Family Activities

Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Best Things to Do in the Smoky Mountains

Come enjoy the rolling, forest filled hills of the Great Smoky Mountains! Straddling the borders of North Carolina and Tennessee, this mountain range contains some of the best cities of each state. From Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg in Tennessee to Cherokee and Bryson City in North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains are littered with outdoor activities,…

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Best Places for Gem Mining Near Asheville, NC

Best Places for Gem Mining Near Asheville, NC

There is a long tradition of mining for precious gems in Western North Carolina. In fact, the first discovery of gold in the United States was made in North Carolina. The state remained the leader in gold mining until the California Gold Rush. Today, visitors and locals are still finding treasure. From gold to quartz…

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Explore the Pisgah National Forest

Explore the Pisgah National Forest

Come enjoy the sites and sounds that make Pisgah National Forest so worthy of preserving. Originally part of the Biltmore Estate, the 500,000 acre forest is a short 20-minute drive from Asheville. Due to Pisgah’s sheer size, it is divided into three regions spanning 15 North Carolina counties with various outdoor activities for visitors. While…

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Reach for the Stars at the Learning Center at PARI

Reach for the Stars at the Learning Center at PARI

Looking for an adventure? The Learning Center at PARI will take you on an exploration of the cosmos sure to bring out the astronaut in learners and adventurers of all ages.    What is the Learning Center at PARI? In 1963, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) carved out 200 acres of the Pisgah…

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