North Carolina Travel Blog

Will High Point, North Carolina ever be the same? If you‟re ready to shake off the chill of winter with an evening of delightful, tantalizing, high-energy entertainment, you won‟t want to miss the Bellydance Superstars on Tuesday, March 10, at the High Point Theatre.

Hailed as “the next Riverdance” by the Sunday Times, UK and London‟s Daily Telegraph, the Bellydance Superstars have been creating a worldwide sensation ever since they first hit the stage in 2003. By the middle of 2007, they had brought their enticing and inspiring reinterpretation of the bellydance art form to an audience exceeding one million people in 18 countries. Add in their more than 60 television appearances, and the world‟s only, full time professional bellydance troupe has introduced their scintillating and sensual art to more than 100 million people. And this broad audience has responded with enthusiasm. The troupe‟s DVDs and CDs are bestsellers; their workshops typically sell out quickly; and CNN has noted that bellydance is the fastest growing dance and fitness trend in the world. 

Now, Triad audiences have a one-night-only opportunity to catch this world-sweeping wave, as the Bellydance Superstars bring their enchanting show to the High Point Theatre. “This is not a “folk show‟ or married to a narrow view of what bellydance is,” says the troupe‟s founder, famed American impresario Miles Copeland. “Our view is that there is plenty of room within the art form to be adventurous, yet still remain primarily a bellydance show and proud of it.” 

Building on the base of the traditional Middle Eastern art, the Bellydance Superstars add Polynesian, “tribal” and modern influences to create a multifaceted interpretation that transfixes audiences everywhere. New York‟s Village Voice newspaper praised the “gorgeous, spiffily dressed, skilled dancers” for delivering a performance that is “sheer genius.” Fox5 News, Las Vegas, applauded them as “Sexy, artistic and beautiful.” And the Cleveland Plain Dealer said simply, “A hit show is born.” 

Tuesday, March 10, at the High Point Theatre in High Point, NC. Phone: 336-883-3627

Is there a more scenic part of North Carolina than the mountain area around Hendersonville? My tip: head to Hendersonville on November 1 and join the Annual Gathering of the Clans for the Eighth Annual Foothills Highland Games.

Man, is this exciting stuff. You get to join in the celebration of the Celtic heritage and history by seeing how the old Scots lived and fought. You will hear soaring music, see the Highland Dancers, cheer the art of swordsmanship, see the Parade of Tartans, Pipers and Drummers, the Caber toss, tugs of war and other feats of strength – even sheep dog demonstrations.

Performers on the slate include the great folk group, Coyote Run along with famed Scottish balladeer, Alex Beaton. 

The gathering is held in Hendersonville’s Jackson Park. The games begin at 9 a.m. and cease around 4:30 p.m.. For more information call 828-693-8526.

Asheville, North Carolina is kinda like Hollywood East. In just four short years, the Asheville Film Festival — November 7-11 – has gained national attention and recognition. The festival has played host to over 300 filmmakers and their works, and over 30,000 people have enjoyed the world premieres, independent films, educational workshops and the charm of downtown Asheville. For information and tickets call 828-257-4500 or stop by the Pack Place Box Office located in the heart of Downtown Asheville at 2 S. Pack Square.

Get to Kersey Farms near High Point, North Carolina now for Spookywoods – a 55 acre visual extravaganza rated as one of the nation’s premier haunted attractions. As featured in the October issue of US Airways in-flight magazine, this is the “must see and do” fall event in North Carolina. Haunt World Magazine – yes, there is such a publication — and the thousands of horror fan subscribers voted Spookywoods in the coveted Top 13 haunted attractions in the world in 2007 and 2008. That’s huge! The Top 13 haunted attractions list has made the world’s most respected newspapers and TV shows, including the CBS Good Morning show, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and many many more. continue reading…

In the lovely countryside near High Point, North Carolina is Kersey Farms where their annual Maize Adventure is now open. It’s a perfect outing for every kid in North Carolina – both young and old alike. My report says the corn this year is over 10 feet tall. Wow. This is the ideal way for your family, school, home school or church group to experience a day of camaraderie and fun! It’s an entertaining yet educational atmosphere that celebrates fellowship while building traditional values.

From Scout Troops to Civic Groups to Family Groups, Maize Adventure challenges you to work independently yet work together so it helps build leadership skills while teaching team work, builds self-esteem while emphasizing sharing and interaction, teaches responsibility for self and others in a unique outdoor experience that is fun, fun, fun!
 Earn your Maize Adventure Scout Patch if you complete the maze!

Directions:  I-85 South to Archdale, North Carolina and take Hwy 62 Exit 113. 
Take a right heading West. On your immediate right is Kersey Valley Road. 
The attraction is 1/4 mile down on your right. (336) 431-1700 Email: info@kerseyvalley.com

Portion of the proceeds benefit the Guilford County Animal Shelter Trauma Center. 

High Point, North Carolina is well known for its furniture industry – and home to the highly-respected High Point University. But that’s certainly not all. There’s the superb High Point Theatre (http://www.highpointtheatre.com). I just checked out its upcoming calendar for the holidays and here’s what’s on tap:

November 7-9 – High Point Community Theatre presents Sound of Music.

This simple story has inspired generations with its encouragement to face life’s fears with courage—and a song or two.

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North Carolina’s fabled Outer Banks is known as one of the world’s most unique wildlife environments, particular for migrating birds. Talk about a great North Carolina road trip. Head to the Outer Banks for A Celebration of Wildlife & Wildlands in Eastern North Carolina. The annual Wings Over Water Festival is slated this year for November 4-9.

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Beer drinkers unite and head for Boone, North Carolina. The First Annual High Country Beer Fest will be held at Boone, NC, Saturday November 1. The High Country Beer Fest is the annual celebration of great craft beer from around the region and the world. You may sample superb craft beers, club beers, and delicious food in the beautiful high country of North Carolina. Educational seminars will cover all aspects of beer, brewing, and pairing food and beer. continue reading…

Have you checked out Old Salem, North Carolina? Old Salem offers a fascinating historical experience that showcases how people worked and lived in the early South. Old Salem is within sight of downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Old Salem Museums & Gardens will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the opening of the Old Salem Toy Museum.  There will be a number of special events and activities throughout October and November to commemorate the anniversary. continue reading…

North Carolina barbecue. Yum! Billed as one of the top ten food festivals in the US by Travel & Leisure Magazine, the 25^th Anniversary Barbecue Festival is set for Saturday, October 25 in Uptown Lexington, NC. The festival includes exhibits and great entertainment. This year’s headliner is Lee Ann Womack. continue reading…

Find the treasure of your dreams in North Carolina at the Moore County Historical Association’s 48th Annual Antique Show and Sale to be held at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst, NC October 31 through November 2. Antique dealers from New York to Florida will fill the historic Fair Barn, continue reading…

Pinehurst Resort, the venerable North Carolina golfing mecca and site of two recent US Open Championships, has received another gold star. The resort has been ranked Number One by the readers of Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine as their top choice for their next golf trip above any other in North America. The Resort — which features the stunning Carolina Hotel with recently remodeled rooms and a world-class Spa — was also ranked by readers as the “best resort for a buddy trip” in the Southeast. The Resort boasts a new golf school facility to complement its eight championship golf courses. Within easy walking distance of the Resort is the quaint Village of Pinehurst, offering boutique shopping and excellent dining establishments — including the Holly Inn, Pinecrest Inn and Magnolia Inn.