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to the craft, both local and international, modern and ancient. On the way back to Charlotte, the Bed & Bike Inn is a mini-resort for the spiritually minded in the Uwharrie Mountains. Whether it’s a drum circle around the fire pit, a walk through the meditative labyrinth, a private kayak or wine tour, or just kicking back in the log cabin, there is no shortage of things to do and see here.

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“There are more than two dozen BBQ restaurants in town, but I’ll drive across town to go to the Monk. That’s what locals call Lexington Barbecue #1, the Monk or Honey Monk. My husband Mark gets the sandwiches, and I get the plate of coarse chopped BBQ with coleslaw and hush puppies. You’ve got to get Cheerwine soda, made nearby in Salisbury. They only make cherry, but it’s so good, Robert Redford even sells it in his Sundance catalog.”

Robin & Mark Petruzzi, Lexington, NC

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Alex Leviton

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TRIP INFORMATION

GETTING THERE

From Raleigh, take I-40 to Greensboro and I-85 to Charlotte, about a three-hour drive.

DO

Mint Museum of Craft and Design

The center of the Charlotte art scene, along with its sister Mint Museum of Art three blocks away. 704-337-2000; www.mintmuseum.org; 220 N Tryon Rd, Charlotte; adult/child $6/3; 10am-5pm Tue-Sat, noon-5pm Sun;

North Carolina Pottery Center

Exhibitions of North Carolina pottery dating back to prehistoric times. 336-873-8430; www.ncpotterycenter.com; 233 East Ave, Seagrove; adult/child $2/1, guided tour & demonstration $5; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat

North Carolina Zoo

If only every zoo could aspire to the lofty heights of 5 miles of tree-draped trails winding around enclosures as large as 37 acres. 800-488-0444; www.nczoo.org; 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro; adult/child $10/6; 9am-5pm Apr-Oct, to 4pm Nov-Mar

Old Salem Visitor’s Center

Start a day’s journey through Old Salem with a film and background on the Moravian community. 336-721-7300; www.oldsalem.org; 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem; adult/child $21/10; 9am-5:30pm Mon-Sat, 12:30-5:30pm Sun;

EAT & DRINK

Childress Vineyards

Tuscany meets the Piedmont in this 35,000-sq-ft Italian-inspired winery and bistro. 336-236-9463; www.childressvineyards.com; 1000 Childress Vineyards Rd, Lexington; mains $7-11, tastings $10; 10am-6pm Mon-Sat, noon-6pm Sun, bistro 11am-3pm

Lexington Barbecue #1

In the center of the North Carolina barbecue city is the center of Lexington barbecue. 336-249-9814; 10 Hwy 29/70S, Lexington; mains $3-9; 10am-9:30pm Mon-Sat;

Old Salem Tavern

Moravian recipes that have stood the test of time for 200 years. 336-748-8585; www.oldsalemtavern.com; 736 S Main, Winston-Salem; mains $7-24; 11.30am-2pm daily & 5-9pm Mon-Thu, to 9:30pm Fri & Sat;

Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen

Italian, French and Southern traditions meet at the most inventive restaurant in Charlotte. 704-366-8688; www.roosterskitchen.com; 6601 Morrison Ave, Charlotte; small plates $5-18; 11am-11pm Mon-Thu, to midnight Fri & Sat, to 9:30pm Sun;

SLEEP

Augustus T Zevely Inn

Soak in the 19th-century atmosphere and feast on Moravian breakfast goodies, in the center of Old Salem. 336-748-9299; www.winston-salem-inn.com; 803 S Main St, Winston-Salem; r $95-140;

Bed & Bike Inn

Stay in an old tobacco barn less than an hour from Charlotte. 704-463-0768; www.bedandbikeinn.com; 15750 Matton Grove Church Rd, Gold Hill; r $79-225;

USEFUL WEBSITES

www.oldsalem.org

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LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner

TRIP

12 Eclectic Americana in the Triangle

18 Mayberry & the Yapa Valley opposite

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Return to beginning of chapter

TRIP 18

Mayberry & the Yapa Valley

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WHY GO The Yadkin Valley is quickly becoming North Carolina’s version of Napa Valley, a Southern “Yapa” Valley. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as its backdrop, the region is anchored by Mt Airy - the real-life home of the “Andy Griffith Show” - which is as close to small-town utopia as it gets.

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TIME

2 days

DISTANCE

105 miles

BEST TIME TO GO

Year-round