How to Plan a Vacation to North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautiful state and there’s nowhere I’d rather live. For those who wish to visit, here are some favorite vacation ideas straight from a North Carolinian.

Decide what time of year you would like to plan a vacation to North Carolina. Different regions have different things to offer depending upon the season. The Appalachian Mountains provide breathtaking scenery year round, but the best time to go is in the fall just as the leaves begin to change colors. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway will remind you just how colorful and amazing nature can be. Plan a visit to the Biltmore House in Asheville and you'll be amazed at the shear magnitude of the home and the magnificence of the property. Drive over to Boone, NC and enjoy some down-home cooking at the Dan'l Boone Inn. You won't leave hungry. There are tons of shops and activities that you can fill an entire day exploring. Tell the folks at the Mast General Store, I said "hello" too. If gambling is in your blood, there's a Harrah's Casino nearby in Cherokee, NC where you can try your luck. Don't leave this area without experiencing the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills."

Visit North Carolina's beautiful coast. For beach lovers who enjoy walking with their feet in the ocean or witnessing a picturesque sunset on a clean and well-preserved beach, I suggest a visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There are plenty of rental homes all along the coast, so lodging should not be a problem. While you're there, pay a visit to the Wright Brothers' Museum and learn some important aviation history that happened right here in NC. Then make the drive down to the Cape Hatteras Light House and see another one of our state symbols up close. While visiting the Outer Banks, learn as much as you can about the rich history of pirates and their dark tales of treachery along North Carolina's coast. One of the most famous is none other than Edward Teach, commonly known as "Blackbeard" by all you scurvy dogs.

Experience some local cuisine. The best barbecue in the entire world can be found in Gaston County, NC. My favorite barbecue restaurant is Kyle Fletcher's, but there are many others like RO's, Black's, and Carolina Country BBQ that offer tasty pork or beef plates with a variety of sauces. Gaston County also has a fine selection of fish camps, which for those of you unfamiliar with the term, is a restaurant that offers almost any seafood that you can imagine deep-fried with a side of hush puppies and slaw. While you're in the area, make the short drive to Charlotte and watch a Bobcats Basketball game or a Carolina Panthers football game. The city of Charlotte, NC may seem small compared to other major cities, but they pack a lot to see and do into a small package. If you're a NASCAR fan, head over the Speedway in Concord, NC and cheer for your favorite driver.


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Things To Do in Gaston County, North Carolina

How to Find Things To Do in Gaston County, North Carolina

Whether you are a visitor to Gaston County or a native, a common question that I hear is "what is there to do in Gaston County?" In this article, I will provide some entertaining alternatives that will provide fun at a minimal cost.

One great attraction that will provide hours of beauty is the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. The entrance to the garden is located at 6500 South New Hope Road in the city of Belmont, NC, which is between Charlotte and Gastonia. This is a fun way to spend the day while enjoying the beauty of nature. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is located just minutes from Lake Wylie.

An exciting new attraction in Gaston County is the U.S. National Whitewater Center. This multi-channel recirculating whitewater training facility has been recognized by the United States Olympic Committee. Rafters and kayakers will enjoy a full day of rafting without leaving the 300 acre facility. This center is located along the Catawba River and also provides scenic hikes, a climbing center, a restaurant, and bathroom facilities.

If you are visiting Gaston County during the Christmas holidays, you absolutely cannot miss the town of McAdenville aka. Christmastown USA. Each December, this beautiful little town becomes a brilliant spectacle of Christmas lights and decorations that has become known far and wide. Visitors from all over the country come to drive or walk through McAdenville, singing Christmas carols as they go. McAdenville is located off I-85 N, Exit 22 at Lowell/Cramerton and also I-85 S, Exit 27 at Belmont/Mt. Holly.

A perfect place to take a day hike and/or a picnic is Crowder's Mountain State Park, located at 522 Park Office Lane in Kings Mountain. There are covered shelters in the picnic area and several easy to moderate walking trails that take you up the mountain. Rock climbing is available for those with experience. One of my favorite things to do is to pack a backpack with some sandwiches and drinks, hike to the top of Crowder's Mountain, and enjoy the view while eating lunch. Be sure to take whatever you came with back down the mountain with you.

Martha Rivers Park is a beautiful park located on Neil Hawkins Road off of Union Road in Gastonia. This park offers numerous sports fields including baseball and soccer. There is a tremendous playground which resembles a castle that you have to see to believe. Children will enjoy hours of fun, running and climbing on the structures and playing in the sand. There are picnic tables and covered shelters (may be reserved for special events) located near one side of the park. When you need to cool off, there is even an ice cream shop located just outside the entrance of the park and within walking distance. Martha Rivers Park is free to use and offers a whole day of fun for the entire family. Public restroom facilities and water fountains are also available.

The Schiele Museum of Natural History is another amazing attraction located in the City of Gastonia. There are several scenic hiking trails around the facility with a replica of an 18th century farm, a Grist Mill, and an authentic Catawba Indian village. The museum has a planetarium as well as numerous exhibits featuring species of animals native to the Southeast United States.

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