. Entrance: The theme park’s entrances have ramps, and the doors at least 32 inches wide and easy to open. Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. The sinks have lever and push handles. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Sections of the park are on level ground; however, the park is located on mountain terrain, so there are several hills. The Wild West Train Ride and all show venues are wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with physical disabilities may want to consider entering a venue 15 minutes prior to the published show time to allow easier access. Standard wheelchairs are available for rent on a first come, first served basis. Vision Loss: Some items protrude more than four inches from the wall without a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Blowing Rock Entertainment 53 ACCESS North Carolina Appalachian Ski Mtn. 940 Ski Mtn. Road Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Location: Take U.S. 321 to Edmisten Road and then straight on Ski Mtn. Road to the parking lot. Open: Seasonal. November - March 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. or 8 a.m. - midnight during some weekends. Phone: 828-295-7828 Web Site: www.appskimtn.com Cost: Depends on the day and the equipment rented. Appalachian Ski Mtn. is a family fun ski and snowboard resort with North Carolina’s only Zamboni-maintained outdoor ice skating arena. A roaring fire in the Lodge’s dining room, wireless internet, heated sidewalks, automatic doors, music on the slopes and seatpads on all lift chairs represent a few of the details that visitors enjoy every day. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Snow on slopes. Ski lifts and conveyors provide access to some areas. Paths are at least four feet wide with areas of rest. Entrance: The entrance has a ramp. Doors are at least 32 inches wide and are automatic. Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. However, the sinks do not provide 29 inches of knee clearance. Sink faucets have single handle lifts. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The Lodge has many accessible aspects. Appalachian Ski Mtn. has sit skis and outriggers. French Swiss Ski College operates the slopes and provides instruction for all individuals, including individuals with physical disabilities. All Disabilities: The Special Olympics are held at Appalachian Ski Mtn. four times annually. Blowing Rock Outdoor Activities 54 ACCESS North Carolina The Blowing Rock 432 Rock Road P.O. Box 145 Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Blowing Rock, NC 28605 Location: From Boone take U.S. 321 south, and it is just past the Green Park Inn on the right. From Lenoir take U.S. 321, and it is on the left. Open: Daily March - mid-January. Weekends only mid-January - February. See the web site for specific hours. Phone: 828-295-7111 E-mail: brockattraction@bellsouth.net Web Site: www.theblowingrock.com Cost: Admission fee. Reduced fee for seniors ages 60+, children ages 4-11 and visitors who use wheelchairs. Children ages 3 and under are free. The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest tourist attraction, having opened in 1933. An immense cliff 4,000 feet above sea level overhangs Johns River Gorge 3,000 feet below. The rocky walls of the gorge form a flume through which the northwest wind sweeps with such force that it returns light objects cast over the void. The grounds include a small garden waterfall, an observation tower, a nature trail and a snack shop/ gift shop/deck. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces in a large gravel parking area. Types of Paths: Paved and gravel paths at least four feet wide with some gentle slopes. Benches provide areas of rest; however, some require visitors to cross gravel. A short scenic walk has intermittent steep-grade incline/decline portions with views of Grandfather Mountain, Table Rock and Hawksbill. The entire trail is approximately 1,200 feet long. Entrance: The entrance to the main building has a ramp, and the door is at least 32 inches wide and easy to open. Restrooms: Restrooms are around the back and down the steps. However, there is one accessible restroom about 100 yards from the main shop. Visitors should ask for it. The stall is at least five feet by five feet but does not have grab bars, and the sink does not have 29 inches of knee clearance or nine inches of toe clearance. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The main building, waterfall, observation tower and snack shop/gift shop/deck are wheelchair-accessible. Some benches require visitors to cross gravel, and the scenic walk/nature trail has some intermittent steep incline/ decline portions without handrails. The photo gallery area in the main building is cabinet-style, preventing wheelchairs from rolling under the cabinets to view the photos up close. See the above notes about the restrooms. Blowing Rock Outdoor Activities 55 ACCESS North Carolina Brevard Music Center Summer Institute and Festival P.O. Box 312 Brevard, NC 28712 Location: One mile west of the center of Brevard, off Probart Street. Follow signs. Open: Each summer from mid-June - early August. Concerts at various times during the week. Phone: 828-862-2105 or 888-384-8682 (toll-free) Web Site: www.brevardmusic.org Cost: Admission fee for some events; call for information. Brevard Music Center, in western North Carolina, presents over 80 public concerts throughout its seven-week festival, bringing major orchestral, chamber and operatic repertoire to tens of thousands of listeners each year. In addition to the talented students and faculty, world-class visiting artists have appeared here, including cellist Yo-Yo Ma, violinists Joshua Bell and Midori, pianists André Watts and Emanuel Ex, soprano Renée Fleming and mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade. Parking: Eight marked accessible parking spaces with an access aisle and 22 marked spaces without an access aisle. Types of Paths: Asphalt and concrete paths at least four feet wide with some gentle to moderate slopes and areas of rest. Entrance: The entrance has a ramp, and the doors are at least 32 inches wide and easy to open. Restrooms: Six restrooms with grab bars in a stall, sink faucets with levers, restroom accessories no higher than four feet above the floor, and a mirror no higher than 40 inches above the floor. Three have a stall measuring five feet by five feet. Some restrooms have sinks that do not provide at least 29 inches of knee clearance or at least nine inches of knee and toe space below the sink and pipe covering. Water Fountain: Yes, no higher than three feet above the floor. Elevator: Yes, to provide access to the orchestra pit. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes regarding restroom accessibility and the elevator that provides access to the orchestra pit. Brevard Arts & Culture 56 ACCESS North Carolina Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History 3 Academy Street P.O. Box 1088 Burnsville, NC 28714 Burnsville, NC 28714 Location: Take U.S.19 East at Burnsville to the Town Square and then Main Street to Academy Street. Open: Wednesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Phone: 828-678-9587 Web Site: No web site up at this time, but information and photos available at www.inst.ncecho.org/InstHitList.aspx?qry=InstById&Id=586. Cost: Admission fee for adults. The Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History, built in the 1840s and operated by the Yancey History Association, served as the headquarters for the Home Guard in the latter part of the War Between the States. It also contains a genealogy library, a Veterans Wall of Honor, a medical display, a mineral display and a gift shop. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces: one at the annex and one at the museum. Types of Paths: Gravel path with slight slopes and areas of rest. Entrance: The main entrance has two steps, but a ramp at the side of the building provides access for visitors with mobility disabilities. Restrooms: Two restrooms with a stall at least five feet by five feet but no grab bars. Sink faucets have knob handles that could require fine grasping. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: Museum staff will provide assistance if requested. See entrance and restroom notes. Vision Loss: Some museum items protrude more than four inches from the wall, but photos show that most have a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. Many signs in the museum have large print with good contrast. Burnsville History & Heritage 57 ACCESS North Carolina Mount Mitchell State Park 2388 State Highway 128 Burnsville, NC 28714 Location: Entrance is at mile marker 355.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Open: Park Hours: November - February: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.; March, April, September and October: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; May - August: 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Exhibit Hall: May - October: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Phone: 828-675-4611 E-mail: mount.mitchell@ncdenr.gov Web Site: www.ncparks.gov Cost: No entrance fee. Fee for camping and facility rentals. In the crest of the Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi River. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms on the horizon is a feast for the eyes – breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling ridges and fertile valleys. Forested and forever misty, 1,946-acre Mount Mitchell State Park will provide visitors with some of the most tranquil moments they will ever experience. Facilities at the park include a nine-site campground (tent camping only), an environmental education center, a museum, a picnic area, a concession stand, a gift shop and a restaurant. Parking: 12 marked accessible parking spaces located throughout the park. Types of Paths: There is a paved 280-yard Summit Tower Trail that is ADA-accessible. All other trail systems have gravel or a naturally occurring base such as rock or dirt. There are areas of rest, including benches at the summit tower. Entrance: The entrance to the park office, restaurant, and gift shop/museum all have a sidewalk to a ramp and a door at least 32 inches wide. Restrooms: Three accessible public restroom facilities located at the park office, the summit area and the restaurant. Restroom doors are difficult to open. Sink faucets have push buttons with automatic water shutoff. Water Fountain: Four water fountains no more than three feet high at the summit. Public Telephone: Yes, at the park office and restaurant, but no TTY is available. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: A four-passenger All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) is available upon request to transport people with mobility disabilities to the Observation Deck. This service is not available during inclement weather (heavy rain, snow and high winds). The ACCESS North Carolina program built a boardwalk ramp and paved an accessible path to a picnic area near the summit to provide an opportunity for all visitors to experience Mount Mitchell’s vistas from the picnic shelter. Vision Loss: Some shelves in the Balsam Gift Shop may protrude more than four inches from the wall without a leading edge within 27 inches of the floor. The exhibit hall has tactile objects and signs with good contrast. Burnsville Outdoor Activities 58 ACCESS North Carolina Oconaluftee Indian Village P.O. Box 398 Cherokee, NC 28719 Location: Take U.S. 441 North. Turn left at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, follow the blue arrows past Unto These Hills Outdoor Theater to the Oconoluftee Indian Village. Open: Seasonal, usually May - late October. During the season, daily 9 a.m. - 4:15 p.m. Phone: 828-497-2111 ext. 305 Web Site: www.cherokeehistorical.org Cost: Admission fee. The fee is slightly higher on Thursday through Saturday than on Sunday through Wednesday. Reduced fee for children. Children ages 5 and under are free. The Oconaluftee Indian Village presents a replica of the Cherokee village from the mid-1700s. Activities include reenactments of Time of War, traditional dances, hands-on kids pottery class, viewing arts and crafts of the Cherokee people and hearing their story. The Indian Village is entirely outdoors except for the gift shop and restrooms. Near the Indian Village, Oconaluftee Islands Park has an accessible boardwalk bridge and accessible restrooms. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Sawdust paths at least four feet wide somewhat steep in some places. There are steps at certain spots in the botanical garden. A boardwalk bridge leads to Oconaluftee Islands Park, which has grassy hills and gravel paths. Entrance: The village has a level entrance. The gift shop entrance has a ramp, and the door is at least 32 inches wide and easy to open. Restrooms: Four accessible restrooms. However, the bottom of the mirror is more than 40 inches above the floor. Sink faucets have turn knobs. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the above notes about the paths and restrooms. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Private tours are available. However, the site does not provide sign language interpreters. Vision Loss: Private tours are available. However, the site does not provide audio describers. Cherokee History & Heritage/Outdoor Activities 59 ACCESS North Carolina Western Carolina University (WCU) Cullowhee, NC 28723 Location: In Cullowhee, five miles south of Sylva on N.C. 107. Web Site: www.wcu.edu; click on Campus Map and Print Version of the Campus Map Sites of Interest at WCU Unless otherwise specified, all sites listed here have the following: • Marked accessible parking spaces • Concrete, asphalt or smooth paved paths at least four feet wide with areas of rest • A level entrance or an entrance ramp and a doors at least 32 inches wide • Accessible restrooms with sink faucets that have levers • Braille signage Catamount Athletic Complex Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Memorial Drive (second right off the turnabout), and the complex is on the left (building #21 on campus map). Open: Varies by event. Phone: 828-227-7338 Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-athletic-complex.html Cost: Varies by event. Opened in 2005, the Catamount Athletic Complex (CAC) serves as the home venue for WCU’s women’s soccer, women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field teams. The 1,000-seat complex features a fully functional press box with views of the soccer pitch and track and eight tennis courts, including two with “center court” feel. Located along the picturesque banks of Cullowhee Creek on the north end of the Western Carolina campus, the facility also includes Charles Schrader Field, a grass practice and warm-up field which served as the original home of the WCU women’s soccer program upon its inception in 1999. Catamount Softball Complex Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Memorial Drive (second right off the turnabout), then the first left (no street sign) past the Athletic Complex, and the Softball Complex is on the left (building #24 on campus map). Open: Varies by event. Phone: 828-227-7338 Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-softball-stadium.html Cost: Varies by event. WCU’s softball facilities are located on the north end of the campus, accessible from the Walker “A” parking lot. The venue has a 250-seat grandstand seating area and is skirted down the right-field side by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek. Cullowhee Sports & Racing 60 ACCESS North Carolina The Fine Art Museum at Western Carolina University 199 Centennial Drive Cullowhee, NC 28723 Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn right on Centennial Drive, and the museum is located inside the FPAC building on the left (building #2 on campus map). Open: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Closed weekends and university holidays. Phone: 828-227-3591 Web Site: www.wcu.edu/museum/index.html Cost: Free. While WCU’s School of Art and Design and the former Belk Gallery have maintained a strong academic and contemporary art exhibition program over the years, the new Fine Art Museum continues the tradition while strengthening its role as a cultural catalyst to celebrate and preserve the artistic legacy of the Western North Carolina region with a developing focus to collect, interpret and showcase innovation in contemporary art. Tours are offered to community groups, university groups and elementary and secondary school groups. At least two weeks’ notice is required for large groups. Entrance: Curb cuts lead to the museum’s entrance. Physical Disabilities: Gallery spaces and display cases are accessible to visitors with mobility disabilities. An Ortho Novo-Med four-wheeled walker is available. Vision Loss: Artwork labels contain 14-point font. The museum can provide an audio described tour with one week’s notice. Certain exhibits may have tactile elements for a tactile tour. An audio tour of the sculptures on campus is available. All Disabilities: Staff is undergoing etiquette training on interacting with visitors with disabilities. Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) 199 Centennial Drive Cullowhee, NC 28723 Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn right on Centennial Drive, and the FPAC is on the left (building #2 on campus map). Open: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Phone: 828-227-2505 Web Site: www.wcu.edu/fapac.index.html Cost: Free to visitors. Ticket cost varies by production. The Fine and Performing Arts Center, a 900-seat proscenium theater completed in 2005, boasts some of the best acoustics in the state and has hosted a wide variety of artists. It houses the School of Art and Design’s state-of-the-art academic classrooms and studios for the Bachelor of Fine Arts students in visual arts to accommodate painting and drawing, ceramics, photography, sculpture, printmaking and book arts, graphic design, interior design, new media, art history and art teacher education. Elevator: Two that go to the balcony. Cullowhee Arts & Culture 61 ACCESS North Carolina Hennon Stadium Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Forest Hills Road, and the stadium is on the right (building #8 on campus map). Open: Varies by event. Phone: 828-227-7338 Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-hennon-stadium.html Cost: Varies by event. Description: WCU’s baseball facilities, on the south end of the WCU campus, include a 1,500-seat grandstand seating area. The venue is skirted down the right-field side by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek. The “Purple Monster” wall in left field is 100 feet long and is divided into two 50-foot sections. Restrooms: The restrooms have an alternate stall design and do not contain a toilet stall at least five feet by five feet. Mountain Heritage Center 150 H.F. Robinson Administration Building Cullowhee, NC 28723 Location: From WCU’s main entrance, proceed straight ahead (building #1 on campus map). Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (June - October). Phone: 828-227-7129 Web Site: www.wcu.edu/2389.asp Cost: Free. A regional museum, the Mountain Heritage Center studies, documents and interprets the culture and history of Southern Appalachia and provides museum services to the western part of the state. To that end, it collects artifacts, builds exhibitions, documents and presents traditional craft demonstrations and musical performances, produces books and musical recordings, and enriches the curricula of elementary, secondary and university students. The Center is committed to public history, especially to interpreting current academic studies of Appalachia to the public. Its programming highlights traditional music and crafts along with the history and natural history of Appalachia. The Smithsonian Institution and the American Folk Life Center of the Library of Congress have adopted some of its programming. Major research exhibits have examined the Scots-Irish, various handicraft traditions and mountain trout. Mountain Heritage Day, a fall festival always held the last Saturday of September, presents traditional mountain music, crafts and culture to tens of thousands of visitors. Cullowhee History & Heritage/Sports & Racing 62 ACCESS North Carolina Niggli Theatre Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Centennial Drive to the bookstore, turn right, and pass the University Center and Killian building. The theatre is on the right at the end of the Stillwell building (building #40 on campus map). Open: Varies by event. Phone: Box office: 828-227-2479 Web Site: www.wcu.edu/6245.asp Cost: Varies by event. The 137-seat Josefina Niggli Theatre is WCU’s most intimate theatre. It serves as a “classroom of imagination,” which is primarily used as a classroom but also serves as the home to many University Players productions. The theater is also used as a motion picture screening room owing to its high-definition capabilities. Ramsey Regional Activity Center 92 Catamount Road Cullowhee, NC 28723 Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Forest Hills Road (third traffic signal). The Ramsey Center is a big black glass building on the left adjacent to the football stadium. Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday - Sunday noon - 9 p.m. Phone: 828-227-7677 Web Site: www.wcu.edu/ramsey Cost: Please contact Ramsey staff for detailed information. The Ramsey Center’s 8,000-seat arena offers the largest seating capacity of any venue in the region outside of Charlotte, Atlanta and Knoxville. The Ramsey Center’s recreation facilities are open to the public and include five racquetball courts, two basketball courts, a walking/jogging concourse and a lighted, outdoor rollerblade/ skateboard area. Please note that facility access is subject to change depending on Ramsey Center events. Parking: Four marked accessible parking spaces with an accessible court for another ten cars on the upper level off Forest Hills Drive. Cullowhee Arts & Culture/Entertainment 63 ACCESS North Carolina A.K. Hinds University Center (UC) Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn left on Memorial Drive (second right off the turnabout), and turn right to continue on Memorial Drive. The center is the second building on the right (building #31 on campus map). Open: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 1 a.m. Saturday - Sunday 8 a.m. - 1 a.m. Special or holiday hours will be posted at the main entrances. Phone: 828-227-7206 Web Site: www.wcu.edu/171.asp Cost: Varies by event. The A.K. Hinds University Center provides an inclusive student-centered community that supports and encourages student learning, leadership opportunities, personal development and active learning in a caring atmosphere. The UC features a two-story atrium, meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, a 170-seat movie theater, club Illusions, retail space, an expanded food court and the student mailroom. The additional space also includes the Intercultural Center and the Center for Student Involvement with offices, workspace and conference rooms for clubs and organizations. Whitmire Stadium Location: From WCU’s main entrance, turn right on Centennial Drive, right on Catamount Road, and the stadium is on the left (building #10 on campus map). Open: Varies by event. Phone: 828-227-7338 Web Site: www.catamountsports.com/facilities/wcar-whitmire-stadium.html Cost: Varies by event. Currently with 13,742 seats, the football facility is located on the south end of the WCU campus and is bordered by the picturesque Cullowhee Creek on the west side; Jordan-Phillips Field House and WCU Weight Room on its north end; and the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center. The press box at Whitmire Stadium includes matching booths for both home and visiting radio as well as coaches’ boxes that bookend the building. There is also two-tiered seating in the main press room with wireless internet access. Types of Paths: Concrete and metal at the ramps and ramps into the stadium. Cullowhee Entertainment/Sports & Racing 64 ACCESS North Carolina Flat Rock Playhouse – The State Theatre of North Carolina 2661 Greenville Highway P.O. Box 310 Flat Rock, NC 28731 Flat Rock, NC 28731 Location: From Asheville (west/north), travel I-26 to Exit 53 for Upward Road. Turn right off the exit and travel 2.5 miles to Greenville Highway. Turn left on Greenville Highway and travel one-half mile to the playhouse on the right. From Greenville, S.C. (east/south), travel I-26 to Exit 53 for Upward Road. Turn left off the exit and travel 2.5 miles to Greenville Highway. Turn left on Greenville Highway and travel one-half mile to the playhouse on the right. Open: March - December: performances. Year-round: classes for youth and adults. Phone: Box Office: 828-693-0731 Web Site: www.flatrockplayhouse.org Cost: Admission charge for tickets. Discounts for seniors, students and groups. Flat Rock Playhouse is a professional producing theater company. The company stages a variety of productions each year ranging from musical to comedy, Broadway standards to original works. YouTheatre is the educational division of the company that offers year-round classes and performances for all ages and skill levels. Parking: A parking staff is on duty at all events. When a patron requests accessible parking or extra space, the staff provides for the need on a per-customer basis. Types of Paths: Paved sidewalks lead from the parking area to the playhouse. A ramped sidewalk leads to an entrance on the left at Row 3. There are areas of rest. The center aisle of the playhouse has a ramp. Entrance: The main entrance has a ramp, and the entrance to the house at Row 3 has a ramp. The doorway is level, and doors is at least 32 inches wide and is easy to open. Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have push handles. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The playhouse has a wheelchair on site, and staff will provide assistance upon request. The left and right ends of the Row 3 are designated as accessible wheelchair seating areas, and the playhouse holds the companion seat in these areas for patrons with a companion. Rows 23 and 24 have portable seats, and any of these spaces can accommodate a wheelchair for a lower price than Row 3. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Assistive listening devices (FM receivers) are available. The playhouse will provide a sign language interpreter upon request. Vision Loss: Staff will provide assistance upon request. The playhouse instituted audio described performances in 2011. View the schedule on the web site. Other Disabilities: Staff will provide assistance upon request. Flat Rock Arts & Culture/Entertainment 65 ACCESS North Carolina Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site 81 Carl Sandburg Lane Flat Rock, NC 28731 Location: The park is located three miles south of Hendersonville on Little River Road off of Greenville Highway/N.C. 225 in Flat Rock. From I-26, take Exit 53; from I-26 East, turn right onto Upward Road; from I-26 West, turn left on Upward Road. At the intersection with U.S. 176/Spartanburg Highway, continue straight. Upward Road turns into Highland Lake Road. At the light, turn left on N.C. 225/Greenville Highway South. At the next light, turn right on Little River Road. Visitor parking is on left. Open: Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Christmas Day. Phone: 828-693-4178 E-mail: carl_administration@nps.gov Web Site: www.nps.gov/carl Cost: Free to visit the grounds, trails and barn. A small fee for the house tour. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, located on 264 acres in Western North Carolina, was the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and author Carl Sandburg and his family for 22 years (1945-1967). Visitors can tour the Sandburg Home, enjoy more than five miles of trails, stroll through gardens and greet the descendants of Mrs. Sandburg’s dairy goat herd. A typical visit lasts two hours. Parking: Two marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Some paths are paved, but most are natural surfaces. There are areas of rest. Entrance: The entrance has a ramp, but the grade is steeper than 1:12. The door is at least 32 inches wide and is easy to open. Restrooms: Two accessible restrooms. The sinks have automatic and lever handles. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Elevator: Yes. An outdoor motorized lift allows visitors to reach the second level of the Sandburg Home without climbing the stairs. The lift does not provide access to the third floor. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The park offers a shuttle service from the parking lot to the main house, as there is a steep hill approximately one-third a mile to walk up to reach the Sandburg Home. If the shuttle is not running, other accommodations can be made. All Disabilities: A phone is available in the parking lot to call up to the house and speak with a Park Ranger. The site encourages any visitor with questions about accessibility to use that phone before starting a visit to receive the best information about services and accommodations available. Flat Rock History & Heritage 66 ACCESS North Carolina Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts 1028 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734 Location: Take U.S. 23/U.S. 441 and merge onto Georgia Road. Open: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Show times differ. Phone: 828-524-1598 or 866-273-4615 (toll-free) Web Site: www.GreatMountainMusic.com Cost: Free or admission charge (depending on performance). This 1,500-seat state of the art facility presents the finest in performing arts to the surrounding towns. Performances include passion plays, musical productions, professional drama troupes, dance and choral festivals, recitals and various genres, including country, bluegrass, gospel, pop, contemporary Christian and more. With the main focus on family entertainment, the center strives to nurture the development, understanding and appreciation of the arts throughout the community and the region. Parking: Eight marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: Concrete paths at least four feet wide with slopes. Entrance: The entrance is level, and all doors are three feet wide and easy to open. A ramp with a slope of 1:14 provides access to the theater for performing artists. Restrooms: Eight restrooms, including some accessible restrooms. Sink faucets have levers. In the non-accessible restrooms, all restroom accessories are within four feet of the floor except the paper towel dispensers, which are 52 inches to the bottom of the dispenser. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Elevator: Yes, two. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The center has accessible seating at the orchestra level: four spaces for wheelchairs or motorized devices in Row L halfway up and four spaces in Row X near the top. Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Assistive listening devices can be checked out for each performance. With two weeks notice, the center will provide a sign language interpreter. Vision Loss: All signage meets ADA requirements, including Braille signs. The center will try to provide an audio describer if it receives a request for one. Franklin Arts & Culture/Entertainment 67 ACCESS North Carolina The Fun Factory 1024 Georgia Road Franklin, NC 28734 Location: Take U.S. 23/U.S. 441 and merge onto Georgia Road. Open: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday - Saturday 10 a.m. - midnight. Phone: 828-349-8888 or 866-482-2386 (toll-free) Web Site: www.funfactoryfranklin.com Cost: Fee to play games or do activities. Group rates are available. This family entertainment center calls itself “the best place in the Smokies to crank up your fun!” Games and activities include go-carts, bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, mini golf, over 150 video games, a Child’s Play area and Animaland, where people can make stuffed animals. The Fun Factory also has three restaurants to dine at, including the Boiler Room Steak House, the Pizza Factory and the Dessert Factory, and a Snack Shack. Parking: 12 marked accessible parking spaces with curb cut ramps. Types of Paths: Level paved paths at least four feet wide. Entrance: The entrance is level. The doors are at least 32 inches wide and have outward pull handles. Restrooms: Six accessible restrooms. Water Fountain: Yes, no more than three feet high. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: The Fun Factory building is accessible to visitors with physical disabilities, but it is not clear whether these visitors will be able to participate in certain games and activities. Cognitive/Intellectual Disabilities: The Fun Factory’s games and activities may appeal to visitors with cognitive/intellectual disabilities and visitors on the autism spectrum. Franklin Entertainment 68 ACCESS North Carolina Macon County Historical Museum 36 West Main Street Franklin, NC 28734 Location: Located on historic Main Street just across from the courthouse. Open: Memorial Day - October: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Other hours available by appointment. November - Memorial Day: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. In case of inclement weather, call for open/closed status. Phone: 828-524-9758 Web Site: www.maconnchistorical.org/museum Cost: Free. Donations are appreciated, and memberships are available. The Macon County Historical Museum offers a collection of historic memorabilia ranging from the early native populations through modern times. The museum is located in the historic Pendergrass Building, which is a National Historic Trust Site. Parking: One marked accessible parking space at the front door. Types of Paths: A level brick sidewalk runs in front of the museum, and benches provide areas of rest in front of the museum. A level garden walkway next to the museum is paved with bricks, but it is less than four feet wide in some areas. Entrance: The entrance is level, but a concrete threshold separates the entry area from the sidewalk. Restrooms: No restrooms available in the museum. Restrooms are located across the street at the courthouse. Accessibility Rating Physical Disabilities: See the notes about the paths, entrance and restrooms. The Pendergrass Building is a National Historic Trust Site and has limited access beyond the first floor for visitors with mobility disabilities. Franklin History & Heritage 69 ACCESS North Carolina Visitors Information Center for Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock Village 201 South Main Street Hendersonville, NC 28792 Location: From I-26, take Exit 49B onto Highway 64 West, travel approximately two miles, turn left on Main Street, go south eight blocks, and the Visitors Information Center is on the right at the corner of Main Street and Allen Street. Open: Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and holidays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Phone: 828-693-9708 or 800-828-4244 (toll-free) Web Site: www.historichendersonville.org Cost: Free. Enjoy the hospitality of the Historic Hendersonville and Flat Rock area, known for its gentle climate, beautiful scenery, a rich culture and history and friendly people. The area has been a popular vacation destination for over a century. Hendersonville is located 22 miles south of Asheville in the Blue Ridge Mountains on a plateau 2,200 feet above sea level. Drop by the Henderson County Travel & Tourism Visitors Information Center for a complimentary copy of the Mountain Seasons Vacation Planner, area brochures and maps. Or call for a free Vacation Planner. Downtown Hendersonville hosts many activities, including the North Carolina Apple Festival every Labor Day weekend, Garden Jubilee, the Music on Main Street summer concert series, street dances, art shows and parades. Parking: Three marked accessible parking spaces. Types of Paths: A sidewalk with some slopes and curb cuts leads to the Visitors |
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