Cherry Blossoms of Macon, GA

Location: Macon, GA

Star Rating: 4

Maybe driving 4 1/2 hours to get to one place is a bit far for a day trip and might be considered better for an overnight trip, but it's well worth while. In mid to late March every year this town holds the biggest Cherry Blossom festival in the US. They drive you through the best cherry blossom locations in the city, have street parties, races, and concerts. It really is the prettiest sight to see. They pride themselves on having the best cherry blossom locations in the US. Enjoy a party the whole town gets involved in.

The Original Dairy Queen Sign

Location: 2732 Wilkinson Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28208

Star Rating: 3 1/2

It's right here in Charlotte! What else could you ask for? For a Dairy Queen that's been around for 63 years it looks pretty good. It's one of very few that still have the "original" sign from when the company first started in 1940. Just because it's an old location does not mean they don't have the same menu items as other Dairy Queens. Go and enjoy.

House of Mugs

Location: Collettsville, NC

Star Rating: 2 1/2

There is not much to see or do when passing through Collettsville. However if you travel off the highway and onto a dirt road it will lead you to an unusual house. This house is decorated from top to bottom, from fence to yard with mugs. Most are holiday mugs and others have cute sayings on them. Either way it's fun to walk around and enjoy it. During the summer this house holds small concerts to attract more people to enjoy the display.

World's Largest Strawberry...Possibly.

Location: 1246 N US Highway 220, Rockingham, NC

Star Rating: 4

Homemade ice cream of various flavors. Fresh produce. Various homemade preserves, awesome strawberry cider, and breads. There is not much else to do in this area but driving 1.5 hours to this stand can be rewarding. Plus the ciders and jams can make a great gift. Enjoy.

Chimney Rock State Park

Location: Highway 64/74A Chimney Rock, NC 28720

Star Rating: 3

Everything is available at this state park. If it didn't cost $14 to enter, I'd rate this park a bit higher. Waterfalls, great views, rock climbing, and cafes are all awaiting you here. With being just 2 hours from Charlotte, the drive and area is definitely worth it. Spend the day in Chimney Rock at the shops outside the park and hike for an hour or so in the park and you will not be disappointed.

Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden

Location: 165 Broad Acres Rd, Bishopville, SC

Star Rating: 2 1/2

Well, since you're already visiting Dalton Stevens at his button museum you might as well visit the topiary gardens in Bishopville, SC. It's a lovely garden at an actual house (that does provide parking for admirers). The owner started about 25 years ago designing his garden in order to win a "Yard of the Month" award. He definitely has the best one on the block although his neighbors do give some competition. Take a stroll around the block and bring a camera.

The Button King Museum

Location: 55 Joe Dority Rd. Bishopville, SC 29010

Star Rating: 4

You would never believe in the middle of nowhere lies a museum entirely devoted to buttons. Dalton Stevens, an older gentleman, has been collecting buttons for years. He designs cars, sinks, bathtubs, clothes, pianos, and more with buttons. He says a mix of insomnia, boredom, and creativity started his devotion to covering things with buttons. The museum is small but very impressive and perfect to visit when it's rainy or cold. If you're lucky Dalton Stevens will be there with his guitar (covered in buttons of course) and he'll be singing you songs about buttons. How could you go wrong with this one?

Watch him sing: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jjlbj_QLnGg