Carowinds
Carowinds has a lot to crow about, including 13 roller coasters boasting 360 degree loops, inversions and 50 mph speeds. An extra attraction is the Xtreme Skyflyer, as close to real skydiving as you can get –you even get to pull the ripcord! A variety of Peanuts-themed rides have been created just for little children – watch them squeal with laughter! The park also features a 3-D Action Theatre, and various live shows are held throughout the day on several stages. Also included with admission is Boomerang water park’s wave pool, leisurely Crocodile Run River, and several rafting, slipping, sliding thrill rides sure to get you drenched. Find Discount Hotels near Carowinds.
Chimney Rock State Park
Part of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area near Ashville, Chimney Rock offers rock climbing, birding and hiking amidst some of the prettiest North Carolina scenery around. Clean mountain air, a 404-foot waterfall and great lake fishing are draws, along with fine championship golf courses in the area. Find Discount Hotels near Chimney Rock State Park.
Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Memorializing the 1781 Revolutionary War battle, this park provides a 2.25 mile self-guided automobile/biking road and 28 marked monuments honoring heroic soldiers and statesmen. The Visitor Center offers a 10 minute animated Battle Map Program which explains the battle’s tactics along with historic museum exhibits. Find Discount Hotels near Guilford Courthouse National Military Park.
Hanging Rock State Park
Twelve-acre Hanging Rock Lake offers canoe and rowboat rentals for water fun. Learn about the Saura Native Americans from exhibits in the Visitor Center and explore spectacular waterfalls, rolling mountains, sheer cliffs and more than 300 species of mountain flora along 12 wooded trails.Rock climbing is popular and requires a permit. Find Discount Hotels near Hanging Rock State Park.
Wright Brothers National Memorial
Flying enthusiasts will really enjoy the exhibits and artifacts in the Visitor Center, including full-scale reproductions of the 1902 glider and 1903 flying machine plus the Wright’s first wind tunnel. Look for the large granite boulder, site of the take-off point for that famous first flight. Stand at the top of Big Kill Devil Hill, just as Wilbur and Orville did when conducting glider experiements, for outstanding sea views. Find Discount Hotels near Wright Brothers National Memorial.