9 Hidden Gems To Explore In North Carolina When You Think You've Done It All
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Robin Jarvis
Author
North Carolina is a big state, so it’s unlikely to think you’ll ever get to every possible adventure that awaits. But, sometimes, it helps to have a few idea starters, perhaps because there is just so much from which to choose! Check out the nine places below and add them to your list of must-do things in the coming months.
The 11-acre whimsical and interactive Gateway Gardens is a brand new park in Greensboro. Colorful flowers, interactive installations and unique strolling paths make this truly a 'gateway' into a beautiful space in the Greensboro area. Gateway Gardens is located at 2924 E. Lee St., Greensboro, NC 27406. The park opens year-round at 8:00 a.m., and closing time varies by season. Learn more here on the official website for the City of Greensboro.
Grab the gang and head to this pick-your-own-blueberries farm! The 2018 season just opened on June 30, so put this one on the agenda soon! Carter Blueberry Farm is located at 4120 Clinton Rd., Fayetteville, NC. Hours are: Monday - Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Monday - Friday 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (July 4 hours are 7:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. only.) After July 14, 2018 the hours will change again. More information can be found on their Facebook page and on their official website.
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Visit a deserted and pristine barrier island you can only reach by boat — and for once, feel a million miles away from it all. Masonboro Island Reserve is an 8.4 mile long island just waiting to be explored. Learn more information on the official website for NCDEQ.
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If you're a cat lover (and who isn't?!) then you'll enjoy the hour or so of perusing anything and everything found on Earth pertaining to cats. The collection includes quite a few antique items, as well as the macabre (a mummified cat - or two). The American Museum of the Housecat is located at 4704 US Highway 441 S, Sylva, NC 28779. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is: Adults - $7.50, Children under 12 - $2.00, and Children under 6 are free. Learn more on the official website for the museum.
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Spend a day on or beside this 12,000-acre reservoir that has five access points. Want to stay longer? Not a problem since there are 300 campsites (ranging from RV to primitive tent sites) in four different campgrounds. A day on the water is a perfect day, indeed. Falls Lake State Recreation Area is located at 13304 Creedmoor Rd., Wake Forest, NC 27587. All day-use areas open at 8:00 a.m. year-round (Closed on Christmas Day) and the closing time varies depending upon the season. Find more information on the official website for North Carolina State Parks.
Music, fellowship, prepared food, fresh veggies and flowers... it's all here in Union Square each Wednesday and Saturday from April 1 to November 24. Seasonal hours are April to October: Wed. (10am–2pm) & Sat. (8am-1pm); November hours are Saturdays only 10am-2pm. Learn more on the official website of the Hickory Farmers Market.
This short (0.7 mile) loop trail features fairy tale foot bridges and medieval stone stair cases that wind up, over, and through a forest setting past a cascading waterfall and with long-range views of the valley below. The trail is rated as easy and has an elevation change of only 100 feet. Access it on the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 271.9 at E.B. Jeffress Park.
Go visit the world's largest Ten Commandments. You can't miss them... they cover an entire hillside in this free theme park in Murphy. There's more to see though, so plan to spend two or three hours here checking it out. Get more info in this previous article. Fields of the Wood is located at 10000 NC-294, Murphy, NC 28906. The theme park (and parking) is free, and open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. A gift shop is also available. Learn more on the official website.
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Cheap and delicious. What more could you want from a hot dog? How about one loaded with your favorite sinfully good toppings and then served with a smile from the owner of the joint? Yep. They have that too! Bryon's Hot Dog Stand is located right in historic Downtown Elizabeth City. The address is 110 N Poindexter St., Elizabeth City, NC 27909. Its open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m. (closing at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays only).
Just when you think you’ve hit a dead end for new ideas, hit up these fun places to see and things to do in North Carolina! How many can you check out this summer?
For more fun things to do in the Tar Heel State, check out this outdoor water playground that may be your new favorite summer destination.
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