Whatever your ‘winning in life’ moments are, find new ones with this list of award-winning experiences from the Heart of North Carolina.
Wildlife Conservation Award: North Carolina Zoo
The North Carolina Zoo is a recipient of recognition for their regional and international animal conservation efforts in the wild for over two decades, the zoo is also the largest natural habitat zoo in the world! It protects all aspects of the natural world, from vultures and gorillas in Africa to endangered plants and amphibians that are native to North Carolina. Find out how you can save wildlife—and the planet—by visiting https://www.nczoo.org/conservation.
Social Impact Award: Richard Petty & Petty Family Attractions
NASCAR roots begin with the Petty family and is displayed within the Petty Museum. The King of NASCAR, Richard Petty is a seven-time Cup Series champion and won a record of 200 races during his career. Of all the accomplishments in his career, Petty thinks of his family as his number one trophy. To honor his late grandson Adam’s memory and build upon his inspired dream, the Petty family created Victory Junction, a NASCAR-themed camp to enrich the lives of children with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses.
Creative Inspiration Award: Seagrove Pottery community
Collecting pottery is a must if you are passionate about supporting the arts while checking off bucket list travel. Visit with more than 100 working potters in Seagrove, the #1 American Craft Town. Explore at your own pace, duck into a studio to see work being made, try a class at the North Carolina Pottery Center, and choose from a wide variety of styles and colors.
Most Frightening Award: Fall at Kersey Valley’s Spookywoods Haunted Attraction
From the moment you arrive at Kersey Valley Attractions, you are fair game to each haunted creature residing on the property.
Encounter special effects of light, sound, smell, dense atmosphere, air pressure, and liquid. With 13 themed sets along the haunt, you will leave with an understanding of how Spookywoods is one of the scariest scream parks in America according to Hauntworld.com.
Entertainers of the Year Award: The Liberty Showcase Theater
Think you have missed your chance to hear legendary artists such as Doug Stone, Tracy Byrd, Chubby Checker, Suzy Boggus, John Anderson, Eddie Montgomery, Crystal Gayle, and The Embers and more perform their chart-topping hits? Look no further than The Liberty Showcase Theater located in charming Downtown Liberty. Visit TheLibertyShowcase.com.
High Flying Aviation Award: NC Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame
Step back in time at this aviation museum by viewing a Piper J-3 Flitfire, flown by Orville Wright. The past meets the present as visitors learn the importance of aviation history.
See a stunning A-26 bomber used in combat during the Vietnam War and an expansive collection of military artifacts and civilian memorabilia from WWI to the present.
Get Outdoors Award: Deep River State Trail
Familiarize yourself with the natural and historical features that can be found in the Heart of NC by exploring the Deep River State Trail. Recognized as a valuable resource to healthy living, it was designated as an official State Trail in 2007. Trail lovers now enjoy five miles of trail (with more planned) that are home to native wildlife. Three designated trailheads serve as starting points for outdoor recreation of bicycling, hiking, walking, jogging, and paddling.
Fresh Farm Escape Award: Millstone Creek Orchards
Return to nature at Millstone Creek Orchards, a family-owned, u-pick farm experience.
They have been connecting travelers with seasonal produce for almost two decades. Don’t forget to take home local goodies from the Apple Barn Country Store. They sell honey, jams, jellies, and Goat Lady Dairy cheeses.
When can we expect you? Visit HeartofNorthCarolina.com for places to stay and special military discount offers! Find us in the center of North Carolina, an hour and a half drive from Raleigh and Charlotte; we are only two hours from Fayetteville, NC.
Order a FREE travel guide and check out the listing of annual events on our bit.ly/HNCVBCalendar. We look forward to following along on your visit. Tag us at #theHeartofNC.
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