More than a getaway: slow travel that connects you to NC
Hey, it’s Claudine, the face behind the lens of all those Visit NC videos you’ve been scrolling through! Over the past two years, I’ve crisscrossed the state, capturing weekend escapes and bucket-list adventures to share with you. And lately, your love for our bookstores Reel has me thinking about something: the magic of slowing down.
These are the spots that slowed me down and made me see North Carolina differently. Let me take you back to the places that linger — on film and in memory. Maybe they’ll leave a mark on you too.
Soak in these relaxing Cleveland County experiences
You’re going to thrive on the unhurried pace here. Love music? Earl Scruggs and Don Gibson called the Shelby area home — and public art and local cultural centers celebrate them. Feeling creative? Book a session at A. Griffin Pottery to craft a piece from a clay slab, and a potter will glaze, fire and ship it to you. Need nature? There's a butterfly garden and bamboo forest on the Kings Mountain Gateway Trail. Craving wine? Head to Baker Farm and Winery: Buffalo Creek for laidback vibes set against rolling hills and a big red barn featured in Hillshire Farms ads.
Slow it down and settle in — these spots invite you to fully immerse yourself, savor each moment and connect with NC’s past and present like never before.
NASCAR roots & historic routes: a weekend in Cabarrus County
Motorsports are woven into NC's DNA, and Cabarrus County is the heartbeat. Leave the racing to the pros while you explore race shops, take speedway tours and stroll the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza — all at your own pace during a cultural weekend getaway.
Another integral part of NC’s history: furniture shopping. And with the moniker of The Home Furnishings Capital of the World thanks to its 100-plus stores and outlets, High Point is your one-stop shop for all things indoor furnishings, patio sets, mattresses, decorations and — truly — so much more.
This National Trails Day, slow down and smell the flowers
In anticipation of National Trails Day on June 7, we’re inviting you to slow down, step outside and explore ways to give back to the trails we love — the perfect way to celebrate our shared outdoor spaces. Whether you're hiking among native mountain laurel blooms or simply craving a quieter pace to breathe a little deeper, strive to leave the trail better than you found it so everyone can experience that same sense of peace. Find ideas for stewardship-minded adventure tips by hopping over to our new blog.
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