Visit North Carolina

Celebrate Black History in North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 19:04:00 +0000

February is recognized nationally as Black History Month, and while we have many celebrations across our state this month, we also celebrate black history throughout the year.

The Museum of the Cape Fear in Fayetteville is presenting "Red, White, Blue & Black: The Service of Black Americans during the Civil War," on Feb. 23. This program will focus on black Americans and their contributions to the military during the Civil War. Led by Dr. Charles Anderson of Central Texas College, this event is also free of charge.

Sunday, Feb. 19, the Raleigh’s North Carolina Museum of Art will offer a program that analyzes and discusses the African art world: "Looking at African Art in the 21st Century." The speaker will be Dr. Rebecca Martin Nagy, director of the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida and former curator of African Art at NCMA. Another free event, this program will begin at 2:30 p.m.

Throughout the year, visitors can celebrate Black History and North Carolina’s role in the Civil Rights movement by visiting the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in Greensboro. A tribute to the four individuals who began the sit-in movement in 1960 in Greensboro, you can explore fourteen signature exhibits and a rotating art exhibit year round. Additionally, many historical sites throughout the state offer tours: Somerset Place in Creswell and Historic Stagville near Durham were both once plantations now open to visitors. We would love for you to share your experiences with us in the comments section below.

Sample Our Wines This Winter

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:06:00 +0000

There is no better way to relax this season than over a glass of wine shared with friends. Here in North Carolina, our wine-producing roots run deep, and we have more than 100 wineries across the state for you to enjoy.

In addition to fantastic wine, many wineries are offering special events and festivals this time of year. Check out Jazzy Fridays at Cypress Bend Vineyards, happening twice each month, or if you’re a sports fan, try Weathervane Winery’s annual Super Bowl Party in Lexington. Experience six wineries in one place at the Yadkin Winter Reds Event 2012 happening through February or indulge yourself at the Wilmington Wine & Chocolate Festival. For a more complete listing of upcoming wine events, visit our calendar.

With these events and regular tastings at the wineries, there is plenty to do this winter to stay warm and experience something new. Double check the wineries’ winter hours before heading out, and if you have a favorite wine or story to tell, please share it with us in the comments section below.

Get Outside this Winter

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:51:00 +0000

Our mountains are home to slopes and ski resorts to help keep you active this season cure the onset of cabin fever. Take your pick from traditional downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding terrain parks, ice skating, snow tubing, snowshoeing or ziplining over snow-covered peaks. We have it all here.

Beech Mountain Resort’s claim to fame is that at 5,506 feet, it is the highest ski and snowboard destination in the Eastern United States. We aren’t new to the snow sports world: Cataloochee Ski Area is our oldest ski and snowboard resort having opened in 1962, and Appalachian Ski Mountain is celebrating its 50th year this season. If snow tubing is your favorite activity, Hawksnest is home to the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast.

You can check out our park and resort listing and our updates for the 2011-12 season. Many resorts have upgraded their snow guns to keep the slopes ready-covered in snow, added runs for skiing and snowboarding and expanded their terrain. This is the season to make this trip.

Plan your next visit today for anytime through mid-March, and the conditions should be just right for winter fun. Share your adventure with us in the comment section below. We would love to hear your stories!

Vote for Raleigh in Southern Living’s Tastiest Towns Contest

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:16:00 +0000

During the month of January, Southern Living is hosting a contest to determine the South’s Tastiest Town. Our very own Raleigh has been chosen to compete against the likes of Birmingham, Louisville, Houston, Decatur, Charleston, Lafayette, New Orleans, Charlottesville and Baltimore.

Needless to say, Raleigh wants your vote, and here is why. Known for its farm to fork mentality, most Raleigh restaurants boast scrumptious dishes made from local ingredients. Two well known local ingredient options include the Southern American cuisine at 18 Seaboard and the tapas restaurant, Humble Pie. If pizza is more your style, try out Lilly’s at Five Points.

Also home to seven breweries, Raleigh has a great beer scene. from the Big Boss Brewing Company to Boylan Bridge Brewpub and the Roth Brewing Company, there is a draught for you.

The voting ends on Jan. 31, and the winner will be announced in the April edition of Southern Living. Click on over to cast your vote once a day for one of our own, and best of luck to Raleigh and its delectable food scene!

Find Last Minute Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:00:00 +0000

With Christmas Day just around the corner, there is undoubtedly some gift shopping that remains to be done. To help you find what you’re looking for, we have an exceptional number of shopping opportunities here in North Carolina – from Southpoint in Durham, Southpark in Charlotte to the recently opened Tanger Outlet Center in Mebane near Burlington and the Tanger Shoppes on the Parkway in Blowing Rock. However, in addition to this impressive list, we have plenty of local artists and artisans who create one-of-a-kind gifts anyone would be delighted to receive.

Spruce Pine is a small town in the northwestern mountains that is known as the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree. The town took this name from the award-winning seasonal classic about the courage and power of family, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree.

Using the same theme, the Home of the Perfect Christmas Tree Store opened in November 2005 and has since filled orders from former First Lady Laura Bush and well known retailers such as A Southern Season and Mast General Store.

Last minute orders for gifts ranging from handmade wooden cutting boards to glass blown ornaments can be placed online or via phone, (866) 485-8733. The store is open year round for all of your gift and craft needs.

If you have a favorite local shop or artisan, please tell us about it in the comments section. We would love to hear about it!

Traditional Holiday Recipes to Share

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:03:00 +0000

Since it’s the holiday season, we thought we would share a few recipes. These recipes are for two North Carolina traditions: mulled wine and Moravian cookies.

Mulled Wine

What you’ll need:

2 bottles dry red wine
4 ounces port or brandy
12 whole cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
1 large orange, zested

In about 25 minutes, this will make ten servings. For the full recipe, see here.

Moravian Spice Cookies

What you’ll need:

1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon fine salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon finely ground white pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg yolk

After two hours, you’ll have about five dozen cookies to enjoy and share. For the full recipe, see here.

If you aren’t up for making your own, we have you covered.

Established in 1975, Duplin Winery is our oldest winery and the largest winery in the South. It is located in Rose Hill and is a muscadine winery. This time of year the winery offers both a Christmas wine and hot spiced wine. The recipe for the famous Moravian spicy ginger-molasses cookies is more than 200 years old and originates in Winston-Salem. These cookies are available at Old Salem and online.

If you have other holiday traditions or favorite recipes, please share them with us in the comments section. Happy Holidays!

Christmas on the Coast

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:17:00 +0000

Although photos of snowy mountains are often what we associate with Christmastime, there is no better place to spend the holiday season than along our coast. With fewer crowds but plenty of events and activities, the coast is the perfect spot to start a new holiday tradition.

One of our most unique traditions is the holiday lighting of Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington. From now until Jan. 4, 2012, you can see Battleship North Carolina dressed in lights each night from downtown Wilmington. The ship is open every day, so while you are in town, you can walk her decks and experience a piece of North Carolina history. The ship participated in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Ocean during World War II.

Other special events include the Festival of Trees in Greenville and Christmas by the Sea at Carolina Beach. Over 100 different trees are a part of the Festival of Trees, and each one will be decorated to represent a different Christmas theme at the Greenville Convention Center. Help spread holiday cheer by attending because all proceeds go to Family Support Network Scholarships, benefitting families throughout Eastern North Carolina. Christmas by the Sea at Carolina Beach is also a beautiful sight to take in – the oceanfront coves on the boardwalk are decorated and special holiday activities are available each Saturday night through New Year’s Eve.

We would love to hear about your family holiday traditions – from the mountains to the coast. Please share them with us in the comments section below!

Image courtesy of Family Support Network of North Carolina

Choose and Cut Your Christmas Tree

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:19:00 +0000

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, friends and families are gathering to celebrate the upcoming holiday season. North Carolina is the No. 2 producer of Christmas trees in the country, so why not add a Christmas tree choose and cut adventure to the itinerary for next week? We have more than 70 choose and cut farms that offer a variety of holiday activities in addition to beautiful trees. It’s the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax and ease into the holiday spirit.

To top off your adventure, some farms have hayrides and Christmas caroling, along with visits from Santa, hot chocolate and marshmallow roasts. Nearby mountain towns have accommodations packages available for visitors as well.

The majority of trees grown here are Fraser Firs, and we have other varieties that include blue spruce, white pine, Concolor, Canaan, Leyland Cyprus, cedar and Norway. The North Carolina Christmas Tree Association will help you select the farm you wish to visit by searching by tree type, other of amenities available such as wreaths, garland, visits from Santa and hayrides. If you can’t make it to the mountains this season, we have a number of Christmas tree retail lots spread throughout the state. You can find a retail lot here.

Does your family have a choose-and-cut tradition? Tell us about it below!

Celebrating Our Veterans

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:35:00 +0000

The Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation in Fayetteville is honoring North Carolina veterans this week with a variety of Heroes Homecoming events. This holiday is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 to honor the men and women who have served on behalf of our country.

The Vietnam Moving Wall is open 24 hours a day through noon on Nov. 14 providing visitors the opportunity to see the names of more than 58,000 service men and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The Moving Wall is a half-size replica of the Vietnam Wall at the memorial in Washington, D.C., and has been open at the museum in Fayetteville since Nov. 6.

Additionally, the museum has been airing free movies each night in the main theater this week. Tonight at 6 p.m., the museum will show “We Were Soldiers”, and tomorrow on Veterans Day, they will air “Good Morning Vietnam” at 5 p.m. Prior to the showing of “Good Morning Vietnam,” Adrian Cronauer will address the attendees. He is a U.S. Airman who was a radio announcer in Vietnam during the conflict. If you’re interested in attending some of these events, the video below has more information.

There are also a number of parades across the state to honor our military veterans. From Franklin, to Wadesboro to Lincolnton, communities will gather for parades to salute the men and women who served our country.

If you have a Veterans Day story to share, please do so in the comments section below. To all of our veterans, we salute you and your service.

Rembrandt in Raleigh

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:10:00 +0000

The North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh recently welcomed Rembrandt in America. The exhibition will run through Jan. 22, 2012, and is the largest collection of Rembrandt paintings ever presented in America. It’s also the first major exhibition to explore the history of collecting Rembrandt paintings in America, which has proven difficult.

Part of what’s unique about this collection is how it examines the change in opinion of scholars and collectors around what constitutes a genuinely autographed Rembrandt painting. For example, the North Carolina Museum of Art acquired two paintings in the 1950s that were believed to be by Rembrandt, only later to have them reattributed to other artists.

Explore approximately 50 paintings brought together by the exhibition and experience them with an audio guide available for purchase or complimentary mp3 download. A gallery guide is also available to help you plan your visit. While you’re there, take in one of the museum’s other exhibits and visit the Museum Park for extraordinary outdoor work inspired by the natural work.

If you discover a favorite exhibit or work of art, share it with us below!

Haunted History

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 01:46:00 +0000

History runs deep in North Carolina from the NC Museum of History to the legends of Blackbeard and his treasure along our shores. However at this time of year, another side of the story takes center stage: our authentic haunts. Ghost tours abound across the state as Halloween is just around the corner.

In Mount Airy, visitors can embark on a walking tour through downtown that is full of obscure facts about 13 of the town’s long-term residents, where they lived and are believed to have died. At Historic Latta Plantation near Huntersville, the Civil War Ghost Walk provides an unusual opportunity to actually conduct a scientific paranormal investigation at night on the plantation with training from The North American Society.

The Biltmore Village Ghost and Mystery Tour takes on many interesting historical questions: Was Samuel Reed, the Vanderbilt family lawyer, actually cursed? Are the shrieks you can hear actually from the local asylum? If you’re brave enough, you can spend the night in Biltmore Village and take this tour to find out.

If ghost hunting and paranormal photography are your thing – while in Asheville you should check out the Ghost Hunters of Asheville. Their tours come with ghost hunting equipment and paranormal photographs are guaranteed.

Check out some other stories in our video here, and if you have a favorite urban legend or a haunted story to share, tell us about it in the comments below. Happy Halloween!

Hunger Games Wraps in North Carolina

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:28:00 +0000

One of many movies filmed in North Carolina, The Hunger Games recently wrapped and is set for release on March 23, 2012. The cast includes Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss, Josh Hutcherson as Peeta, Liam Hemsworth as Gale, Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Lenny Kravitz as Cinna. Locations for filming ranged from Dupont State Forest, an abandoned mill outside of Asheville in Hildebran, to uptown Charlotte and the old Phillip Morris Plant in Concord.

While in North Carolina, the stars discovered many local hangouts on location and enjoyed Cabo Fish Taco and Boudreaux’s Louisiana Kitchen in Charlotte’s NoDa arts district and The Southern Kitchen and Bar in Asheville. Woody Harrelson was also spotted at the Lexington Avenue Arts & Fun Festival in Asheville.

Based on the first book in The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins, the story takes place in Panem, a post-apocalyptic country that was once North America, and the annual Hunger Games are a government-mandated, nationally televised battle to the death.

A gripping book, certain to make for an action-packed movie, the highly-anticipated trailer below debuted to a captive audience at this year’s MTV Music Awards. The Hunger Games joins a long list of films shot in North Carolina, and if you’re a fan, who can’t wait for the movie, please share your story with us in the comment section. We’d love to hear your thoughts on its upcoming release!

Technology Takes You Back in Time at Tryon Palace

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:15:00 +0000

Tryon Palace in New Bern is the perfect place to watch North Carolina’s history come to life. In addition to housing the Governor’s Palace, North Carolina’s first colonial capitol and first state capitol, along with more than twenty acres of other historical buildings and gardens, Tryon Palace allows you to step through a virtual time machine into the year 1835. There you can adopt a historic role and experience your surroundings as the coastal village they once were.

With the help of interactive technology on this trip back in time, in the Pepsi Family Center you can work as a team to sail a ship, cook in a colonial kitchen and produce a 19^th century newspaper. In the Regional History Museum, you can explore how the central coast of North Carolina has evolved geographically and in terms of population and important events. Throughout the grounds, mobile software is available for your smartphone to provide the perfect companion – complete with historical background and context.

This Saturday, Oct. 15, additional crafts and entertainment are available – from cornhusk dolls to a live performance of “The Monkey’s Paw,” celebrate fall at Family Day with time travel at Tryon Palace in New Bern.

Many Shades of Fall Color

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 15:51:00 +0000

Fall is upon us, and its cooler temperatures are here to stay. In North Carolina, we always look forward to this season. Mother Nature never lets us down with her handiwork that turns our leaves from a bright and lively green to brilliant reds, yellows and golds.

Fishing along our coast is also at its prime in the fall season – from red drum to albacore, the fish are definitely biting. Check out our fall color and fishing reports each week so you can plan your next adventure, but remember our fall color doesn’t stop there, and we’re hoping you’re fall adventure in North Carolina won’t either.

If you’re feeling daring – why not take in some of our fall colors on a zipline? With more ziplines than any other state in the continental U.S., you don’t need to travel far to hook yourself onto a line and fly through our trees when the colors are at their most brilliant. From the Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours, to the Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures and Scream Time Ziplines, the right tour is waiting for you.

So as the leaves turn this year, set out for adventure and see fall from a new perspective. Experience its color in our foliage, in the sights and sounds of festivals and events, along the coast and in our waters and at a higher speed while soaring through our trees.

What’s your favorite fall adventure? Tell us about it in the comments below!

(Photo by Helen Moss Davis)

Festivals in NC this Fall

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 15:59:00 +0000

There isn’t a better way to enjoy fall’s cooler temperatures than by attending one of our many outdoor food, arts and music festivals. Spanning from the mountains, across the Piedmont, to the edge of our coast, we have a festival or outdoor celebration for you.

If you’re fishing our coast this fall you can visit the NC Seafood Festival in Morehead City to enter a fishing contest or check out their boat show. There will also be an 8K road race for the runner in your group and plenty of food and music for all to enjoy. If you’re in our mountains, as our beautiful leaves turn brilliant colors, consider the Brushy Mountain Apple Festival in North Wilkesboro or the Maple Leaf Festival in Whittier. Both pair arts and crafts vendors with great food and entertainment.

In the Piedmont, we have plenty of options to choose from - for example, offering a variety of arts and crafts vendors, the Fall Festival in Asheboro attracts nearly 100,000 people annually. In Charlotte, the Great Grapes! Wine, Arts and Food Festival offers 100s of wines for tasting, while also providing an activity area just for kids in Symphony Park.

Take time this fall to experience the outdoors in a different way – one that is filled with the sights of friends and family and smells of a fresh funnel cake or apple pie. You can share your favorite fall festival with us in the comments section below.

Southern Inspiration on Display

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 18:31:00 +0000

In addition to this season's beautiful changing leaves on display throughout North Carolina, Charlotte recently debuted a new fall show of its own at the Mint Museum Uptown. The Romare Bearden: Southern Recollections exhibit opened September 2 to coincide with his 100th birthday. The exhibition will be open through January 8, 2012, and will feature nearly 100 works of art. Following its tenure at the Mint, the exhibit will travel nationally to two additional venues.

Born in Charlotte in 1911, Bearden’s childhood and perspective of the South are evident in his work. This exhibit is the first to highlight the role of the South as inspiration for his work, focusing on themes of music, religion, social change and family. Furthermore, the exhibit will explore his life as an African-American who moved from the American South to New York at an early age.

Whether you are visiting with friends or family, the Mint has prepared two different guides to accompany you on your trip. The Family Guide explores Bearden’s history and some of the underlying themes in his work, including masks, trains, rituals, music, hats and Earth. It poses questions that are helpful for engaging visitors of all ages. The Gallery Guide includes a more detailed biography and historical section for an older audience. The Mint Wiki offers even more insight into Bearden’s childhood and his artistic career.

We hope this fall you’ll find a number of adventures to experience here in North Carolina. Share your own story with us below.

Tasting Tours Through Some of Our Great Restaurants

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 20:51:00 +0000

North Carolina is making a name for itself in the culinary world. Many of our restaurants and chefs boast high honors and accolades – we have four Four Star Restaurants, one Five Diamond restaurant and fifteen Four Diamond restaurants, according to Forbes and AAA. And with so many excellent spots to choose from, where do you begin? We’re happy to report we have the solution for you: tasting tours. Whether you are looking for a walking tour that focuses on comfort foods, or a bus tour to experience different breweries and wineries, there is an option for you here.

Taste Carolina, for example, has tours that span across our Piedmont region, including Raleigh, Hillsborough, Durham, Chapel Hill and Carrboro, Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Each tour strives to highlight signature aspects of its location. The tour through Chapel Hill and Carrboro focuses on the community’s emphasis on farm-to-fork eateries, while the tour through Winston-Salem incorporates eclectic dining with the downtown arts district.

Don’t take our word for it – with a tasting tour through restaurants, breweries or wineries, you can sample a number of locations and experience a range of our culinary successes all in one day. If you have a favorite North Carolina restaurant or touring experience, we’d love for you to share that below.

One of Fall's Best Kept Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 16:10:00 +0000

Each year people flock to the beautiful mountain region of North Carolina to witness the leaves turn color and welcome the fall season. But one of our best kept secrets is both the prevalence and breathtaking beauty of our waterfalls. With over 300 waterfalls gracing our mountain region, you simply must make time on your trip to see at least one.

Known as “the Land of Waterfalls,” Transylvania County boasts over 260 – at least two of which are must-see. The first is Rainbow Falls. So named because the mist surrounding it reflects the sun’s light like a prism. The second is Whitewater Falls, arguably the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States. At 411-feet, no other waterfall in the east has the same combination of water volume, height and visibility.

If you’re closer to Asheville, there are still plenty of waterfalls nearby. We’ve even created a list of Ten Great Waterfalls near Asheville to help narrow your search. From Dry Falls, near Highlands, to Looking Glass Falls north of Brevard, a scenic adventure, full of beauty and wonder, is just around the corner.

Of course we find ourselves inspired each year by the dynamic and colorful leaves, but our waterfalls are also truly unparalleled in their beauty. Each one has something unique to offer. See the rainbows created by the sun or walk beneath an enormous river rushing off of a mountain, and experience another side of fall in North Carolina.

Take a look at our waterfall set on Flickr, and share your story with us in the comment section below.

Choose Your Own Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Last week, we asked our friends on Facebook and Twitter a simple question: What's your favorite kind of North Carolina outdoor adventure?

We heard some great ideas, from camping and whitewater rafting in the mountains, to NASCAR races and animal sightings in the Piedmont, to surfing and hang gliding on the coast.

Here are a few of our favorite answers:

Climbing up and over a sand dune to find the ocean on the other side! (Colette S.)

For me... hiking to waterfalls in Transylvania County... my favorite: Mill Shoals Falls! (@ilovebrevard)

Going to Lake Norman or the beach! (Tammy F.)

Scuba diving off the NC coast - especially wreck diving (Reggie B.)

Tot says "sand." Mom says "hiking." (@thetravelingtot)

Americana and Bluegrass festivals and gigs in the hills and mountains! Pulling my camper up there to spend the summer! (Victoria R.)

Riding horses on the beach! :) (Katie C.)

Charting a course for new vintages (@kevinklinewxii)

Driving the back roads. Seeing the real NC. No interstates, no franchise restaurants, Just the beauty and people the state has to offer. (Bob M.)

Fishing the INNER BANKS (Richard A.)

White water rafting at the Nantahala (Gary M.)

Surf fishing in Nags Head (Steve S.)

Camping in the mountains. Cooking on an open fire, no grill. Love the North Carolina mountains. Bluegrass music.
(Velma G.)

Surfing! (@LiveEatSurf)

Kayaking in the Lockwood Folly Bay & Sliding Rock (Katie M.)

At the beach - riding the waves. In the mountains - zip-lining the tree tops! (Denise B.)

Hang gliding on Jockey’s Ridge (Jennifer F.)

Trout fishing in the mountains (David H.)

Love to help by babysitting the sea turtle nests. Saw them hatch once on a beautiful night at Topsail. (@WilmingtonToday)

Fall fishing on the ocean....can't beat it! (Scott K.)

Boy, that's a hard one, it would either be a NASCAR race or white water rafting!!! Shout out to Paddle Inn!!! (Kc C.)

Hunting seashells! (@JML_NC)

Banner Elk/Beech/Sugar area in fall and looking at the leaves change to a colorful masterpiece (Scott C.)

For more on North Carolina’s outdoor playground, click here.

Enjoy an outdoor activity we didn’t mention? Let’s hear it in the comments below!

Our Wine-Producing Roots Run Deep

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:29:00 +0000

North Carolina is far from new to the wine industry – it has long been a wine producer. We make muscadine wine from scuppernong grapes and European-style vinifera grape varieties. With more than 100 wineries spread across our state, we have a wine and a story to tempt your palate and make your weekend.

One little known fact is that we’re home to the Mother Vine which is the oldest known cultivated grapevine in the nation. This vine has been growing and producing scuppernong grapes for centuries – it was thriving when explorers sighted it in 1584. Before prohibition, North Carolina was the leading wine-producing region in the nation.

Our wines aren’t limited to just red or white – we focus on native muscadine wine and European-style vinifera grape varieties. Down east in our coastal plain, you’ll find muscadine wine made from the scuppernong. The scuppernong is the North Carolina state fruit, and it not only survives in our hot Southern summers, it thrives in our climate and the sandy conditions of our coastal region. The vinifera grape, primarily planted in the western and Piedmont regions of our state, produces varieties that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay and Viognier.

With over 100 wineries to choose from, the perfect weekend escape is just around the corner. In addition to that, many vineyards offer special events to help you kick off your weekend. If you have experienced any of our vineyards or sampled our wine, share it with us in the comments below. We would love to hear how our wine’s story has helped you create one of your own.

Discover the Magic: The Corolla Wild Horses

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:48:00 +0000

As a young person, it’s easy to lose yourself chasing the mystery of the Corolla wild horses. At the same time, it’s just as easy for parents and adults to find themselves under the same spell cast by the horses as they unexpectedly cross the dunes, the wind whipping through their sandy and uncombed manes.

Similar to the shores where the horses have roamed for over four centuries, these horses seem untouched by time and immune to technology’s advancements. Believed to have originally come to the Outer Banks with early Spanish explorers, the Corolla wild horses physically resemble the 16^th Century Spanish mustang.

For Outer Banks goers, it has always been a favorite pastime to “go find the horses.” As time passes and each young person grows into an adult, taking his or her children, nieces or nephews to see the horses for the first time, a new appreciation for their beauty emerges. A true symbol of Corolla, Currituck and all of the Outer Banks, the wild horses have endured many storms and hardships. While a childlike sense of wonder is easily lost to the daily grind, the Outer Banks and the wild horses steadfastly beckon the weary traveler to explore the unmatched beauty of the nearly untouched North Carolina coastline.

Wild horses can be spotted on other Outer Banks destinations as well: Ocracoke Island is home to wild Banker horses and Shackleford Banks is nine-mile long barrier island that serves as a horse sanctuary, just east of Morehead City and Beaufort.

Take a chance, step into relaxation on our shore and catch a glimpse of mystery and wonder. As you take in their beauty, remember that we want to keep the horses wild and free, so don’t try to feed them or get too close. If you have experienced the horses or a similarly magical experience along our coast, share your story with us!

What's Your Favorite Water Spot?

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 01:22:00 +0000

We recently asked our Twitter and Facebook friends to help us put together a list of great places to enjoy the water in North Carolina. More than 100 of you weighed in, nominating everything from local lakes to not-so-lazy rivers to dozens of the state’s pristine beaches.

Here are 25 of our favorite comments:

Topsail Beach! (@PlaysWithFoodNC)

We’re going to Cape Hatteras in 2 weeks and I CAN'T hardly wait! (Naomi M.)

U.S. National Whitewater Center either riding the rapids or paddling on the river! (Bonnie B.)

The Uwharrie River is a hidden kayaking and canoeing gem. (@sethmorris91)

Carolina Beach, Kure Beach at Fort Fisher...There is just so many things to do....Four Wheeling, fishing, history, the Southport Ferry, Playing in the ocean, River Boat tours in nearby Wilmington. We have gone there 20 years and still find something new every time we go.... (Janie G.)

Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Ocracoke (Mike L.)

The creek at the Sunburst, NC stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There’s no better spot in the state for skipping stones. (@RnR_NCSU)

I feel like I am always recommending a tube ride down the New River in West Jefferson! Lake Watauga is one of the cleanest lakes in America - can't go wrong there either!
(Blue Ridge For Rent)

Lake Gaston & Kerr Lake! Excellent for water sports, championship fishing and just relaxing! (@WarrenRecord)

Dan River through Rockingham County!
(Bud’s Feed & Supplies)

Pine Knoll Shores – great beach and sun allll day long, because the island runs east-west. (@SarasSoaps)

Sliding rock in Pisgah Forest National forest in Brevard, NC (Rene S.)

My hometown, Wrightsville Beach, isn’t too bad. (@VitaminTsmith)

Hammocks Beach State Park. A little hard to get to; but worth the ferry ride. Next to that Surf City (Jerry C.)

Sunset Beach!!!!!! (@sweettea66)

Southport Ferry and my new favorite: the off-road, four-wheel-drive-only undeveloped beach at Fort Fisher. It was fun and totally fantastic once we got there. (Stephanie S.)

Brevard waterfalls, Hebron Rock Colony, Linville Falls (@CreepyJeffrey)

Rafting the Watauga River with the Edge of the World Gang out of Banner Elk, NC...What a fun group! Fun time!! Done it twice and will do it again!
(Kathy K.)

Just spent a week at Lake Lure – loved it! (@AbbieF)

Bald Head Island at Frying Pan Shoals! (Bambi D.)

BEAUFORT Waterfront!! (@PMLUNC)

Lake Apalachia. Apalachia Reservoir is a small, deep, cool-water, remote and scenic lake set in the mountains of western North Carolina, near Murphy. (Kelly Y.)

Shackleford Banks. (Bob M.)

DEF Holden Beach, such a peaceful place (@MomsInCharlotte)

Island Park in Cherokee, NC (Jenny M.)

For more on North Carolina’s rivers, lakes and beaches, click here.

Have a favorite spot we didn’t mention? Tell us in the comments section below!

New Visitor Center Opens On NC Side Of Smokies

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:35:00 +0000

Doors opened today on a brand new visitor center on the North Carolina side of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It's the first new visitor building constructed in the park since the early 1960s, and the only one built entirely from private funds.

Exhibits at the new 6,300-square-foot Oconaluftee Visitor Center focus on the people who lived and worked in the area before the National Park was created, from the Cherokee Indians to Cataloochee farmers to major lumber companies. Artifacts include an ox yoke, a hillside plow, a moonshine still, and the chair President Franklin D. Roosevelt used at the park's dedication in 1940. The new center acts as a compliment to the one on the Tennessee side, which focuses on the park's flora and fauna. The stone and wood building was constructed to blend in with historic structures and designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable.

The Great Smoky Mountains Association paid for construction of the center with money from memberships and gift sales, while the Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park picked up the tab for the interpretive information.

NC's Civil War Experience,One Tweet At A Time

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 15:04:00 +0000

In a few short days, the US will mark the 150th Anniversary of the fall of Fort Sumter (April 12, 1861), an event which triggered a long and devastating Civil War between the North and the South. Historical records show that before the battle at Sumter, North Carolinians were sharply divided on the issue of secession, and only sided with the Confederacy after President Lincoln called on North Carolina to send troops into South Carolina.

Now, a project by the NC Department of Cultural Resources is using modern social networking to tell the tales of regular North Carolina residents caught in "the most desperate War the world ever saw". History buffs can now keep up with entries from diaries kept by NC residents in the days before and during the Civil War, both on a Wordpress blog and on the @CivilianWartime address on Twitter.

"The tweets are short and this blog will be the full citation, to place the tweet into context - a tool to understand the impact of war in their words, not ours," the Department said in an introduction to the project. Among the voices the Department is using is Catherine Ann Devereux Edmondston, who was living at Looking Glass Plantation in Halifax County when war broke out in 1861.

The tweets and the blog turn out to be fascinating reading... and perhaps a window into what we would have read... had Twitter been around 150 years ago.

Battleship To Stay In Wilmington For Hull Repairs

noreply@blogger.com (VisitNC) — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 16:06:00 +0000

Officials at the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA today announced the popular attraction will undergo extensive hull repairs this spring without ever leaving its spot on the Cape Fear River.

The highly decorated World War II battleship has not been out of the water in more than 60 years, and metal plates that have remained underwater are showing signs of deterioration. Work will begin next month on a two million dollar project to replace sections of the starboard side of the bow. That work will show what needs to be done on the rest of the 728-foot-long ship.

Originally, officials said the repairs would require the battleship to take a risky and expensive trip to a shipyard in Charleston, SC or Norfolk, VA, but now workers with a marine construction company will build a small coffer dam around the bow, pump water out and work in an enclosed area. The ship will remain open to tours during the repairs, and the repair work may actually become an additional attraction. The work will be patterned after hull repairs on the USS Alabama in Mobile, which included a walkway atop the coffer dam.

The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA attracts about 200,000 people a year, and has been on display in Wilmington since 1961. It is funded entirely by admission tickets, gift shop sales, donations and investments.