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North Carolina Attractions
Biltmore Estate; Asheville, NC
 Located
in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore Estate includes America's
largest home, Gardens, Winery and Farm Village, and the Inn on Biltmore
Estate. Built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, 250-room Biltmore
House was inspired by European châteaux. Magnificent gardens, designed
by Central Park landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, range
from formal to more natural settings. One of the country's finest
native azalea collections, an award-winning rose garden, and the
outstanding conservatory attract visitors to the gardens.
America's most-visited winery demonstrates how Biltmore's fine
wines are made and offers complimentary wine tasting for guests
aged 21 and older. Our newly restored Farm Village brings Biltmore's
agricultural legacy to life with interpretive exhibits, antique
equipment, farmyard animals, and a kitchen garden. Outdoor activities
showcase the estate's natural beauty, while the Inn on Biltmore
Estate offers the ultimate getaway with Vanderbilt-inspired hospitality.
Biltmore Estate is privately owned, accepting no government or
outside funding. Annual events include Festival of Flowers,
Summer Evenings Concerts, Harvest Home Celebration,
Christmas at Biltmore Estate, and Candlelight Christmas
Evenings.
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
Open daily, including Thanksgiving and Christmas days |
| Location: |
Located on U.S. Highway 25 just north of Exit 50 or Exit
50B off I-40 in Asheville, North Carolina. |
| Phone: |
800-543-2961 or 828-225-1333 |
| Web site: |
www.biltmore.com |
Chimney Rock Park; Chimney Rock, NC
 Chimney
Rock Park is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend
time with family and friends. The Park, located 25 miles southeast
of Asheville, North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in
one place spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all
ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a 32-foot climbing tower, a variety
of special events such as guided hikes and workshops, and of course,
Chimney Rock. If you've seen the 1992 movie "The Last of the Mohicans,"
you've got an idea of what the views from the trails are like, but
it's even more beautiful in person!
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
Open daily year round, weather permitting, except Christmas
and New Year's Day; 8:30 am - 6:00 pm (DST; 8:30 am - 7:00
pm) |
| Location: |
Highway 74-A at Chimney Rock, NC |
| Phone: |
800-277-9611 or 828-625-9611 |
| Web site: |
www.chimneyrockpark.com |
Grandfather Mountain; Linville, NC
 Grandfather
Mountain; Linville, NC Known for its spectacular views and the famous
"Mile High Swinging Bridge", Grandfather Mountain is also home to
seven different natural habitats that allow visitors to see and
photograph native species such as black bears, otters and cougars
"up close and personal!" When combined with some of the best walking
and hiking trails in the South, Grandfather Mountain offers adventure
and excitement for the whole family.
Whether you're seeking a challenging trek through the mountains,
an educational experience in a natural setting or just an incredible
place to picnic, be sure to include your "Grandfather" in your vacation
plans.
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
Open daily (in winter, weather permitting) |
| Location: |
Located on U.S. 221 in Linville, North Carolina, one mile
from the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 305); 18 miles south
of Boone and Blowing Rock and 70 miles northeast of Asheville |
| Phone: |
800-468-7325 (Ofice) or (828) 733-4337 (Entrance) |
| Web site: |
www.grandfather.com |
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
 All
aboard for family fun in the mountains of Western North Carolina!
From the scenic Tuckasegee River or Nantahala Gorge Excursion Trips
to the sophisticated elegance of the Gourmet Dinner Train outing,
enjoy old-time train travel that takes you through some of the most
beautiful country imaginable.
For those who want to extend their adventures, combine daytime
excursion trips or even add a whitewater rafting package-from rails
to river, you'll make unforgettable memories with the Great Smoky
Mountains Railroad. Even "Thomas the Tank Engine" loves the GSMR;
he arrives every year for a nine-day event that delights the young-and
the young at heart! Be sure to call ahead for reservations and details about our special events, such as "The Polar Express", "The Little Engine That Could", and Charlie Brown's "The Great Pumpkin Patch Express", with Lucy and the Gang.
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
Open year-round |
| Location: |
From Asheville, North Carolina, take I-40 West to Exit 27
onto U.S. 74 West |
| Phone: |
800-872-4681 or 828-586-8811 |
| Web site: |
www.gsmr.com |
Museum of the Cherokee Indian; Cherokee, NC
 From
its extensive collection of artifacts to the high-tech displays
that help bring them to life, this museum is dedicated to "perpetuate
the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people". Totally
renovated in 1998, the museum maintains permanent exhibits, archives
and promotes educational programming and artists' series as well
as publishing The Journal of Cherokee Studies. This non-profit center
relies on admission revenues and gift shop sales and provides an
invaluable resource to scholars and historians. Whether you're interested
in past history or modern happenings, the Museum of the Cherokee
Indian will give you a new perspective on an ancient people.
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
Open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's
Days |
| Location: |
Located at Highway 441 and Drama Road in Cherokee, North
Carolina, home of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a
federally recognized tribe
P.O. Box 1599, Highway 441 and Drama Road |
| Phone: |
828-497-3481 |
| Web site: |
www.cherokeemuseum.org |
Nantahala Outdoor Center
 The
original whitewater outfitter, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) offers
whitewater rafting on six southeastern rivers: the Nantahala, Pigeon,
French Broad, Ocoee, Chattooga, and Nolichucky. Rafting is a great
vacation activity for families, friends, couples, and groups. We
offer kid-friendly and novice rafting, as well as action-packed
trips with a little more adventure.
Our riverside campus on the Nantahala also offers kayak and canoe
instruction, kayak lake tours, restaurants, lodging, group programs,
hiking and walking trails, an outfitter's store, mountain bike rentals,
races and festivals, and more. Founded in 1972, NOC has earned an
international reputation for the quality of our staff and programs.
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
NOC raft trips are available March to early November. The
NOC Guest Relations Office is open daily during rafting season
and open weekends in the winter |
| Locations: |
There are six different rivers locations:
1. The Nantahala, 13 miles west of Bryson City...in
the Nantahala Gorge. (This is our main campus.)
2. The French Broad, 25 miles north of Asheville. The
meeting place is Walnut, NC, on Hwy 25/70.
3. The Nolichucky is just across the NC line into TN
off I-26, near Erwin. About 45 miles from Asheville.
4. The Pigeon is just across the NC line into TN off
I-40, at Hartford. About 60 miles from Asheville.
5. The Ocoee is in TN near Cleveland, TN on Hwy. 64.
6. The Chattooga is on the SC/GA line, just a few miles
east of Clayton, GA on Hwy 441. |
| Phone: |
800-232-7238 fax 828-488-0301 |
| Web site: |
www.noc.com |
Old Salem; Winston-Salem, NC
 You'll
step back in time more than 200 years during your visit to this
Moravian congregational country trading town. Old Salem is considered
one of the most authentic living history sites in the nation; well
documented history is brought to life through costumes and demonstrations
of traditional, everyday activities such as shop-keeping, trading
and commerce.
First founded in 1766, Old Salem has remained an important link
with the past and continues to delight visitors to its charming
houses and streets. Stroll through a colonial-era business district
that seems as vital today as it must have two centuries ago and
get a glimpse of a less hectic pace of life. Don't miss such delights
as the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, the Toy Museum,
the Children's Museum, Winkler's Bakery and other shops, restaurants
and gardens that offer a unique perspective on this period of American
life.
| Admission: |
Yes |
| When open: |
Open daily Monday through Saturday (9:30 am - 4:30 pm) and
Sundays (1:30 pm - 4:30 pm) except Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving
Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. |
| Location: |
Located southwest of the Business 40 and U.S. 52 intersection
in Winston-Salem, NC, near downtown. Look for the brown Old
Salem exit signs off I-40 (Exit 193B), U.S. 52 (Exit 108C),
or Business 40 (Exit 5D heading east or Exit 6A heading west).
Old Salem is less than 30 minutes from Greensboro and High
Point, just under 2-1/2 hours from Asheville, two hours from
Roanoke and 90 minutes from Charlotte, Boone, and Raleigh. |
| Phone: |
888-653-7253 or 336-721-7300 or fax 336-721-7335 |
| Web site: |
www.oldsalem.org |
Tweetsie Railroad; Blowing Rock, NC
 
Hang
on to your hat, pardner -it's a ride back in time to the days of
the Wild West! Enjoy a scenic and action-packed
three-mile train journey through the Blue Ridge mountains behind
one of Tweetsie's historic coal-fired narrow-gauge steam locomotives.
Ride all the the amusement rides and the chairlift to Miner's Mountain -- it's
sure to thrill all ages. Live shows and entertainment, shopping
and the Deer Park Zoo round out a fabulous experience for the whole
family. You'll never forget the sound of Tweetsie's whistle, comin'
round the mountain to welcome you home to the heart of the highlands.
| 2008 Admission: |
Adults $30 / Children 3-12 $22 / Children 2 and under
free |
| When open: |
2008 Season starts May 2, 2008:
- Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays May 2 through May 18
- Every day May 23 through Aug. 24
- Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays Aug. 29 through Nov.
2 (and Labor Day Monday Sept. 1)
|
| 2008 Special Events |
- Day Out With Thomas™ May 30 - June 8
- Dora the Explorer™ and Diego™ June 21 - 22
- Bob the Builder™ June 28 - 29
- Fireworks Extravaganza Friday July 4th
- K-9's in Flight Frisbee Dogs July 19 - 27
- Riders in the Sky August 2 & 3
- Railfan Weekend Sept. 6 & 7
- Ghost Train© Halloween Festival Friday and Saturday nights Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, 31-Nov.1
Check our web site for the latest information |
| Location: |
Highway 321 between Blowing Rock and Boone, North Carolina |
| Phone: |
800-526-5740 or 828-264-9061 |
| Web site: |
www.tweetsie.com |
Copyright © 2008 by Southern
Highlands Attractions. All rights reserved.
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