10 Things to Do in North Carolina

North Carolina is a great state with four distinct seasons and great places to see. This is a very historic state with the Outer Banks and the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state can accommodate your need for beaches or mountains, summer or winter sites and just about anything you want to do.

Outer Banks of North Carolina. Truly a majestic place and a unique travel location. The barrier islands are remarkable and the bridge crossings alone are worth the trip. The engineering marvel of building a bridge that long, with curves and hills and even a place for walkers to walk or fishers to fish, is truly amazing. There are numerous lighthouses in the area, all within a day's driving distance. The most notable lighthouse is the Hatteras Light, now moved from its original building site, to protect it from the hurricanes and eroding beaches. The tours and ability to climb this lighthouse, make it a must see on any trip. While you are that far south, ride the ferry (it's a free 45 minute ride) across the Pamlico Sound to the quaint village of Ocracoke. It used to be a fishing village but has turned into a remote retreat for vacationers. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is also there, almost in the backyard of a residence. The Outer Banks of North Carolina is a very good vacation spot.

Old Salem - Winston-Salem, NC - the historic settlement of Moravians. This old town still has working shops and a bakery, along with tours of the historic homes and buildings. The site also houses an all women college - Salem College - that still operates. Settled in the downtown section of the bustling city of Winston-Salem, Old Salem is a blast into the past. The folks that work in Old Salem are in period clothes and offer tours daily. There is a gift shop and informational building about the historic village. Cobblestone streets and a feel of living in the day greet you as you arrive in Old Salem. Winston-Salem is the home to Texas Pete Hot Sauce, RJR Tobacco Company, Hanesbrands and Piedmont Airlines. Come on in and stay for a while.

Brunswick County, NC - voted one of the best places for golf in all of the United States. I am not a golfer, so I cannot relate the golf information, but please check it out. Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and the surrounding areas have numerous world famous courses for those that chase the little white ball. The beaches in this region are to die for - for Atlantic Coastal beaches, they are very different. Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach - both islands, face east/west instead of north/south. This is important because the beaches are wider and have much more room for relaxing in the sand. The dunes are protected and sea turtles frequently lay eggs in the dunes. These two beaches are an amazing asset to North Carolina and everyone should spend at least one relaxing week in Brunswick County.

Yadkin Valley Wine Region - This is a new industry in North Carolina. What used to be tobacco plantations is now turning into vineyards. Since tobacco has become so regulated and taxed, farmers are finding grapes easier to grow and more profitable for their enterprise. I especially fond of the following vineyards in the Yadkin Valley Region:

Raylen Vineyards: Located in Advance NC, this vineyard produces its own grapes and makes its own wine, right there on site. They offer wine tasting flights, as well as a wine case club with discounts for members and select gifts and accompanying food for sale. They often have open house events or a band and picnic. These are generally offered in the summer and are a great way to spend an afternoon.

Flint Hill Vineyard: Located in East Bend NC, this vineyard is young, and does not produce its own grapes, but buys from other vineyards in the area to produce some of the best local wines to date. They also have a very nice restaurant in the old home place and it's a great gathering spot for a nice glass (or two) of wine with friends.

Childress Vineyards: Located in Lexington NC, this vineyard is owned by Richard Childress of Nascar Racing fame. He has built a world class gallery and tasting room, as well as vineyards spread over Davidson County. Childress wines are phenomenal. Be sure to come to the region and enjoy our local wines. It is certainly a good resting place and has a lot to offer with restaurants, arts and entertainment.

Asheville, NC - home of the Biltmore Estate - the famed home of the Vanderbilts. This historic home offers daily tours and is especially delightful two times of the year: Spring is glorious because of the flowers and the care of the gardens. It is breathtaking to see the works of nature. Christmas is the best time, if you don't mind the cooler weather. Every room is decorated with Christmas trees and period decorations. It is truly an amazing experience that you should see if you are in the area during these two times of the year. There is also the Grove Park Inn and Spa - rated one of the best spas in North America, is advertised as an amazing experience. Asheville is full of historic inns and landmarks. So come on up to the mountains and breathe some fresh air and enjoy the sights.

Lexington, NC - the home of Lexington style barbecue. This is a true local favorite and although unique to this region of North Carolina, is something to be tasted at least, and enjoyed at best. There are several great spots in Lexington to get great barbecue - Honeymucks on Business 85 and Speedy's on Old Highway 52 are some of the local favorites. The last weekend in October, the city of Lexington hosts the Annual Barbecue Festival. All the cooks are there and you can sample it all, as well as buy crafts and local arts. Come on out and savor pork the way it's supposed to be eaten!

Cherokee, NC - A genuine Indian reservation in the mountains of North Carolina. As you ride onto the reservation, the landscape changes. The majestic mountains surround you and a peacefulness envelopes you. The Cherokee have been in this region for hundreds of years and their heritage is strong. The street signs inside Cherokee proper have the English name and the Cherokee name on them, this is something I found quite interesting. There are plays and historic events that will share the story of the Cherokee people with visitors. And if you are in for a little gambling, it is also the home of Harrah's Cherokee. The only casino in the state of North Carolina and a very welcoming addition to the sites in North Carolina. The casino has a full service hotel and the casino is large and roomy. All are decorated with local Cherokee art and sculptures. There is even a smoke-free casino, as well as a buffet, and various other food venues. There is a theatre that regularly hosts well known artists for concerts.

Charlotte, NC - the queen city and also little Atlanta. Charlotte is a bustling metropolis with many things to offer. The Discovery Museum is downtown, along with the Charlotte Panthers stadium. Many of the nation's banks are headquartered in downtown Charlotte. Outside of Charlotte, there is the Lowe's Motor Speedway, home to many NASCAR events. Charlotte has many museums and art galleries. The area around the Panther stadium is full of unique restaurants, five star hotels and bars. It is truly a stop worth taking and one you will enjoy time and time again.

Seagrove, NC - A pottery paradise. This is certainly a place you should visit and plan to spend at least one day, if not two, riding around the area. People have been making pottery here for years and a lot of the locals have shops and their wares for sale right out of their home. There are some amazing pottery artists in this area and many have been featured in major magazines and art shows. There are also consignment galleries that house and sell many of the local potter's works' in one place. The pottery can be inexpensive and will last a lifetime. And since each piece is handmade, then each piece is unique. It's a great place to find gifts, special home accents or everyday dishes. Stop in, stay a while and enjoy this NC natural resource.

Mount Airy, NC - the home of Mayberry and Andy Griffith. Yep, sure enough, it's a real place. The jail is there along with one of Andy's patrol cars. Snappy Lunch is also there - a MUST stop by for a pork chop sandwich - is right beside Floyd's Barbershop - still working and cutting hair. There are numerous shops and eateries in the quaint downtown area, but be sure and stop and see where history was made, the world was introduced to North Carolina and Mayberry and take a step back in time.

I am proud of North Carolina. I am a lifelong resident and I could go on about more to do, but this is a good list of the things to do when you come here. Enjoy!