As a longtime resident of North Carolina, I have had the opportunity to see and visit many beautiful places from its mountains to the sea. And, while I have long preferred the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway or Grandfather Mountain to the sand and surf, my family and I recently visited a beach location [...]]]>

As a longtime resident of North Carolina, I have had the opportunity to see and visit many beautiful places from its mountains to the sea. And, while I have long preferred the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Parkway or Grandfather Mountain to the sand and surf, my family and I recently visited a beach location that quickly became a favorite. This North Carolina tourism gem is the coastal town of Oak Island.

 Incorporated in the late 1990s and located an hour from Wilmington, family-friendly Oak Island is just the place to spend a relaxing week or weekend. You will find uncrowded beaches that all but beg you to stroll along the shoreline searching for sea shells or merely spread a towel and listen to the waves. Oak Island, like many beach areas, has a variety of local shops offering items that range from quirky memorabilia and beach apparel to sensational seafood restaurants (be sure to check out Jones’s Seafood Restaurant-the food is fantastic!). There are ice cream parlors, surf shops, a miniature golf course which includes a game room, playgrounds and restaurants with live music. In addition, there are a number of family friendly places to visit all within a short driving distance. Our personal favorite was taking the ferry over to the Fort Fisher Aquarium.  The Aquarium is one of the 3 in North Carolina, and is considered by most to be the best. Other activities include visiting the Oak Island Lighthouse, exploring the nearby town of Baldhead Island or Southport where you will find a selection of antique stores, a Christmas Shoppe and other unique shopping locations.

Oak Island is just the place to get away from it all and reconnect to what matters most to you. So, if you are looking for a new vacation location, why not give Oak Island a visit? You’ll be glad you did.

Janet Slagell

 As you [...]]]> North Carolina tourism offers more than a dozen hands-on museums designed especially with children in mind, but perhaps one of the best is found in Charlotte. For a unique hands-on learning adventure, make plans to visit the Discovery Place. As one of the best children’s museums in America, this is truly a great family activity.

 As you enter Discovery Place, you will see that there is a special area just for those little one who love to crawl around as they explore. With the toddler-sized displays and activities, even the youngest in your group can have fun. As you continue down the hall, there is an assortment of hands-on exhibits. (When we went, there was a large pendulum and gears machine that worked much like an oversized spiral graph which you could use to draw amazing patterns simply by giving the arm a push.)

In the Science Circus you will learn how circus acts like tightrope walking, acrobatics, contortionist and other Big Top acts use science. While there, you can even walk the tightrope or swing and flip on the bungee seat similar to those used in training by trapeze artist. The Planetarium has automated dinosaurs and then as you meander the Rain Forest you will see a variety of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds. Most days, there are teaching sessions where you can pet the animals and talk to those who care for them.

Discovery Place also has an OMNIMAX theater which shows films on various scientific discoveries and historic events-you will need to check their website to know what the feature offering is when you visit. There is also a section where you and your children can arrange an assortment of textiles, blocks and other manipulatives into patterns of your own choosing. Also onsite is a dining area where you can enjoy a meal without needing to leave the museum.

Get into the act as you walk the tightrope!

One of the dinos seen in the Discovery Place Planetarium.

So, come explore one of America’s top rated hands-on museums. You will laugh and learn while spending a day playing at the Discovery Place.

North Carolina is a favorite travel destination and the North Carolina tourism industry is doing well despite the current economic downturn. This is probably due to the many fun but inexpensive vacation destinations in N.C. From Asheville to the Outer Banks you and your family can find cheap vacations.

The Outer Banks is laid back with few [...]]]>

North Carolina is a favorite travel destination and the North Carolina tourism industry is doing well despite the current economic downturn. This is probably due to the many fun but inexpensive vacation destinations in N.C. From Asheville to the Outer Banks you and your family can find cheap vacations.

The Outer Banks is laid back with few of the “touristy” things you find in places like Myrtle Beach. For the lover of the outdoors and those looking for a quiet vacation OBX is the perfect vacation. You can visit Kitty Hawk, fish, kayak, tour lighthouses, or simply hang out on the natural beaches and take in the sun.

Asheville, NC is a surprise to those that have never visited. Many mountain tourist towns are filled with cheesy T-shirt and chocolate shops while Asheville is more like a college town in the mountains. The hip locals sell their art in small shops (plan on buying unique pottery), play music on the street, and offer other fun and free entertainment (tip if you can). The local restaurants in Asheville are to die for so plan on eating at as many local establishments as you can. Asheville is filled with great Bed and Breakfasts if you want to stay in an old Asheville home. Don’t overlook the outdoors that surrounds Asheville either as there are great trails and rivers for fishing and boating. There’s also a big house in Asheville that people like to tour.

I love North Carolina and know that you’ll love it too, if you don’t already. My North Carolina tourism guide will teach you about North Carolina and show you the best things to do and see.