Carolina Skies

There are few remaining quaint destinations in the U.S. that haven’t been overly exploited for what they have to offer. From the southern charm of Savannah to the natural beauty of the Wisconsin Dells area, there is a certain tourist element that has pervaded every corner of the country, from coast to coast. Fortunately, there are still places to visit that aren’t highly popular tourist destinations yet still offer a glimpse of life enjoyed at a different pace. One of them is Wilmington, North Carolina.

Though a modern small city by any definition, Wilmington has the past coursing through its streets and on display in the architecture prevalent in the historic preservation district. Long a sea port from as far back as the late 18th century, its wind swept hills and proximity to the cape fear river have provided equal measures of importance and isolation.

Outside of its historical feel and significance, Wilmington is known locally for two things: golf and some of the best seafood to be found on the eastern seaboard. Picturesque and serene grasslands have been developed into multiple championship level golf courses, each with its own challenges. For those who appreciate the palate pleasing enticement of freshly caught fare from the Atlantic, there are several seafood restaurants in Wilmington that would eclipse the best offerings of most major cities.

If deep sea fishing or cruising are of interest to you, there are several day cruises and charters available that offer incredible views of the shoreline as well as the opportunity to reel in a big one. Wilmington’s beaches are pristine, and though a small summer tourist season that seems to be growing year after year may keep you from enjoying complete privacy, there’s plenty of sand and surf to be enjoyed. Unlike the crowded sunbathing spots of other east coast destinations that would leave one hard pressed to find a place to lay a blanket, you can relax with room to spare on Wilmington’s sandy shores.

So the next time you decide to get away for a while but don’t want to experience the hassle or expense of traveling overseas, give Wilmington, North Carolina a try. But remember, if you fall in love with it’s charm and beauty, it might be a good idea to keep it to yourself.

Kingston Amadan
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/the-hidden-gems-of-wilmington-north-carolina-134805.html

Known for its beautiful beaches and upscale atmosphere, Corolla is the ideal vacation destination for anyone who wants to truly getaway from it all and relax in an environment that is miles beyond the ordinary. For a summer retreat filled with distinct Outer Banks flavor and none of the commercial influences of home, set your compass for stunning Corolla, North Carolina.

With peak tourist season from Memorial Day to Labor Day, most individuals come to this vacation wonderland seeking plenty of fun in the sun along the shore of a pristine beach. Corolla’s beaches are known for being some of the best in the entire Outer Banks, and if you are searching for wide, vast expanses of fine sand that gently slope into the warm waters of the Atlantic, then you have certainly come to the right place. No matter what kind of outdoor adventure suits your style, whether it be surfing, swimming, jet skiing, boating, or water skiing, you can find the perfect jumping off point along a gorgeous stretch of sand in Corolla.

As one of the most popular activities during any Corolla excursion, a journey aboard a fishing charter should be at the top of every itinerary. Choose from offshore fishing trips in search of wahoo, tuna, dolphin, and marlin or set your sights on the likes of cobia, albacore, amberjack, and numerous other species with a High Adventure Big Game fishing expedition from Corolla Bait & Tackle. Want to take your kids out on the water? You can find two-hour fishing trips aboard a pontoon boat for a relaxing introduction that will certainly please adults and children alike.

While water outings are certainly a large part of a Corolla vacation, landlocked attractions such as the Currituck Beach Lighthouse are a must-see on any trip. Visitors can climb to the top of this red-bricked wonder for a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean, Currituck Sound, and the Currituck Outer Banks in addition to learning more about coastal lighthouses, the Currituck Beach keepers, and the Fresnel lens. Be sure to stop by the museum-quality exhibits on your way up or down, they are located at the base and on the first two flights, for a well-rounded and informative day.

Another favorite among visitors to the area, the Whalehead Club, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a historic museum that rests along the banks of Currituck Sound. Visitors can learn more about the first owners, the architecture of the house, the history of Corolla and the northern Outer Banks, and the restoration of the home on a guided tour that is led by a knowledgeable local. There are also specialty tours such as a Children’s Tour and a Ghost Tour that are occasionally available, so be sure to check beforehand if these are of interest to you.

Whether you want to head out on an ATV tour in search of Corolla’s renowned wild horses or stroll the boardwalk at the Currituck Heritage Park, a vacation rental makes it easy to enjoy all of the wonderful attractions of the Outer Banks. You can find a wide selection of Corolla rentals located near the beach and within walking distance of many of the activities you have on your itinerary. Enjoy all of the comforts and amenities of home during your stay in a comfortable, cozy, and convenient vacation rental located along the shores of the Atlantic.

Corolla has everything you need for a relaxing and enjoyable waterfront vacation in the picturesque Outer Banks. To experience the true nature of this luxurious retreat, consider seaside Corolla vacation rentals that provide some of the most spectacular views of the water and allow easy access to everything you have planned during your dream family getaway.

Jen W.
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/corolla-north-carolina-a-water-wonderland-101067.html

The City of Medicine
One in four people in the city of Durham are employed in some sort of health related field as over 300 major health and medical companies make their homes here. In 1910, the city saw the invention of BC Headache Powder, which may have been the town’s first step toward being christened The City of Medicine and becoming synonymous with health. Durham is home to six major hospitals including Duke University Hospital Medical Center and the city also has an impressive doctor-to-population ratio that is four times higher than the national average.

Community
Durham offers neighborhoods from the most elite like Hope Valley and Treyburn to the simply charming and historic areas of Trinity Park and Forest Hills. There are also planned neighborhoods nestled in Durham such as Woodlake and Woodcroft as well as a host of golf course communities like Willowhaven. The residents of Durham maintain a strong sense of community pride and the city boasts an unusually low crime rate for a town of its size. Its residents also pride themselves on being a tolerant city where its people are involved and have a voice in community issues.

Arts and Entertainment
The city of Durham hosts more than 40 annual events and festivals, most of which are either nationally or regionally recognized for their significant appeal to both visitors and residents alike. The town is also home to artists, authors, playwrights, award-winning scientists, and researchers who are all well known in their respective fields. Durham also offers four major art museums and centers as well as three historic sites including the area where the largest surrender of the Civil War took place. In addition, the city is also widely known for its national championship basketball teams from both Duke and North Carolina Central Universities.

Business
Durham is an integral part of the renowned Research Triangle Park, known as RTP. This vast network of businesses spans over 7,000 acres and employs over 38,000 people. This makes Durham a rather attractive place to live for those interested in a career somewhere within the vast and technologically advanced world of RTP.

Nature
With more than 60 parks, several major lakes and a plethora of walking, hiking, and biking trails, Durham is a prime spot for the nature enthusiast. There are four major river ways and greenways as well as a state park, a state recreation area and the famous American Tobacco Trail. Horseback riding is also a popular activity as well as bird watching and fishing in the numerous lakes and rivers. Durham is also home to many fabulous golf courses and has been ranked one of the top places for the sport in the United States.

Joshua Wills
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/the-top-five-reasons-to-live-in-durham-north-carolina-134273.html

nown as the “All America City”, Charleston offers travelers a unique historical experience with a touch of romance. Whether your motives are pleasure or business, these are the top 5 reasons why visiting Charleston is an experience worth your while.

A Living Museum (by Carriage)

The city of Charleston is known as a living museum of American history. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich past with a horse-drawn carriage tour of the vintage downtown district. Take in all the classic American architecture as you roll past famous homes on cobblestones and bricks. As you explore the city, be sure to visit Middleton Place. This large historic plantation offers a walking tour through the oldest landscape gardens in America. Take a few pictures near the reflecting pools surrounded by the bursting colors of exotic flowers. Once you are finished with your tour, be sure to grab a cup of the famous “she-crab soup” in the Middleton Place Restaurant.

Lodging, Great Deals and Variety

From quaint, historic hotels near the market district to more upscale hotels by the harbor, Charleston offers a wide variety of lodging options. With so many choices there are always great discount packages available to help ensure your vacation is both luxurious and affordable. For a traveler like me who appreciates a great deal, I always suggest looking into a Charleston Hotel with a mini-vacation offer (http://www.vacation-offer.com/special/new/24). For those of you looking for a more high-end experience I recommend checking out a place like the HarbourView Inn (http://www.harbourviewcharleston.com/) during the off-season on a midweek night. Either way, if you keep your eyes pealed you are sure to find the right deal for you.

The Colors and Characters (the battery and rainbow row)

During your visit be sure to take a walk along the Battery. On the way to this ocean side stretch of historic homes you will come across Rainbow Row. Part of a citizen inspired conservation project, this row of vintage homes representing all the colors of the rainbow offers a unique look into the past with a splash of color. As you walk along the battery, be sure to take in the sweeping ocean panorama with a clear view of Fort Sumter where the first shots of the civil war were fired. Along the way don’t miss a chance to visit Charleston’s Historic Market, home to a variety of boutiques and eclectic craftsmen.

King Street Shopping

For those of you with a shopping fetish, Charleston offers a great selection of stores in the many galleries and boutiques along King Street. From Gucci to Gap and even colorful antique store like Estate Antiques, King Street has something for every shopper. Be sure to arms yourself with a good pair of shoes, some free time and a Visa card. This is a shopping experience that will make you wish you were a resident.

Folly Beach

Whatever you do during you stay, make it a point to visit Folly Beach (http://www.follybeach.com/). Just a short drive from Charleston, this relaxed, rustic beach played a major role in the Civil War. Beyond its history, the Beach offers a splendid view into the void of the Atlantic Ocean from the pier. Bring your beach chairs, lay back and enjoy the sun. Folly Beach is a sure bet to wash away any stress left over from the real world.

With all the options and experiences that Charleston has to offer, the most difficult part is making a plan and sticking to it. To ensure a great experience I always suggest making a list. Whatever you do don’t forget to leave room for the unexpected.

Vacation Guide
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/charleston-south-carolina-the-top-5-reasons-to-visit-the-allamerican-city-681601.html

Copyright © 2009 Ed Bagley

Imagine yourself as Ventrell Jenkins, a 6-foot-2, 285-pound defensive tackle for Kentucky who has been working all afternoon to help his Wildcat teammates upset East Carolina in the 2008 Liberty Bowl. The score is tied 19-19 and there is exactly 3:02 left in the 4th quarter.

Suddenly, East Carolina running back Norman Whitley fumbles in the backfield and the ball ends up in your hands with daylight in front of you. You take off for dear life, hoping you are faster than you think you are. A player in pursuit has an angle on you and, in a desperate attempt to avoid being stopped, you stiff arm him (knocking out his mouthpiece) and high step your way the rest of the way to score on a 56-yard return.

The next thing you know, your teammates are piling on you in the end zone. Kentucky now leads 25-19 and your Wildcats are on their way to winning their 3rd straight bowl-game victory with coach Rich Brooks looking happier than a skunk eating cabbage. Not even the late, great Paul “Bear” Bryant won 3 consecutive bowl games when he coached the Kentucky Wildcats.

Kentucky held on with 2:56 left, stopping East Carolina and running out the clock to make their 25-19 lead stick. Jenkins wound up being the Most Valuable Player by using an offensive move on his historic 56-yard touchdown return by a defensive tackle not known as a speedster. This is why we love college football and why we watch bowl games. You could not write a more unlikely script and have it come true.

Skip Holtz and his East Carolina Pirates had just won their first ever Conference USA championship title and knocked off Virginia Tech and West Virginia, two BCS conference teams, coming into the Liberty Bowl Friday (1-2-09). The Pirates finished the year at 9-5.

Kentucky was only a 6-6 team coming into the Liberty Bowl, but was not exactly a total pushover, having lost to Alabama by 3 points on the road and to South Carolina by 7 at home. Florida then crushed the Wildcats 63-5 and Kentucky would go on to lose its last 3 games to Georgia, Vanderbilt and Tennessee. But in football, you cannot predict how the ball will bounce; sometimes lady luck comes calling, even for a Wildcat.

After being down 16-3 at the half, senior wide receiver Dave Jones took the ensuing kickoff back for a Liberty Bowl-record 99-yard touchdown return, and the Pirates came to life. Two possessions later back-up quarterback Mike Hartline found sophomore wide receiver Kyrus Lanxter for a 19-yard scoring toss.

The Pirates would manage a field goal in the 3rd quarter but that was it. Kentucky outscored East Carolina 22-3 in the 2nd half. The Wildcat defense held East Carolina to only 3-of-19 third-down conversions.

Neither team had a running game. Hartline, a sophomore who was filling in for injured freshman starter Randall Cobb, completed 19-of-31 for 204 yards. If you are a Kentucky Wildcat fan, the stats meant little and the victory meant everything.

“We still aren’t where we want to be,” said coach Rich Brooks, “but the last 30 minutes was about as beautiful football that I have ever seen.” Go ahead and gush a little bit, Rich, your guys made it happen. Every now and then, the ball will bounce your way and when it does, you must make the most of it.

Be grateful for your good fortune, coach Brooks, and put an extra steak on Ventrell Jenkins’ plate at the team’s next meal together. And, oh ya, don’t worry about Ventrell’s time in the 40; he has a secret weapon, a vicious straight arm and high step that would match a running back during show time.

Ed Bagley
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/2008-liberty-bowl-unpredictable-play-gives-kentucky-latescoring-win-over-east-carolina-2519-736520.html

Bowman Gray, Sr.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowman_Gray%2C_Sr.