Alleghany County: Where your holiday dreams come alive
During the holiday season, the High Country comes alive with festive cheer. Farmers markets, handcrafted art, and vibrant townwide decorations create a cheerful atmosphere. On November 30th, witness Sparta transform into a Winter Wonderland at the Alleghany County Christmas Parade. Then, on December 7th, explore the Christmas Arts & Crafts Show for even more unique gift options. For the ultimate local shopping experience, visit a nearby tree farm to choose and cut your own fresh, fragrant Christmas tree.
The southeast corner of Polk County offers a picturesque blend of agricultural landscapes and mountain vistas. Visitors can create their own custom tour, exploring a few key stops in a single day or experiencing the full breadth of offerings over a weekend. Begin at the farm store on the 200-plus acre Looking Glass Creamery dairy, where you can indulge in hard cider, cheese, and ice cream tastings. Then venture to the nearby wineries, each with its own unique character and charm, including Mountain Brook Vineyards, Overmountain Vineyards, and Parker-Binns Vineyard.
Pick up a walking tour map and walk the three-block downtown through the designated historic district. Don't let the size fool you – the historic buildings across from a famous railroad line are full of thriving businesses. Start your day with coffee and a croissant from Wakey Monkey Coffee Café, stroll through the exhibits full of train tales at the Saluda Historic Depot, or enjoy a fantastic meal and live music at the Purple Onion.
Discover Coastal Serenity in The Northern Outer Banks
Nestled atop North Carolina's barrier islands, the Northern Outer Banks offers a versatile getaway - from tranquil, sun-drenched beaches to thrilling recreational pursuits. Whether you seek an active adventure or a peaceful escape, this idyllic destination invites you to experience as much or as little as you desire.
The 162-foot Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a stalwart sentinel standing firm in Historic Corolla for nearly 150 years, has faithfully guided mariners through day and night. Constructed with over one million bricks, this nautical symbol of safety towers above The Northern Outer Banks, offering visitors a breathtaking panoramic view after climbing the 220 stairs to the top - a journey that can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. From the lighthouse's summit, one is rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Currituck Sound and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the treasured ecosystems of the Audubon Sanctuary at Pine Island, one of the last undeveloped tracts on the Outer Banks. Hike the 2.5-mile trail or take a kayak tour through 2,600 acres of pristine marsh, maritime forest, and sandy beaches. This development-free sanctuary is a haven for over 350 plant species as well as numerous birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. For nature enthusiasts and avid hikers, the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve offers access to the rich, marshy areas of the Northern Outer Banks, home to a diverse array of indigenous flora and avian wildlife.
The 162-foot Currituck Beach Lighthouse, a stalwart sentinel standing firm in Historic Corolla for nearly 150 years, has faithfully guided mariners through day and night. Constructed with over one million bricks, this nautical symbol of safety towers above The Northern Outer Banks, offering visitors a breathtaking panoramic view after climbing the 220 stairs to the top - a journey that can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. From the lighthouse's summit, one is rewarded with sweeping vistas of the Currituck Sound and the vast Atlantic Ocean.
Explore the treasured ecosystems of the Audubon Sanctuary at Pine Island, one of the last undeveloped tracts on the Outer Banks. Hike the 2.5-mile trail or take a kayak tour through 2,600 acres of pristine marsh, maritime forest, and sandy beaches. This development-free sanctuary is a haven for over 350 plant species as well as numerous birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. For nature enthusiasts and avid hikers, the Currituck Banks National Estuarine Reserve offers access to the rich, marshy areas of the Northern Outer Banks, home to a diverse array of indigenous flora and avian wildlife.
Thankful for the trails, the trees, the skies
Exploring North Carolina's 300 miles of barrier-island beaches, remote marshes, scenic sounds, and recreational rivers is a delight. But the true reward is knowing that by following eco-friendly tips, you're helping to preserve these stunning coastal ecosystems for generations to come.
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