Blue Ridge Parkway City/Region: North Carolina Mountains Designed as a scenic drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile (755km) road connecting the Shenandoah National Park in Virginia and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the North Carolina-Tennessee border. Running through the Southern Appalachians, most of the roadway follows the spine of the Blue Ridge Range providing stunning scenery and magnificent vistas of distant mountain peaks, twisting through mountainous country that would otherwise be inaccessible. It
was begun in 1935 to link the parks and also to provide employment during the Great Depression, and today the parkway attracts more than 20 million visitors annually. Its main attraction is the endless dramatic viewpoints overlooking forested mountains and valleys, and the rich autumn colors that blaze in October that are the highlight of the year, drawing crowds of motorists. The parkway's highest elevation of 6,047ft (1,843m) at Richland Balsam Overlook has magnificent views. The road provides access to many hiking trails, including a section of the Appalachian Trail that follows the parkway from Mile 0 to Mile 103, as well as unusual rock formations, impressive waterfalls, wild flowers, lakes, and camping and picnic sites. Along the way are visitor centers, food and modern lodgings nestled in striking mountain scenery. Phone Number: (828) 298 0398 or (828) 271 4779 Website: www.nps.gov/blri Transport: As no commercial traffic is permitted, private transport is essential. The road is marked every mile beginning at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia (Mile 0) and ending at Great Smoky Mountain National Park (Mile 469) Hours: The Folk Art Center is the Parkway's only year-round visitor center at MP 382 in Asheville. During extreme weather conditions sections of the road may be closed (daily updates available on the park information line +1 828 298 0398), but campgrounds, visitor centers and picnic areas are generally opened from May to October Admission: There is no fee for using the parkway
Great Smoky Mountains National Park City/Region: North Carolina Mountains Straddling the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts many natural assets that have made this one of the most visited national parks in the country. The Smoky Mountains, named for the blue smoke-like mist that frequently hovers in the air (caused by the natural oils and water vapor released into the air by the plants), are the oldest mountains in the world. The mountainsides are covered in an unparalleled diversity of wildflowers, plants and trees, and the park is renowned for its multitude of birds, fish and mammals, particularly black bears. Within its vast wilderness are streams, rivers and waterfalls, acres of virgin forest and miles of hiking trails, including part of the Appalachian Trail that runs along the crest of the mountains through the park. Remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture can be discovered in the numerous historic buildings around the park, many of them found in the isolated mountain valley of Cades Cove that features cultural history as well as many recreational opportunities. Barns, churches, farmhouses and a gristmill preserved from the pioneer settlers of the 19th century can be viewed along the one-way loop road that is the most popular way to visit the Cove. The land was once sacred to the Cherokee who were brutally removed from their ancestral home in 1838 to Oklahoma along the Trail of Tears, but some remained hidden in the mountains and the Quall Indian reservation was later formed, sharing part of the park's southern border. On the edge of the park the town of Cherokee (North Carolina) and Gatlinburg (Tennessee) offer extensive visitor facilities, and the smaller towns of Bryson City (North Carolina) and Townsend (Tennessee) are more pleasant but with limited services. During summer and autumn, accommodation can be booked up for weeks and roads leading to the park become jammed with traffic. The headquarters of the North Carolina side of the park is the Oconaluftee Visitor Center near Cherokee. Phone Number: (865) 436 1200, or (828) 926 1686 (Oconaluftee Visitor Center) Website: www.nps.gov/grsm Transport: No train or bus services access the park, therefore private transport is essential Hours: The park is open year round, but some roads may be closed in winter (for updated road and weather information, call +1 865 436 1200). The Oconaluftee Visitor Center is open daily from 8am to 6pm (October), 8am to 4.30pm (November to March), and 8am to 5pm (April) Admission: There is no park entrance fee
Airlie Gardens City/Region: Wilmington (NC) Established in 1901 and spanning 67 acres, these gardens by the sea comprise formal gardens, a butterfly garden, wildlife, historic structures, walking trails, sculptures, freshwater lakes and breathtaking views over Bradley Creek. Airlie Gardens are best known for their collection of over 1,000 azaleas, their countless cultivars of camellia and the Airlie Oak, the gardens' majestic centerpiece dating back to 1545. Airlie offers various events throughout the year, including kayak eco tours, oyster roasts and concerts. Address: 300 Airlie Road Phone Number: (910) 798 7700 Website: www.airliegardens.org Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm Admission: $5 (adults), $3 (children 3-6)
Bald Head Island City/Region: Wilmington (NC) Beautiful Bald Head Island lies off the tip of the Cape Fear peninsula, a serene retreat to a simpler way of life. Scattered along the tiny island's beaches and tidal creeks, and nestled amid its maritime forest, are stunning homes carefully constructed in the coastal architectural style to complement their natural surroundings. Many are available as holiday rentals, and year after year, families board the ferry at Southport, the only way to reach the island, for a week or two of relaxation. Bald Head is also a lovely day trip, however. There are no cars on the island, so visitors are free to meander along the roads on bicycles or golf carts. Other than the tiny, picturesque harbor, the country club and the Old Baldy Lighthouse, the main attractions are the sun, the sand and the quiet. Website: www.baldheadisland.com
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences City/Region: Raleigh The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has recreated a series of natural environments, complete with living animals and a 20-foot-high (6m) waterfall, through which visitors can walk and discover North Carolina's diverse geography, geology, plants and animals. The museum is also home to Willo, a 66-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, the only one in the world with a fossilized heart. Other dinosaurs are also on display, as is one of the world's finest great whale skeletons. The Afro Café serves tasty breakfasts and lunches. Address: 11 W. Jones St Phone Number: (919) 733 7450 Website: www.naturalsciences.org Hours: Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm Admission: Free, although some special exhibits may require fees
Artspace City/Region: Raleigh Artspace is a pioneering visual arts center that allows the public to become part of the creative process. As the heart of Raleigh's arts community, Artspace stages countless challenging and award-winning exhibitions, workshops, outreach programs and public events each year. Its unique open studio environment enables artists to collaborate with one another and with visitors. Today, it is the second-largest open studio space in the country. Address: 201 E. Davie St Phone Number: (919) 821 2787 Website: www.artspacenc.org Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm Admission: Free
North Carolina Museum of Art City/Region: Raleigh The collection at the North Carolina Museum of Art spans 5,000 years, from ancient Egypt to present day. Ancient pieces include Greek and Roman sculptures and vases, but it is the European collection that is internationally celebrated. This includes significant works from the Renaissance through impressionism periods by artists such as Botticelli, Raphael and Monet. American art, however, is certainly not neglected. The museum has a range of 18th and 19th century American works as well as modern art by major contemporary artists. The museum shop offers books, posters and other art-related merchandise, while the Blue Ridge restaurant, overlooking the lush grounds scattered with sculptures, serves delicious lunches. Address: 2110 Blue Ridge Rd Phone Number: (919) 839 6262 Website: www.ncartmuseum.org Hours: Tuesday to Thursday and Saturday 9am to 5pm; Friday 9am to 9pm; Sunday 10am to 5pm Admission: Free, although some special exhibits require fees
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