| Western North Carolina Travel Guide | |
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There's a lot more to western North Carolina than the Blue Ridge Parkway. Hikers will find 132 miles of the Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The idea for the trail was conceived in the 1920's by a federal employee, Benton MacKaye. Today, watchful volunteers help make sure the trail remains intact for future generations.
In Flat Rock, you'll find the Carl Sandburg Home. The renowned poet, biographer and lecturer spent the last 22 years of his life with his wife and daughters at this farm, called Connemarra.
The Flat Rock Playhouse is nearby. This professional theatre is open from mid-May through mid-December, and presents a variety of comedies, musicals, and dramas.
Chimney Rock Park is about 25 miles from Flat Rock. If you've seen the movie Last of the Mohicans, you've had a preview of the views from this privately owned park.
A little west of Chimney Rock is Lake Lure, another spot used by the movie industry when parts of Dirty Dancing were filmed here. Did you notice Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Gray shivering while they were in the water? That was no act, because this spring fed lake stays icy-cold year around.
This article has barely touched on the number of things for you to see and do when you travel to western North Carolina. I've not mentioned the outdoor sports that are available at just about every stop, including fishing and whitewater rafting--and skiing in the winter. Or the insights you'll find into the marvelous traditions of the Native Americans and southern Highlanders. Or the music festivals that are held year-around. Or schools like the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, where you can learn every type of craft imaginable. Or the many thousands of other opportunities for tourists and residents alike.
There's something here for just about anyone, so I encourage you to come for a visit. You may decide to stay.
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Photo Gallery
The Great Smoky Mountains
Linville Gorge
Pisgah National Forest
The Folk Art Center
Linn Cove Viaduct
Appalachian Trail
Chimney Rock Park
Cradle of Forestry
Fairfield Lake, Sapphire
Above Photos Courtesy NC Tourism
Above Photos Courtesy Janet Wickell
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