Discover Summer in the Piedmont

Items marked with an asterisk (*) are within the N.C. Dept. of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Alamance County

*Alamance Battleground State Historic Site - The site where Royal Governor William Tryon led the NC militia against the Regulators in battle on May 16, 1771. Located on the grounds is the Allen House, a log dwelling characteristic of those lived in by frontier people on the western fringes of the colony.

Animal Park at Conservators Center - The Conservators Center reconnects people with wildlife by introducing visitors to rare, threatened, and endangered species—up close and personal.

Alamance County Historical Museum - Nineteenth Century house-museum depicting the life of textile pioneer Edwin Michael Holt through period room settings and docent-hosted tours.

Alexander County

Hiddenite Center – Housed in the historic Lucas Mansion, the Hiddenite Arts and Heritage Center features a turn of the 20th century history museum, monthly art gallery exhibits, collections of gems and minerals, and an extensive collection of antique dolls and toys.

Rocky Face Mountain Recreational Area – This former rock quarry is now a 318-acre park which includes a walking trail and picnic area, as well as a sheer cliff face popular with rock climbers.

Emerald Hollow Mine - The Emerald Hollow Mine is the only emerald mine in the world open to the public for prospecting. Nestled snugly in the foothills of the beautiful Brushy Mountains, this North Carolina Emerald mine is located in the small town of Hiddenite, North Carolina. This is recognized as one of the most unique and interesting geological locations on the North American continent.

Anson County

Pee Dee National Wildlife Refuge - Pee Dee Refuge includes 8,500 acres, and has a diverse landscape. The distinct habitats include bottomland hardwood forests, pine forests, mixed pine-hardwood forests, croplands, old fields, wetlands and open waters.

Anson County Historical Society - The Anson County Historical Society is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing educational, cultural, and recreational benefits for the citizens of Anson County and anyone interested in Anson's rich history. Museum tours available by phone call appointment.

Cabarrus County

*Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site - Site of the first documented gold find in the United States. Today, portions of the underground tunnels at the Reed mine have been restored for guided tours. A visitor center contains exhibits of gold and historical mining equipment.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame - Showcases our state’s rich musical history covering nearly every musical genre.

Curb Motorsports Museum - Catch a rare glimpse of NASCAR history- the #2 car Dale Earnhardt drove in his first Winston Cup championship and the #43 car Richard Petty drove in the 199th Winston Cup win. A total of 23 cars are on display, including seven Indy cars and Lee Ann Rime’s first car, surrounded by motorsports and recording industry memorabilia.

Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza - This one-acre plaza is more than just a memorial; it's a testament to his enduring legacy and the deep connection between motorsports and the local community.

Charlotte Motor Speedway - This speedway is a renowned NASCAR racetrack hosting various racing events throughout the year. Its unique layout features a 1.5-mile quad-oval track with a road course integrated into the infield, making it a versatile venue for both oval and road racing competitions.

Caswell County

Richmond – Miles Museum - Located in the Graves-Florance-Gatewood House (circa 1822), the Richmond-Miles Museum offers displays and artifacts of Caswell history.

Catawba County

Catawba County Museum of History - Permanent exhibits in the adaptively reused 1924 courthouse include a rare British Revolution-era red coat, a 1930s racing car, and fine collections of locally crafted historical furniture and pottery.

Catawba Science Center - Changing lives and inspiring learning through science and wonder. Permanent exhibit areas explore physical, natural and earth sciences, while interactive traveling exhibits rotate throughout the year. Freshwater and saltwater aquarium exhibits – featuring North Carolina's only marine touch pool with LIVE sharks and stingrays – offer exciting hands-on learning experiences in immersive habitats.

Hickory Museum of Art – See American art, Southern folk art and changing exhibitions at this free art museum in Hickory.

Chatham County

*Jordan Lake State Recreation Area – Located 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area includes seven access areas that provide plenty of camping, boating, and swimming opportunities. Campers have more than 1,000 campsites at five accesses to choose from, whether they use a tent, trailer, or RV, and whether they camp with family, friends, or a group. The beautiful lake is one of the largest summertime homes of the bald eagle, and an observation platform makes for easy spotting of our national bird.

Fearrington Village – Fearrington Village is not just a picture-perfect community with white pasture fences, but also an unexpectedly scintillating destination consisting of world-class dining, lodging, shopping, a soothing spa and more.

Devil’s Stomping Ground Scenic Byway – Explore the legend of the Devil’s Tramping Ground on this colorful part of the Scenic Byway program.

Cleveland County

Earl Scruggs Center - Housed in the 1907 historic Cleveland County Courthouse, the Earl Scruggs Center offers a variety of services and spaces for all types of special events. From meetings and workshops to corporate retreats and weddings, the Earl Scruggs Center team is available to handle all of your entertainment needs.

Real to Reel International Film Festival – The mission of the Real to Reel International Film Festival is to offer a forum for independent film, video and multi-media artists from around the world to showcase their talents and expose the works of these artists to our region.

Davidson County

Boone’s Cave Park - The park itself offers six miles of hiking trails, fishing and limited camping with reservations ahead of time. The cottonwood tree is the third largest on record in the state.

The Bob Timberlake Gallery & Museum - Experience the fine art work of N.C.'s most recognized living artist.

Davidson County Historical Museum - The museum offers exhibits, programs and other activities that capture the history of Davidson County through local artifacts, photographs and archival materials from growing collections. In addition, the second-floor courtroom remains intact as it was when serving the community in its original capacity.

Richard Childress Racing Museum – NASCAR fans, be sure to stop by the Richard Childress Racing Museum for a look at more than 50 racecars driven by legends such as Dale Earnhardt, racing memorabilia and more.

Davie County

Farmington Dragway - For the racing enthusiasts or spectators, the Farmington Dragway is open year round featuring weekly racing programs and special events. Whether you like fast cars, trucks, motorcycles or tractors, a trip to the Dragway is guaranteed family fun.

Durham County

*Bennett Place State Historic Site - Bennett Place is a historic site where the largest Civil War Confederate troop surrender occurred. Visitors to Bennett Place are taken back in time to April 1865 where Major General Sherman and General Johnston met at the farm of James and Nancy Bennett near Durham to negotiate the terms of peace that effectively ended the American Civil War.

*Duke Homestead State Historic Site - Duke family’s mid-1800s home, tobacco barns, original factory, and museum showcase the beginnings of the modern-day tobacco industry.

*Historic Stagville - Once among the South’s largest plantation holdings, the site features an 18th-century house, slave quarters, and a unique great barn at this historic site dedicated to preservation and African-American cultural, historic studies.

*Eno River State Park – Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Eno River State Parks spans across five access areas along its namesake river. The swift, but often shallow stream of the river can make for difficult paddling but provides beautiful landmarks like the Cascades. This riparian environment is popular with anglers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike. The park offers plenty of recreational opportunities just minutes from city amenities, and it is one of the state parks along the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail.

*Falls Lake State Recreation Area - Located in Durham and Wake counties 15 miles east of downtown Durham, Falls Lake State Recreation Area provides seven access areas to the reservoir. More than 300 campsites offer a variety of overnight experiences. Trails include a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail, as well as one of the premier mountain bike trail systems in the Triangle area, located at Beaverdam access. During the spring and fall, migrating monarch butterflies add to the picturesque beauty of the lake.

Duke Lemur Center – Visit the largest collection of lemurs anywhere in the world outside of Madagascar.

Durham Bulls Athletic Park - Nationally acclaimed home of the Durham Bulls Triple-A baseball club, made famous by the 1988 movie Bull Durham. Come out and spend a balmy summer evening watching the Bulls play ball!

Museum of Life + Science – Packed full of attractions, including one of the largest butterfly houses on the East Coast, a dinosaur trail and tons of other indoor and outdoor exhibits, the Museum of Life + Science is a great place to take the kids for hands-on learning fun.

Nasher Museum of Art - The permanent collection includes Medieval art, pre-Columbian American works, classical pieces, and an ever-growing list of modern and contemporary works.

Duke Gardens - A stunning 55-acre public garden on the campus of Duke University and one of the premier university gardens in the country.

Festival for the Eno – Held the first weekend of July at West Point on the Eno, this music and crafts festival is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. Each year since 1980 the Eno River Association has presented the Festival for the Eno to draw thousands of folks to the shaded banks on the Eno River to sing, dance and make merry with great food and crafts all while learning about natural resource conservation and raising funds for land protection in the Eno River basin.

Orange County Speedway - Located in Rougemont, North Carolina, the Orange County Speedway stands as a testament to the rich history and enduring legacy of motorsports in the region. Nicknamed "the fastest 3/8-mile racetrack in America," its significance goes beyond its thrilling races and facilities.

Forsyth County

*North Carolina Museum of Art, Winston-Salem - Formerly the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, experience contemporary exhibitions, explore programs for all ages, and enjoy 20 acres of scenic grounds. Located just 5 minutes north of downtown Winston-Salem.

Reynolda House Museum of American Art - Reynolda House Museum of American Art boasts one of the nation's premier collections of American art viewed in the restored 1917 home of RJ and Katharine Reynolds.

Old Salem - Experience early American history in the unique Moravian settlement of Salem. Original structures, gardens, tours, artifacts, hands-on workshops, fun family events and shopping.

Historic Bethabara Park - Visit Historic Bethabara Park for an imaginative journey to the Carolina back country of 250 years ago, where a small group of Moravians settled a religious village and trade center.

Korner’s Folly - Built in 1880 by artist, decorator and designer Jule Gilmer Körner, this unique mansion showcases the talent, ingenuity and imagination of a true genius. Stroll through a winding maze of doorways and staircases leading you on a journey through 22 rooms in this three-story marvel.

Winston-Salem Open – Held every August, each year more than 40 of the world's top tennis players compete for a chance to be named champion.

Bowman Gray Stadium - This iconic venue has evolved from its humble beginnings as a collegiate football field to become a mecca for motorsports enthusiasts.

Franklin County

Tar River Center for History and Culture – Located at Louisburg College, the Tar River Center for History and Culture promotes a sense of community and shared history by helping citizens of all ages and backgrounds to explore the rich architecture, culture, and history of the Upper Tar River region of North Carolina.

Gaston County

*Crowders Mountain State Park - Located 32 miles west of Charlotte, Crowders Mountain State Park boasts two mountain peaks that offer magnificent views of the surrounding Piedmont. Trails offer challenging hikes and towering cliffs — and even the opportunity to traverse two states through the Ridgeline Trail, which connects to Kings Mountain National Military Park and Kings Mountain State Park in South Carolina. A wide variety of resident birds, from songbirds to birds of prey, make the park a great spot for birdwatching.

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden - Located on 450 acres along the banks of Lake Wylie south of Belmont, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden offers 110 acres of rolling meadows and woodlands are being developed as one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Already the perennial garden has been called one of the finest in the Southeast.

Schiele Museum of Natural History – An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum has five permanent galleries with vivid natural history exhibits, plus outdoor recreations of an Indian Village and an 18th Century Farm. The James H. Lynn Planetarium features a spacious theater that surrounds the audience.

Carolina Speedway - Roaring to life with spectacular dirt track races the Carolina Speedway is known as “The Action Track”. This 4/10th of a mile oval track hosts different divisions each week.

Gaston County Museum – Explore art, history and Gaston County’s textile history at this museum in Dallas, N.C.

Granville County

Granville County Historical Society Museum - Located in the “old county jail” this museum offers a unique look at the history of Granville county.

Grassy Creek Recreation Area at Kerr Lake - Operated by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Grassy Creek is a great place to put the boat in for a day on Kerr Lake.

Guilford County

*Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum at Historic Palmer Memorial Institute - Visit North Carolina's only state-supported historic site to recognize a woman and one of the first to honor an African American. The site is the location of the former Palmer Memorial Institute, an African American preparatory school established by Brown in 1902.

*Haw River State Park - Located 15 miles north of Greensboro, Haw River State Park is a unique park that centers on The Summit, a residential environmental education and conference center, accommodating retreats and conferences for groups big or small. Trails and a boardwalk offer a journey into wetlands and a floodplain swamp. The park also houses the Iron Ore Belt Access, which is perfect for day-use visitors to enjoy views of wetlands rich in flora and fauna while meandering through piedmont oak-hickory forests.

Greensboro Historical Museum - The Greensboro Historical Museum shares local culture and the city's significant role in American history, from the Battle of Guilford Courthouse in 1781, to the 1960 Greensboro Sit-Ins, the unforgettable events of September 11, 2001.

Greensboro Science Center - Experience the wonders of an aquarium, zoo, science museum, and 3D theatre all in one attraction! See sharks, penguins, otters, stingrays, a fishing cat and other amazing animals from around the world in the new Carolina Sciquarium. Get eye-to-eye with tigers, meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles and other unique animals in Animal Discovery Zoo. Roam through Dinosaur Gallery, take a journey through the human body, experience extreme weather, and have fun in Kid's Alley in the Museum.

ACC Hall of Champions - The exciting, interactive Hall of Champions includes artifacts and photos from games and players from every sport in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Guilford Courthouse National Military Park - On March 15, 1781, six years into the American Revolution, General Greene and Lord Cornwallis' troops faced off at a small courthouse community. The battle would change the course of the Southern Campaign of the American Revolution. Explore the Visitor Center, historic structures, monuments, and trails that encompass 250 acres of the original battlefield.

International Civil Rights Center & Museum - Located in the former F.W. Woolworth retail store at 134 S. Elm Street - where the Greensboro Four sat down at the "whites only" counter and began a sit-in movement - this must-see vital piece of history takes you on a journey into American civil rights history with vivid photography, artifacts, video reenactments and interactive galleries.

Weatherspoon Art Museum - Nationally recognized for its exceptional collection of 5,600 modern and contemporary art works, and for its dynamic, thought-provoking exhibitions.

Iredell County

*Lake Norman State Park - Located 40 miles north of Charlotte, Lake Norman State Park boasts the region's popular mountain biking trail system, the Itusi Trail, offering nearly 31 miles of single-track trail. The namesake lake is the largest manmade lake within the state, and the park covers about 17 miles of its northern shoreline. Park Lake, set off from the larger Lake Norman by a dam, offers quiet fishing spots and paddling. Heron rookeries on two islands shelter over 25 great blue heron nests.

*Fort Dobbs State Historic Site - Site of the only French & Indian War fort in NC. Archaeological sites, artifact displays, nature trails and living history events. Named for Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs who authorized the fort's construction in 1756.

Iredell Museums – Offers rotating art, science and history exhibits throughout the year. Visit this summer to see The Mummy Treasure of Al Faiyum, featuring a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy.

Love Valley - Visit the Cowboy Capital of N.C! This authentic western town in the foothills of the Brushy Mountains invites you to take a horseback ride through downtown or along its winding trails. From Easter to Halloween, the town host special events including rodeos, horse and wagon parades, concerts, and a chili cook-off.

Lee County

*Raven Rock State Park - Located 40 miles southwest of Raleigh, Raven Rock State Park boasts the namesake 150-foot crystalline structure that overlooks the Cape Fear River. The trails along the bluffs that lead to the rock are dotted with beautiful wildflowers, including mountain laurel. Alternate hikes towards the river reward visitors with landmarks like Lanier Rapids, Fish Traps Rapids, and the remains of the Northington Lock and Dam. Other accesses offer bridle trails, bike trails, and a campground with RV camping and camper cabins.

Lincoln County

Lincoln County Museum of History – Learn more about the history of Lincoln County at this museum run by the county Historical Association.

Mecklenburg County

Juneteenth Festival of the Carolinas – The major intent of the festival is to examine the cultural heritage of slaves and their descendants through art, education, and research. Further, our aim is not to recreate the past but, to cultivate the true spirit of freedom.

NASCAR Hall of Fame – Learn about the history and heritage of NASCAR racing, a sport born here in North Carolina, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte.

The Mint Museum – Visit the oldest art museum in North Carolina, with one of the largest collections in the Southeast.

Levine Museum of the New South – An interactive history museum that aims to explore the “New South,” through exhibits such as “Cotton Fields to Skyscrapers.”

Discovery Place Nature – Walk among the butterflies in the butterfly pavilion, take a closer look at nature’s treasures in the naturalist lab, or run free at Fort Wild.

Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops – Just right for summer, these casual, family-friendly concert experiences at Symphony Park include music from Star Wars to Broadway, jazz and patriotic favorites.

Montgomery County

*Town Creek Indian Mound State Historic Site - A glimpse of pre-Columbian life in the Piedmont. The visitor center has interpretive exhibits, as well as audiovisual programs that bring alive a rich cultural heritage from the buried past. Self-guided tours of the rebuilt structures and mound are available.

Uwharrie National Forest - With more than 50,000 acres and nearly 80 square miles of territory, the Uwharrie National Forest is a treasure trove full of beautiful scenery, wildlife and trails for all sorts of activities.

STARworks - Visit STARworks to see the work of nationally renowned glassblowers, metalworkers and potters. Take a class, peruse the gallery or shop for local art at the retail store.

Moore County

*Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve - Located 35 miles northwest of Fayetteville, Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve allows visitors to experience the longleaf pine forests that once covered millions of acres in the southeastern United States. The lanky pines – some of the hundreds of years old — tower over a network of trails that traverse expanses of wiregrass. Rare and intriguing species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, the fox squirrel, the Sandhills pyxie-moss, the pine snake, and the insectivorous purple pitcher plant, characterize the park's extraordinary plant and wildlife.

*House in the Horseshoe State Historic Site - Circa 1772 house was the scene of a Whig/Tory conflict during the American Revolution, and some of the bullet holes are still visible. Also the home of four-term North Carolina governor and prominent statesman Benjamin Williams from 1798 to 1814.

Weymouth Center – This 1920s Georgian mansion is located on 24 acres with extensive gardens, arts and humanities activities. The former home of author James Boyd, it is also home to the North Carolina Literary Hall of Fame.

Orange County

*Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area - Located 15 miles northwest of downtown Durham, Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area offers a quick escape into nature with trails winding through forests of mountain laurel and rhododendron. Two quiet fishing ponds complement the nearby Eno River, while the summit overlook affords a great sunset view. The rare brown elfin butterfly has called the mountain home since the Ice Age.

Morehead Planetarium & Science Center - Morehead Planetarium & Science Center is a family-friendly day trip: planetarium shows, exhibits, live science demonstrations, special events, giant sundial, gift shop, and more.

Ackland Art Museum - The Ackland holds North Carolina’s premier collection of Asian art, as well as European and American paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, and photographs.

Carrboro ArtsCenter – An intimate venue that hosts live music, theater performances, improv, comedy shows and storytelling, along with rotating visual art exhibits.

N.C. Botanical Garden – The display gardens and natural areas of this botanical garden at UNC feature North Carolina plants and vegetation, the Piedmont Nature Trails, a green Education Center with exhibits, and more.

Carolina Basketball Museum – If you’re a Tar Heel, you’ll want to check out this museum dedicated to all things UNC basketball.

Occoneechee Speedway - Occoneechee Speedway was one of the first two NASCAR tracks to open. It closed in 1968 and is the only dirt track remaining from the inaugural 1949 season.

Person County

Person County Museum of History - Located in the turn-of-the-century home of W.W. Kitchin, governor of N.C. from 1909-1913. Museum complex includes 7 historic buildings with exhibits in each: the Kitchin Home, Woodsdale General Store and more.

Mayo Lake Park - Whether you’re looking for quality fishing, camping, or a place to relax, Mayo Park is the place for you. This 120-acre park takes pride in its family oriented atmosphere and clean, well maintained facilities.

Randolph County

*North Carolina Zoo - The world's largest natural habitat walk-through zoo delivers fun with family and friends, face-to-face animal encounters, enchanting outdoor art, and glorious gardens.

Seagrove Pottery - Visit Seagrove, the handmade pottery capital of the United States where artisans create handcrafted pottery inspired by the traditions that began in this community more than 200 years ago.

The Petty Museum - Race into this museum showcasing the careers of this four generation NASCAR Hall of Fame racing family including Lee, Richard, Maurice, Kyle and Adam Petty.

N.C. Aviation Museum – Immerse yourself in aviation history. See military and civilian artifacts from WWI to the present at this museum in Asheboro.

Richmond County

The Rankin Museum of American Heritage - Rare and unique artifacts and specimens comprise the museum's holdings of archaeology, paleontology, natural history.

Railroad Museum & Hall of Fame - Opened in 1976, the National Railroad Museum & Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving railroad history - especially local history.

Rockingham Speedway - This historic racetrack is known for its challenging one-mile oval shape. It has hosted various motorsport events, including NASCAR races, attracting fans with its unique layout and intense competition.

Rockingham County

*Mayo River State Park - Located 30 miles northwest of Greensboro, Mayo River State Park offers various recreational opportunities at the main Mayo Mountain access and at multiple accesses along the Mayo River. At the main access, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing ponds, a picnic area and shelter, and a group campsite. Four accesses — Deshazo Mill, Anglin Mill, Hickory Creek, and Mayodan — allow entry to the river, home to rich wildlife and Class II rapids. Deshazo Mill also features a picturesque waterfall on Fall Creek.

*Haw River State Park - Located in 15 miles north of Greensboro, Haw River State Park is a unique park that centers on The Summit, a residential environmental education and conference center, accommodating retreats and conferences for groups big or small. Trails and a boardwalk offer a journey into wetlands and a floodplain swamp. The park also houses the Iron Ore Belt Access, which is perfect for day-use visitors to enjoy views of wetlands rich in flora and fauna while meandering through piedmont oak-hickory forests

Rowan County

*North Carolina Transportation Museum - Located on the site of what was once the Southern Railway Company’s largest steam locomotive repair facility. The museum features 13 buildings on 57 acres, including exhibits on early transportation. Seasonal train ride (fee), audiovisual show, visitors center and gift shop.

Yadkin River Trail - The Yadkin River, its tributaries and lakes, provide multiple opportunities for recreation throughout the river basin. North Carolinian's enjoy boating, tubing, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking, and relaxing on and around the Yadkin River.

Eagle Point Nature Preserve - A 200-acre natural area on a remote part of High Rock Lake gives visitors the opportunity to hike three miles of trails to vistas of the lake and wildlife observation points. Self-introspective nature trails, old home sites, seasonal canoe access, and fishing from the shore are also available.

Gold Hill Mines Historic Park - Home of the first gold rush, this 70-acre historic theme park is the site of Barnhardt and Randolph Gold Mines, reportedly, the richest mining properties East of the Mississippi.

Piedmont Players Theater - Take in a show at the Meroney Theater in Salisbury.

Rowan Museum - This 1854 Courthouse survived General Stoneman’s raid in the American Civil War. It is one of the finest examples of pre-Civil War architecture in the state. Housing the collections of the museum, its grand old rooms including the beautiful second floor court and public gathering place, reflect the life and history of Rowan County through displays and interpretive exhibits.

Stanly County

*Morrow Mountain State Park - Located 50 miles northeast of Charlotte, Morrow Mountain State Park provides a myriad of adventures from the summit of the namesake mountain, along the banks of the Yadkin River State Trail, and to the shores of Lake Tillery. The mountain is a study in geologic wonder — with Native American artifacts made of rhyodacite to argillite mined by the Civilian Conservation Corps to create many of the park's structures. One of these CCC-built structures is the state parks system's only day-use swimming pool.

Lake Tillery – This more than 5,000-acre lake has 104 miles of shoreline. Perfect for swimming, boating, fishing and water sports.

Stokes County

*Hanging Rock State Park - Located 30 miles north of Winston-Salem, Hanging Rock State Park started as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and has become a park that offers every part of a traditional outdoor experience. Trails lead to picturesque mountain views, rock outcrops, waterfalls, and even a mountain cave. Some are open to horseback riding and mountain biking, and a portion is part of the Mountains-to-Sea State Trail. Campgrounds, a swim lake, and access to paddling on the Dan River complete the gamut of recreational opportunities.

Sauratown Trail - The Sauratown Trail is a unique 25-mile bridle and hiking trail that connects Hanging Rock and Pilot Mountain State Parks.

Priddy’s General Store - Its opening as a general store in 1888 is reflected in the old-timey merchandise, including: candy, fried apple pies, glass bottle sodas, local produce & ciders, antiques, local art, overalls, hardware and “good old fashioned” Stokes County hospitality.

Union County

Museum of the Waxhaws – Preserves the history and culture of the Waxhaw Indians as well as the area’s early European settlers.

Marshville Museum and Cultural Center – Presents an account of the orgin and growth of the Town of Marshville through local artifacts, programs and live presentations.

Union County Playmakers – Take in some outstanding local theater at this regional community theater in Monroe.

Union County Community Arts Council – Sponsors and supports the arts in Union County, from the Symphony Society to the Storefront Theater to arts in schools, and so much more!

Vance County

*Kerr Lake State Recreation Area – Located at North Carolina's north-central border with Virginia, Kerr Lake State Recreation Area is a collective of eight access areas around the shoreline of this 50,000-acre reservoir. Campers can choose from seven campground and hundreds of campsites to enjoy a serene night by the lake. All access areas provide at least one boat ramp, offering access to one of the best fishing lakes in the eastern United States. Amenities like community buildings provide popular venues for local gatherings.

Wake County

*N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences - The Southeast’s largest natural history museum has four floors of exhibits, live animals, 3D movies, three gift stores, and two cafes. The iconic 70-foot-diameter globe at its center houses a three-story theater with live programming and ambient movies on its giant screen. Visitors can observe scientists at work in five glass-walled research labs, and in three Investigate Labs, they can perform experiments designed and led by Museum educators.

*N.C. Museum of Art - One of the premier visual arts museums in the Southeast, home to a world-class collection including more than 30 Rodin sculptures, plus a 164-acre Museum Park. Visit the museum for special exhibitions, family activities, classic film series, lectures and workshops, plus concerts and movies in the Museum Park amphitheater.

*N.C. State Capitol - Built between 1833 and 1840, this National Historic Landmark is one of the best-preserved examples of a civic building in Greek Revival-style architecture. It originally housed the governor’s office, cabinet offices, legislative chambers, state library and state geologist’s office. The building has been restored to its 1840 to 1865 appearance.

*North Carolina Symphony – The first state-supported symphony in the country, the North Carolina Symphony is a vital and honored component of North Carolina's cultural life. Summertime brings the popular Summerfest series.

*Prairie Ridge Ecostation - Located in west Raleigh, Prairie Ridge Ecostation is the outdoor extension of the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. Prairie Ridge boasts a green Outdoor Classroom, a native plant garden and arboretum, a series of ponds and vernal pools and a trail system winding through the prairie and forest.

*William B. Umstead State Park – Located 10 miles northwest of downtown Raleigh, William B. Umstead State Park is a cherished retreat from bustling urban life. The park features an extensive network of hiking and multiuse trails, as well as three manmade lakes and their tributaries that are perfect for fishing. Both park entrances offer picnic shelters, and Crabtree Creek offers camping areas. Group camps and the historic Maple Hill Lodge let visitors experience a rustic overnight experience without typical modern camping amenities.

*Jordan Lake State Recreation Area - Located 30 miles west of downtown Raleigh, Jordan Lake State Recreation Area includes seven access areas that provide plenty of camping, boating, and swimming opportunities. Campers have more than 1,000 campsites at five accesses to choose from, whether they use a tent, trailer, or RV, and whether they camp with family, friends, or a group. The beautiful lake is one of the largest summertime homes of the bald eagle, and an observation platform makes for easy spotting of our national bird.

*North Carolina Freedom Park - This historic 1-acre green space nestled in the heart of downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. With deep reverence for the unyielding spirit of the African American struggle for freedom, this park stands as a timeless tribute to the universal ideals of liberty, resilience, and equality.

Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival – A Cary tradition for more than 40 years, the annual Lazy Daze festival celebrates arts, music and food.

Warren County

Ridgeway Cantaloupe Festival – Known for its cantaloupes, once shipped to many exclusive restaurants up and down the East Coast, the Ridgeway community celebrates this heritage with an annual festival in July, which invites visitors and vendors from far and wide to enjoy food, music and crafts.

Yadkin County

*Pilot Mountain State Park - Located 20 miles northwest of Winston-Salem, Pilot Mountain State Park centers around the iconic geologic knob that serves as a beacon, inviting outdoor enthusiasts to a vast array of activities. The park offers the gamut, from hiking and horseback riding to rock climbing and camping, with accesses on both the rugged terrain of the monadnock and the Yadkin River. The Mountains-to-Sea State Trail also traverses both park sections.

Yadkin Barn Quilt Trail - Follow the colorful hand-painted wooden quilt blocks that dot the landscape in Yadkin County. The quilt trail features unique quilt blacks on barns, buildings, and houses to honor the quilting traditions, beautify the community, promote cultural heritage, farming traditions, and agritourism.

Off