Featured News
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What’s New in North Carolina Wine CountryGlasses are chinking and tinkling across the state as our wine industry toasts the harvest and the arrival of cooler nights. Come visit our wine country!
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Come See What’s New in North Carolina For Fall 2008Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center, (near Asheville) |
North Carolina State Parks Afford Grand Vacation Experiences At Budget Price PointsTest your mettle on a breath-taking peak or sit in a comfy chair, staring at a peaceful lake. Whether you’re looking for fun in the sun or an evening under the stars, North Carolina offers it all. Most of the state’s 32 parks and recreation areas do not charge admission, and fees for camping, renting a canoe, or stabling a horse check in at reasonable rates.
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Must-See Signature Fall Events in North CarolinaFall’s signature events include local color on a national and regional scale—everything from woolly worm races to hot air balloon ascents to NASCAR racing and world famous barbecue. Whether the foliage is at peak or just getting started, this list offers a quick look at the fun cranking up across the state.
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New Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center Marks New Era for Visitor Services in America’s ParksFor the first time visitors traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway can make one stop to learn about the entire 469 miles and 73-year history of the Parkway; from the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia, to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Western North Carolina.
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An Insider’s Guide to "America’s Favorite Drive" - Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North CarolinaLooking for a beautiful scenic drive to calm your nerves? Searching for a great place for some on-road bicycling over steep grades that will test your body’s limits? Or, do you just want to shop and enjoy a good meal? Read on and then go to VisitNC.com for more details on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s attractions, lodging, destinations and restaurants.
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10 Fall Experiences You Gotta Have in North CarolinaWho are we kidding? Adventures abound in North Carolina, whether it be on water, in the mountains or up in the sky. But here are some you shouldn’t miss, especially when the skies are so blue, the leaves golden and the air fresh and crisp.
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Five Ways to Experience North Carolina’s Fall Color at its Best1. Leaf Watcher’s Favorite: Great Smoky Mountain Railroad |
Blue Ridge National Heritage Area: A Region of National SignificanceThe Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are among the oldest mountains on Earth. The landscape is full of superlatives: the highest mountain (Mount Mitchell), deepest gorge (Linville Gorge), and highest waterfall (Whitewater Falls) in the eastern United States; the oldest river in North America (the New River); and the two most visited National Park lands in the country (the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park). The region is also blessed with a stunning diversity of plant and animal life; more, in fact, than the whole of Europe.
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As Vacations have been replaced by Stay-cations the N.C. Transportation Museum in Spencer, NC is the perfect DestinationThe N.C. Transportation Museum is a perfect one day getaway for those in the Charlotte and Triad regions. Positioned just off I-85 at Exit 79, the Museum allows visitors to explore exhibits of antique locomotives, rail cars, automobiles and more.
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Lumberton and Robeson County, North Carolina: When you stop here, you’re halfway there!Lumberton and its people extend to you a hearty, North Carolina welcome
with all the Southern Hospitality we can muster. Situated in Southeastern
North Carolina on Interstate 95, Lumberton is known as the halfway point
between New York and Florida. Our 22 hotels and 80 restaurants along the
interstate corridor make traveling easy for visitors. Take any of our four
Exits - 17 through 22 - and you'll have your choice of over 1600 hotel rooms
and suites, many of them new or recently remodeled. When you visit, take
time to see what else Lumberton has to offer.
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The Outer Banks of North CarolinaThe Outer Banks is a dynamic chain of barrier islands off the North Carolina coast that sweeps way out into the Atlantic Ocean. This
geologic wonder is home to vast stretches of stunning natural beach, with free and open access to some of the largest tracts of
undeveloped shoreline left in America.
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AshevilleStory Ideas: "Culinary Paradise: Explore a Foodtopian Society",
"Autumn Adventures: Color Hunters vs. Leaf Peepers",
"Holiday Traditions: Our Hearth to Your Home",
"Ever-Green Your Holidays",
"Art for the Heart: Romantic Valentine’s Day Getaway",
"Unplug & Recharge: Spring Rejuvenation Vacation",
Ales, Porters, and Stouts - Oh My!
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Bald Head IslandThe distinctiveness of Bald Head Island begins with its very fortunate
position on the planet-it’s the southernmost of North Carolina’s cape
islands, marked by the legendary Cape Fear, and the northernmost semitropical
environment on the East Coast. The island is a two-mile journey across the
Cape Fear River from Southport and is accessible only by passenger ferry or
private boat. There are no cars allowed on Bald Head Island-instead, the
preferred mode of transport for residents and guests is electric golf cart,
bike, or your own two feet. An idyllic vacation and second home destination,
Bald Head Island has a wealth of story ideas.
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Ballantyne Resort Awarded 2008 Mobil Four-StarsIn January 2008, Ballantyne Resort was honored by Mobil Travel Guide with several Mobil Four-Star
Awards; one for lodging at Ballantyne Resort, one for The Spa at Ballantyne Resort and lastly for dining at
its Gallery Restaurant. Mobil Travel Guide is the originator of the prestigious star rating system and
provider of one of the most comprehensive evaluation systems of hotels, restaurants and spas in the world.
Ballantyne Resort’s rating earned it a place on Mobil Travel Guide’s list of the top properties in the United
States and Canada for 2008.
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Blue Ridge Parkway AssociationThe Blue Ridge Parkway has been called "America’s Favorite Drive." And for good
reason. Winding its way through the highest mountains in the East, the Parkway is like
no other roadway, showcasing rich mountain culture, sheltering rare and endangered
species and providing travelers with memorable adventures and enriching experiences.
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North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands: More Beach For Your BlanketYou’ll find more beach for your blanket in North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Each island and town-including
Bald Head Island, Calabash, Caswell Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Ocean Isle Beach, Shallotte,
Southport, and Sunset Beach-is a unique destination filled with activities and sites that appeal to all ages.
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Cabarrus County, North Carolina: Fast Track for Fun in the World’s Racing DestinationOne of the fastest growing destinations in the country, Cabarrus County
is at the epicenter of the world’s largest concentration of motorsports
attractions. Its centerpiece is legendary Lowe’s Motor Speedway, the
superspeedway most NASCAR drivers call home.
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Chapel Hill, With Carrboro & Hillsborough: Arts, Food, Fun, History...and Basketball (Of Course)Chapel Hill is a picturesque, vibrant southern town that is home to our nation’s first state
support university. Carrboro is a former railroad-mill town that now bustles with artists,
musicians and organic food. Hillsborough is brimming with Revolutionary and Civil War
sites and antique and craft shops.
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From Hot Wheels to Cool Jazz, Charlotte’s Got a LotLook closely at Charlotte and you’ll discover a lot. Captivating,
Colorful, and Cosmopolitan, Charlotte is eager to introduce itself to you.
With character to spare, it’s no secret that this city delivers cultural
distractions and attractions, dining and nightlife for every persuasion, and a
southern ambiance all its own. More than just the nation’s second largest
financial center, the Queen City’s changing face will surprise you. As a
magnet for progressive growth and smart development, the city finds itself
welcoming more and more new faces - both visitors and residents alike. So meet
Charlotte and explore all the wonderful and unforgettable attributes it has
to offer. You’ll be a fan of this winning city in no time.
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Cherokee, North CarolinaA Smoky Mountain vacation destination with plenty of fun activities,
museums, amusement parks, outdoor drama, zoos, casino, bluegrass and other
mountain music, hiking trails, tubing, fishing, scenic drives, great shopping,
and a wealth of lodging choices. And there are plenty of ways to relax, too.
Sit by a waterfall or a swift-flowing stream, picnic under a lush canopy of
trees, stroll along a river path ... it’s all waiting here for you. On
your next visit to the Smokies, make Cherokee your home base. Cherokee is a
great combination of lots of fun things to do in the midst of incomparable
natural beauty. Come for the mountains, stay for the fun!
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Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State ParkChimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is North Carolina’s answer to the perfect mountain
getaway. Surrounded by the towering cliffs of Hickory Nut Gorge, the Park offers some of the most
amazing views found in the state. From atop Chimney Rock, an ancient monolith at an elevation of
2280ft, guests can see as far as King’s Mountain more than 75 miles away across the Blue Ridge
and the Carolina Piedmont.
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The Crystal CoastStory Ideas: Beaufort, Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout Lighthouse, Fort Macon,
Fishing, Kayaking, Beaches, Birding, Graveyard of the Atlantic, Dive Down program,
"Crystal Coast is Cookin’", Carteret Catch.
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Eastern Band of Cherokee IndiansCherokee, N.C., is home to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a culture rich in history dating back more
than 11,000 years. Nearly a half million tourists journey to Cherokee each year to enjoy the legendary
hospitality, living culture, rich tradition of art, and ancient history of the people known as the Ani-kituhwa-gi.
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Discover the Good Life Daily in Elizabeth City!Halfway between Norfolk, Va., and North Carolina’s Outer Banks is a charmer of a town. Drive
through Elizabeth City, N.C., and it’s not unusual to see boaters gathered for an impromptu
dock party, a horse-and-carriage driver with guests in tow or a gallery opening in full swing
along the city’s authentic Mayberry-esque Main Street. Instead of passing through, why not
stay awhile? Like the poet Robert Frost, who followed the road less traveled to Elizabeth City
in 1894, today’s visitors will find an accommodating harbor with a pleasing charm.
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Fearrington VillageFearrington Village is a unique community located on farmland dating
back to the 1700s, near Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Anchoring the village
center is The Fearrington House Country Inn and Restaurant, one of the
South’s preeminent luxury destinations. In addition to fine dining and
lodging, The Fearrington House provides an ideal setting for Southern
weddings, corporate retreats and team building activities.
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First Peak of The Blue RidgeMore comfortable, you ask? Well, we think so! The mountains of Western North Carolina
are a popular destination, for sure. But these days, many areas are filled with the hustle
and bustle of traffic and crowds - which doesn’at help you feel like you’ve gotten away from
it all. Here at the First Peak of the Blue Ridge, you can have the best of both worlds,
whether you’re seeking a quiet getaway or a vacation filled with activity and adventure.
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Gaston County, NC: Amazing Sights and Fascinating HistoryWelcome to the southern heartland of North Carolina! From the beautiful Daniel
Stowe Botanical Garden, named one of the nation’s 20 great gardens, to rock
climbing in Crowders Mountain State Park, your choices are many and diverse.
Take a trip to seven of the greatest museums of art and history, or the beautiful
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden and Orchid Conservatory. Or experience Dirt
Track Racing and Carolina Speedway or walk where the stars have throughout
our county.
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Graham County, N.C.: A Quiet Place in the SmokiesBordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and containing 120,000 acres of the Nantahala National
Forest, Cheoah Ranger District, which offers: 5 developed campgrounds, numerous primitive campsites, 225
miles of hiking trails (including 28 mi. of Appalachian Trail), designated horseback riding and mountain biking
trails in the Tsali Recreation Area, lake pier fishing and designated trails for the physically challenged visitor
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Greater Fayetteville: History, Heroes, and a Hometown FeelingWe call America’s Heroes "neighbor." The soldiers that have
defend this nation’s freedoms have called greater Fayetteville
home since the American Revolution. Learn about America’s
Heroes. Tour the Fayetteville Independent Light Infantry Armory &
Museum, which houses artifacts from the oldest militia unit in
continuous existence in the south (chartered 1793). Walk the
grounds that house the remains of Fayetteville Arsenal, which
General Sherman burned during his infamous march through the
South. Visit seven sites on the NC Civil War Trails. Learn the
history of modern special operations at the world-class Airborne &
Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville. Have lunch on Fort Bragg.
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Raleigh is....Dynamic, Unexpected, Celebratory and SmartThis is the destination you’ve been waiting for, because it’s so many destinations
in one. You’ll sense it as soon as you arrive. The fun, lively vibe coursing through
tree-lined streets packed with funky cafes and pubs. Endless hot spots and
historical treasures, exciting hockey games and incredible area-wide
celebrations.
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Greensboro Goes GreenGreensboro’s newest property, The Proximity Hotel, made headlines
well before its official opening in late 2007. This September, the Proximity
will become America’s first LEED Platinum certified hotel. The hotel is
following guidelines of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
(LEED) Green Building Rating System, the nationally accepted benchmark for
the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings.
To earn LEED certification, a building project must meet certain prerequisites
and performance benchmarks ("credits") within each category.
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Halifax County, NC: Spend a Weekend or a LifetimeStory Ideas: "Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park", "Roanoke Canal Museum & Trail", "The Centre", "Lakeland Theatre", "Carolina Crossroads", "Historic Halifax", "Medoc Mountain State Park".
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Heart of North Carolina: Randolph CountyThe Heart of North Carolina: A part of the Piedmont Triad region, the Heart of North Carolina is
strategically located within 90 miles of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west, 200 miles of the Atlantic
Ocean to the east, 80 miles to the north of the South Carolina state line, and 75 miles south of the Virginia
state line. Randolph is the 11th largest county with the 17th highest population in North Carolina. Asheboro,
the county seat, is situated 70 miles from both the North Carolina state capital of Raleigh and its largest
city, Charlotte. The area is served by three major airports, each within an hour’s drive, 11 area hotels and
five charming bed and breakfast inns.
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The Hickory Metro Has It All.....There are few places on earth where you can truly have it all, but the Hickory Metro is
one of those rare finds. Pristine and beautiful nature paints the perfect backdrop for this
four-county area complete with small-town charm and big city amenities. Warm
welcomes and relaxing days await you. Explore our areas of natural beauty.
Experience our interesting history, arts and entertainment. Enjoy our hospitality.
Come visit, come stay...in a region where you truly have it all.
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High Country HostOne of the most popular tourism destinations in the Southeast is North Carolina’s High
Country. The NC High Country includes six counties nestled around Boone and derives its name
by having the highest average land elevation in the Eastern United States.
The area’s natural beauty and man-made attractions lure visitors in search of a cool
retreat, or a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
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Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree: Spruce Pine, North CarolinaDuring the Christmas season of 2003, author Gloria Houston
gave a gift to the small town of Spruce Pine. North Carolina.
She gave the rights to her award-winning children’s book
"The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree." Over the
preceding two years, Spruce Pine and Mitchell County had
suffered serious economic challenges, losing nearly 2,500
textile, furniture and other manufacturing sector jobs to
outsourcing.
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Smithfield/Johnston County, NC - Charming and "Off the Beaten Path" TreasuresWhile traveling Interstates 95 and 40 through North Carolina, there are outstanding
attractions just off the beaten path to discover in Smithfield and throughout Johnston County.
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New Book Promises to Change Pirate HistoryWhat happened during Black Beard’s last days that precipitated
his demise? Who, truly, was Edward Teach, aka Black Beard, and
from whence did he come? What was his true name? And what happened to his treasure?
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Lexington, North Carolina: Fine Food, Fine Wine, Fine Art...The Barbecue Capital of the World, Lexington is home to Historic Uptown Lexington,
The Bob Timberlake Gallery, Richard Childress Racing Museum and the Childress
Vineyards. Residents and visitors alike come together in a sense of community during
events such as The Barbecue Festival, which draws over 100,000 attendees for this
day-long event.
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Maggie Valley & Waynesville, North Carolina: Where the Sun Rises on the SmokiesThis refreshing mountain retreat has been attracting visitors from far and wide for centuries,
increasingly gaining in popularity as a premier vacation destination over the years. The slower
pace of life here offers that much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of our daily
routine. The mountain air awakens the senses, and everywhere you turn the natural
picturesque beauty inspires the soul.
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McDowell County Recieves Picturing America ProgramMcDowell High School, Nebo Elementary School and the Marion Davis Branch Library in Old
Fort are recipients of the National Endowment for the Humanities’ new, "Picturing America"
program, a free education resource that helps teach American history and culture by bringing
some of the country’s great art directly to classrooms and libraries across the country. These
recipients are included in the 26,000 school and public libraries across the nation to receive
Picturing America materials from the NEH this September.
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Mooresville, North Carolina: Take a Walk Down Memory LaneMooresville, North Carolina, is known as Race City USA. With such names as Petty, Earnhardt
and Penske, it’s easy to see why, but did you know you could go back in time to 1899 at D.E.
Turner Hardware or check out the cars used in the movie sets of Leatherheads, Days of
Thunder and Driving Miss Daisy?
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North Carolina Is a State of the Arts: Creativity Inspires TravelFrom the Blue Ridge Mountains and the homegrown music rising out of them, to the breathtaking
vistas and sacred places commanded by generations of Cherokee, to the literary landscapes
drawn from Tar heel fact, fiction and legend - there’s no place like North Carolina for authentic
cultural experiences.
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Onslow County: On Fast to On Slow: Relax and Recharge!Take a break from the rat race and get back to nature. With two
rivers - the
White Oak and the New River running through the county and the inter-coastal
waterway, along with the Atlantic Ocean; snuggling our borders - nature
abounds within our small towns and communities. Take a stroll down Front
Street in Swansboro, indulge in fresh caught sea food from Sneads Ferry, get a
tan in Topsail, play a round of disc golf in Richlands, or take a cruise in
Jacksonville. There are so many ways to relax and recharge!
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Over 100 years of Tradition, Heritage, and Culture: Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen AreaWhat makes a golf vacation special? Yes it’s the golf,
but there are some destinations that have a special kind
of ambiance that blends with the action on the links to
make the experience truly memorable. For many, the
"Home of American Golf" in the Pinehurst, Southern
Pines, Aberdeen Area is that destination.
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Pittsboro and Beyond... Bicycles, B&Bs, Bountiful Blooms, Birding, Boutiques, Beer...Story Ideas: "Walk the Catwalk", "Brews and Views", "Cakes Reign Supreme",
"Farm to Table", "Hiking, Biking, Golfing, Canoeing, Kayaking...Fun in the Sun", "Girl (and Guy) Getaways".
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Smoky Mountain Host of North CarolinaSmoky Mountain Host of North Carolina is the destination marketing
organization for the seven far western counties of North Carolina and the
Qualla Boundary of the Cherokee Indian Reservation. The North Carolina Smoky
Mountains offer a family vacation value with extensive opportunities for
experiencing the cultural history, outdoor adventure, mountain crafts and
stunning vistas of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains.
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Swain County: Base Camp for AdventureHere in Swain County the Great Smoky Mountains National Park occupies almost half of the land,
offering the opportunity for visitors to explore to their heart’s content and rediscover their adventurous spirit.
In the heart of this beautiful setting is Bryson City, North Carolina, a small mountain town with a big
reputation for outdoor adventure and Southern hospitality.
Whether you like to hit the trails or ride the river, your good times begin here at the Base Camp for Adventure.
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Vance County Located in the Northeast Piedmont region of North Carolina
approximately forty miles North of both Raleigh and Durham,
easily accessible via US 1 or I-85.
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2009 Fall Color Campaign"Color That Takes You There" - Dr. Leaf, Scenic Drives, Fall Color Reports, Fall Fishing and more...
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Visit Winston Salem: Your Life. Enriched.Experience, Winston-Salem a place where inspiration connects us all. A
city defined by the arts, Winston-Salem is the gateway to the spectacular
views and world-class wines of the Yadkin Valley and is home to world-renowned
artists, unique living history, breathtaking gardens, intriguing African
American heritage and art, along with countless galleries and museums. Home
to the nation’s first publicly funded arts conservatory and Arts
Council, this area is also home to the nationally recognized Old Salem
Museums and Gardens, Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Diggs Gallery and
world class golf at Tanglewood Park.
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Discover our Hidden Treasures & Outdoor Pleasures: The mountains of western North CarolinaThe western North Carolina mountains are an area rich in outdoor activities and resources.
From water to land, by foot or by hoof, on 2 or 4 wheels; now anyone can explore the
mountains.
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Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast: A Destination of Contrasts & SurprisesWith its barrier island beaches and historic riverfront town,
Wilmington & NC’s Cape Fear Coast is a destination of contrasts and surprises. Even the name "Cape Fear" is
intriguing. The Cape Fear River, which winds its way through Wilmington, was named
by early explorers when their ships ran aground and sank due to dangerous shifting
shoals where the river meets the sea.
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Attractions for Wilson County, North CarolinaWilson, North Carolina is known for Antiques &
Barbecue but, offers visitors a myriad of shopping,
dining, attractions and cultural events. Established
in 1855 Wilson is one of North Carolina’s most
beautiful cities known for local charm & gracious
hospitality with beautiful tree-lined streets of
historic districts.
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Charlotte Media Mission PartnersHere’s the list of the North Carolina partners sharing their
hidden treasures at the Charlotte Media Mission on August 21, 2008. |
A Food Lover’s Guide to North Carolina’s Yadkin ValleyWhy North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley? Culinary tourism is
hot! Our wineries have achieved a real leap in quality with this year’s
releases. The Yadkin Valley is North Carolina’s first American Viticultural Area
(AVA). |
Hickory Furniture Mart
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The Last Days Of Black Beard The Pirate
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Halifax County, NC: Worth Writing “Home” aboutTravel around the world in 80 minutes! Discover the world’s
largest collection of rare and endangered waterfowl at Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Park & Eco-Center in Scotland Neck. Once a private waterfowl
breeding facility, Sylvan Heights is now affiliated with the North Carolina
Zoo and gives visitors the opportunity to see over 1500 birds, especially
ducks, geese & swans, from more than 170 different species, some of the
rarest and most endangered in the world like the White-Winged Wood Duck from Sumatra. |
Raleigh, NC Story IdeasHip, without the hassle. That’s the sense you’ll get
when in Raleigh, a city that bursts with energy and excitement but never forgets its fine Southern
manners. Best of all, there’s so much to do here you’ll never
get bored. This area is known for its world-class museums, Best of Broadway shows, historic sites,
sporting events and shopping-mecca status – it offers a variety of
entertainment all in one scenic, park-like setting. |
The Outer Banks of North CarolinaThe Outer Banks is a dynamic chain of barrier islands off the
North Carolina coast that sweeps way out into the Atlantic Ocean.
This geologic wonder is home to vast stretches of stunning natural
beach, with free and open access to some of the largest tracts
of undeveloped shoreline left in America. The islands are riddled
with nature s wistful handiwork, where you can explore a maze of
estuaries by kayak, hang glide off the tallest sand dunes on the
East Coast, or travel back in time to the first English colony
in the New World. Rejuvenate your pioneering spirit at Wright Brothers
National Memorial and see how twelve seconds of powered flight
changed the course of mankind. Climb the tallest lighthouse in
the country at Cape Hatteras, or see what lies at the bottom of
the sea at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. All of this is
just a short drive from Washington, D.C. You’ll get here
on a tank of gas, but feel like you’re a million miles away. |
Wilmington & North Carolina’s Cape Fear Coast:
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North Carolina Wine & Grape Council
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Golf in North Carolina Fact SheetNorth Carolina boasts nearly 600 golf courses sprinkled
from the highest mountains east of the Mississippi to
300 miles of coastline.
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Greatness By Design: A Brief History Of North Carolina Golf ArchitectureGolf’s greatest architects have long found North Carolina’s
spectacular topography an ideal canvas for their art. Here’s
a brief history of the major players who’ve come here to
ply their craft, and how their work has transformed North Carolina
into a golfer’s paradise. |
North Carolina’s Dream 18Passion for great golf is simply part of the culture and fabric
of life in North Carolina. And with so many superb courses and
such an abundant variety of terrain, arguments routinely erupt
over which courses and holes are the best. Certain destinations
are more or less consensus top picks, but with hundreds of public-access
courses, all of them with something good or even excellent to offer,
choosing a top 20 can be almost impossible. |
Golf In North CarolinaAccording to the National Golf Foundation, North Carolina is one
of the five most popular destination states for golf travelers. |
Peggy Kirk Bell
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North Carolina’s Top 25 Golf CoursesAs ranked by Golf Digest magazine, the ranking is based
on scores given by more than 800 volunteer low-handicap players
(playing at their own expense) in several key categories: shot
values, design variety, memorability, aesthetics, resistance to
scoring, ambience, conditioning and walkability. Extra consideration
is given to shot values because Golf Digest feels these
are the heart of a golf course. Possible bonus points are also
awarded for tradition. |
An Insider’s Guide to “America’s Favorite Drive:” Stops Along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North CarolinaRALEIGH, NC – Looking for a beautiful scenic
drive to calm your nerves? Searching for a great place for some
on-road bicycling over steep grades that will test your body’s
limits? Or, do you just want to shop and enjoy a good meal? Read
on for more details on the Blue Ridge Parkway’s attractions, nearby
spas and resorts, destinations and restaurants. Go to VisitNC.com
for even more information.
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Experience Girlfriend Getaways North Carolina StyleRALEIGH, NC – Grab your girlfriends for
a getaway like no other. Renew, reconnect or even reinvent yourself
with a trip to North Carolina. Yes, North Carolina—did you
know the state has 300 miles of coastline, 70 wineries, upscale
shopping and incredible spas? Ditch the guys for some real girl
time. Whether you go for high heels and martinis or hiking boots
and the great outdoors, North Carolina has the perfect chick trip.
Find the best of entertainment, outdoor activities, spas, food,
wine, events, shopping and more all at VisitNC.com. |
Tip Sheet: Eco-Tourism Leaders Invite Change In North CarolinaGREENSBORO, NC – Built to use 36 percent
less energy and 30 percent less water than a comparable hotel,
the Proximity Hotel’s sustainable design and construction
follows the guidelines of the U.S. Green Building Council’s
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The Proximity
hopes to be the first hotel in the country to be certified at the
LEED Platinum Level. It is arguably the greenest hotel in the nation
at this time. Proximity’s restaurant, Print Works Bistro,
uses fresh, local food in creating both traditional and modern
versions of classic European bistro dishes. |
North Carolina State Parks Afford Grand Vacation Experiences At Budget Price PointsRALEIGH, NC – Test your mettle on a breath-taking
peak or sit in a comfy chair, staring at a peaceful lake. Whether
you’re looking for fun in the sun or an evening under the stars,
North Carolina offers it all. Most of the state’s 32 parks
and recreation areas do not charge admission, and fees for camping,
renting a canoe, or stabling a horse check in at reasonable rates. |
Reconnect Around North Carolina’s Fabulous FireplacesRALEIGH, NC – When the sun goes down, there’s
no better place to be than by the light of a crackling fire. These
prime destinations in North Carolina boast fireplaces as a central
feature amid lush surroundings. From the mountains to the sea,
pick one of these choice spots and grab a cup of hot cocoa. Add
family and friends. Then, claim your seat by the hearth. |
Dr. Beach Names Ocracoke Island, N.C. America’s Best BeachOcracoke Lifeguarded Beach on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina
takes the number one spot on Dr. Beach’s annual America’s
Best Beaches list of 2007. The island, embraced by the Cape Hatteras
National Seashore on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is known
for its clean water, sand and unspoiled natural beauty. At 16 miles
long and a half-mile wide, Ocracoke is a sun-swept wilderness,
once a favorite haunt of Blackbeard the Pirate and the place where
he met his demise.
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Picture-Perfect Spring Travel Starts in North CarolinaRALEIGH, NC – North Carolina is known for
its fall color, but wait until you see how spring unveils gentle
pastels and vibrant pinks across the state. North Carolina puts
on its Sunday best in the spring with an array of events, garden
tours and more. It’s no surprise that North Carolina is also
home to new earth-friendly travel options, too. In a state this
beautiful, “green” is the perfect backdrop to spring! |
The Arts in North CarolinaDoc Watson, Black Mountain College, John Coltrane, Thelonius Monk, Penland School, Maya Angelou, Thomas Wolfe, Shirley Caesar, Romare Bearden, Charles Frazier, Jan Karon (ncliterarytrails.org)—all internationally recognized names that have placed North Carolina as a leader in the arts. Our rich and diverse traditions in craft, music, historical drama,
folk arts, painting and literature, along with our dynamic contemporary arts scene, converge
to ensure North Carolina continues to be a dynamic cultural destination for visitors. |
Top Ten List for Family Fun in North CarolinaRALEIGH, NC – Enjoy our list of ten family
favorites from across the state (in no particular order). Families
can plan their trip easily with a stop at VisitNC.com or by calling
1-800-VISIT NC – through either of these, you can easily
access details, attractions, lodging, destinations, restaurants
and road maps. |
Ballantyne Resort Named Best Business Hotel in Charlotte by Travel + Leisure ReadersBallantyne Resort ranked among the top business hotels in the
U.S. and Canada in Travel + Leisure’s
World’s Best Business Hotels 2007 readers’ survey in
the September issue. Readers rated hotels on how
well they cater to business travelers. |
Durham, Where Great Things HappenDurham, North Carolina, is a creative and entrepreneurial community
where diverse and passionate people come together to shape a better
world – and truly is where great things happen. Durham is
the proud home of Research Triangle Park and Duke and North Carolina
Central universities. It occupies a prime location in the heart
of North Carolina and is a nexus for learning, achievement, creativity,
research, and industry, which is why we welcome close to 5.5 million
visitors each year. |
The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa, A Historic Resort On The MoveBuilt in 1913 in the mountains of Asheville, North Carolina, The
Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has been host to eight US presidents
and myriad of world
dignitaries, artists and celebrities.
Comprised of 512 guest rooms, a world-class spa, award-winning
restaurants
and a Donald Ross-designed golf course, the resort is expanding
its brand to
include new luxury retail as well as landmark development projects
in the
southeast region. |
Proximity Hotel: “Greenest” Hotel In America opens in Greensboro, NCBuilt to use 40% less energy and 30% less water than a comparable
hotel, the just
opened Proximity Hotel offers a glimpse of the future while celebrating
the past.
Sustainable practices, custom-designed furnishings, commissioned
art and innovative
design await guests in every corner of the 147-room luxury hotel
and its adjacent
restaurant. |
North Carolina Beach BasicsOcracoke Island has just been named the best beach in the
country. But it’s not the only fabulous beach in the state.
With 300-plus miles of barrier islands and beaches, the North
Carolina coastline offers history, scenic beauty, watersports
and relaxation. Here’s an overview.
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Dr. Stephen Leatherman, “Dr. Beach”Stephen P. Leatherman is recognized as the nation’s foremost authority
on beach quality and ratings. Known throughout the United States
as "Dr. Beach," he has gained international renown for
his annual list of “Top 10 Beaches in America,” released
since 1991. He’s a Ph.D. coastal scientist with 30 years
of scientific experience studying storm impacts, erosion and ways
to improve beach health and safety.
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Ocracoke Island – AttractionsHere you’ll find unique attractions to suit every taste:
history, outdoor activities, theater and even wild ponies. Ocracoke
has the best beach; find out what else makes the Island so unique.
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Ocracoke Island – HistoryThe rich history of the Island includes shipwrecks, pirates and
a very unusual name. Find out how the waters off Ocracoke Island
earned the moniker “The Graveyard of the Atlantic”.
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Ocracoke Island – AccommodationsOcracoke has the ideal accommodations for everyone from families
to ghost hunters. Find the perfect historic inn, bed & breakfast,
hotel, motel or resort.
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Ocracoke Village MapA map of Ocrocoke Village and Ocracoke Island
available as a .pdf download.
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Ocracoke Characters Bring America’s Best Beach To LifeThe beauty of the beach is only part of what makes Ocracoke Island
so desirable. Its history and the stories behind its people are
perhaps even more compelling. This list of storytellers and locals
offers a sampler of the island fabric.
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The Language of the O’cockers: High Tide is “Hoi Toide” According To The BrogueOcracoke was named America’s Best Beach for its pretty sand
and remote location; years ago, being off the beaten path offered
yet another unique gift—a distinctive island dialect. Although
the dialect has diminished over time, the lively words and phrases
are a treat for the ears—and a part of the island’s
cultural fabric.
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