Carolinas, Georgia & South Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Alex Leviton [61]
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TRIP INFORMATION
GETTING THERE
The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad is about 4½ hours west of Raleigh on I-40 and one hour west of Asheville, off Hwy 74.
Do
Ava Gardner Museum
Costumes, photos and history of the Piedmont’s most beloved star of Hollywood’s Golden Age. 919-934-5830; www.avagardner.org; 325 E Market St, Smithfield; adult/child $6/4; 9am-5pm Mon-Sat, 2-5pm Sun
Biltmore Estate
An American castle seen in the background of dozens of films. 800-411-3812; www.biltmore.com; 1 Approach Rd, Asheville; adult/child/teen $47/free/22.50 Sun-Fri, $51/free/24.50 Sat; house 9am-5:30pm, restaurants & shops vary;
Buckner Hill Plantation
A historical mansion dating back to before the Civil War. 910-293-3001; www.carolinaplantation.com; 522 Taylor Town Rd, Faison; admission free; by reservation;
Chimney Rock State Park
Ask for a guide to film locations in the park at the visitors center. 800-277-9611; www.chimneyrockpark.com; Hwy 64/74A, Chimney Rock; adult/child $14/6; 8:30am-5:30pm Mar-Nov, 8:30am-4:30pm Dec-Feb;
Durham Bulls Athletic Park
In 2008, Kevin Costner returned to this iconic stadium to jam with his band. 919-956-BULL; www.durhambulls.com; 409 Blackwell St, Durham; baseball tickets $6-16;
EUE Screen Gems Studio
A rare opportunity to see behind-the-scenes filming at an active studio. 910-343-3500; www.screengemsstudios.com; 1223 N 23rd St, Wilmington; adult/child/student $12/5/10; tours noon & 2pm Sat & Sun, closed late-Dec & Jan;
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
All of the 3- to 5-hour train excursions pass by The Fugitive’s train wreckage. 800-872-4681; www.gsmr.com; 119 Front St, Dillsboro; high season adult/child $53/31; departures from 8:45am-2pm, Sat & Sun only in winter;
Hollywood Location Walk
Television and movie fans from young to old will get a kick out of the kitschy walking tour. 910-794-7177; www.hollywoodnc.com; gather at 1 Market St, Wilmington; adult/child $12/10; 2pm Tue, Thu, Sat & Sun, also 10am Sat;
Lowe’s Motor Speedway
Catch a NASCAR or monster-truck rally where Will Ferrell was born to go fast. 704-455-3200; www.lowesmotorspeedway.com; 5555 Concord Parkway S, Concord; admission from $12;
Orton Plantation Gardens
The richly landscaped gardens and the private home have hosted dozens of film crews. 910-371-6851; www.ortonplantation.com; 9419 Orton Rd SE, Winnabow; adult/child $9/3; 8am-6pm Mar-Aug, 10am-5pm Sep-Nov, closed Dec-Feb;
War Memorial Stadium
Over 90 years old, the ballpark is currently home to summer events. 800-346-8226; www.gborocollege.edu; 510 Yanceyville St, Greensboro; admission varies; open during games & events
EAT
Hell’s Kitchen
A sports pub with a juke box, live music on the weekends and a family-friendly menu. 910-763-4133; www.hellskitchenbar.com; 118 Princess St, Wilmington; mains $5-12; 11am-2am;
Prime Restaurant
Who doesn’t want to try osso bucco with kumquat or ginger-beer ice cream? 828-625-2999; www.theesmeralda.com; 910 Main St, Chimney Rock; mains $21-26; 5-9pm Wed-Sat, 11am-2pm Sun
Water Street Restaurant
Just along the waterfront with classic shrimp po’boy sandwiches and live music Thursday to Sunday. 910-343-0042; www.5southwaterstreet.com; 5 S Water St, Wilmington; mains $7-19; 11am-10pm Sun-Thu, to 11pm Fri & Sat;
SLEEP
Esmeralda Inn
In addition to the Dirty Dancing dance floor (in the lobby entrance), the lodge offers impeccably decorated rooms. 828-625-2999; www.theesmeralda.com; 910 Main St, Chimney Rock; r $145-325;
Grove Park Inn and Spa
A National Historic Register resort, built in 1913 with more than 500 guest rooms. 800-438-5800; www.groveparkinn.com; 290 Macon Ave, Asheville; r $200-800;
Old North Durham Inn
Turn-of-the-century B&B in a historic neighborhood. 919-683-1885; www.bbonline.com/nc/oldnorth; 922 Mangum St, Durham; r $110-185;
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.filmjunkiesguide.com
www.gocapefearcoast.com
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LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
16 Cape Fear & the Carolina