Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Gabriel J. Adams

Durham is the county seat for Durham County in North Carolina. It is considered to be the cornerstone of the Research Triangle region within the state and is also recognized as the fourth largest city in the state in terms of population. As of 2005, the population in the city was listed as 1,509,560 and the city continues to grow each day.

Durham was originally established in 1853 when a place for a railroad depot was deemed necessary within the state. A country physician by the name of Bartlett S. Durham lived along the railroad route and also had his practice established along the route. He agreed to donate some of his land to the railroad, which was named Durham Station.

Prior to the Civil War, the town grew slowly. Following the war, however, the population began to increase rapidly and the city received its official charger in 1869. Much of the population growth in the area was due to the tobacco industry, which really started to thrive at this time.

Tobacco soon became the backbone to the economy in Durham, though textiles soon became a close second. Due to the rapid growth of the city a this time, much of the commercial and residential architecture in the city today dates back to the period falling between 1890 through 1930.

A vibrant African-American community also quickly developed in the city. In fact, some of the most successful businesses to be owned by African-Americans were established in this city during the 20th century. Some of these include Mechanics & Farmer’ Bank and North Carolina Mutual Insurance Co. Parrish Street, which is where many of these businesses were located, soon became known as the “Black Wall Street.”

Durham continues to have a melting pot of ethnicities today. In addition, it is home to the North Carolina Central University, the Durham Technical Community College and, perhaps most notably, Duke University.

The author would like for you to visit Moving To Durham North Carolina and REAL ESTATE RALEIGH NC.

By Andrew Regan

When it comes to taking weekend breaks in the United States, many people find it convenient to go for the most obvious option: after all, city break destinations like New York, Los Angeles, Philadelphia or Miami do make great getaways and provide guaranteed fun when you’re looking for a short vacation away from your daily routine. However, for a city break with a difference, it’s important to think outside the box. For instance, why not take a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina for an authentic taste of the Deep South and America’s rich historical legacy?

Whatever sort of city break you’re looking for – whether it’s a romantic vacation for two, a golf break with the boys or a fun cultural holiday for all the family – Charlotte can deliver. As a pivotal location during the American Revolution, Charlotte was known by many British soldiers as “a hornet’s nest of rebellion” and the city’s long historical heritage is evident at every turn. For instance, you’ll still find horse and carriage rides in uptown Charlotte – a testament to the city’s colonial history and an excellent way for travellers of all ages to appreciate Charlotte’s impressive nineteenth century Queen Anne architecture.

If you’re planning a vacation in Charlotte, you’ll find a range of attractions and sites of interest to entertain you. If you’re travelling with your children, why not visit the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte – one of the country’s top youth theatres? Discovery Place (a science museum and IMAX dome theatre) and ImaginOn – a cutting-edge educational children’s library and theatre are also popular attractions for families.

And when you’re looking for a break from Charlotte’s busy attractions, you’ll find plenty of outdoor botanical and wildlife parks to enjoy – whether you’re looking for some peace and quiet with your partner or you’re keen to show your family the wonders of the world. Visit the University of North Carolina at Charlotte Botanical Gardens for a taste of Charlotte’s higher education buzz, or take a trip to the Carolina Raptor Centre – a site dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of birds of prey. And if that’s not enough, don’t miss out on the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, which is spread over 111 acres, and Wing Haven Gardens and Bird Sanctuary.

Charlotte also boasts a diversity of cultural highlights, including the Charlotte Comedy Theater, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the Afro-American Cultural Center and the Historic Latta Plantation – a former cotton plantation that now serves as a living history farm. Alternatively, visit the well-known Mint Museums, two separate facilities that are dedicated to exhibiting fine art, or make a stop at the Kings Mountain National Military Park, the site of a crucial battle in the Revolutionary War.

What’s more, Charlotte boasts a range of sports teams, including the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Knights, the Charlotte Eagles and the Charlotte Bobcats. If you’re a keen basketball fan with tickets to a Charlotte Bobcats game, you’ll find plenty of hotels in Charlotte, North Carolina, which provide suitable accommodation. So while you’re in town, make sure you visit the city’s vast array of diverse attractions – you’re sure to find something that’ll interest you!