NASCAR Hall of FameWhat’s New
• NASCAR Hall of Fame: Interactive, entertainment attraction dedicated to the history and heritage of NASCAR. The high-tech, four-level venue includes exhibits, interactive displays, a state-of-the-art theatre, a Hall of Honor to commemorate inductees, a parade of 18 historic cars, restaurant and retail outlet. Charlotte.
NC Division of Tourism• International Civil Rights Center & Museum: Located in the original F.W. Woolworth’s building where the protest started. Features the original luncheonette and chairs, 14 signature exhibits, and a changing gallery with artifacts and archival installations on the civil rights movement. Greensboro.
Hobart Jones• Andy Griffith Museum: Featuring the world’s largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia in the actor’s boyhood hometown, Mount Airy, the inspiration for Mayberry in the classic 60s TV show. Museum houses items like the iconic signs from the show’s courthouse doors and the oversized keys to the jail. Mount Airy.
Attractions
• Biltmore Estates: Highlights include America’s largest home, magnificent gardens, award-winning winery, shopping and dining. The new Antler Hill Village comprises a Village Green and Bandstand, Outdoor Adventure Center, Cedric’s Tavern and Creamery.
• Billy Graham Library: Only facility of its kind in North America based on the life and legacy of America’s famous evangelist. The Library has hosted more than 300,000 visitors since it opened in 2007. Free admission. Charlotte.
• Canopy Tour Zip Line, Nantahala Gorge: A canopy tour through North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains. Operated by Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, this three-hour session takes visitors across three Sky Bridges and five transfer bridges to get to the 11-zipline sections.
En route, guides will provide information on the natural and cultural history of the gorge.
• Chimney Rock: Climb 26 storeys, or take the elevator to the top (elevation of 695 metres) and enjoy 121 kilometres of spectacular views. Smoky Mountains.
• Wright Brothers National Memorial: The site of man’s first powered flight by the Wright brothers in 1903. Features museum, reconstructed hangar and daily presentations on their historic first flight. Kill Devil Hills.
Events
• North Carolina Azalea Festival (April), Historic Wilmington and Cape Fear Coast.
• Cycle North Carolina (September), Mountains to Coast.
• Mayberry Days Festival (September), Mount Airy.
• Barbeque Festival (October), Lexington.
• Christmas at the Biltmore Estate (November/December), Asheville.
Places
• Blue Ridge Parkway: Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive”. Connects the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. 2010 is the 75th Anniversary with yearlong celebrations lined up.
• Cherokee Indian Reservation: Features the newly renovated Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Golf Resort, Museum of the Cherokee, Oconaluftee Indian Village, the outdoor drama Unto These Hills, Qualla Co-op, arts and crafts, and shopping.
• New Bern: North Carolina’s second oldest town celebrates its 300th birthday in 2010 with a year-long celebration. Throughout the year, New Bern and Craven County will offer a variety of special cultural, educational and historical attractions, tours and recreational opportunities in museums, marinas and parks.
• The Pinehurst: Southern Pines & Aberdeen area is known as the home of American Golf with over 40 unique golf courses. The renowned Pinehurst Resort will be hosting the 2014 US Open and the Women’s US Open.
• Historic Wilmington and Cape Fear Coast: More than 45 attractions, including riverboat cruises, museums, a variety of tours, nature preserves and movie studios.
NC Division of Tourism• Charlotte: Cosmopolitan flair and Southern charm blend together in music, art, world-class dining, professional sports and exhilarating nightlife.• Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Lighthouse: This popular National Seashore preserves and protects 120 kilometres of North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Includes the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as well as visitor centres at Buxton, Bodie Island and Ocracoke Island.
Hidden Gems
• The U.S. National Whitewater Center: The only one of its kind in North America. Featuring multi-channel re-circulating whitewater river and rapids. Facility also has a world-class climbing centre, ziplines and several mountain biking trails. Centre is used by both the Canadian and the U.S. Olympic kayak teams as a training facility. Charlotte.
• Replacements: Features the world's largest selection of old and new dinnerware. Rare antiquities in the showroom and museum. Nearly 13 million pieces of inventory with over 295,000 patterns available for purchase. Greensboro.
• Screen Gem Studios: Working studio where television shows such as One Tree Hill are currently being filmed. Formerly used as sets for movies and TV shows like Dawson’s Creek, Matlock and Weekend at Bernie’s. Wilmington.
• Lake Lure: Selected by National Geographic Magazine as “one of the 10 most spectacular man-made lakes in the world”. A boat tour provides history of the area. Site was used in the movie Dirty Dancing.
Did You Know?
State Motto: To Be, Rather Than To Seem
State Flower: Dogwood
State Bird: Cardinal
Fast Facts
Region: THE SOUTH
America’s Byways: Blue Ridge Parkway, Cherohala Skyway.
Direct Flights: Air Canada, US Airways
Sales Tools: Website features online brochure and maps requests, e-newsletters, Travel Professionals section, itinerary ideas, golf specials: www.golf.visitnc.com
Info: North Carolina Division of Tourism
1-800-VISIT-NC
www.visitnc.com, www.qc.visitnc.com