Attractions

Raceworld USA - Home to Michael Waltrip Racing

Now that the NASCAR Sprint Cup has been handed out to record breaking driver Jimmie Johnson, you might think that the folks involved with those NASCAR teams would be taking a break until Indy in February. Well, you would be wrong. Those wanting to find their way to victory lane get the real work done when the races stop. You can get a behind the scenes look at everything from gears to the pit crew climbing over the wall at Raceworld USA.

Read More »

Up Top on Chimney Rock

If you read Barbara’s post about her visit to Chimney Rock in the mountains of Western North Carolina, you may have thought it was a challenging effort. And it was. But what is so great about this park is that all levels of adventurists can experience the sites.

Read More »

Most visitors to Cherokee, North Carolina stop in this tiny mountain town on their way into or out of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They drive down the main street, past tacky souvenier shops bursting with Made-in-Taiwan Indian souvenirs and teepee-shaped hotel marquees blinking neon messages. Even though the town is the administrative center for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indian Nation, at first blush it appears to offer little in the way of Cherokee history or culture, and the inclination is to pass right on through. But don’t. Instead, turn at the Cherokee Museum and drive to the top of hill to Oconaluftee Indian Village, where an authentic Cherokee experience awaits.

Town of Cherokee, North Carolina, touts its Native American roots with phone teepees and imported souvenirs

The Cherokees in Western North Carolina today descend from those who those who hid in the hills, defying removal during the infamous Trail of Tears mandated by President Andrew Jackson, and others who later returned. Gradually they created a sovereign nation of 100 square miles and, in 1948, established the Cherokee Historical Association to carry out their mission of preserving the history and culture of the Cherokee People. Oconaluftee Indian Village and its sister operation, the Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama are central to those efforts.

Typical Cherokee home circa 1759

Throughout the day at Oconaluftee, presentations teach visitors about Cherokee culture and history and dispel some of the more common misconceptions about the tribe. The first surprise for most is the absence of teepees in the village. Cherokee lived in structures initially constructed of wattle and daub spread over a Read More »

Giant apples scattered around town advertise the festival

Big and juicy. Red, green, and yellow. Pies, tarts, and cobblers. Is your mouth watering yet? How about we add Waldorf salad, apple walnut bread, and hand-dipped caramel apples to the mix. Have I got your attention? If all this apple talk has your lips smacking, mark your calendar for the annual Apple Festival, scheduled for Labor Day weekend, September 4-7, 2009, in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

This charming town, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area at the southern end of the Smoky Mountains, has been hosting the four day event for the past 63 years. The festival features a street fair, continuous live musical entertainment, arts & crafts, gem and mineral spectacular, apple recipe contest, sidewalk sales, an antique aircraft fly-by, activities for kids, and special exhibits.

Highlight of the event is the King Apple Parade, where more than 60,000 spectators watch as professional floats, bands, youth groups, antique cars, and fire trucks stream down historic Main Street. On Friday, September 4th, visitors can even take a tour of the local orchards, where 200+ area growers produce Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Rome Beauty, and Gala apples, in addition to several specialty varieties.

Cute shops, bars, and cafes line Main Street in downtown Hendersonville

Read More »

One of the delights of any visit to North Carolina’s Outer Banks is exploring the back roads in search of old homes that have weathered scores of hurricanes and provided shelter for generations of fishermen. The Old Gray House, tucked into the woods just off the main road in the tiny village of Buxton, is one such structure.

The Old Gray House on Hatteras Island

The home takes its name from a seafaring family by the name of Gray, whose descendants have inhabited the area since the early 1600’s, beginning with Dewey’s great grandmother, who was shipwrecked on Hatteras Island. She was on board a ship coming from Newfoundland that ran aground and, transportation being difficult in those early days, just stayed on. Dewey’s early years were spent in Buxton, but during World War II the family relocated to Huntington, West Virginia where his father was stationed as a Navy recruiter. After the war was over Dewey remained in Huntington, where he met and married his wife, Mary, and pursued his career in education. Dewey served as teacher, principal, and central office administrator, but he and Mary returned to Buxton every year to vacation at the family’s cottage. Read More »

My travels recently brought me to Charlotte, North Carolina and I was told that they have an indoor water park. With slides and stuff. Indoors.

I’m from sunny Florida. We don’t do ‘indoor’ when it comes to our water parks. I suspect we wouldn’t know how to build a water park indoors if we tried. (I hope we don’t try, either!)

So needless to say, I was intrigued.

Ray’s Splash Planet is right in the heart of downtown Charlotte and is probably incredibly easy to get to but my iPhone GPS was a little directionally-challenged that day. Fortunately for me, it told me to park near a lovely little park that in it had a sign pointing to Ray’s Splash Planet. So I did. And off we went.

By Golly, It’s an indoor water park!

Some of the highlights include:

• The Blue Comet – A three-story water slide that whips you around in a double figure eight then dumps you into the waters below.
• The Orbiter – Grab a Tube and lazily float around The Blue Comet. Perfect for relaxing.
• Saturation Station – Tumble buckets, water walls, and slides galore!
• The Vortex – A current pool that will whip you into a frenzy!
• Moon Beach – The entry point where all your water fun begins!
• Sea of Tranquility – Two lap lanes for slower swimming or basketball/volleyball area with two basketball hoops and a large net. (balls are provided by the lifeguard staff)

Admission:

Daily Admission:

• Youth 17 & Under $6 County Resident/ $8 Non-County Resident
• Adult 18 & Older $8 County Resident/ $11 Non-County Resident
• Senior 62 & Over $6 County Resident/ $8 Non-County Resident
• Dry Ticket (Chaperone/NonSwimmer/Escort) $3 County Resident/ $5 Non-County Resident

The perfect way to end the day!

by Barbara Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

Historic locomotive

All Aboard the Tweetsie Railroad! Named for its shrill “tweet, tweet” train whistle, the Tweetsie narrow-gauge railroad began operations in 1881 after track was laid through the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains between Johnson City, Tennessee and Cranberry, North Carolina. For many years the train carried iron ore from area mines and passengers, but by 1950, roads had improved enough to provide access to mountain communities and the train was mothballed. The old locomotive’s retirement did not last long. Local leaders mounted an effort to rescue the train and by 1957 it was was once again carrying passengers on a one-mile scenic trip to a picnic area and then back up to the station.

The Tweetsie today, as it crosses a wooden railroad trestle

Read More »

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

The historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station, built in 1874, was the first United States Life-Saving Service station in North Carolina. All along the coast, these stations were dedicated to rescuing anyone whose life was in peril from the sea. After the U.S. Life-Saving Service evolved into the U.S. Coast Guard in 1915, Chicamacomico continued to see service until 1954. Not only is it today one of the nation’s most complete remaining life-saving stations, it was home to one of the greatest rescues in early Coast Guard history.

One of the wonderfully restored structures of the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Photo courtesy of esc831976 at http://flickr.com/photos/disbelief/1002932684

On August 16, 1918, in the middle of World War I, a lookout at the Chicamacomico Station watched as the British tanker ‘Mirlo’ was hit by a torpedo. Instantly the six life-savers went to work to save the crew of the doomed vessel. For their efforts, they were awarded gold medals by King George of England and the Grand Cross of the American Cross of Honor. The award citation best tells the story of the rescue:

“In a heavy northeast sea that caused the lifeboat to be tossed back upon the beach and the crew washed away from the oars time after time. Undaunted they returned to their task. After succeeding in getting their boat through the surf they were compelled to steer into a blazing inferno where the flames leaped at least 500 feet high, and were in serious danger of being burned to death if not drowned. They picked up a number of the crew of the Mirlo and towed four of the ship’s boats … They anchored the boats beyond the breakers and then made four trips in their surf boat bringing the entire 42 survivors safely ashore.”

The Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station still sees service today, although it is of a different kind. Every Thursday at 2 p.m., active members of the U.S. Coast Guard perform an historically accurate reenactment of the rescue method utilized from the late 1800s through the mid-1950s. Commonly referred to as the “Breeches Buoy Rescue,” the reenactment consists of a live demonstration of the rescue equipment, including firing the Lyle gun (small cannon) and “rescuing” a victim.

Active members of the U.S. Coast Guard perform a life-saving reenactment every Thursday at 2 p.m. between mid-April and November. Photo courtesy of esc831976 at http://flickr.com/photos/disbelief/1002085303.

Located on Hatteras Island, in the village of Rodanthe on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, the Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5:00 p.m., between mid-April and November. Admission is $6; seniors and students pay $4. In addition to this intriguing bit of history, visitors will discover that the Outer Banks offers dozens of attractions and a myriad of outdoor activities, from kite flying, to sand dune climbing, to sun bathing along miles and miles of unspoiled beaches in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut

There’s no getting around the fact that I’m a beach bum. Few things in life delight me more than discovering a sweet little cove with soft white sand and turquoise waters. But every now and then I hanker for clear mountain air, dark groves of moss-covered trees, and water cascading through still, green places.

There’s something spiritual about waterfalls. Whether I am standing awestruck in front of thundering Niagara or watching gentle creek waters cascade over toppled boulders, waterfalls never fail to stun me with their beauty. They remind me that, in the greater scope of things, I am insignificant. And so it is with this thought that I offer my list of the top ten waterfalls in the U.S. Certainly, there are hundreds more worth visiting, and some of the more spectacular must be left off a list that can only contain ten. But for me, these ten represent the most beautiful, most impressive, and most spiritually moving waterfalls across the county.

Lower Calf Creek Falls photo: http://flickr.com/photos/framboise/209901097

#10
Lower Calf Creek Falls, Escalante National Monument, Utah
This narrow ribbon of water glides over a near vertical cliff and lands in a shallow pool surrounded by colorful sandstone walls, making it the perfect place for a cool dip in the desert heat. The best time to arrive is mid morning, since Lower Calf Creek Falls is surrounded on three sides by high cliffs that keep it in shadow for most of the day. See more things to do and hotels in the Escalante area.

#9
Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
At 308 feet high, these falls are almost twice as high as Niagara and have the largest volume of water in the Rocky Mountains. Within Yellowstone National Park, a one-way loop drive takes you to the brink of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, offering four different views of the Lower Falls and access to a trail that leads to the top. A quarter mile upstream, the 109-foot Upper Falls are also well worth a look. More attractions and accommodations in and around Yellowstone National Park.

Lower Yellowstone Falls. Photo by Latham Jenkins at http://flickr.com/photos/circumerro-stock/1638667653/

Upper Whitewater Falls. Photo courtesy of QtrFlash at http://flickr.com/photos/qtrflash/428861253/in/set-72157594537386818/

#8
Upper Whitewater Falls, in southwestern North Carolina
Because of the  difficult access and rugged terrain, much of this area is wild and undeveloped, providing hikers and back country campers with a true wilderness experience. Deep within this pristine area is Upper Whitewater Falls, at 411 feet  the highest cataract east of the Rockies. This area of North Carolina is known as the “Land of Waterfalls” and offers literally hundreds of trails leading to cataracts of various sizes and configurations. Although some require difficult hikes, many others require only a short stroll along modern paved paths or down stone staircases. Hotels in Cashiers and Brevard, North Carolina. See more things to do in southeastern North Carolina.

#7
Snoqualmie Falls, between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington
I sometimes wonder whether the producers of “Twin Peaks” realized that Snoqualmie was a ‘two-faced’ waterfall when they chose it as the signature image for their popular TV show. Most of the time, the waters of Snoqualmie Falls are diverted to hydroelectric generating plants, leaving only a trickle flowing over the lip. But during times of heavy rain or snow the river is high enough to flow across the entire precipice. On those days, with the ground trembling beneath your feet, it is not hard to believe the legends of the Snoqualmie Indians, who insist that the falls are the place where prayers were carried up to the Creator by great mists that rise from the powerful flow, connecting heaven and earth. Accommodations and activities near Snoqualmie, Washington State.

Snoqualmie Falls. Photo courtesy of KM&G Morris @ http://flickr.com/photos/mzmo/2604969399/

Havasu Falls, Grand Canyon. Photo courtesy of Barbara Weibel at http://holeinthedonut.com

#6
Havasu Falls, Supai Village, Havasupai Indian Reservation, Grand Canyon, Arizona
I first visited Supai many years ago, when few people knew about this remote corner of the Grand Canyon. For eight miles I trekked downhill through steep, dusty terrain until, near the end of the trail, Havasu Creek burbled up, creating Navajo, Havasu, and Mooney Falls as it tumbled toward the mighty Colorado River. Since then, the tribe has built a lodge and offers both helicopter and horseback rides to the bottom of the canyon, making for a much easier visit. At Havasu Falls, blue-green water cascades over terra cotta cliffs clad in watercress and wild grapes. Deposits from these mineral-rich waters have formed travertine walls at the base of the falls, damming the water into an exquisite swimming pool. Although Havasu is by far the most popular and most photographed, nearby Mooney Falls, which requires a 200-foot scramble down a sheer cliff, using only handholds carved into the rocks and old miners spikes, is also a must see.

#5
Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls, Idaho
My first view of Shoshone Falls followed a week-long whitewater rafting trip in Idaho. By day we negotiated thrilling rapids and held on for dear life; by night we gazed at star-filled skies and tried to soothe our rattled nerves. On the seventh day we rowed to shore for the final time and I began the long drive home. Passing through the city of Twin Falls, I noticed a sign advertising Shoshone Falls and decided to stop. I was astounded by the 900-foot wide precipice where the waters of the Snake River crashed spectacularly to the canyon floor. Having recently been in the midst of wild rapids, I said a silent prayer of thanks that I’d been on the Salmon River rather than the Snake. Since much of the Snake river is diverted for irrigation in the summer and fall, Shoshone Falls are best visited in the spring. Things to do around Shoshone Falls and hotels in Twin Falls.

Shoshone Falls. Photo courtesy of Toriaj @ http://flickr.com/photos/toriaj/2355922145/

Multnomah Falls.Photo courtesy of Odalaigh @ http://flickr.com/photos/odalaigh/2633795185/

#4
Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Winding high above the waterway, the historic Columbia River Highway provides access to dozens of waterfalls, including 620-foot high Multnomah Falls. Unlike many of the falls in the Gorge that can only be accessed by trail, Multnomah plummets to the ground within sight of the highway, providing access for people of all ages and capabilities. Most days you can stand on the bridge spanning the gorge and feel the mist on your face, but when unusually cold weather hits, the falls can freeze into one giant icicle. Accommodations along the Columbia River Gorge and other things to do around Multnomah Falls.

#3
Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park, California
The glaciers that carved out Yosemite Valley left hanging cliffs that spawned waterfalls. Half of this top ten list could well have been filled with the waterfalls of Yosemite. Yet, when forced to narrow it down to my favorite, it must be Bridalveil Fall. Although Bridalveil drops a precipitous 620 feet from the top of a massive granite cliff, its waters seem to glide effortlessly down the rock face, like a bride caressing her soon-to-be spouse. The fact that this raw power can engender a feeling of such utter peace and serenity continues to mystify me. Any trip to Yosemite also merits a visits to Yosemite Falls, the highest measured waterfall in North America; Vernal Fall; and Nevada Fall, among others. Check places to stay in and around Yosemite National Park and other nearby attractions.

Bridalveil Fall, Yosemite National Park. Photo courtesy of Jim Brekke @ http://flickr.com/photos/jimbrekke/594614939/

#2
McWay Falls in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Big Sur, California
McWay Falls, though tiny, makes this top ten list because it is the only waterfall in the continental U.S. that falls directly into an ocean, merging my twin passions for beaches and waterfalls. Located about 36 mlies south of Carmel and ten miles south of the better known Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, the four-square mile park that is home to McWay Falls offers trails through Redwood groves, unspoiled coastal views, and observation areas for spotting migrating whales, in addition to the 1.5 mile trail to the McWay Falls Overlook. Accommodations in Big Sur, California and other area attractions.

McWay Falls, Big Sur, CA. Photo courtesy of SecretSeasons at http://flickr.com/photos/secretseasons/2633305628/

#1
Niagara Falls, Niagara, New York
Although we tend to take this remarkable treasure for granted, Niagara Falls is undoubtedly the #1 waterfall in the U.S. No superlative can adequately describe this raging, jaw-dropping cataract that tumbles over the strait connecting Lake Erie with Lake Ontario, forming a portion of the border between Canada and the U.S. Find hotels, motels, and B&B’s near Niagara Falls in the U.S. and Canada. Other things to do near Niagara Falls in the U.S. and Canada.

Niagara Falls, showing bth the Canadian and U.S. sides. Photo courtesy of P. Silver, http://flickr.com/photos/psilver/2616458321/

While you may not agree with my top ten, I’m sure you’ll agree that there are enough waterfalls in the U.S. to last a lifetime of travel and discovery. Happy hunting!

by Barbara Ann Weibel of Hole In The Donut

Ocracoke Island, an isolated 16-mile long strip of sand that is home to only 800 residents, is perhaps the most fascinating destination on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Historically a fishing and whaling village, this tiny island was so remote and isolated from the rest of civilization that native O’Cockers developed a unique manner of speaking.

Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. Photo courtesy of www.ncbeaches.com.

I first learned about this some years ago when I visited the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum. Housed in a historic white clapboard house, the museum contains historic furnishings; artifacts from Fort Ocracoke, a Confederate Civil War fort that was abandoned and destroyed; and displays about whaling and commercial fishing, which was for 250 years the lifeblood of the community. But the most fascinating feature of the museum is the “Brogue Room,” which contains extensive research about the unique linguistics of the island and features a video of native O’Cockers speaking in their unique accent.

The first time I pulled up a metal folding chair to watch the video, I was shocked. While much of what they said was unintelligible due to the thick brogue, some of the words were completely familiar to me. A “dingbatty” was a foolish person and “katty-whompus” meant to cross (a road) in a diagonal direction. Fascinated, I began reading the displays to determine if there was a reason I knew these words. I soon had my answer. The earliest residents of Ocracoke were fishermen who emigrated from southwestern England. This is where my grandmother was born and it must have been she who handed down these words to me, through my mother.

The isolation of the island began changing a number of years ago when the State instituted a ferry service. Soon, tourists were flocking to Ocracoke and the old way of life began to disappear. Today there are only a few remaining O’Cockers who speak in the old brogue, and most of them refuse to speak to tourists. Indeed, when I lived on the Outer Banks, I frequently spent weekends on Ocracoke and was often subject to this treatment – O’Cockers will pretend they are deaf if you speak to them. Fortunately, the O’Cocker language will be forever preserved through the efforts of the Ocracoke Museum.

The museum is open weekdays from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. during the off-season. From Easter to Thanksgiving, it is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on weekends from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no admission fee, however donations are gratefully accepted. Although many visitors to the island are day trippers, the numerous attractions on Ocracoke Island can easily justify a weekend stay, if not an entire week.