The Learning Center at PARI, Rosman pari.edu Immerse yourself in science, space and nature at PARI: Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute—one of our state’s only certified dark sky parks, where nights are filled with dazzling stars and flashes of meteors. Linville Caverns, Marion linvillecaverns.com Peek into total darkness in Humpback Mountain’s natural limestone caverns. The only North Carolina caverns open for tours, Linville Caverns features stalactite and stalagmite formations and underground streams filled with trout. Look up! You may even see bats hanging from the ceiling. Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Cherokee mci.org Experience 13,000 years of Cherokee history, culture, sacred myths and storied legends from prehistoric origins to the Trail of Tears, leading to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Oconaluftee Indian Village, Cherokee visitcherokeenc.com This “living” museum is a replica of an 18th-century Cherokee community. Meet re-enactors, tour models of homes and watch artists create baskets, pottery, weaponry and more. Wheels Through Time, Maggie Valley wheelsthroughtime.com Vintage automobile aficionados can see more than 350 rare motorcycles,
memorabilia, roadsters and “one-off” vehicles. It’s like driving through American automobile history. PECULIAR PLACES While we’re doing our best to name as many must-see sites as possible, it’s always fun to throw in some unconventional locales. Perfect for pictures and posting, these spots also make great conversation-starters.
Judaculla Rock, Cherokee ncpedia.org/judaculla-rock Archaeologists believe some of the carvings on this large soapstone rock date back 500 years. But according to Cherokee legend, the markings on this boulder are the handiwork of a giant named Judaculla.
Mystery Hill, Blowing Rock mysteryhill.com Encounter a natural gravitational anomaly at Mystery Hill, where optical illusions and science meet. (This is an excellent rainy day activity.)
The Road to Nowhere, Bryson City greatsmokies.com/road-nowhere Tucked in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is Lake View Drive, more commonly known as The Road to Nowhere. The federal government created this 6-mile stretch of uncompleted road during the 1940s to replace old N.C. Highway 288, which was buried under Fontana Lake after the creation of Fontana Dam.
DRY FALLS, HIGHLANDS
With an eclectic mix of unique towns to explore throughout the Piedmont region of our state, there is something interesting to see around every turn and atop many urban rooftops.
POINT OF VIEW These Piedmont rooftops overlook cityscapes showcasing metropolitan lights, bustling life and park views, all while offering a peaceful sense of getting away.
Aura Rooftop, Charlotte aurarooftop.com Charlotte/Douglas International Airport Overlook, Charlotte facebook.com/ charlottedouglasinternational airportoverlook The Dillon’s Sky Terrace, Raleigh thedillonraleigh.com Dorothea Dix Park, Raleigh dixpark.org Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery, Chapel Hill thetopofthehill.com Unscripted Durham, Durham unscriptedhotels.com The Willard Rooftop, Raleigh thewillardraleigh.com Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing, Raleigh wyehill.com
PIEDMONT PALACES Whether you’re a guest at a castle wedding or simply touring a luxurious mansion, these stately estates are worthy of a queen and her subjects.
Blandwood Museum, Greensboro preservationgreensboro.org Castle McCulloch, Jamestown castlemcculloch.com The Duke Mansion, Charlotte dukemansion.com Gimghoul Castle, Chapel Hill historicchapelhill.org Julian Price House, Greensboro julianpricehouse.com North Carolina Executive Mansion, Raleigh ncdcr.gov/things-do/history/ triangletriad/north-carolinaexecutive-mansion Reynolda House, Winston-Salem reynolda.org STAND-OUT STAND-UPS Theater buffs make themselves at home in the Piedmont, as there are countless places to catch a memorable play, movie or comedy show. Here are some stand-out—and stand-up—spots to check out.
The Comedy Experience, Raleigh thecomedyexperience.com
GIMGHOUL CASTLE, CHAPEL HILL
PHOTO BY SSHEPARD/GETTY IMAGES
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THE PIEDMONT
PHOTO BY TOM POLAND
