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Taking a Few Moments with Carl Sandburg

The Carl Sandburg National Historic Site is located in the western part of North Carolina. You can get to know the inside story and daily life of this famous writer that is set in 264 acres of gorgeous North Carolina scenery. You can take a guided tour of the Sandburg home, which has more than 65,000 artifacts featured. The tour runs apprxoimately 30 minutes for a small fee. You can then take in the Connemara Farms Goat Dairy, which was owned and run by Mrs. Sandburg. Park staff and various volunteers will help you understand the operations and the high quality goats that she raised here.

In the outdoors, you can hike the various trails that run through the area and take in the scenery. Around the property, you can see various demonstrations of how milk and cheese were made and learn what daily life was like for the Sandburg family. There are special events that are put on in the warmer months of the year. You can take in a live performance of some of Sandburg’s stories, which are done in the ampitheater located in the park. For specific park events happening when you plan to visit, check the park’s website or contact them by phone.

When you plan to come, you will need to bring your lunch and any other food to eat during your day as they park does not sell any on the premises. The park visitor center will have a trail map and park brochure available, which you should pick up before heading out. You will also want to ask about the Lincoln Festival and the Folk Music Festival that are put on in the park each year. The Carl Sandburg National Historic Site is a fantastic way for you and your family to enjoy your day, taking advantage of all of the opportunities and sights that it has to offer.

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Visiting the North Carolina Museum of History

The North Carolina Museum of History in downto...
Image via Wikipedia

North Carolina’s past is on display at the North Carolina Museum of History, located in Raleigh near the downtown area. It is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Saturday and from 12 to 5 PM on Sunday. This an affordable place to visit, as there is no entrance fee. If offers numerous that are designed for all ages and interests, making for a great day out with the family.

During the holidays, the museum hosts a Colonial Christmas, featuring music from the period and to take part in hands on activities related to crafts. You can also play colonail era games as well. You can also learn about various traditions for ringing in the new year during History Corner: New Year’s Traditions. This is a fun day for family activities, including crafts, storytelling and various activities. Some of the special programming may cost a small free, but most are free of charge.

The exhibits in the museum are full of past artifacts from the state’s history and will often highlight specific individuals. One, “Discover the Real George Washington: New Views from Mount Vernon,” takes into the life of our first president. This temporary exhibit has 100 different artifacts from his life, along with various stories that give you new perspective on this famous American. “Down Home: Jewish Life in North Carolina,” highlights the Jewish culture within the state and its history. You will learn how they immigrated into the state and retain their heritage.

They also have numerous opportunities for educational programming and various special programs throughout the year. The artifact collection is amazing, offering visitors a first hand look at life during the different parts of the state’s history. When visiting, check with the museum for current programming that is occurring. The North Carolina Museum of History makes for a perfect way to spend the afternoon out with your family and children.

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Catching History at the Old Salem Museum and Gardens

History comes alive at the Old Salem Museum and Gardens in North Carolina, where you and your family can spend the day learning about the life of the early colonials. There are a variety of hands-on activities available for people of all ages and a number of special events throughout the year that you can enjoy as well.

Museums and grounds are composed of a group of original buildings from the colonial period. Within each one there are various tradesmen doing their work in the traditional manner. As you travel through and learn about each one, you get to experience life firsthand in a colonial village from the mid-1700s. You’ll be exposed to topics from the times such as religious beliefs, traditions, segregation, politics and the wars that went on during this period.

For example, during the holidays, you can experience a simple and traditional holiday season. The grounds are decorated in colonial style and traditional baked goods are produced at the museum bakery. The festivities run from Thanksgiving through New Year’s, where you can take part in storytelling or a candlelight tour. During the candlelight walk, the museum recommends that you wear warm clothing and that you will have to stand for long periods of time in the cold.

Most of the buildings are open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Sunday from 1 PM to 4:30 PM. The remainder of the buildings are open on a rotation schedule. The buildings regularly open include the Market Fire Engine House, Single Brothers’ House, T. Vogler Gun Shop and the Salem Tavern. The other buildings include a print shop, two private residences, St. Philips and the Boys’ School. At the visitor center, you can get the necessary brochures and information to help you navigate to the area. The Old Salem Museum and Gardens are an excellent family day out.

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A Touch of History at Plymouth, North Carolina

Plymouth, North Carolina is a charming coastal town brimming with outdoor opportunities and history that will fascinate you. Throughout the area, museums, special events, outdoor hot spots and just plain fun await the visitor that chooses to stop in town for a day or a week.

Outdoor enthusiasts can head out to the woods and hills for a great hunting experience. Hunters can go after deer, bear and various small game in the wild. You can also go canoeing up the river and take part in platform camping, a new way to see the wild. Bird lovers can watch numerous species of birds throughout the area. The Rail Switch Nature Trail runs for .3 miles next to the river and has a boardwalk along with three decks for great observing of wildlife. You can take in both wooded areas and marshland that extends to the edge of the downtown area.

Conaby Creek is the hot spot for canoeing enthusiasts. As you travel down the water, you can take in the sights of bald eagles, ducks and many other species of birds. There are spots to camp along the creek, which are available with a reservation. If you plan to hunt or fish in the area, you will need to know the specific seasons and licensing requirements.

The North Carolina Forest Festival, Roanoke River Lighthouse, Wooden Boat Show and various fishing tournaments are just some of the special events that you and your family can get involved in. Your family can also stroll through one of a number of museums in the area. Plymouth, North Carolina is packed to the brim with fascinating history, outdoor sights and stories that you will want to explore. It is well worth your while to make this spot a must do on your traveling stops list.

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A Day on the Outer Banks

North Carolina’s Outer Banks offer visitors the chance to enjoy the beach and the ocean, anytime of the year. The barrier islands in this region are set up with cottages on the beach, which have full kitchen and sleeping areas. This is perfect if you want to take you and a loved one or the entire family for a special getaway. There are also a number of inns throughout the area for you to stay at.

During the holidays, you can take a look at the Winter Lights at the Elizabethan Gardens. The gardens each year are transformed into a delightful lighted, magical display of holiday cheer and music. You will see deer, butterflies and other animals constructed from vegetation and various Christmas decorations. Or you can check out the yearly celebration of the Wright Brothers’ first flight in their airplane. The 1903 experience is recreated, and you can stroll through the brothers’ camp and watch the plane take off once more.

Roanoke Island Festival Park offers numerous hands-on activities and period demonstrations within a living, working English early settlement. You can see a recreated 1500′s English ship, the “Elizabeth II” and watch sailors in period clothing work on her decks. You can even help build a dug-out canoe, learn how a fish trap works and take part in harvesting colonial crops. There is no end to the fun you and your family can have here. The hours for this site vary during the different seasons, but it is open from the middle of February through December 31st.

The Outer Banks is an area of endless enjoyment and activities that are geared for those of any age and interest. You will create lifelong memories for you and your family when you make this a part of your trip through North Carolina.

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