Destinations That will Broaden Your Child’s Mind

BY JANICE LEWINE

Kids love a good adventure— especially one that involves travel. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina boasts countless opportunities to discover nature, science, history and culture. For your next trip, consider these destinations across the Old North State where your kids will learn—and have fun.

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Unless otherwise noted, venues are open year-round. Check the websites for operating hours and prices.

Mountains

Museum of the Cherokee Indian, Oconaluftee Indian Village and “Unto These Hills” Outdoor Drama

Cherokee visitcherokeenc.com

Experience 13,000 years of Cherokee history through animation, life-size figures and artifacts at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. At the nearby Oconaluftee Indian Village, take a guided tour to the 1700s to discover Cherokee dwellings, work areas and sacred ritual sites. Meet Cherokee villagers as they hull canoes, weave baskets and even prepare for battle. “Unto These Hills” is a live production about the triumphs and tragedies of the Cherokee story. Performances take place nightly, May–August, at the Cherokee Mountainside Theatre (closed Sundays). Visit the website for venue locations.

Gem Mountain Gemstone Mine

13780 Highway 226, Spruce Pine gemmountain.com

Discover your very own treasure in the flume mine at Gem Mountain, and have your emeralds, aquamarines, rubies and sapphires made into jewelry. Gem Mountain also features private mines where guides educate visitors on what gemstones to look for and how to use their tools. Gem Mountain is open March 1–December 31; mine trips end October 31.

Biltmore

One Lodge Street, Asheville biltmore.com

Experience America’s largest home, built in 1895 by George and Edith Vanderbilt. A self-guided visit to this luxurious chateau spans three floors and the basement, which includes an indoor pool and bowling alley. During the tour, discover stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests and employees through displays of clothing, artwork and furniture. Engaging, temporary exhibitions enlighten visitors of all ages. Active families can hike, bike, raft and enjoy horseback riding on the grounds.

Linville Caverns

19929 U.S. 221 North, Marion linvillecaverns.com

Inside the base of Humpback Mountain lies Linville Caverns, a subterranean world of active limestone. View nature’s awe-inspiring work featuring stalactite, stalagmite and flowstone formations, a “bottomless pool” that reaches a depth of more than 250 feet, and an underground stream containing native trout that are blind due to the lack of light. Linville Caverns is North Carolina’s only cavern system open for tours, which are 30 minutes in length.

Linville Gorge Wilderness

Address varies depending on each section fs.usda.gov (search for Linville Gorge Wilderness)

Just around the bend from Linville Caverns is Linville Gorge Wilderness, a national forest that is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Virgin forests, three rivers, five species of rare plants, and silverbell, wild indigo, orchids and rhododendron dot the area. Animal lovers can view deer, turkey, vultures, hawks and owls in their native habitat. Easy, kid-friendly hikes abound, such as those leading to Linville Falls, Duggers Creek Falls and Wiseman’s View. You may need a vehicle with high clearance and/or all-wheel drive to access some of the more remote trails.