Local Secrets, Big Finds - North CarolinaLocal Secrets, Big Finds - North Carolina

Local Secrets, Big Finds - North Carolina

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Photos courtesy of the North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development.
Battleship North Carolina Photo Courtesy of Joe Swift.
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baby calfs, ducks, goats, fish, and geese." It's an educational experience that lets you learn about "the safety of all the animals and what farmers do on the farm." Read more.

Jordan Lake State Recreational Area
Apex

919.362.0586
Many bald eagles are spotted around Jordan Lake in Apex. You can "take a short hike to an observation platform in the early morning or evening and observe bald eagles who make their summertime home here." Motor-boating, fishing, and water-skiing are more popular activities, making this "an experience you won't get just anywhere." Camping is available in one of five campgrounds. Read more.

Neighborhood Theater
Charlotte

704.358.9298
The Neighborhood Theater is "in the artsy district" called the North Davidson Arts District (or NoDa). The venue itself is an old theater. It's small, so "the performances feel intimate," and the seating is first-come, first-served. "There isn't a bad seat in the house," which makes it the perfect place to see "live music and wander around the NoDa area's cute art galleries and restaurants." Read more.

Fabulous Fantail Film Festival
Wilmington

910.251.5797
Fabulous Fantail Film Festival
During the month of May, you can see old, classic movies while "sitting under the stars on the deck of the Battleship North Carolina." The Fabulous Fantail Film Festival occurs every Friday in May and is ideal for film or World War II history buffs. The ship dates back to WWII; and after it was restored, it was docked in the harbor in downtown Wilmington. Read more.

Salem Street Soda Shop
Apex

919.387.6506
For a taste of Southern cuisine in a small town just outside of Raleigh, go to the Salem Street Soda Shop. It is "one of the many great places to sit down and relax in downtown Apex." The pimento cheese sandwiches might be some of the best in the state, drawing locals there every day. Grab a bite, then continue to browse the charming downtown area, made up of "a variety of one-of-a-kind stores, restaurants, bakeries, and more."

Sims Country BBQ
Granite Falls

828.396.5811
Follow the dirt road and you'll find yourself at Sims Country BBQ. If in doubt, "call for directions, because it is off the main road." This place is "great" and "well worth the drive." The dinner is a "bar-b-que buffet, and while there is no alcohol, there is tea and soda." To burn off dinner, "they have live folk music and clog dancing." Read more.

Dentzel Carousel Festival
Burlington

336.222.5030
The Burlington City Park covers 76 acres, with walking trails, softball fields, an aquatic center, tennis courts, and amusement rides. The "main attraction is a fully-operational, restored 1910 Dentzel Menagerie Carousel." The carousel is "unbelievably beautiful" and is home to 46 hand-painted animals. It's so unique because there are only 13 others like it throughout the world. The Dentzel Carousel Festival includes "crafts, entertainment, park rides, picnicking," and more. The festival takes place every fall, usually around September.

Bald Head Island

800.515.1038
Bald Head Island
Bald Head Island is only accessible by boat, which helps to make it "one of the best-kept secrets off the coast of North Carolina." Board a ferry from Southport to begin your unique adventure. Upon arrival, you can travel by golf cart--the "only motorized mode of transportation allowed on the island." With an island speed limit of 18mph, the pace is noticeably slower, and the atmosphere is tranquil. There are golf courses, beaches, and woodland, and "the most remarkable natural feature is the 800-acre ancient maritime forest." Read more.

Ringside
Durham

919.680.2100
Ringside is a gay bar located in the Triangle, and is "hands-down, the best club (and the best-kept secret)." You have to ring a buzzer to get in, but once inside, navigate the four floors to find the atmosphere that suits you best. The "decor and feel is second to none and resembles nothing so much as an old, but well-kept French Quarter mansion." The owner is from New Orleans, and the crowd's attitude "reflects New Orleans, with a devotion to having a good time regardless of race or sexual orientation."

Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn
Wilmington

910.799.2919
Order the Big Jerk, Double-Wide Chicken, or the Bayou Burrito--they all come highly recommended at Flaming Amy's Burrito Barn. It is "a funky restaurant with the biggest, best burritos in town." The portions are huge; in fact "their motto is 'size does matter.'" Top your burrito with one of their homemade salsas or go to the "Wall of Flame" to try one of their "many different hot sauces--at your own risk of course." If you have a tattoo, show it off on Tuesdays to get 10% off of your meal. Read more.

Glenwood Farms
Mount Olive

919.658.2288
Glenwood Farms is 100 acres full of activity, from its corn maze and petting zoo to pecan orchard and duck pond, each visit is unique. The owners are "friendly," and you'll enjoy a "personalized tour of the farm on a wagon, complete with stops to feed cows, horses,
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