08/02/2023
Sarah P. Duke Gardens
The Sarah P. Duke Gardens began when a local citizen, Dr. Hanes, came up with the idea of turning an abandoned patch of land into a public garden. He wanted to fill the garden with his favorite flower, irises.
Soon after, he was given the funding to bring his idea to life by Sara P. Duke. This was all back in the 1930s; the gardens are still a wonder today. Come on a sunny day and stroll through the beautiful gardens that are filled with irises, daffodils, and thousands of other botanical gems.
Forget your worries as you walk through magnificent tree tunnels, whose colors change in each season. Enjoy the garden’s unique features and cute landmarks like the quaint wooden bridge built over the slow-moving river below.
08/02/2023
International Civil Rights Center & Museum
Greensboro made it onto the map of the Civil Rights movement in 1960 when four black students studying at the N.C. Agricultural & Technical College protested the whites-only lunch counter in Greensboro.
On February the first they sat at the lunch counter and refused to leave, despite being denied service. Their brave, and non-violent, act against racial segregation (that was still legal at the time) started a six-month long-protest in Greensboro. It ended with the desegregation of the Woolworth lunch counter!
Come and see a section of the F. W. Woolworth’s Lunch Counter at the museum and learn about the civil rights movement. During your visit, you can read the stories of heroic human rights activists and explore their struggles fighting for equality through artifacts and interactive exhibits.
04/02/2023
Mingo Falls
Mingo Falls translates to Big Bear Falls in the Cherokee language. This stunning waterfall is located just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, some five miles away from the entrance, along Big Cove Road. It’s very near to the town of Cherokee.
The waterfall is 120 feet tall and surrounded by lush vegetation. To get to it you’ll have to walk up the Pigeon Creek Trail. The trail is only 0.4 miles long but it’s known to be a bit tricky because of the 161 steps you’ll have to climb.
You’ll start the trail at Mingo Falls Campground, and it’ll be worth the climb once you reach the top! There’s a viewing bridge at the bottom of the waterfall that has the best views of Mingo Falls.
01/02/2023
Airborne and Special Operations Museum
The Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville showcases artifacts used by the US Army Airborne and Special Operations Forces. Their exhibits look at the history of this department of the US Army from the 1940s up till now.
Come along and learn about older battles like D-Day and the Vietnam war, as well as current issues like the war on terrorism and hate crime. Read the magnificent stories of the brave paratroopers who jump from the sky straight into battle.
The museum aims to celebrate soldiers, going as far back as Lieutenant Bill Ryder who in 1940 jumped out of a plane in a test run of the first U.S. airborne unit. The uniforms, weapons, and army vehicles will take you into the battlefield.
31/01/2023
Grandfather Mountain
North Carolina’s Grandfather Mountain is a popular place to go hiking and wildlife watching. There are a few attractions you can visit at the mountain too, like the Nature Museum that is about halfway up the trail to the top of Grandfather Mountain.
Don’t forget to walk over America’s highest suspension footbridge, the Mile High Swinging Bridge, whilst you’re there. It was built in 1952 and it’s 228 feet long. The views of the forests and mountains in the distance are spectacular!
If you want to go on a slightly tricky hike, consider the Macrae’s Peak trail. Keep a lookout for cougars, bears, bald eagles, river otters and elk during your time at Grandfather Mountain, they’re likely lurking not far from you. The mountain is just 15 minutes drive away from the town of Linville.
