For some “winning” is a room filled with trophies and medals—or
that long-awaited promotion. For others, it may be a houseful of family over
the holidays. Whatever your ‘winning in life’ moments are, find new ones with
this list of award-winning experiences from the Heart of North Carolina.
Drum roll, please……YOU are the ultimate winner of an
unforgettable visit with your closest family and friends.
Ø 🏆 Wildlife
Conservation Award: North Carolina Zoo –The North Carolina Zoo was
spotlighted by Nat Geo WILD! as they premiered “Secrets of the Zoo: North
Carolina” in 2020. The 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.
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| Kyle Petty Charity Ride for Victory Junction Camp |Photo: NASCAR.com |
Ø 🏆 Social
Impact Award: Richard Petty & Petty Family Attractions – NASCAR
roots begin with the Petty family and is showcased within the Petty Family
Attractions and 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. To date, Victory Junction has provided over
50,000 children opportunities of a lifetime.
Ø 🏆 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 Thomas Pottery, and choose from a wide variety of
styles and colors.
Ø 🏆 Most
Frightening Award: Fall at Kersey Valley’s Spookywoods Haunted
Attraction – A tradition that began in 1985 with a group of teenage boys
and a game of ‘dare’ is now one of America’s top haunted attractions. 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. Encounter
a little less fright that is completely family-friendly by experiencing the
seasonal Sunflower Extravaganza (mid-August to mid-September) and Maize
Adventure – a Cornfield Maze (mid-September to early November).
Ø 🏆 Entertainers
of the Year Award: The Liberty Showcase Theater – Think you
have missed your chance to hear legendary artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys,
Doug Stone, The Kentucky Headhunters, Kathy Mattea and more perform their chart-topping
hits? Look no further than The Liberty Showcase Theater located
in charming Downtown Liberty. Dewey & Leslie Brown are an entertainment power
couple with deep connections to the bluegrass music industry. They invite
nostalgic entertainers (and friends!) to their intimate venue. Dewey played
fiddle with the legendary Dr. Ralph Stanley for more than 12 years and Leslie
is an accomplished bass player, songwriter, and vocalist who loves clogging and
square dancing. For a complete list of upcoming scheduled musicians visit TheLibertyShowcase.com.
🏆 High Flying Aviation Award: NC
Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame – Step back in time at the NC
Aviation Museum & Hall of Fame by viewing a Piper J-3 Flitfire, flown
by Orville Wright. The past meets the present as visitors learn the importance
of aviation history with displays throughout two hangars – great photo ops
here! Continue your journey through history by seeing a stunning A-26 bomber
used in combat during the Vietnam War, built in 1943. With an expansive
collection of military artifacts and civilian memorabilia from WWI to the
present including an impressive collection of military vehicles, weapons, and
uniforms, you will even see a Presidential Limousine.
Ø 🏆 Get
Outdoors Award: Deep River State Trail – Familiarize yourself with the
natural and historical features that can be found in the Heart of North
Carolina 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. Currently, hikers enjoy five miles of trail (with more planned)
that are home to native wildlife creatures such as great blue herons, river
otters, and osprey. Three designated trailheads serve as starting points for
outdoor recreation of bicycling, hiking, walking, jogging, and paddling.
Ø 🏆 Freshest
Farm Escape Award: Millstone Creek Orchards – Return to nature at Millstone
Creek Orchards, a family-owned, u-pick farm experience. They’ve been
connecting travelers with seasonal produce—berries, peaches, pecans, apples,
and pumpkins—for almost two decades. Plan to make memories with your family when
you tour the 80-acre property with fishing ponds, a covered porch, and
scrumptious apple cider slushies. 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’re 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.
