ACTIVITIES
Wine Countries
YADKIN VALLEY WINE COUNTRY
Wine Country / Wine Tasting / Tours / Activities / Rivers
CVisit Elkin, NC – the soul of the Yadkin Valley Wine Country located in the heart of the Yadkin Valley AVA, the Town of Elkin embodies the region’s soul. Restaurants, hotels, wineries, shops and more await those exploring the are whether you start your tour of the wine country here, pass through and stop for lunch and end the day with a great dinner and a nice place to rest your head. Learn more about Elkin, North Carolina.
SHELTON VINEYARDS
Wine Tasting / Tours / Activities (Closest Vineyard to the cabin. Beautiful for a picnic, wine tasting or to feed the catfish by the bridge – they provide the food for you to give them, take your cameras to capture the beautiful scenery!)
On the estate, several varieties of vitis vinifera grapes are grown: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Malbec, Tannat, Petit Verdot, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier. Interestingly, all varieties of vitis vinifera grown at Shelton Vineyards–and throughout the world for that matter–utilize bud wood of European origin grafted onto Native American rootstocks to create a more disease resistant vine.
Shelton Vineyards’ belief is that fine wine begins in the vineyard. The location, in the heart of North Carolina’s Yadkin Valley, provides the ideal climate and soil conditions. Shelton Vineyards’ commitment to sustainable farming practices and hands-on attention enables the vineyard to produce the highest possible quality of grapes. The Shelton Vineyards’ wines are reflective of the terroir of the Yadkin Valley. Along with expert winemaking techniques, enhancing what our land has given us, Shelton Vineyards has produced many award-winning wines.
Excellent Restaurant to sit out by the vineyard and enjoy a delicious meal. Call to assure your party can be served 336-366-3590.
The Harvest Grill, located on the grounds of Shelton Vineyards, offers upscale dining with a bistro style atmosphere. The Harvest Grill has enclosed patio seating as well as an intimate dining room. Featuring a menu that our chef has deemed “sophisticated comfort food”, the Harvest Grill has been awarded the Triple A three diamond rating for it’s food, service and decor.
RAFFALDINI VINEYARDS
Wine Tasting / Tours / Activities (Beautiful Vineyard nearby to enjoy an afternoon / lunch or just sit and enjoy the view)
The Raffaldini family has been making wine since before Shakespeare started writing plays. Centuries later, their North Carolina vineyard carries on tradition, hosting more than 8 grape varieties on highly specialized soil.
In fact, the location is so key to the wine’s flavor that the family looked at more than 60 prospects before deciding on the Swan Creek AVA in the Yadkin Valley. Its microclimate produces unique grape clusters that are then sorted by hand, macerated, and aged. But the wines aren’t the only remnant of Italy that the Raffaldinis brought with them: they also built a Tuscan-style villa, complete with Italian art and a tasting room with mountain views.
Guests to the vineyard can explore this remarkable building during tours and events, such as seasonal tasting dinners. The outdoors are just as welcoming, and the villa’s spread of picnic-ready food encourages visitors to snack and drink on the grounds. The vineyard also houses its own certified wildlife habitat, so be on the lookout for butterflies, birds, and herds of migrant corks.
HERRERA VINEYARDS
Wine Tasting / Tours / Activities (Beautiful Vineyard nearby to enjoy an afternoon / lunch or just sit and enjoy the view)
Herrera Vineyards is family owned and operated, nestled quietly in the small town of Dobson, NC in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With more than 140 acres of property, our estate offers a little of everything. Sprawling vineyards, rolling rivers, immaculate tasting room and a pristine landscaped façade provide the ultimate relaxation experience. Herrera Vineyards prides itself on the tradition of cultivating, harvesting and producing premium wines from fruit grown exclusively on Herrera properties. With a wide variety of dry, semi sweets and sweets, we provide award winners that cater to every wine connoisseur’s preferences. Influenced by culture and heritage, Herrera Vineyards introduced the first bottled Red Sangria from the Yadkin Valley in 2012 with much acclaim. 2013 will bring forward new selections from this specialty line as we continue to develop our signature Sangria in both red and white varieties. It is our pleasure to invite you to join us for tastings, tours and tradition. We await your arrival at our home away from home.
Click Here to Wine Country List
Summer Adventures
US NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER
Water & Land Activities
The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is dedicated to the promotion of the active, outdoor lifestyle. Since 2006, the USNWC has been promoting access to the outdoors for all levels of participants through its all-day pass programs, instruction, leadership school as well as festivals, races and other outdoor events. Whether you visit the Center’s 1,100 acres on the Catawba River or participate in the off site programs featured throughout the United States, the USNWC wants you to play, relax and learn outside.
CAROWINDS
Water & Land Activities
Incredible New Experiences. One Epic Season! For over 40 years, Carowinds has been right at the heart of where the Carolinas come together. Get ready, get set and GO to Carowinds for a world full of incredible new experiences! It’s going to be one epic season… so don’t miss out. Visit Planet Snoopy to meet the Peanuts Gang.
CAROLINA HARBOR
The Carolinas’ largest water park!
A tidal wave of splashtastic fun is crashing into the shores of Carowinds as we debut the largest waterpark expansion in our park’s history. The complete transformation includes revamping current popular waterpark attractions and several new attractions geared for families and thrill seekers. Still included with the price of admission – Carolina Harbor is the perfect place to splash the day away!
Winter Adventures
BEECH MOUNTAIN
Snow Tubing / Skiing / Skating / Sledding / Hiking / Biking / Dining
A visit to the Town of Beech Mountain offers exciting outdoor recreation and mile-high relaxation. Beech Mountain is the highest town in Eastern America and an ideal vacation spot in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Our elevation (5,506 feet) sets us apart 12 months a year.
HAWKSNEST TUBING
Snow Tubing
Hawksnest Tubing park is the largest snow tubing park on the East Coast! With over 30 lanes of snow tubing that span from 400-1000 feet long, Hawksnest Tubing is your family’s destination for a unique winter experience. Our four different snow tubing areas provide an array of terrain that satisfies even the most advanced of tubers!
Hawksnest’s newly installed snow making facilities provide the best possible conditions and fun for the whole family. With professionally lit lanes, snow tubers can now enjoy a tubing experience that lasts later into the evening. This past summer we have added more lighting, snowmaking, and lane grooming equipment. This investment of almost $200,000 is our commitment to make your snow tubing experience one to remember.
SUGAR MOUNTAIN
Snow Tubing / Skiing / Skating / Sledding / Hiking / Biking / Dining
Of course Winter is our favorite season. Why? Because we have one of the best winter sports resorts in the South – Sugar Mountain Resort! From skiing and snowboarding, to ice skating and cross country skiing, you can’t beat Sugar Mountain’s slopes. For non-skiers, there is still plenty to do – shopping, attractions, spas and more!
US NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER
ICE SKATING
Skate on an ice trail or free skate on 17,000 sq. ft of ice. Located in the Upper Pond of the Whitewater Center, the skating environment features three distinct programming areas and an on-ice Airstream serving hot and cold beverages.
US NATIONAL WHITEWATER CENTER
LIGHTS
Lights is a half-mile walking trail that leads viewers through a series of immersive light installations featuring honeycombs, vines, crystals, and other natural features integrated into the forest. The experience offers a range of approachable, multi-sensory works created by artist Meredith Connelly that are site-specific to the Whitewater Center.
CAROWINDS WINTERFEST
LIGHTS EVENT
Carowinds comes alive with holiday spirit during WinterFest. Friends and families are treated to an ultimate Christmas event as we magically transform our park into a winter wonderland - full of enchantment, cheer and classic family fun.
WinterFest is packed with all the sights, sounds, food and experiences of the holiday season. The state line shines bright with over 5 million shimmering lights, a 70-foot tree and lavish displays. Live shows and strolling performers delight guests and spread Christmas cheer for all to hear. Festive fun and hands-on Christmas activities are located throughout the park, and sweet aromas from special holiday dishes and desserts fill the midways. Plus, a selection of your favorite rides will be open to complete your night of memory making.
winterplace ski resort
Snow Tubing / Skiing / Skating / Sledding / Hiking / Biking / Dining
Winterplace Ski Resort is a ski resort located in Ghent, West Virginia on Raleigh County's Flat Top Mountain. The southernmost ski resort in West Virginia, Winterplace is a popular attraction due to its proximity to Interstate 77.
Where WINTER is FUN for Everyone! 27 trails, 9 lifts, 2 terrain parks and WV largest Snowtubing Park. Largest teaching area in the SE.
Riding Activities
CAMP CHERRIO
Land Activities
Cheerio Traditional Camp offers summer residential camping for children ages 7-15. During the five weeks of girls camp or the five weeks of coed camp, Cheerio offers campers the chance to participate in over 35 different activities that help them explore and develop their potential and their lives as young Christians in an environment that is safe and supportive. Daily activities include: Aquatics; Challenge Sports; Field Games; Creative Arts; and Nature Study. When evening rolls around there is even more fun to be had, like Counselor Hunt, Carnival Night, Spy Hunter, Capture the Flag and Skit and Talent Night.
CARDINAL STABLE
Land Activities
Cardinal Stables is a full service equestrian facility owned and operated by Beverly McGee. Although our main focus is english riding, Beverly is certified through CHA (Certified Horseman Assoc.) to teach both english and western disciplines. She has over 30 years of experience in establishing and managing riding programs. Our facility has 22 stalls, an outdoor riding arena complete with jumps, a cross country schooling area, access to trails, and lots of spacious turnouts and pastures. In addition to lessons, we offer trail rides to those who are interested in recreational riding only. Our facility is strategically located near I-77 and Hwy 52, and is a favorite overnight haven for traveling horses.
Golf Country Clubs
PILOT KNOB PARK
Land Activities
Located just minutes from beautiful Pilot Mountain State Park, Pilot Knob park was designed by renowned course architect Gene Hamm. One of the most scenic and well-manicured golf courses in the Piedmont region of North Carolina , Pilot Knob Park is a favorite with locals as well as numerous golf visitors traveling to the sand hills of Pinehurst or the North and South Carolina beaches.
Pilot Knob Park is a Semi-Private Facility and welcomes Guest play during the week. Guest play is also welcome on Weekends provided you play with a Member.
Book tee times in advance in person or by calling the Pro Shop at 336-368-2828.
PINE RIDGE CLASSIC GOLF COURSE
Land Activities
CThe 18-hole “Pine Ridge Classic” course at the Pine Ridge Classic Golf Course facility in Mount Airy, North Carolina features 5,613 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71 . The course rating is 65.1 and it has a slope rating of 103. Designed by Billy Slate/Larry Taylor, the Pine Ridge Classic golf course opened in 1988. Call the course directly at (336) 320-2233 to make tee time reservations at this course.
WHITE PINES COUNTRY CLUB
Land Activities
Championship (7080 yards). 9 holes, par 36. Golf amenities include clubhouse, putting green, and pro shop. Open year-round. Call 336-786-6616 for more information.
CROSS CREEK COUNTRY CLUB
Land Activities
Cross Creek Country Club is nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in Mount Airy, NC. This semi-private golf club offers an amazing 18-hole golf course and a variety of sports, social, and dining activities for both members and daily fee golfers. Enjoy southern hospitality at its best! A membership at Cross Creek offers something for every member of the family to enjoy.
Cross Creek’s championship golf course highlights the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and was voted one of the “Top 100” golf courses in North Carolina. Guests enjoy picturesque fairways and undulating greens that create a true challenge for all golfers.
NORTHGREEN COUNTRY CLUB
Land Activities
Northgreen Country Club is one of Rocky Mount’s premier public golf courses. Located just minutes off of I-95, Northgreen offers golfers a wonderful place to relax and play a round or two of golf. Established in 1974, Northgreen Country Club was designed by golf pros, Bob Toski and Peter Gibson. Northgreen has hosted the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament multiple times. The greens are Champion Bermuda. The course is open to the public and also has memberships available. Call 252-446-7224 for additional information.
MOUNT AIRY NORTH CAROLINA
Mt. Airy: Historic Mt. Airy / Andy Griffith Town and Museum / Antique Stores / Paint Ball
Mayberry RFD icon Andy Griffith grew up in Mount Airy, North Carolina, and it’s no coincidence that a stroll down Mount Airy’s Main Street reminds people of the town of Mayberry from The Andy Griffith Show. In addition to Mayberry RFD and Andy Griffith, visitors find that Mount Airy, North Carolina is a great jumping off point for exploring the Yadkin Valley wine region, the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway, the stunning pinnacle of Pilot Mountain, or the twangy sound of bluegrass and old-time music. Whatever your passion, we invite you to step back to a simpler time when you visit Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy, North Carolina—affectionately known as Mayberry RFD.
CODY CREEK NORTH CAROLINA
Dobson: Cody Creek Restaurant (Highly recommended – Please call Cathy to make reservations, you can tell her Natalie from Paradise Mountain referred you. They can accommodate large parties – 336–386-8222.
Come on in, and make yourself at home to be totally satisfied from our menu of chicken, steaks, pork, seafood, appetizers, salads, and homemade desserts! Kids menu available.
State Parks
STONE MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Trails / Hiking / Paddling / Bicycling / Fishing / Climbing / Picnicking
The massive granite dome at Stone Mountain State Park keeps watch on park visitors enjoying nearly every type of outdoor activity – camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, horseback riding and more. There are more than 18 miles of trails, matched by more than 20 miles of designated trout waters in this park that spreads below the Blue Ridge Parkway. A campground offers 90 sites, some with utility hookups, and group and backpacking campsites are nearby. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the towering, 600-foot granite face of the landmark mountain, and climbers look down on Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th century mountain farm. Expansive picnic grounds with shelters invite reunions and community gatherings.
PILOT MOUNTAIN
Trails / Hiking / Paddling / Bicycling / Fishing / Climbing / Picnicking
Rising abruptly more than 2,000 feet, Pilot Mountain has been a navigational landmark for centuries, and is a recreational landmark as well, offering miles of trails, camping, climbing and spectacular scenery. The mountain summit remains the principal park area, connected to the Yadkin River section by a 6.5-mile trail corridor. An extensive trail network is augmented by a bridle trail and a canoe trail section on the river. Family camping in a 49-site campground is augmented by riverside group camps and canoe-in sites. Rock climbing and rappelling are allowed on portions of the park’s steep cliffs, and those cliffs perched around the mountain’s summit offer seemingly endless views of piedmont, Sauratown Mountains and Blue Ridge Mountains.
GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
Mile High Swinging Bridge / Walking & Hiking / Dining / Wildlife Habitats / The Nature Museum
Anyone who visits Grandfather Mountain discovers a place that inspires awe through natural wonders. You’ll never experience the same mountain twice: today you might come face-to-face with an owl, another day you may see rare wildflowers in bloom. Just talk to one of our naturalists to understand more about these living treasures and learn where to find them. There’s nowhere else on Earth that you can enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.
CAROLINA ZIPLINES CANOPY TOUR
Land Activities
Carolina Ziplines Canopy Tour is located on a truly unique destination. Now 26 acres it was the active farm and homestead of RJ Reynolds great-grandfather Joshua Cox (1731-1821. That’s right 90 years old). Joshua Cox was a trainer of the local Patriot Militia Men in the Revolutionary War and was instrumental in establishing freedom for North Carolina from the British. The North Carolina government put a headstone for Joshua Cox in the cemetery located on the farm that is being restored. Lots more history if you come.