Known as the “first-in-flight” state, North Carolina boasts countless tourist attractions, including aviation museums, famous vineyards and wineries and plenty of resorts, spas and shopping opportunities. So if you ever find yourself traveling to or through the great state of Orville and Wilbur Wright, why not visit a few of these educational and entertaining hot spots?
1. Kitty Hawk, North Carolina and The Wright Brothers National Memorial
(252) 473-2111
Kill Devils Hill, North Carolina 27948
http://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm
http://www.townofkittyhawk.org/
http://www.kitty-hawk.com/
Located in Dare County, Kitty Hawk has become world famous as the historical birthplace of modern aviation and the site at which Orville and Wilbur Wright built their first successful, controlled powered airplane and changed history forever. Just four miles to the south lie the sand dunes of the Kill Devil Hills, where some of the area’s most reliable and consistent winds blow, making it the perfect spot for the Wright Brothers to take off for their triumphant flight.
And if you’re in the area, be sure you visit the official Wright Brothers National Memorial, just to the south of Kitty Hawk. Local residents often refer to the monument as “the Memorial Pylon,” which stands erect as a tribute to the famous first-flight brothers. The site’s Visitor Center boasts a refurbished replica of the original Wright Flyer and an endless supply of Wright Brothers memorabilia, all in commemoration, celebration and remembrance of one of the most pivotal moments in American history.
2. Furnitureland South Inc. and the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers
a. Furniture Land South:
5635 Riverdale Dr.
Jamestown, NC 27282
(336) 822-3000
www.furniturelandsouth.com
As one of the world’s largest home furnishings showplace, Furnitureland South boasts an extensive supply of world renowned local and internationally imported furniture. But that’s not the only thing that draws visitors, tourist and even locals to this retail store. Attached to the front of the building stands the world’s tallest and largest chest of drawers, towering at a whopping 80 feet tall. The massive replica embodies the heart and soul of the furniture capital of the world.
b. World’s Largest Freestanding Chest of Drawers
508 North Hamilton St.
High Point, NC
(336) 884-5255
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2148
But if Furnitureland isn’t enough for you, why not buzz on over to High Point, the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” and check out the world’s largest [freestanding] chest of drawers? High Point boasts not one but two massive chests of drawers. The original was “built in the 1920s by the High Point Chamber of Commerce,” according to Roadside America. At a towering 20 feet, this one-of-a-kind “building with knobs” served as the town’s official bureau of information. But in 1996, it underwent a renovation and now stands at an impressive 38 feet. Dangling from the drawers are two enormous socks, symbolic of the area’s renowned hosiery industry. Admission is free and the attraction is open to the public.
3. The Andy Griffith Museum: “Mayberry” and Mount Airy, North Carolina
218 Rockford St.
Mount Airy, NC 27030
www.andygriffithmuseum.com
www.mayberrydays.org
Museum Tickets: $3 per person
Home to the official Andy Griffith Museum, Mount Airy is the filming location and birthplace of the famous actor and singer whose role as Sheriff Andy Taylor captured and hearts of countless viewers during the early and late sixties. Established on September 26, 2009, the museum boasts “the largest collection of Andy Griffith memorabilia collected by his friend Emmett Forrest.” Included in this spectacular collection are props from Griffith’s roles as Andy Taylor in The Andy Griffith Show and even Matlock, a later eighties TV series in which he starred as Attorney Ben Matlock. Over the years, several cast members from both series have donated items to the collection.
Although the town of Mayberry was completely fictional, its spirit and legend lives on in the hearts and minds of the residents of Mount Airy, where the show was filmed and produced. Just taking a stroll down Mt. Airy’s Main Street will no doubt give Andy Griffith fans flashbacks to scenes from the show. And just a short drive up the road stands Pilot Mountain and its accompanying state park, referred to by several characters throughout the series as Mt. Pilot.
Every year an official Mayberry Days event is held here and the next, September 23-26, 2010, will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the show. Special guests in attendance will include:
• Actress Betty Lynn: Thelma Lou in the series
• Actress Maggie Peterson: Charlene Darling in the series
• Karen Knotts: daughter of actor Don Knotts who played Andy’s friend and sidekick Deputy Barney Fife.
• Actress Elinor Donahue: Ellie Walker in the series
Not a fan of The Andy Griffith Show? No worries. Mount Airy boasts countless other reasons to visit, including the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, canoeing on the Yadkin River, local bluegrass and jazz music performances and a live radio show, golf tournaments, and fine wine tasting at the Old North State Winery. In fact, the region is home to over 24 famous wineries.
So if the hills of North Carolina are calling your name, be sure you stop and visit one or all of the aforementioned famous tourist attractions. I personally guarantee you will find it well worth the effort and time. And who knows? You just may learn a thing or two about a state that boasts years of interesting history and entertainment.
