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travel / travel services / feature destinations
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| Shelton Vineyard |
Explore North Carolina
Year-round fun is plentiful throughout North Carolina, from the mountains to the beaches
to the vast Piedmont in between. Here are some ‘can’t miss’ ideas for experiences
in North Carolina to stimulate your senses.
1. The Blue Ridge Parkway
North Carolina ’s 250-mile section of the Blue Ridge
Parkway is a leisurely drive,
but step out of your vehicle and you’ll have a multitude of amazing outdoor opportunities.
Hike to waterfalls or mountaintops. See brilliant vistas stretch out to the horizon. Or walk
the streets of downtown Asheville and soak in art, music, and nightlife .
2. Wine Tasting Our fertile Yadkin Valley is home to one of America’s fastest growing wine regions.
Whether you like white or red, sweet or dry, North Carolina’s 70+ wineries will have
something to tantalize your taste buds.
3. Legendary Golf North Carolina is known as the birthplace of American golf, and its cradle is
Pinehurst #2, now more than 100 years old. Try your hand at the same course the greatest names in the
game have played.
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| Linville Gorge |
4. Windsurf the “Canadian Hole” The prime windsurfing spot on the Eastern Seaboard is named for our friends from the North
who flock to the Outer Banks each year to enjoy this unique combination of ocean currents
and tidal sediments.
5. Speed Racing Satisfy your need for speed by riding in or driving a real race car around the track at
Lowe’s Motor Speedway. At the Richard Petty Driving Experience, you’ll hit speeds
of up to 160 miles per hour! Or, schedule a trip during one of the Nextel Cup races held
here every year.
6. Whitewater Rafting/Kayaking/Canoeing The water always runs quick and cool on the Nantahala
River, one of our signature waterways.
Just raucous enough to hold your attention, the river’s pace allows you time to drink
in the beauty of the cliffs rising up on either side. Or, for some ‘urban’ adventure,
come paddle at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte.
7. Hiking/Biking Trails The Linville Gorge is a rugged stand of uncut forest, but that doesn’t mean you can’t
bring your mountain bike to tackle the lung-burning, thigh-cramping 49-mile Linville Gorge
Loop. Or you can opt for the more moderate 8.2-mile Wiseman’s View Ride.
8. Zip Line Tours
Fly through the high country in a harness as much as 130 feet above the ground while you
take in panoramic mountain views. Or, race straight down
the mountain on a cable at 60 to
70 miles per hour. It’s your choice at any of several canopy tour operators providing
thrills in the North Carolina mountains.
9. Hang Gliding at Kitty Hawk You are standing atop an Outer Banks sand dune. A 65-pound set
of wings that feels remarkably
light is harnessed to support points on your chest and lower back. With excitement and trepidation,
you start to motor, and soon you’re airborne, with the wind in your face and the ocean
in the distance.
For more ideas, go to www.VisitNC.com or call 1-800-VISITNC.
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