Moving toward the east, there are more great reasons to consider North Carolina’s abundant offerings for family fun when planning getaways and vacations.

11. Mountains to Sea Trail

From the very top of Clingman’s Dome near the Tennessee border to the sand dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park on the strand of the Outer Banks, North Carolina’s 925-mile long Mountains-to-Sea Trail offers an adventurous way to explore the state’s natural treasures and human wonders. This is an adventure a visitor can embrace in small chunks or in an extended all at once while experiencing the best of NC’s towns and cities, rural agritourism initiatives and natural preserves.

12. Waldensian Valdese

The rich history of the Waldensian sect is preserved in beautiful Valdese, NC in the foothills between Morganton and Hickory. With a world famous winery, a summer festival and outdoor drama, the finest Bocce Ball clay court anywhere and one of the best regional musical venues anywhere, Valdese is a fun and educational stop along the way for anyone wanting to experience some of the best of North Carolina’s homespun heritage.

13. NC’s Arts and Agriculture Trails

In a unique alliance between the North Carolina Arts Council and the NC Cooperative Extension Service, a total of 16 different, well-planned “Arts and Agriculture Trails” have been mapped out for a project called Homegrown Handmade. These trails meander through foothills, across the piedmont and around the coastal regions, allowing visitors to visit wineries, organic farms and dairies, art studios and sidewalk cafes in charming little towns.

14. Cosmopolitan Charlotte and the Sporting Life

From bustling Lake Norman and its posh golf courses and sailboat regattas through the home of NASCAR in “Race City USA” Mooresville, tothe Bank of America Stadium uptown to see NC’s Panthers play professional football, the Charlotte area boasts some of the finest sports tourism opportunities available anywhere. And while you’re there, do check out the busy Charlotte nightlife at famous regional brewhouses and musical venues offering a variety of musicians and styles.

15. Pinehurst – Home of American Golf

Farther to the east between Charlotte and Fayetteville in the rolling Sandhill region, Pinehurst offers golfers the largest collection of Donald Ross golf courses anywhere, and enjoys the distinction of being the “Home of American Golf.” In addition to 10 of the top 20 NC golf courses, the area’s resorts also offer world class tennis courts, spa facilities, exquisite dining and luxurious accommodations. While golf is a regular way of life here, there are also arts, history, botanical gardens, festivals and unique shopping on the smorgasbord of offerings.

Posts to This Series:
Part 1: Reasons 1 – 5
Part 2: Reasons 6 – 10
Part 3: Reasons 11 – 15
Part 4: Reasons 16 – 25

Football season is upon us, and North Carolina’s Panthers soundly defeated the Rams in St. Louis, the first time since the franchise began that their opener was an away game. Charlotte is the city the Panthers call home, and is also the home town of NASCAR. For sports lovers, you just can’t beat it!

The home schedule for the Panthers at the beautiful downtown Bank of America Stadium and events schedule for Lowe’s Motor Speedway are below, and there are several overlapping weekends that sports lovers could take advantage of for booking a multi-purpose get-away in the Charlotte environs.

Whether one chooses to stay at one of the fine downtown hotels so as to take advantage of Charlotte’s lively music scene. excellent restaurants and brew-houses, or to rent a cabin or condo at nearby Lake Norman so as to get in a little water sport and golfing action too, there is plenty to fill any vacationer’s schedule.

Lake Norman is just 18 miles from Charlotte via interstate highway. It’s the largest man-made lake in the state with more than 520 miles of shoreline and extending over four counties. There are power and sailboat rentals, some prizewinning fish, fine sand beaches and a State Park which offers camping, hiking and biking trails. There are several championship golf courses around the lake, and luxury accommodations along with lakefront cabins available for rental. Several world class restaurants front the lake, and there are numerous regional attractions nearby. Not the least of which is Carowinds theme park, so bring the kids!

Charlotte Douglas airport is conveniently located, and a busy hub with flights in and out from just about everywhere. Shuttles to most outlying and downtown hotels serve arriving passengers, or you can rent a car right at the airport and take your own time and sightseeing tours. Getting your tickets ahead of time is always advised for Panthers home games, though speedway events generally have room for drop-ins and also offers tours of the facilities on off days.

The North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame Museum is just a short drive from downtown Charlotte in Mooresville, where even the cop cars are adorned with NASCAR checkered flags and everybody who’s anybody sports a favorite driver’s car number on their bumper.

Panthers Football: Home Schedule
Sept. 16, v. Houston
September 30, v. Tampa Bay
October 28, v. Indianapolis
November 11, v. Atlanta
November 25, v. New Orleans
December 2, v. San Francisco
December 16, v. Seattle
December 22, v. Dallas

Lowe’s Motor Speedway Events:
September 13-16, Food Lion AutoFair
October 10, Jani-King Southern Showdown
October 11, Bojangles’ Pole Night
October 12, Dollar General 300
October 13, Bank of America 500
October 26-28, Goodguys Southeastern Nationals
November 1-3, World of Outlaws World Finals
November 23, Souvenir and Race Ticket Blow-Out

Links:

Lowe’s Motor Speedway Home

Speedway Visitor’s Guide

Carolina Panthers Home

NC Vacation: Lake Norman Vacation Rentals

NC Auto Racing Hall of Fame