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What’s on the 2005 map? For the second year, North Carolina’s official transportation map showcases the state’s heritage of craft tradition, its artisans and the world-renowned works they create. The map features craft destinations like North Carolina’s official “Pottery Highway,” a strip of N.C. 705 boasting more than 100 pottery shops and galleries, and gives a glimpse of Tar Heel artisans and artworks. The map also provides information about environmental and safety efforts, distances from city to city, state attractions, and emergency contact numbers. Free copies are available at North Carolina’s Visitor Centers, online and by phone. (877) 368-4968 |
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Chimney Rock Park Chimney Rock Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville in Hickory Nut Gorge, had repairs to make following the heavy rains associated with last year’s Hurricanes Ivan and Frances. Remsen Behrer (left) and Donnie Tessneer, members of Chimney Rock Park’s trail crew, are pictured working to rebuild the boardwalk and railings over the 404-foot Hickory Nut Falls. The park was fortunate to have suffered little other damage. Since the work has been completed, the Cliff Trail has reopened and the park is fully operational. Chimney Rock Park, a family-owned scenic attraction, offers 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, nature center, native plant nursery and a variety of special events. Phone: (800) 277-9611. Web site: www.chimneyrockpark.com. |
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Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on your license plate You can get the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on your North Carolina license plate and support the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum at the same time. For an additional $30 beyond your normal tag fee, you can get the special issue license tag. Of that additional $30, the state donates $20 to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras. To reserve your tag, call the museum and ask for the “historical/state attraction” application form. Once you get the form and complete it and send $30 along with it. Your plate will be issued at your normal renewal time. The $30 then becomes an annual fee that is billed to you by the Department of Motor Vehicles in accordance with the current schedule for renewing your plates. For the license plate application form, visit
the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum Web site’s “Membership” page
at Or you can contact the state special license plate office at (919) 733-7510. |
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BelleauWood Farms Alpacas For the past eight years, Steven and Erin McCarthy and their daughter, Megan, have bred and raised alpacas on their farm eight miles from downtown Charlotte. Belleauwood Farms (sounds like “Jello-wood”) sells breeder alpacas, which can cost thousands and fiber/pet quality alpacas, which run $400-$500. Belleauwood Farms holds open houses throughout the year, but private tours are available by appointment. Visit their farm store at 2500 Ridge Road, Charlotte, NC 28269. Call (704) 503-7369. Visit www.store.belleauwood.biz. |
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Cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falklands From January 25 to February 13, 2005, Hatteras resident Brian Patteson will lead a group of up to 30 participants on an expedition to Antarctica, South Georgia and The Falklands. The 15-day trip will be on the Peregrine Voyager, a Russian research ship that has been refitted for comfortable expedition cruising. Expect to see a wide variety of seabirds and other wildlife, including tens of thousands of penguins, whales and albatross. The cost of the trip is $8,600 plus air fare to Santiago, Chile. For information, contact Brian Patteson, (252) 986-1363. Visit online at www.patteson.com. |