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

Stone Mountain State Park

Location: 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap, NC 28668

Star Rating: 4

This is probably my favorite place in North Carolina. This park offers great mountainous views with great trails that also offer history. On a bright sunny day you can just look out for miles on the great outdoors. The trails can be pretty steep at times, but it is all worth while. Even if you don't go hiking through the mountains, the meadows at the bottom offer their own unique aspects as you can watch for deer and other wildlife.
It is a small and beautiful town but it is best to pack food for this park since there is no where to stop within a 30 minute radius of the place, especially since you can easily spend all day here.
If you are traveling along I-77 North to get here be sure to stop by the Pirate's Landing restaurant at exit 67. The restaurant is shaped as a Pirate Ship and they offer great seafood at a great price. You can't miss it!

Goodale State Park

Location: 650 Park RD Camden,SC 29020

Star Rating: 3

If you enjoy canoeing and love spending time in the great outdoors you must stop by Goodale State Park. With a 3 mile trail through the winding waters and exotic birds and wildlife surrounding the area no day will have been wasted here. The twists and turns in the river it can be a lot of fun for a master canoe rowist or a great learning adventure for a beginner. Tranquility can be found here.

*Side Note: South Carolina State Parks have odd office hours only open from 12pm-1pm. If you would like to go canoeing before or after these hours it is best to call ahead. Also, for South Carolina parks a small entrance fee of $2 per person is required. Be sure to bring cash and have fun!

South Mountains State Park

Location: 3001 South Mountain Park Avenue, Connelly Springs, NC 28612

Star Rating: 4

This park is great through the entire year. If you're looking for waterfalls or just great mountainous views, this park has it. With the variety of trails it feels like you're in a different park every time you visit. The trails are pretty moderate with lots of uphill hiking and roots to look out for, but still short enough to not drain you for the rest of the day.
Bicycle trails, camping, horseback riding, and fishing are all available here. And if you go during the summer there is a small ice cream shop located at the entrance of the park with homemade ice-cream and other knick knacks.

* Side Note: If you go during the winter be sure to wear hiking boots because the trails can get pretty treacherous when covered in feet of snow.