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Cruise Mayberry, Barney-style Where else but in Andy Griffith’s hometown of Mount Airy can a visitor hop into a 1962 Galaxie squad car and tour Mayberry? Mount Airy resident Mike Cockerham enjoys working on old cars and loves his hometown’s unique history. He has combined those two interests into a business venture called Squad Car Tours. Cockerham spent many hours fully restoring the touring car as well as updating it for comfortable cruising. Cockerham’s partner is Mount Airy resident Jim Grimes. A former executive director of the Greater Mount Airy Chamber of Commerce, Grimes will conduct the driving tours. Tour packages start at $20 for a 20-minute, narrated cruise of Mayberry. For a free visitor packet to Mount Airy, call (800) 948-0949 or visit www.VisitMayberry.com |
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Carolina Beach fishing update The convergence of the Cape Fear River, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean provide great fishing conditions near Carolina Beach. A link on a Carolina Beach Web site provides up-to-date information on “what’s running.” Located on the left side of the Web site’s home page, the fishing report button links visitors to “Hook, Line And Sinker,” which reports on what fish are running at the time the visitor accesses the site. Carolina Beach is located 19 miles south of Wilmington, on the northern end of Pleasure Island. (800) 351-5102 |
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Wilmington Children’s Museum Where can kids board a pirate ship, perform in a circus, visit a grocery store, work in a diner, and learn about math, science, health and other cultures—all in a single morning or afternoon? Children up to age 11 can experience this and more at the newly renovated Children’s Museum of Wilmington. With 16,000 square feet, the new space is more than five times its former size. The interactive “hands-on” museum offers seven new exhibits, performing and visual arts spaces, a science lab, multi-purpose event space and two outdoor gardens especially designed for children, learning and creativity. New exhibits include GE’s Imagination Hall’s interactive circus, with performance ring, dress-up area, clown car, circus train and Travelers’ Stories, where kids discover world cultures in a camp-like setting. The museum is located at Second and Orange Streets and is open Monday through Saturday. (910) 254-3534 |
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Family adventure Earthshine Mountain Lodge offers a family getaway for all seasons that emphasizes outdoor fun and adventure. Activities at the lodge, located between Cashiers and Brevard, include climbing, ropes course, orienteering, creek hikes and a “Flight Thru The Treetops” zip line course that runs between treehouses. Kids can also learn pioneer skills such as blacksmithing, candle-making and spinning wool. The all-inclusive fee covers three home-cooked meals, hors d’oeuvres and hot chocolate around the fire. After dinner, there are campfire tales, magic shows, scavenger hunts, mountain music and dance. Prices, including tax, are $170 for adults per night (double occupancy), $110 for youth ages 10–15, $90 for children 6–9, and $50 for kids under age six. Gift certificates are available upon request for major holidays and summer. (828) 862-4207 |
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Guide to N.C. wineries North Carolina is home to 38 wineries and three vineyard-located tasting rooms. The 2005 Guide & Map to North Carolina Wineries lists all wineries and tasting rooms, along with addresses and directions to each, hours of operation and contact numbers. There is also a list of the varieties of wine each operation specializes in. For your free guide, call the North Carolina Grape Council. (919) 733-7136 |