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Environmental Sustainability and “Real” Family Experiences Exemplify the Exceptional Nature of Vacations on 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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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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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. |
Asheville, Culinary Paradise in the Blue Ridge MountainsStretching back to George Vanderbilt’s tradition of serving
Biltmore guests culinary delights grown right on the estate, the Asheville area is a thriving farm-to-table
community with independent restaurants, organic farmers, creative chefs and food entrepreneurs.
Ranked by Frommer’s as one of the top 10 must-see destinations in the world, there is a must-taste
side of Asheville that is fresh, delicious and ready to be discovered. |
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. |
From Hot Wheels to Cool Jazz, Charlotte Has It AllHave you met Charlotte yet? Once you do, you’ll come to
know that this fine Southern city has a flair for the extraordinary. Countless cranes pepper a towering
skyline and certainly are a sign of the times that the Queen City is on the rise…in more ways
than one. Progress reigns daily with one-of-a-kind attractions, a thriving cultural calendar, a flavorful
culinary scene, and an ambiance all its own. Set amidst a Carolina blue sky, Charlotte’s
friendly cityscape is filled with oak-shaded thoroughfares, an area-wide commitment to public art, and lush
green spaces to spare. You won’t want to miss museums showcasing the world’s wonders, pro
sporting events that will have you cheering too, and so much more sure to engage, excite, and exhilarate.
So meet Charlotte. And be sure to explore all the unforgettable things to see and do that
this city has to offer. You’ll be so pleased you made her acquaintance. |
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. |
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. |
Greensboro, North Carolina“The Middle is the Best Part”Bicentennial birthday celebration like no other!
In 2008, the citizens and community leaders of Greensboro will
roll out the
red carpet and celebrate the city’s Bicentennial. Beginning
in March, planned
events include a torch relay, heritage festival, archaeological
dig, bicentennial
bash, technology expo, a parade, and much more! Events are scheduled
throughout 2008. Commemorative items, including a calendar and
book, will
be available. Come celebrate! |
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. |
Pinehurst ResortWhat does it take to be the best?
The readers of Travel + Leisure Golf look beyond golf holes and
grass when
making their list of favorite resorts each year – to guest
rooms, spa, dining and
service. For the second time in three years, Pinehurst topped their
list. |
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. |
From Whirligigs to Antique Wonders: Wilson Celebrates the SouthWilson, North Carolina is known for having the best barbecue on
the East Coast and the largest antique district on the Eastern
Seaboard with more than 350,000 square feet of antiques. A town
of historic charm, grace and pride and a huge arts community, Wilson
has 250 active artists, a very active Arts Center and a Cultural
Center that features more than 16 performances annually. |
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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