Top 10 Tourist Attractions in North Carolina

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in North Carolina

Presentation by Eric Gaulin

#10.

NASCAR Hall of FameFor race car enthusiasts, the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte provides plenty of appeal. Attractions include historic cars on Glory Road, a Hall of Honor, and behind-the-scenes exhibits. Sit back and catch a show on the 64-ft projection screen in the High Octane Theater.

Source: http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/north-carolina-usnc.htm

http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/north-carolina-usnc.htm

What’s New?

❖ There are five new nominees to be considered for induction into the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2017.

❖ The nominees include: 1- Ron Hornaday Jr., 2- Jack Roush, 3-Ricky Rudd, 4- Ken Squier, and 5- Waddell Wilson

Source: nascar.com

http://nascar.com

#9.

Old Cardinal Gem MineFranklin, a little more than three hours' drive from Charlotte, is known as the "Gem Mining Capital of the World," and budding geologists can dig for treasures at the town's Old Cardinal Gem Mine.

Source: www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/north-carolina-usnc.htm


❖ Operating for more than 40 years, the mine produces rubies, sapphires, moonstone, amethyst, and garnets.

❖ Visitors can dig through the dirt in the pile or purchase a pre-filled bucket and sift through the contents. After the treasure hunt, the staff will help weigh and identify the gems and bag them up for the journey home.

Source: www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/north-carolina-usnc.htm


#8.

North Carolina Zoo

At over 2,000 acres, the NC Zoo is the largest walk-through zoo in the world, and one of only two state-owned zoos in the United States. It has over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species primarily representing Africa and North America. The zoo is open 364 days a year and receives more than 700,000 visitors annually.

Source: www.nczoo.org/

http://www.nczoo.org/

#7.

North Carolina Aquarium The North Carolina Aquarium has four coastal locations at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Jennette's Pier. While Jennette's Pier is not an actual aquarium, it does offer views of marine animals like humpback whales in their natural habitat.



❖ The Roanoke Island location, situated close to Jennette's Pier, features the largest collection of sharks in the state.

❖ At Pine Knoll Shores, visitors learn about the state's varied marine life, while Fort Fisher introduces the freshwater streams, swamps, and open ocean of Cape Fear.



#6.

Grandfather MountainHiking at Grandfather Mountain in Linville ranges from leisurely trails with picturesque views to challenging treks that could include ladders and reward with expansive, mountainous panoramas. Visitors can also learn about local flora, or catch a glimpse of wildlife.

Plan a walk across the park's well-known Mile High Swinging Bridge, a highlight that has been in place since 1952 and offers 360-degree views.



#5.

Chimney Rock State ParkTwenty-five miles southeast of Asheville, a 315-ft granite spire rises to an elevation of more than 2,280 ft in Chimney Rock State Park. There is a 26-story elevator built inside the mountain, making the trip to the top an easy excursion for tourists. Also within the park, the Hickory Nut Falls Trail is a moderate, mostly-level trail to the base of the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls.



#4.

Linville Gorge and FallsKnown as the "Grand Canyon of the East," Linville Gorge is the deepest and one of the most scenic gorges in the eastern United States. The Linville River enters the gorge at the magnificent 90 ft Linville Falls, and is one of the most (if not the most) photographed waterfalls in North Carolina. The trails here are easy to moderate, and if you have time, it's worth viewing the falls from different angles.



#3.

Morehead Planetarium and Science CenterThe Morehead Planetarium and Science Center, located at the University of North Carolina in the heart of Chapel Hill, has been a stop for over seven million guests since first opening in 1949. The center hosts multiple shows every day - a schedule that changes with the seasons. In addition to regularly shows, there are fun activities such as a lessons on how to identify planets, bright stars, and constellations.



#2.

Battleship North Carolina Located in Wilmington, the USS North Carolina was the first of 10 battleships to join the American fleet in WWII having been commissioned on April 9, 1941. The vessel is well armed: there are nine 16-inch, 45-caliber guns in three turrets, and 20 five-inch, 38-caliber guns in ten twin mounts.



❖ She was the world's greatest sea weapon, but today tourists can wander through the ship to visit the mess hall, tour the sailor's and officer's quarters, and wander the expansive deck to see the intimidating guns up-close and personal.



#1.

The Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate is a large private estate and tourist attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. Biltmore House, the main house on the estate, is a Châteauesque-styled mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895 and is the largest privately owned house in the United States.



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EricGaulin.info

Eric Gaulin is a man who enjoys exploration, adventure, and freedom. Growing up in Rye, N.Y., he was always close to the ocean by way of the Long Island Sound. He has been lucky enough to sail to different parts of the world both with his family and friends. Living in New England, Eric has sailed up and down the Long Island Sound, out to Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket in what he calls the Cape Tour.

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Top 10 Tourist Attractions in North Carolina