Carolinas, Georgia & South Trips (Lonely Planet, 1st Edition) - Alex Leviton [90]
SLEEP
Pettigru Place B&B
Six quaintly Victorian B&B rooms, some with Jacuzzis or fireplaces, in downtown Greenville. 864-242-4529; www.pettigruplace.com; 302 Pettigru St, Greenville; r $99-205;
Sunrise Farm B&B
Join Muffin the pot-bellied pig, along with sheep, pygmy goats, kittens, herding dogs and acres of pastoral lands. 864-944-0121; www.bbonline.com/sc/sunrisefarm; 325 Sunrise Dr, Salem; r $107-195;
USEFUL WEBSITES
www.greatergreenville.com
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LINK YOUR TRIP www.lonelyplanet.com/trip-planner
TRIP
17 Piedmont Traditions
20 48 Hours in Asheville
23 South Carolina Swamps
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Day Trips in North Carolina & South Carolina
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Journey just a few hours outside of Asheville, Raleigh or Charleston and you’ll find natural beauty and outdoor adventure, towns rich in historical charm or relaxing lakes and beaches that can easily be visited in a day.
HOT SPRINGS, NC
Just 45 minutes west of Asheville is the most chilled out vacation spot for backpackers, campers or those looking to relax - the town of Hot Springs, NC. The downtown is one of the only places in the country where you can walk two city blocks of the Appalachian Trail (AT), which runs directly through town. Hundreds of section- and thru-hikers on the AT use Hot Springs as a rest stop, and its hot spring-fed private hot tubs, spa, campgrounds and organic eateries make it a good choice for “2000-milers” (those who hike the AT in one go). However, it’s just as welcoming to 2-milers or even 0.2-milers. To add a bit of adventure to your hiking and relaxing, there are also opportunities to go white-water rafting on the French Broad or llama trekking. From Asheville, take I-240 to exit 4a towards Weaverville, then head 9 miles to Hwy 19/23 North. Take the Hwy 25/70 Northwest exit towards Marshall and follow it for 26 miles, until you reach Hot Springs.
See also Trips 9, 10 & 20
LAKE LURE, NC
The view might be best known as a stand-in for the Catskill Mountains in the film Dirty Dancing, but Lake Lure is a hot spot in its own right. In 1926, a local doctor realized the surrounding area was one of the most beautiful locations in all of western North Carolina and dammed the Rocky Broad River. The resulting 720-acre artificial lake has 21 miles of shoreline that winds its way through Hickory Nut Gorge, just below the equally stunning Chimney Rock State Park. To see the lake, rent a kayak or pontoon boat from the marina or take a guided tour. Dine at one of the restaurants at Lake Lure Inn, a 1927 hotel in the grand tradition which has hosted both President Roosevelt and Patrick Swayze (who stayed here during the filming of Dirty Dancing). Kids will love The Beach at Lake Lure, a water park on the shores of the lake. From Asheville, take Hwy 74 east past Chimney Rock State Park. The lake is about 45 minutes east of Asheville.
See also Trips 14 & 20
BREVARD, NC
As home to 239 mountain peaks and 250 waterfalls, Transylvania County, Pisgah National Forest and the town of Brevard make up one of North Carolina’s top centers for outdoor adventure: rock climbing and mountain biking, fly fishing and inner tubing, canoeing and bird watching. Hikers have hundreds of miles of trails to choose from, but the real draw for those on foot are the Transylvania County waterfalls. The most famous and most viewed waterfall in the area is Looking Glass Falls, about 9 miles northwest of Brevard, just off Hwy 276. In the winter, the waterfall freezes on its sides, glistening in the sun like a natural looking glass. Keep heading north on Hwy 276 to reach Sliding Rock Falls where, for generations, young North Carolinians have spent warm summer days sliding down the 150ft sheer rock face. There’s a pay parking lot and, during the summer, a lifeguard on duty. Brevard is known for its famous Brevard Music Center and, if you time it right, some of the best festivals in the mountains. From Asheville, take I-26 east to exit 40 and take a right on Hwy 280