Magnolia 23

Voted best place to eat in NC by Parad Magazine and featured in Southern Living Magazine, Magnolia 23 is truly a hidden gem. Their recipes are rooted from the heart of two small North Carolina towns, just 8 miles apart from each other, Ellerbe and Norman, a place the owner’s family holds dear in theirs hearts, a place they call “Down Home”.

Magnolia 23’s food is made from scratch and most importantly made with love. Their menu is inspired by the meals crafted by the hands of their mothers, Bert Simmons and Alma Williams.

So welcome. Come grab a seat a glass of ice tea and enjoy a “Down Home” southern meal.

Four Saints Brewing Company

Kersey Valley

Laser tagging, zip lining, axe throwing, bomb bowling- OH MY! All this and more can be found at Kersey Valley, where anyone can live their adventure.

Perfect for group outings, team-building events, parties, & school/scout trips! Seasonal attractions are Maize Adventure—Trek the corn maze, ride the Kersey Valley Express, plus a full day of activities on 1 all-inclusive ticket; Spooky Woods—Have a frightfully good time with custom sets & monsters at our haunted attraction; Christmas—Stroll through an immersive holiday environment, train/wagon rides and adventure playground.

Seagrove, The Pottery Capital Of The U.S.

Seagrove hosts the nation’s largest community of working potters—individuals of national and international reputation. Some families trace their craft bloodlines through nine generations of potters.

Tour and meet 70-plus working potters at work. Studios dot the countryside, tucked among barns, cattle fields, and country gas stations.  November’s Celebration of Seagrove Potters brings together roughly 70 artisans exhibiting everything from tableware to high-end works of art at the Historic Luck’s Cannery. The Celebration of Spring, held annually in April, features more than 65 potters and includes a pottery sale, special events, studios tours, and demonstrations. For the ultimate immersion, stay overnight at one of Seagrove’s bed and breakfast inns: Seagrove Stoneware Inn and Duck Smith House.

Petty Museum

Known as the first family of NASCAR, the Pettys have won 10 NASCAR championships and more than 250 races.

At Petty Family Attractions, families can explore the career of the King of NASCAR, Richard Petty. Experience the unparalleled success story of this stock car racing family, including Lee, Kyle, and Adam Petty and Dale Inman. The Petty Museum features cars, memorabilia, trophies and life-size recreations of the Petty family’s characters from Disney-Pixar’s “Cars” movies.

North Carolina Zoo

Get close to some of the most majestic animals on our planet at the North Carolina Zoo.

An international leader in animal conservation, the 500-acre North Carolina Zoo sits in the “heart” of  the state. Visitors are able to see elephants, rhinos, ostriches, giraffes, and more on the magnificent 100-foot immersion walkway at the Watani Grasslands Reserve. Families can climb aboard a ZooFari vehicle for a guided tour of the 40-acre habitat; enjoy the new “Birds of Prey” show; try the Air Hike ropes and obstacles course; chill out at the Rocky Coast; take in the cool wonders of arctic polar bears; or, check out the view from above at the Acacia Station Giraffe Deck.

Want even more adventure? Check out the science camps and overnight camping at the Zoo, or visit exhibits during animal feedings times.