Charlotte Magazine – July 2019

(John Hannent) #1

T


he views are ancient. The experiences
are all brand new.
Standing more than a mile above sea
level, Grandfather Mountain has been celebrating
and sharing the wonders of the natural world
since 1952.
Summer is one of the most ideal times to visit,
as temperatures at the world-famous Mile High
Swinging Bridge are typically 20 degrees cooler
than in the yatlands.
The suspension footbridge spans a lofty 80-
foot chasm at more than one mile in elevation,
offering panoramic views of the Western North
Carolina High Country, as well as a view of the
Charlotte skyline — some 80 miles away — on
a clear day.
/he nonprofit nature parŽ also features access


to 12 miles of hiking trails, some of which venture
into the neighboring Grandfather Mountain State
Park, as well as a nature museum, restaurant,
picnic sites, eco-friendly fudge shop, special
events and more.
A visit to the park’s wildlife habitats lets guests
come face to face with black bears, cougars, river
otters, bald eagles and elk. Plus, the mountain’s
staff of naturalists, rangers and keepers hosts a
variety of interactive programs, such as animal
encounters, interpretive talks and hikes, a Junior
Ranger program for kids and more — all included
with admission.
Grandfather Mountain is located at 2050
Blowing Rock Highway (U.S. 221) in Linville, N.C.,
just one mile from milepost 305 on the Blue
Ridge Parkway.

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
Plan your trip at
Grandfather.com or
call 800-468-7325

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN: WONDERS NEVER CEASE


A


t the center of South Carolina’s laidback
and stunningly beautiful Hammock
Coast is Georgetown, the state’s
third-oldest seaport.
In 2018, USA Today named Georgetown
“America’s Best Coastal Small Town,” saying
it’s “what Charleston used to be – 200-year-old
homes (more than Charleston in fact), scenic
plantations, lots of Southern charm and none of
the crowds.”
Often called “Little Charleston,” Georgetown
is home to more than 50 historic homes in and
around its downtown district. All are within an easy
stroll of the Harbor Walk, where visitors discover
delightful shops and award-winning restaurants.
Land, river and harbor tours feature hosts who
delight in detailing Georgetown’s rich history and

pinpointing sites such as former rice fields and the
historic Georgetown Lighthouse that has been a
beacon to countless visitors for generations.
History and hospitality are all around George-
town, and visitors can soak it up under Live
"aŽ‡lined streets while visiting five museums,
including the South Carolina Maritime Museum
and the Gullah Museum. For picturesque views
and Southern charm at its finest, be sure to
discover Georgetown.
Just short drives from eorgetown, you½ll find
Ƃndrews, where fishermen cast lines in the BlacŽ
River, and Murrells Inlet, where seafood is king,
as well as the beaches of arden City, Litchfield
and Pawleys Island, where leisure and golf vie for
best sport.

DISCOVER GEORGETOWN SC
http://www.hammockcoastsc.com or
http://www.discovergeorgetownsc.com
or call 843-546-8436

AMERICA’S BEST COASTAL SMALL TOWN


O


nly minutes south of Charlotte, York
County is the perfect setting for hands-
on experiences and outdoor activities
with your family in an authentic southern environ-
ment. Hike, zipline, bike, kayak, enjoy nature
trails and pick-your-own farm fresh produce
experiences. Or check-in on the award-winning
YoCo Brew Trail and become a YoCo Hero on
South Carolina½s first beer trail. If you are looŽing
for a variety of cultural events and seasonal festi-
vals in the Carolinas, York County is the perfect
home base for you and your family. Our authen-
tic downtown areas are the ideal spots to discov-
er creative cuisine and one-of-a kind treasures.
rom gift shops to galleries, you½ll find a uniμue
selection of wares and savory Southern favorites
that warm the heart and comfort the soul. In

York County, you can watch nature show off her
beauty year-round. Meet us at an award-winning
garden, stand with us on an historic battlefield
that changed the course of American history
forever, play with us on the greens or tap into
your adventurous side and scream out loud on
one of the 14 world-class rollercoasters at the
theme park where the Carolinas come together.
We’re waiting on you. Visit York County today
and Create Your Story.

VISIT YORK COUNTY
Plan your trip at
visityorkcounty.com or
call 888-702-1320

YORK COUNTY

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