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june 6, 2013
T h e J e w i s h h o m e n j u n e 6 , 2013
Susan Schwamm
The Jewish Home
Leisure & Travel
From Sea to Shining Sea: North Carolina
C
arolina is the subject of many songs you’ll hear on the radio while driving down to North Carolina. You’ll hear about the beautiful beaches and the clear waves that crash into the shore. And you’ll hear about the peaceful way of life in North Carolina. But nothing can prepare you for the most wonderful vacation you’ll have sitting on its myriad beaches with a cold glass of iced tea. North Carolina is a big part of U.S. history. Did you know that the first English colony in North America was located on Roanoke Island in North Carolina and was founded by Sir Walter Raleigh? Unfortunately, the colony mysteriously vanished without a trace except for the word “Croatoan” etched into a tree. Speaking about American history, the Wright brothers made history in 1903 when they made the first successful powered flight by man at Kill Devil Hill. And Babe Ruth made baseball history when he hit his first homerun in Fayetteville on March 7, 1914. Who knew that that would be the first of a whopping 714 runs for the Bambino? North Carolina is important (in my eyes at least) because Krispy Kreme Doughnuts was founded in this state. And second-most important (again, in my eyes), Pepsi was invented and first served in New Bern in 1898. Speaking of food, North Carolina is the largest producer of sweet potatoes in America. (Pass me some pie!) In fact, students at a Wilson County school actually petitioned the North Carolina general assembly for the establishment of the sweet potato as the official state vegetable. Things You Won’t Want to Miss The Outer Banks A visit to North Carolina would be incomplete without a day or two spent at the Outer Banks, a long string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina. Besides for offering visitors some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the country, the Outer Banks has other attractions for those who don’t wish to spend their day in a towel on the sand. The tumultuous seas right off the Outer Banks and the large number of shipwrecks that have occurred there have given these waters the name the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Indeed, there is a museum in Hatteras Village dedicated to these seas and their ill-fated ships. The Wright brothers started their famous flight at Kill Devil Hills, located on the Outer Banks. The Wright Brothers National Monument commemorates the historic flights, and First Flight Airport is a small, general-aviation air-
field located there. And the English Roanoke Colony vanished from Roanoke Island in 1587. The Lost Colony, a play written to commemorate the original colonists, is the largest running outdoor drama in the United States. The Appalachian Trail Almost 300 miles of this Maine-to-Georgia slice of splendor is located in North Carolina. A hike along the Appalachian Trail is a favorite among avid hikers. The terrain differs as you continue your trek. Some areas feature some 4,000-foot gaps along with 5,000foot peaks. Other sections offer panoramic views of western North Carolina. While hiking, you’ll experience a deep feeling of remoteness in the foliage of the lush forests and flowering shrubs. Dismal Swamp State Park Don’t be scared off by its name; a trip here won’t leave you dismal and you certainly won’t be stuck in the mud while visiting here. Just a few years ago, in 2007, the great Dismal Swamp was designated a state park. In 2008, the park was opened to the public. Make sure to spend some time in this glorious gem where hundreds of butterflies fly freely and subtropical birds sing their sweet songs. The Dismal Swamp Canal is full of canoes and kayaks exploring its waters; visitors enjoy its halfmile boardwalk to the mysterious swamp. North Carolina Arboretum If you’re looking to connect with nature, this treasure of 434 acres contains 65 acres of cultivated gardens that flower and bloom with a rainbow of colors. There are also ten miles of hiking and biking trails to enjoy along with one of the finest, most unique bonsai collections in the United States. If you’re planning your trip now, know that the Mountain Laurel blooms blossom at the end of May, so you’ll be in for a treat when you go there. You can even enjoy the foliage on rented Segways. Who can ask for more?