MUST- SEE NORTH CAROLINA SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

MUST - SEE

NORTH CAROLINA SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

By Meredith Hemphill

Looking for some travel inspiration this summer? Here you’ll find five top-recommended places to visit in the Triangle of the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill metro areas. For those wanting something more adventurous, we have a coast-to-mountains road trip that is perfect for staying cool in the heat of summer. If you’ve been to any of these locations, we would love to see your photos! We invite you to share them on our social media with the hashtag #mustseenc.

ACTIVITY RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE TRIANGLE

NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART The North Carolina Museum of Art is a premiere cultural institution with collections representing 5,000 years of both local and global art. NCMA houses the People’s Collection, a treasure trove of art belonging to all North Carolinians, as well as changing special exhibitions. Visitors can also explore the Museum Park, 164 acres of outdoor art installations and walking trails. NCMA hosts classes, lectures, movie nights, and performances. Check their calendar for dates and times.

The West Building is currently closed for the reinstallation of the People’s Collection. There will be reopening celebrations October 8-9, 2022.

SARAH P. DUKE GARDENS Duke Gardens began in 1935 as an iris garden. Now, it is a world-class botanical garden with four sections: the Historic Gardens, Blomquist Garden of Native Plants, Culberson Asiatic Arboretum, and Doris Duke Center Garden. Each is subdivided into specialized areas such as the Terrace Garden and Carnivorous Plant Garden. Guests will find themselves surrounded by beauty at every turn. Admission is free, and the gardens are open from 8 a.m. to dusk everyday of the year. Visit the website to see their schedule of events and programs.

NORTH CAROLINA EXECUTIVE MANSION The official home of the North Carolina governor was described by President Franklin Roosevelt as having “the most beautiful governor’s residence interior in America.” Built in 1883, the NC Executive Mansion was constructed using local materials and the labor of inmates at the state penitentiary. Tours of this historic house and gardens are available seasonally with advance registration. DUKE LEMUR CENTER Tucked away on the campus of Duke University is the largest and most diverse population of lemurs outside Madagascar. The Duke Lemur Center is a research and conservation outpost dedicated to protecting these unique and threatened animals. The Center conducts educational tours May throughSeptember. Reservations are required. The tours are highly informative and provide incredible opportunities to see the lemurs. When the tour is over, be sure to stop by the gift shop for fun lemur merchandise! ENO RIVER STATE PARK This peaceful oasis of mature forests and river bluffs is surprisingly close to urban Durham. Explore the natural world, and a historic mill and homestead. The plant and animal life here is abundant, making the park popular forphotographers. There are campsites, picnic areas, and lots of places to hike and fish. After a good rain, the river is suitable for paddling, too. The park also offers nature education programs, usually for free. Check their website for upcoming events.

ROAD TRIP THROUGH NORTH CAROLINA’S WATERWAYS

No doubt about it--summers in North Carolina are hot. Fortunately, there are places to get outside and beat the heat all across the state, from our many beaches in the east to the Land of Waterfalls in Transylvania county to the west. Slather on the sunblock and dive on in!

HAMMOCKS BEACH STATE PARK - SWANSBORO Water Features: Beach, Marsh Aquatic Activities: Boating, Fishing, Paddling, Swimming CLIFFS OF THE NEUSE STATE PARK - SEVEN SPRINGS Water Features: Lake, Beach Aquatic Activities: Boating, Fishing, Swimming JORDAN LAKE STATE RECREATION AREA - APEX Water Features: Lake, Beach Aquatic Activities: Boating, Fishing, Paddling, Swimming CARRIGAN FARMS - MOORESVILLE Water Features: Quarry Lake, Beach, Ponds Aquatic Activities: Catch-and-Release Fishing, Swimming LAKE NORMAN - CORNELIUS Water Features: Lake, Beach Aquatic Activities: Boating, Fishing, Paddling, Swimming, Wake surfing/ boarding

SOUTH MOUNTAINS STATE PARK - CONNELLY SPRINGS Water Features: High Shoals Falls, Jacob’s Fork River, Streams Aquatic Activities: Fishing, Paddling LOOKING GLASS FALLS - BREVARD Water Features: Waterfall, Davidson River Aquatic Activities: Swimming, Wading SLIDING ROCK - BREVARD Water Features: Natural Waterslide, Natural Pool, Davidson River Aquatic Activities: Sliding, Tubing GORGES STATE PARK - SAPPHIRE Water Features: Rivers, Streams, Waterfalls, Swimming Holes Aquatic Activities: Boating, Fishing, Swimming DEEP CREEK - BRYSON CITY Water Features: River, Rapids, Swimming Hole Aquatic Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Tubing

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