North Carolina offers a multitude of recreational and historical activities accomplishable in a day trip.
THE WEST
Bordering Tennessee, the Tarheel State offers a world of wonder in one of the lesser-known National Parks - The Great Smokey Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs North-South from Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, through the western side of NC heading towards Charlotte. Breathtaking views, winding roads, and hiking trails with hidden waterfalls will keep the athletic day-tripper burning calories all day. Or you can take the more relaxing route, and simply drive with a camera and a picnic lunch in the back. Keep an eye out for the overlooks, which are basically an extra curve added to the side of the road. Watch for the majestic Grandfather Mountain, which you can see in the distance from a number of points.. Some are bigger than others, but most are well worth the stop. Make sure that your car is in good condition - the ups and downs on the parkway require a full tank of gas and a car without quirks. (If the day is foggy, however, you may want to reconsider. The altitude of the mountains often creates low-lying cloud layers in the valley that prevent a clear view.)
Moving further into the state, you cannot pass up the opportunity to visit Asheville, NC. Not only breathtakingly beautiful, it also houses the Biltmore Estate, a marvel of modern architecture. Take a tour of the house and the gardens, the vineyard, or stay at the glorious Inn. The best time to visit is Christmas, when the entire area is decked out for the holidays. Asheville also offers many craft festivals, including a Film Festival this year. In downtown Asheville, you can experience a wide variety of the NC culture, and perhaps the most exciting time is during Bel Cher, an open-air street festival. Meaning "Good Cheer," this celebration is a favorite among the residents who travel from all directions to celebrate during the summer.
If you're looking for shopping opportunities or sheer entertainment, look no further than Charlotte, NC. Home of the Carolina Panthers and nearby Lowes' Motor Speedway, the city provides everything from sporting opportunities to cultural events to educational seminars. On the city's website, there is an easily accessible calendar of events that will keep you updated daily. The Actor's Theatre in Center City may be what you're looking for if you enjoy dramatic events, though there are other theaters in the city. Shopping is one of the many boutiques and specialty shops; or go to the Carolina Place Mall or SouthPark Mall, where you'll find a wide variety of shopping experiences! If it's mega-shopping you desire, go no further than the famous Concord Mills Shopping Center, Charlotte's biggest attraction.
Most exciting in Charlotte are its sporting events, especially with the addition of the new NBA franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats, for which a new $265 million arena is currently in construction. During baseball season, you can catch a game with the AAA Charlotte Knights or perhaps the National Softball Association's Girls' Fastpitch World Series. If it's hockey you enjoy, try the Charlotte Checkers; if it's fishing, Charlotte hosts the BASS Masters' Classic Fishing Tournament. NASCAR's Speedpark offers a fast-paced whirlwind of racing that even the tamest tourist can't resist! There's always something going on in this dynamic city.
CENTRAL NC
Fayetteville, NC, is perhaps one of the lesser-known attractions in the great state. A diamond in the rough, the city offers a multitude of activities and interesting historical markers. The historic downtown currently houses the Airborne and Special Operations Museum, and the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Station. There are a number of 18th and 19th century houses and buildings that provide a visual history for all visitors to this city. Civil War buffs will enjoy the Arsenal Park, which was seized by the Confederacy during the Civil War. Brilliant churches still stand offering a glimpse into the religious life of the city and its ancestors. No matter what you're looking for, you're sure to find it in Fayetteville!
THE QUEENS OF THE EAST
Maybe you've flown into the enormous Raleigh-Durham airport which greets many travelers to the Research Triangle of North Carolina... Nevertheless, the capital city and its sister offer an array of culture, business, historical, and basically any kind of event you're looking for! There are a number of malls in the different areas of Raleigh. Whether downtown, or circling on the beltway, you're sure to find a number of things to pique your interest. The best shopping centers are the circling malls, including Crabtree Valley Mall and Triangle Town Center, among others. These are one-stop-shopping areas during the holiday season, and year round, for that matter. There is almost too much to mention!
If it's education you seek or the great tradition of sporting events, you can head to one of the local universities. If you're a Blue Devils fan, you can enter Coach K's territory at the beautiful Duke University. For Wolfpak fans, head to the campus of North Carolina State University to take in the atmosphere and perhaps purchase some souvenirs for the upcoming sporting season. Finally, the University of North Carolina, or UNC, flies its powder blue flags throughout its campus, which you can visit on most every day. One of the most exciting times in this area is during the College Basketball playoffs, from the Sweet Sixteen, to Elite Eight to the Final Four, fans young and old can be seen with their brackets betting on who will pull off the win that year. And who can forget the Historic Durham Athletic Park, which was the home of the Durham Bulls, the featured team of the favorite Costner, Robbins, & Sarandon film, "Bull Durham." It's a sports fan's dream come true!
THE COAST & THE OUTER BANKS
Famous during Hurricane Season each year, the NC Coast and the Outer Banks provide the tourist with a number of breathtaking, yet relaxing opportunities. Travel to Historic Wilmington and the notorious Cape Fear Coast, where you can catch up on some tanning at the various beaches. There are a number of valuable gold, luxury, and entertainment packages available if you plan to make it a vacation destination. Up and down the coast are a varied collection of arts and crafts' vendors where you'll find the unique piece for which you were looking.
Making the trip to the Outer Banks takes a bit longer, but it is well worth the wait. Even the view from the enormous bridge that connects the strip of islands to the mainland is breathtaking and exciting as you travel out into the ocean. The Lighthouses are perhaps the most famous attractions of the Outer Banks, and you can travel from the South to the North, or vice versa, to tour them all. For the souvenir collector, the Currituck Lighthouse is your best bet, as they have the largest gift shop with the widest variety of merchandise. In addition, the Lost Colony of Roanoke is along the strip and you can visit the historical center before seeing the marvelous "Lost Colony" Outdoor Drama. They perform in a unique, close-to-the-audience manner, with meticulously crafted costumes and tremendous acting abilities that put the audience in the midst of the show. Andy Griffith and his wife have starred in this famous drama visited by many people throughout the course of the year.
There are simply too many attractions to mention all at once, and I strongly suggest you visit the state's website or those of specific cities to gain a greater, more detailed representation of the events and attractions. The Tarheel State welcomes all of its visitors with a Southern hospitality that is unmatched. Enjoy your time in the great state!
