Hello and welcome to my next Travel Destination Guide: A Stands for Amazing Travel Adventures – North Carolina. Whether you are a fan of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cape Hatteras National Seashore or the movie Dirty Dancing, North Carolina has something for everyone. Come travel with me!
Domes and Railroads and Bridges – North Carolina
1. Clingman’s Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky mountains. The Clingman Dome Observation Tower Trail ends with a steep 1/2 mile hike to the Observation Tower. The Tower sits over 6,000 feet elevation and offers 360 degree views of the breathtaking Smoky Mountains. Visit their website at www.nps.gov or click here. Weather conditions often close the road leading up to the trail, so check before heading out.
2. Great Smoky Mountain Railroad offers breathtaking excursions while onboard one of their steam powered or diesel powered trains. It is an amazing adventure and has someone else do the driving! There are several packages to choose from, so everyone can plan their very own trip. Visit www.gsmr.com or click here for more information and updates.
3. Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain sits at one mile above sea level. It is the highest suspension foot bridge in the United States and has been around since 1952. Grandfather Mountain itself is one of the highest peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountain range. Views for days! Visit their website at www.grandfather.com or click here for information updates, hours and other things to do and see in the area.
Lighthouses and Chapels and First Flight Monuments – Amazing Travel Adventures North Carolina
1. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and National Seashore is located in Buxton, North Carolina. There are actually 3 lighthouses located within the park. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, shown with its recognizable and distinct spiral black and white stripes. The Bodie lighthouse with its recognizable and distinct horizontal black and white stripes. The Ocracoke Lighthouse with its recognizable and distinct all white color from ground to lamp. The Cape Hatteras and Bodie Lighthouses are opened seasonally for self guided tours. The Ocracoke Lighthouse is not open for climbing. Details can be found on their website www.nps.gov or click here.
2. University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is a public research University located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. It is the first public University in the United States founded in 1789. With a graduation rate of 91% and an amazing athletics program it caught the eye of my son. It wasn’t his final choice but was in his top 3. The campus offers so much history, even if you aren’t on a looking at colleges trip I highly recommend a campus tour. Check out their website at www.unc.edu or click here for more information.
3. Wright Brothers National Monument is located in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The monument commemorates the first sustained, powered flight in a heavier than air apparatus. The first flight lasted 12 seconds and covered a distance of 120 feet. We all know that things only got better from there. The Monument is part of the National Park Services and charges an entrance fee. I love history and thought the price was worth the wandering, learning, oohs and awes. Their website is www.nps.org or click here to view for information and updates.
Towers and Sit Ins and Lake Lifts – North Carolina
1. Frying Pan Tower Hotel has been called the most dangerous hotel to stay overnight. Originally built in 1964 as a Coast Guard Lighthouse and was later decommissioned. The tower has been a lighthouse, hotel and research center. For more information about the tower or to help with its restoration visit their website at www.fptower.org or click here.
2. The Sit In Counter at the Woolworth Department Store located on Greensboro, North Carolina is now the International Civil Rights Center and Museum. The Sit Ins were a series of Civil Rights protests that started in February of 1960. By the end of March, the Sit Ins had spread to 55 cities in 13 states. By summer of 1960 dining locations across the south were integrated. Amazing piece of history to visit. For more information visit their website www.sitinmovement.org or click here.
3. The Dirty Dancing lake lift scene was filmed at Lake Lure in North Carolina. The majority of the movie was filmed in Virginia but, chose Lake Lure for its breathtaking views and Lake Life moments. Need somewhere to stay while attending the Dirty Dancing Festival visit www.lakelure.com or click here. You’ll have the time of your life!
A Stands for Amazing Travel Adventures – North Carolina
Thank you for letting me share with you A Stands for Amazing Travel Adventures – North Carolina. So much history, breathtaking views and a few dance moves make North Carolina a definite travel destination. Did your North Carolina favorites make my list? If not please share in the comments.
Looking for more breathtaking views, museums of history and a bridge that connects two different states? Read my Blog Post A Stands for Amazing Travel Adventures – Kentucky or click here. The ventriloquist dummies will thank you for it!
Until Next Time,
Wonder Lesch
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