A Century of Chowan Through Photographs
200 E. Church St., Edenton, NC. 252-482-8005. This permanent exhibit depicts life in Chowan County from 1850 to 1954 and is located in the Swain School Building. This exhibit features a variety of scenes from bygone days. Free. more details
S. Columbia St. at Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC. 919-966-5736. This collection of 15,000 objects broadly covers the history of European painting and sculpture, including masters such as Rubens, Delacroix, Degas and Pissarro. It’s particularly strong in Asian art and more details
401 N. Myers St., Charlotte, NC. 704-374-1565. A multi-disciplinary arts organization preserving the rich artistic heritage of African-American culture through exhibitions, performances, workshops and hands-on activities. more details
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
US 64/264, Manteo, NC. 252-473-1131. The refuge has more than 150,000 acres of wetland habitats and a wide variety of wildlife ranging from wood ducks and alligators to black bears and red wolves. Plant species including the Atlantic white cedar, more details
University Hall Dr., Boone, NC, 828-262-3117. This museum, which is part of Appalachian State University, is dedicated to the life and culture in the mountains of western North Carolina. AC. more details
175 Mystery Hill Ln., Blowing Rock, NC, 828-264-2792. This home built in 1903 for the founding fathers of Appalachian State University, B.B. and D.D. Dougherty, contains authentic turn-of-the-century decor. Visitors learn how mountain families lived in the early 1900s. AC. more details
940 Ski Mountain Rd., Blowing Rock, NC, 828-295-7828, 800-322-2373. Skiing since 1962. Family ski resort open mid-November through March. Home of French-Swiss Ski College. Outdoor ice skating rink. Ski and gift shops. AC. more details
201 E. Davie St., Raleigh, NC. 919-821-2787. This nonprofit visual arts center presents exhibitions, educational programs and artists working in open studios. Free. more details
100 E. Church St., Williamston, NC. 800-776-8566. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 19th-century dwelling of Judge Asa Biggs serves as a visitors center. Located in historic downtown Williamston. more details
510 Pollock St., New Bern, NC. 919-638-8558. Built in 1790 by prominent New Bernian Samuel Chapman. Furnished with 18th- and 19th-century antiques, the museum also features a room of Civil War memorabilia and a unique doll collection. Free. more details
100 Block, Turner St., Beaufort, NC. 252-728-5225, 800-575-7483. Preservation efforts have kept Old Beufort much as it was when the town was incorporated in 1723. Tour the historic district via double-decker English bus and hear costumed guides tell of the more details
Bennett Place State Historic Site
4409 Bennett Memorial Rd., Durham, NC. 919-383-4345. The site where Confederate Gen. Johnston surrendered to Union Gen. Sherman 17 days after Lee’s surrender at Appomattox and ended the Civil War in the Carolinas. Reconstructed farmhouse, outbuildings, interpretive center and museum. more details
1 Lodge St., Asheville, NC, 828-274-6333, 888-804-8258. A privately owned national historic landmark, Biltmore Estate is America’s largest home, with gardens, shops, restaurants and an award-winning winery that offers a self-guided tour and free tastings. AC. more details
256 Middle St., New Bern, NC. 252-636-5898. On this spot in his pharmacy, Caleb Bradham invented “Brad’s Drink,” which later he patented as Pepsi-Cola. Today, you can relax and enjoy a Pepsi-Cola at the re-created soda foundtain. Free. more details
US 321 S. & Rock Rd., Blowing Rock, NC, 828-295-7111. Beautiful scenic walk overlooking John’s River Gorge. Observation tower, gardens, small garden waterfall and unique gift shops. Come visit and learn about the legend of the Indian lovers. AC. more details
152 Sunset Dr., Blowing Rock, NC, 828-295-9168, 800-295-7851. The professional summer theater of the High Country offers performances June through August at the Blowing Rock Arts Center. Rocket Players Youth Theatre performs two shows each season for young audiences. AC. more details
151 Weaver Blvd., Asheville, NC, 828-252-5190 A 10-acre garden of plants native to the Appalachian Region. Visitors center with gift shop. Free. more details
211 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC. 704-375-7800. Built in 1902-1903 for one of Charlotte’s most prominent families, the Colonial Revival-style house was designed by Charles Christian Hook, one of Charlotte’s first resident architects. Free. more details
1000 Probart St., Brevard, NC, 828-884-2011, 888-384-8682. Home of the Brevard Music Festival, which is held for seven weeks each summer (late June through mid-August). More than 55 different concert events, from opera to chamber music. AC more details
British Cemetery Rd., Ocracoke, NC. 252-926-9171, 888-493-3826. This is the final resting place for four unidentified British sailors from the HMC Bedfordshire, which was torpedoed and sunk off the coast of Ocracoke in May 1942. Today, because of this tragic more details
496 Main St., Chimney Rock, NC. 828-625-0701. Saturday-night live bluegrass music in a smoke- and alcohol-free facility. Family entertainment. more details
482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC. 910-692-4356. This historic home of the Arts Council of Moore County provides three spacious exhibit areas and offers paintings and pottery for sale by local artists. Free. more details
1010 State Park, Carolina Beach, NC. 910-458-8206. Spot the rare Venus’ flytrap and other species of plants. Wind your way through habitats along intriguing trails or enjoy fishing and boating. Covers 712 acres with five miles of hiking trails, boat more details
101 York St., Windsor, NC. 919-794-5553. Boardwalk in a natural wetlands environment with cypress trees and other swampland flora. Walk takes visitor to the edge of the Cashie River, which is 20 miles long and as deep as 80 feet more details
1080 Ski Lodge Rd., Maggie Valley, NC. 828-926-0285, 800-768-0285. First ski area in the Southeast, with 10 slopes and trails. One expert, two advanced, four intermediate and three beginner; two double chairlifts, one quad chairlift and one rope tow. Snowboarding more details
Catawba County Museum of History
30 N. College Ave., Newton, NC. 828-465-0383. Housed in the former Catawba County Courthouse (circa 1924). Regional in its scope of the Catawba Valley area history, the exhibits include a rare British Revolution-era redcoat, a 1930s racing car, and a more details
The site adjoins the Aycock Brown Welcome Center at Milepost #1 on U.S. Hwy 158 in Kitty Hawk, NC. (no telephone). Set against the open sky of Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Monument to a more details
Charlotte Museum of History/Hezekiah Alexander Homesite
3500 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC. 704-568-1774. Visit the oldest existing home in Mecklenburg County, the Revolutionary War-era home (circa 1774) of Hezekiah Alexander. Museum features exhibits of local interest, a gift shop and nearly 15,000 artifacts. AC. more details
1658 Sterling Rd., Charlotte, NC. 704-372-6261, 800-935-0553. Nature center with live-animal room, nature trail, butterfly pavilion and puppet theater. AC. more details
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
1801 Yorkmont Rd., Charlotte, NC. 704-357-1269. Farmers market featuring locally grown produce, handmade crafts, baked goods and plants. Owned and operated by the NC Department of Agriculture. more details
Chatham County Courthouse & Historical Museum
Intersection of 15-501 & 64, Pittsboro, NC. 919-542-3603, 800-316-3829. Built in 1881 and designed by a local lawyer, this is the fourth courthouse built in the county since 1771. Extensively renovated in 1959 and again in the late 1980s, the more details
Cherokee County Historical Museum
87 Peachtree St., Murphy, NC. 828-837-6792. Reflects the life of the Cherokee Indian during the time of the Cherokee nation and the removal along the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma. Depicts the early life of the white man in Cherokee more details
US 64/74A, Chimney Rock, NC. 828-625-9611, 800-277-9611. Spectacular 75-mile views, sheer cliffs and unique rock formations. Trails lead to 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls with trail specialists available to answer questions. AC more details
A103 Main St., Columbia, NC. 252-796-2781. This 35-acre district consists of a collection of buildings dating from the 19th century to World War I. Architecture styles range from Victorian to Craftsman, Tudor Revival to Romanesque. Self-guided tour. Free. more details
Columbia Theater Cultural Resources Center
304 Main St., Columbia, NC. 252-766-0200, 888-737-0437. Housed in the renovated Columbia Theater, a former movie palace that had fallen into disrepair. The focus of the CTCRC is on human interaction with the environment on the upper Albemarle-Pamlico peninsula, especially more details
8520 River Rd., Southport, NC. 910-457-6041. Offers over 30 energy-related exhibits covering production of electricity, electrical safety, alternative energy sources and energy conservation. Free. more details
Dan Nicholas Park & Campground
6800 Bringle Ferry Rd., Salisbury, NC. 704-636-2089 (park). 704-636-0154 (campground), 866-767-2757. This 425-acre park offers a 10-acre lake for paddleboating and fishing. Other agttractions include live animal exhibits, nature center, tennis courts, picnic shelters, playground, volleyball, horseshoes, ball fields, miniature more details
724 Webster Rd. Stoneville, NC. 336-427-8530. Gentle float trips on river running through Rockingham and Stokes County, past rocky cliffs, dense forest and mountain laurels. AC. more details
651 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC, 828-264-6390. The gardens feature a collection of North American native plant material in an informal landscape design, along with an authentic log cabin which once belonged to the Boone family. Self-guided tours, more details
601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-750-2458. Diggs Gallery offers 10 to 15 exhibits each year. Most highlight African Diaspora and African-American art and culture. Visit the Sculpture Gardens and take in the breathtaking John Biggers Murals, more details
301 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. 704-372-6261, 800-935-0553. One of the nation’s top hands-on science museums, featuring an OMNIMAX Theater, planetarium, Life Center, Science Circus, Rain Forest and more. Provides ever-changing entertaining facilities for a variety of experiences in science. more details
Downtown Arts District Winston-Salem
Sixth & Trade Sts., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-761-1955. Set against a backdrop of murals, it features Gallery Hops for the first Friday evening of every month. Explore working studios, galleries and shops. Free. more details
Duke Homestead State Historic Site & Tobacco Museum
2828 Duke Homestead Rd., Durham, NC. 919-477-5498. National Historic Landmark features Duke family’s mid-1800s home, tobacco barns and original factory. Museum, film and living history demonstrations of life on a typical yeoman farm in the 1800s. Free. more details
3705 Erwin Rd., Durham, NC. 919-489-3364. Research and study center. Home to hundreds of prosimian primates including lemurs, lorises and bush babies. Outside walking tour and inside viewing of nocturnal prosimians. Advance reservations required. AC. more details
2001 Campus Dr., Durham, NC. 919-684-5135. Features medieval sculpture; stained glass; extensive pre-Columbian exhibits; African, American, European paintings and sculptures; Greek and Roman antiquities; and Chinese jade. Free. more details
DuPont Rd., Hendersonville, NC. 828-251-6509. The forest encompasses more than 10,000 acres with waterfalls and rolling land bordered by moderately steep hills and mountains. The forest is open to the public for hiking, horseback riding, biking and fishing (with a more details
6101 Cole Mill Rd., Durham, NC. 919-383-1686. Birdwatching, boating/sailing, fishing, hiking, picnic shelter. Free. more details
200 N. Blount St., Raleigh, NC. 919-733-3456. Victorian-style mansion, home to North Carolina governors since 1891. Built from native North Carolina materials, it has been occupied by 25 governors’ families. Free. more details
2000 Fearrington Village Center, Pittsboro, NC. 919-542-2121, 800-316-3829. A breathtaking scene when the gardens are in full bloom. The Belted Galloways (fondly known as belties) graze the meadows while guests enjoy formal tea. Shops, restaurants and more in this country more details
Hwy. 294, Murphy, NC. 828-494-7855. This 200-acre Bible park offers a gift shop, bookstore, gospel theater, picnic areas and a nature trail. An entire mountainside displays the Ten Commandments written in stone. Free. more details
Blue Ridge Pkwy., MP 382, Asheville, NC, 828-298-7928. Home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Full schedule of fine craft exhibits of regional, national and international scope. Daily craft demonstrations April through December. Home of the Allanstand Craft Shop, which more details
Fort Dobbs State Historic Site
438 Ft. Dobbs Rd., Statesville, NC. 704-873-5866. Site of French and Indian War fort. Archaeological sites, artifact displays, nature trails and recreational facilities. Named for Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs. Free. more details
Hobbs Road just north of Friendly Ave., Greensboro, NC. 336-373-2199. Three unique public gardens (Greensboro Arboretum, Bog Garden and Bicentennial Garden) feature the diversity of plants found in the Piedmont Triad region. Free. more details
708 N. Main St., Mount Airy, NC. 336-786-6856, 800-576-0231. Built by merchant and landowner Jefferson Davis Smith, this Victorian-style home contains period furnishings and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Free. more details
220 N. Church St., Greensboro, NC. 336-574-2898. Experience an exciting, colorful place brimming with hands-on exhibits and activities with 1- to 10-year-old children in mind. Fly a plane, dig for buried treasure, wrap yourself up in a gigantic bubble and more details
Greensboro Cultural Center at Festival Park
200 N. Davie St., Greensboro, NC. 336-373-2712. Browse through this architectural showplace housing 15 visual and performing arts organizations, five art galleries, rehearsal halls, a sculpture garden, restaurant and an outdoor amphitheater. Free. more details
130 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC. 336-373-2043. Discover American history through the stories of Piedmont people and events in 12 galleries and two restored houses. Learn about the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins that kindled the Civil Rights movement, the lasting legacy of more details
1 Page Ave., Asheville, NC, 828-252-7799. Originally completed in 1929, the Grove was returned to its former glory in 2002. Come visit locally owned-and-operated shops and restaurants showcasing the foods, crafts and wares of western North Carolina artisans. The Arcade more details
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
2332 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC. 336-288-1776. More than 200 acres and 28 monuments of soldiers, statesmen and patriots of the American Revolution honoring the March 15, 1781, battle. The battle is considered to have changed the course of the more details
US Hwys 15-501 & 64, Pittsboro, NC. 800-316-3829. Running through Guilford, Rockingham and Alamance counties before crossing into Chatham County, the Haw offers views of river-bank forests as you paddle its meandering course. more details
Hayti Heritage Center/St. Josephs AME Church
804 Old Fayetteville St., Durham, NC. 919-683-1709. Formerly the sanctuary for St. Joseph’s AME Church (founded in 1869), one of the first autonomous African-American churches in America. A National Historic Landmark. Free. more details
Haywood Hall House and Gardens
211 New Bern Pl., Raleigh, NC. 919-832-8357. Oldest house within Raleigh’s original city limits on its original site; built in 1799 by State Treasurer John Haywood. Learn about his descendants, family portraits, furnishings and about 200 years of Raleigh’s growth. more details
Hickory Ridge Homestead & Living History Museum
591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC, 828-264-2120, 888-825-6765. Living history recreated by docents in traditional costumes, working with traditional tools, engaged in hearth baking, candle-making, weaving, tin-smithing and other activities among original mountain cabins. Live-in program for groups, more details
2147 Bethabara Rd., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-924-8191. A National Historic Landmark and the site of the first Moravian settlement in the state, it celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2003. Experience frontier life as you walk through the 1788 church, reconstructed palisade more details
Historic Downtown Hendersonville
443 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC. 828-697-2022. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Features a serpentine street lined with trees, floral planters, thriving specialty shops, antique stores and restaurants, historic depot and curb market. Home to many activities more details
704-878-3436. Includes the historic downtown area and four outlying residential districts. Many of the commercial and residential structures are on the National Register of Historic Places and date from 1860. Many fine examples of period architecture, including the City Hall more details
500 W. Corporation St., Durham, NC. 919-687-6555. This historic ballpark served as a major film location for the hit movie “Bull Durham” and was the original home of the Durham Bulls for more than 50 years. more details
3346 Haywood Rd., Hendersonville, NC. 828-891-6585. This late-19th-century tobacco farm and early 20th-century tourist retreat is operated year-round as a heritage education center and farm museum. Over 15 acres with nature trails, forests and streams. AC. more details
Main St., Sylva, NC. 828-586-2155, 800-962-1911. Classic, turn-of-the-century Main Street, which underwent renovation in 1997 as part of the Main Street USA Program. Restaurants and shops line the street. The state’s most-photographed courthouse is on the hill above. Free. more details
4028 Carya Dr., Raleigh, NC. 919-250-1013. This antebellum farmstead features an 1855 Greek Revival house, detached plank kitchen, cotton gin museum, an herb garden, picnic facilities, a barn and a new 3,000-sq.-ft. museum called the Farm History Center. On the more details
Oakwood is a nineteenth century neighborhood and historic district located near downtown Raleigh, North Carolina.. 919-733-3456. A Victorian neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with restored homes built between 1870 and 1912. This 20-block area may be more details
Historic Shaw House Properties
Morganton Rd. & Broad St., Southern Pines, NC. 910-692-2051. Three historic houses (1770-1820) are furnished with plain-style furniture, depicting life in the early Sandhills. Free; fee for tour groups. more details
5828 Old Oxford Rd, Durham, NC. 919-620-0120. State Historic Site features 18th- and 19th-century buildings dedicated to preservation and African-American cultural historic studies. Once among the largest plantation holdings in the South. Free. more details
W. Fourth St., Winston-Salem, NC. This circa-1890 historic neighborhood has curvy streets, terraced lawns, and Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Craftsman and Victorian-style homes. An architectural walking tour highlights homes, antique shops and eateries. Free. more details
Historical Rosedale Plantation
3427 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. Circa 1815, this is one of the few remaining examples of 19th-century Catawba River Valley plantations. Tours include the manor house, eight acres of grounds and extensive gardens. more details
Holmes Educational State Forest
1299 Crab Creek Road, Hendersonville, NC. 828-692-0100. A managed forest designed to promote better understanding of the value of forests through exhibits, audio stations (talking trees), signs and ranger-conducted classes. Picnic areas and hiking trails available. Free. more details
610 E. Rosemary St., Chapel Hill, NC. 919-942-7818. Built in 1840 with additions in 1855 and 1880. Monthly art exhibits, chamber music concert series, house tour, many special events. Free. more details
Horn in the West Outdoor Drama
591 Horn in the West Dr., Boone, NC, 828-264-2120. Set in the southern Appalachian region of NC during the Revolutionary War, the historical outdoor drama follows frontiersman Daniel Boone and his band of mountain settlers as they struggle against the more details
NC Hwy. 57 N., Roxboro, NC. 336-599-4343. Constructed in the early 1960s and covers 3,750 acres. Its 160 miles of shoreline provide recreation activities including boating and fishing, camping and picnicking. more details
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC. 919-834-4040. The theater features a seven-story IMAX screen projecting images 10 times the site of traditional movie images. more details
Iredell Museum of Arts and Heritage
1335 Museum Rd., Statesville, NC. 704-873-4734. Located in the 1899 Water Pump Station, the museum’s permanent collection includes glassware, noteworthy portrait miniatures, historical artifacts, vintage clothing, furniture, farm tools, and numerous paintings and sculptures from notable local artists. AC. more details
4301 Beryl Rd., Raleigh, NC. 919-515-3132. A nationally known arboretum dedicated to discovery, evaluation and promotion of well-adapted plants for the home landscape. The 8-acre garden includes a White Garden, Japanese Garden and award-winning 350-foot perennial border. Free. more details
728 W. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC. 919-833-3431. Built circa 1760, this landmark is Wake County’s oldest existing building. During the 1700s, it was the site of numerous historic political events. Costumed docents give tours and tell the story of the more details
Jordan Lake Educational State Forest
2832 Big Woods Rd., Chapel Hill, NC. 919-542-1154, 800-316-3829. Listen to the wind in the trees or listen to the trees tell a story on the 3/4-mile Talking Tree Trail. View a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, more details
Blue Ridge Pkwy., MP 297, Blowing Rock, NC, 828-298-0398. Part of the largest developed area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The park offers a wide variety of recreational activities including camping (primitive only), hiking, boating (no power or sail boats) more details
259 S. Stratford Rd., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-724-2484. Winston-Salem is the home to this doughnut giant, founded in 1937. Numerous variations of the “original glazed” doughnuts can be purchased. Watch for the flashing “Hot Doughnuts Now” sign and come in to more details
Lake Lure Tours, Marina & Beach
US 64/74A, Lake Lure, NC. 828-625-1373, 877-386-4255. One of the most spectacular lakes in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Offers hourly boat tours, twilight and dinner cruises, boat rentals, and beach and water park. more details
Brevard, NC, 800-648-4523. There are many scenic waterfalls in the Brevard area of Transylvania County and the Pisgah National Forest. Major falls include: Connestee, High, Looking Glass, Rainbow Falls, Toxaway and Whitewater. Free. more details
Legends of Harley Drag Racing Museum
1126 S. Saunders St., Raleigh, NC. 919-832-2261. Check out the only Harley-Davidson drag racing museum in the world, located on the second floor of one of the largest Harley dealerships in the United States. The newly expanded showroom is the more details
Levine Museum of the New South
200 E. Seventh St., Charlotte, NC. 704-333-1887. This interactive regional history museum features changing and traveling exhibits that offer a view of Charlotte’s past. People of all ages will find the hands-on history educational and entertaining. more details
201 E. Hargett St., Raleigh, NC. 919-834-4040. An interactive museum about the world. Features interactive exhibits and programs for all ages focusing on global trade, telecommunications, changing cultures and the global environment. AC. more details
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens
900 Rock Quarry Rd., Raleigh, NC. 919-834-6264. A colorful variety of trees, shrubs and flowering plants encircles a life-sized bronze statue of the national civil rights leader. The King Memorial Wall surrounds the statue and includes 2,400 bricks inscribed with more details
Mattye Reed African Heritage Center
1601 E. Market St., Greensboro, NC. 336-334-3209. Located on the North Carolina A&T State University campus, the museum houses one of the best collections of African culture in the country. More than 3,500 art and craft items from more than more details
Hwy. 49 N., Roxboro, NC. 336-597-1755. This 2,800-acre lake with a 120-acre park offers camping, walking, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking and fishing. more details
15222 York Rd., Charlotte, NC. 704-588-5224. Hands-on nature center with a newly installed insect display and interactive games. Nature center also offers eight miles of hiking trails in the 950-acre McDowell Nature Preserve. more details
Mineral and Lapidary Museum of Henderson Company, Inc.
400 N. Main St., Hendersonville, NC. 828-698-1977. Displays include NC minerals, dinosaur egg cluster, Smithsonian minerals, English minerals, fluorescent minerals, geodes, petrified wood and large logs, coral, artfully crafted jewelry, gemstones and Cullinan Diamond replicas. more details
2730 Randolph Rd., Charlotte, NC. 704-337-2000. North Carolina’s first art museum and one of the leading museums of the Southeast with holdings of art in American paintings, pre-Columbian art, regional crafts, historic costumes, African art, gold coins minted in Charlotte. more details
500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. 704-337-2000. Featuring the technical virtuosity and inspirations of craft artists from all over the world. Exciting collections of ceramics, fiber, glass, metal and wood are showcased in this museum located in Center City Charlotte. more details
1 Mimosa St., Raleigh, NC. 919-834-4844. Visit an antebellum plantation house and outbuildings, home to five generations of an influential Raleigh family. Tour of the park also includes the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson. AC. more details
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC. 919-962-1236. Visit the premier NC astronomy education facility where American astronauts formerly trained. Enjoy dazzling 30- to 45-minutes Star Theater presentations, a huge outdoor sundial, rose garden, gift shop, and science and art more details
Blue Ridge Pkwy., MP 294, Blowing Rock, NC, 828-295-7938. This federal park, which is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers 3,600 acres of forests, meadows and wildflowers; a bass lake and trout lake; 26 miles of carriage roads for more details
Mount Airy Museum of Regional History
301 N. Main St., Mount Airy, NC. 336-786-4478. A nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and interpreting the natural, historic and artistic heritage of the backcountry region of northwestern North Carolina and southwest Virginia. More than 15,000 square feet of exhibit more details
2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville, NC. 828-675-4611. Mount Mitchell is the highest peak (6,684 feet) in the eastern U.S. and offers a cool climate and easy access from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Restaurant, tent camping area, museum and picnic area, more details
Wake Forest University, 1834 Wake Forest Rd., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-758-5282. Families will enjoy permanent exhibits consisting of cultural objects from the Americas, Africa, Asia and Pacific. This intimate museum is the only one in the Southeast devoted to the study more details
Museum of Early Southern Decorative Art (MESDA)
924 S. Main St., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-721-7300, 888-348-5420. Housed in Old Salem, it is the only museum dedicated to exhibiting and researching the original decorative arts of the early South. Guided tours of the 24 “period” rooms show the visitor more details
433 W. Murray Ave., Durham, NC. 919-220-5429. A 78-acre, 68,000-sq.-ft. regional, interactive science technology center. Includes aerospace exhibit, wildlife, Ellerbee Creek Railway, Magic Wings Butterfly House and Aventis Crop Science Insectorium. AC. more details
Museum of North Carolina Handicrafts
49 Shelton St., Waynesville, NC. 828-452-1551. Comprehensive exhibit of heritage crafts includes wood carvings, quilts, coverlets, pottery, great collection of Seagrove and Jugtown pottery, china painting, handcrafted jewelry, Cherokee and Navaho artifacts, and some period furniture, all located in historic more details
Museum of Yancey County History
3 Academy Street, Burnsville, NC. 828-678-9587. The museum is housed in the historic John Wesley McElroy House, which was headquarters for the NC Home Guard during the Civil War. Now home of the Rush Wray Museum of Yancey County History. more details
129 Mystery Hill Ln., Blowing Rock, NC, 828-264-2792. A self-guided tour of four fun-filled areas: the Mystery House, the Hall of Mystery, Bubble-Rama and the Appalachian Heritage Museum. AC. more details
Bryson City, NC. Popular whitewater river rushes through the Nantahala National Forest. more details
Natural Science Center of Greensboro
4301 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC. 336-288-3769. Hands-on museum, zoo and planetarium offering fun for the whole family. Roam through the Dinosaur Gallery, learn about gems and minerals, visit snakes in the herpetarium, pet animals in the zoo’s petting area, or more details
Pisgah National Forest, NC. 828-682-6146. A free-flowing river through the Pisgah National Forest, it pours through one of the deepest canyons in the East and creates challenging whitewater rafting. more details
100 Fredrick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC, 828-665-2492. Miles of nature trails offer leisurely walking as well as challenging hiking; cultivated gardens reflect the unique culture of the Southern Appalachian Mountains; and a state-of-the-art greenhouse complex is fascinating. Free more details
North Carolina Aviation Museum
2222 Pilots View Rd, Asheboro, NC. 336-625-0170. Step back in time to America’s greatest era and tap your foot to the sounds of the big bands in Asheboro at the NC Aviation Museum. You will see many examples of America’s more details
North Carolina Botanical Garden
Old Mason Farm Rd. off Fordham Blvd., Chapel Hill, NC. 919-962-0522. One of the largest natural botanical gardens in the Southeast consists of 600 acres of preserved land and includes nature trails, carnivorous plant collections, aquatics and herb plants. more details
North Carolina Central University Art Museum
1801 Fayetteville St., Durham, NC. 919-560-6211. Collections include paintings, sculptures, prints, African art and artifacts. The museum has temporary exhibitions of African-American art from national, regional and local artists, and also exhibits works from local public school students. Free. more details
North Carolina Collection Gallery
Wilson Library, South Rd., UNC-Chapel Hill. 919-962-1172. Historic rooms and exhibit selections from the NC Collection’s extensive holding of books, maps, photographs and museum objects. Free. more details
North Carolina Homespun Museum
111 Grovewood Rd., Asheville, NC, 828-253-7651. This museum preserves, in photos and artifacts, the history of Biltmore Industries and the people involved. Bolts of woolen homespun cloth, the old-time clock and one of the original looms are on display. more details
2110 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC. 919-839-6262. Houses the finest collection of Old Master paintings in the Southeast and offers educational programs, performances and films. Includes gift store and cafe. Free. more details
North Carolina Museum of History
5 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC. 919-715-0200. Explore compelling exhibits that capture the spirit of North Carolina and its people. Long-term exhibits highlight the state’s Civil War days, healing systems and the N.C. Sports Hall of Fame. Special programs include more details
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
11 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC. 919-733-7450, 877-462-8724. The Southeast’s largest nagtural history museum offers four floors of exhibits, live animals, a store and Arco Cafe. Highlights include the world’s only Acrocanthosaurus dinosaur; Willo, the first dinosaur discovered with a more details
233 East Ave., Seagrove, NC. 336-873-8430. Exhibits and activities bring to life the history and heritage of North Carolina pottery. The center provides information and displays to assist visiting over 90 potters in the Seagrove area and hundreds of potters more details
1 E. Edenton St., Raleigh, NC. 919-733-4994. Built between 1833 and 1840, this National Historic Landmark is one of the best-preserved examples of a civic building in the Greek Revival style of architecture. Free. more details
North Carolina State Legislative Building
16 W. Jones St., Raleigh, NC. 919-733-7928. Home of the North Carolina General Assembly. Free. more details
4401 Zoo Pkwy., Asheboro, NC. 336-879-7000, 800-488-0444. The nation’s largest walk-through natural-habitat zoo, with more than 1,000 animals and 1,500 plant species. AC. more details
Old Greensboro Historic District
Greensboro, NC. 336-379-0060. Visit this revitalized turn-of-the-century commercial and industrial district of antique shops and sretaurants. Self-guided tour brochures available at the Greensboro Area CVB. Free. more details
601 Old Salem Rd., Winston-Salem, NC. 336-721-7300, 888-348-5420. Founded in 1766 to house professional Moravian craftsmen, Salem, a congregational town and trading center, was a haven for entrepreneurs. Now known as Old Salem, it is one of America’s most authentic more details
Pack Place Education, Arts & Science Center
2 S. Pack Square, Asheville, NC, 828-257-4500. A unique cultural centerpiece in downtown Asheville housing five of western North Carolina’s premier attractions in one complex: The Asheville Art, Colburn Gem & Mineral Museums, and Diana Wortham Theatre, The Health Adventure more details
14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte, NC. 467-280-3548, 800-888-4386. The Carolinas’ premier 100-acre water and theme park has more than 50 attractions for all ages including thrilling rides, like Top Gun; The Jet Coaster; musical revues and shows; Zoom Zone children’s area; more details
5109 Farrington Rd., Durham, NC. 919-493-8149. An authentic turn-of-the-century country store and doctor’s office/pharmacy. Features collections of mercantile and pharmaceutical Americana and tobacco marketing memorabilia. Free. more details
Person County Museum of History
309 N. Main St., Roxboro, NC. 336-597-2884. Located in turn-of-the-century home of W.W. Kitchin, governor of state (1809-1813). Museum complex includes the Kitchin Home, Woodsdale General Store, Dr. John H. Merrit’s office and a tobacco barn. Free. more details
6925 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd., Asheboro, NC. 336-626-0364, 800-626-2672. Historic covered bridge (circa 1910), one of only two in North Carolina. Hiking trails, picnic tables and parking available. Free. more details
Pittsboro Historic District & Antique Walk
Pittsboro, NC 919-542-3603, 800-316-3829. Recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the district stretches beyond the original four-block center of the town. It includes Chatham Mills, the Patrick St. Lawrence House, the Pittsboro Community House, the county courthouse, more details
520 Ashe Ave., Raleigh, NC. 919-831-6468. Small amusement park with 1910 Dentzel carousel, train, kiddie boats, indoor pool, pedal boats, concessions, playground, picnic areas and community center. Arts center, Theatre in the Park. Free; fee for programs, rides. more details
215 N. Sycamore St., Charlotte, NC. 704-432-4729. A one-of-a-kind indoor water park featuring a giant slide, lazy river, vortex pool and water playground. For the fitness-minded we have a state-of-the-art fitness center with a cardiovascular theater and aerobics studio. AC. more details
1089 Knox Rd., McLeansville, NC. 336-697-3000, 800-737-5223. The world’s largest retailer of old and new china, crystal, flatware and collectibles. More than 8 million pieces of inventory in more than 150,000 patterns. Daily tours of showrooms, museum, warehouse and restoration more details
5 Piney Mountain Church Rd., Candler, NC. 828-665-7405. Beautiful vistas highlight this winery in the heart of the Blue Ridge. Free. more details
53 Birch St., Asheville, NC, 828-258-8480. Dating back to the early 1800s, this is the final resting place for many of Asheville’s most famous sons and daughters including writers Thomas Wolfe and O. Henry. Unusual monuments and mausoleums, massive oaks more details
202 N. Main St., Salisbury, NC. 704-633-5946. This 1854 courthouse, which survived Stoneman’s raid, is one of the finest examples of pre-Civil War architecture in the state. Home of the Rowan Museum, reflecting artifacts and displays on the life and more details
Roxboro Uptown Historical Walking Tour
Main St., Roxboro, NC. 336-598-0918. rudc@esinc.net. Tour the historical district in uptown Roxboro, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. See varying styles of architecture and the history museum. Free. more details
215 Depot St., Salisbury, NC. 704-636-0103. The 30-square-block area consists of downtown Salisbury and the West Square residential district. This National Register of Historic Places district includes the Dr. Josephus Hall House, which was built in 1820 as the Salisbury more details
Duke University, West Campus, 420 Anderson St., Durham, NC. 919-684-3698, 800-367-3853. Fifty-five acres of landscaped and woodland gardens feature more than 2,000 kinds of plants, five miles of walks and pathways with bridges, courts, lawns, waterfalls, ponds and pavilions. Includes more details
Scenic Byway-Devil’s Stompin’ Ground Road
State Route 902, Bear Creek, NC. 919-733-2920, 800-316-3829. This byway takes its colorful name from a local legend attached to a clearing, a circular path said to have been worn down by the devil’s pacing as he plotted new forms more details
Seagrove, NC. 800-626-2672. Visit more than 90 potteries in the Seagrove area and view the heritage and craft of Seagrove pottery making. more details
US 276, Brevard, NC, 828-877-3265. Located in Pisgah National Forest just north of Brevard, 7.6 miles from the junction of US highways 64 and 276, is Sliding Rock, one place where you’re invited to “take the plunge” down a 60-foot more details
283 Victoria Rd., Asheville, NC, 828-253-9231. Once the home of mayors, a Confederate major and friends of the Vanderbilts, this restored antebellum mansion is the oldest surviving house in Asheville. The museum features history exhibits, period rooms decorated with furnishings more details
1201 Agriculture Dr., Raleigh, NC. 919-733-7417. Visitors enjoy 75 acres of indoor and outdoor specialty shops, restaurants, garden center, fruits and vegetables from across the state. Free. more details
2200 New Garden Rd., Greensboro, NC. 336-545-5315. This seven-acre park was the 18th-century farmstead of Joseph Hoskins. Hoskins served the Guilford County community as a constable, tax collector and as sheriff. The Colonial Heritage Center offers a variety of exhibits more details
Tarboro Historic District National Recreation Trail
Two-mile trail beginning at the Blount-Bridgers House. Stroll by structures representing Colonial, antebellum and Victorian architectural periods. Significant historic sites are the Pender Museum, the Town Common, the Cotton Press Complex, Calvary Church and churchyard, and the National Main Street more details
Taxidermy Hall of Fame of North Carolina/Antique Tool Museum/Cre
156 N.W. Broad St., Southern Pines, NC. 910-692-3471. On exhibit is every kind of North Carolina wildlife (within the law), state and national taxidermy ribbon winners, and the oldest rock on earth. AC. more details
342 Maple Ave., Reidsville, NC. 336-349-1099. Magnificent 12,500-sq.-ft. Colonial home located on 3.5 acres of beautifully landscaped lawn. Tours on request; call ahead for information. Free. more details
Thomas Wolfe Memorial State Historic Site
52 Market St., Asheville, NC, 828-253-8304. Boyhood home of author Thomas Wolfe. Fictionalized as Dixieland in his first novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.” AC. more details
UNC Charlotte Botanical Gardens & Sculpture Garden
9201 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC. 704-547-2870. Greenhouses and two outdoor gardens provide year-round interest. Highlights include a diverse orchid collection, native carnivorous plants, huge display of rhododendrons throughout the native garden and a unique winter garden. Free. more details
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
250 E. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, NC. 919-962-1630. Chartered in 1789, the nation’s first state university covers more than 700 acres. Historic tours available by appointment. Free. more details
123 E. Liberty St, Salisbury, NC. 704-636-1882. Founded in 1959 as the Rowan Art Guild and accredited in 1999 by the American Association of Museums, the Waterworks recently moved from its original location. The new gallery offers exhibitions, studio classes, more details
West Point on the Eno City Park
5101 N. Roxboro Rd., Durham, NC. Features a reconstructed 1778 working gristmill, McCown-Magnum House built in the 1880s, Hugh Mangrum Museum of Photography, re-creation of a 19th-century blacksmith shop, hiking trails and amphitheater. Site of Festival more details
Western North Carolina Air Museum
1340 Gilbert St., Hendersonville, NC. 828-698-2482. Home of a unique collection of airplanes and memorabilia celebrating the Golden Age of General Aviation. Located adjacent to the Hendersonville airport, you can chat with the aircrafts’ owners or watch these vintage machines more details
Western North Carolina Farmers Market
570 Brevard Rd., Asheville, NC, 828-253-1691. A 36-acre, state-owned farmers market featuring fresh produce, jams, jellies, plants and handmade crafts. Also contains a restaurant and garden center. more details
Western North Carolina Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Rd., Asheville, NC, 828-298-5600. A living museum exhibiting and interpreting the plant and animal wildlife of the Southern Appalachian Mountains. AC. more details
Wet ‘N Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
3910 S. Holden Rd., Greensboro, NC. 336-852-9721, 800-555-5900. The largest water park in the Carolinas offers more than 35 rides and attractions. Enjoy Thunder Bay, one of only four tsunami pools in the country; the Hydra Fighter II, an awesome more details
555 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, NC. 910-692-6261. 1920s Georgian mansion located on 24 acres with extensive gardens, arts and humanities activities. This former home of author James Boyd is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also home more details
Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve
1024 N. Ft. Bragg, Southern Pines, NC. 910-692-2167. Named for Weymouth, England. A 571-acre nature preserve of longleaf pine forest, home of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, a permanent resident of the Sandhills. Tour the nature center museum, dedicated to the more details
8801 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh, NC. 919-571-4170. Over 5,400 acres of natural area located in Wake County. The park offers hiking trails, bridle and bike trails, picnicking, and camping. Rowboats and canoes are available for rental during the summer. more details