Nantahala Outdoor Center - At the intersection of the Appalachian Trail & the Nantahala River in the Blue Ridge Mountains. A mecca for outdoor enthusiasts since 1972, NOC’s 500-acre campus boasts plenty of exciting adventures to keep your entire group happy & active, whether you spend a day or a week. Whitewater raft, zipline, mountain bike & hike, and explore Fontana Lake in a rental kayak or canoe. Between adventures, check out NOC’s riverfront restaurants & retail stores, spend the night in a cozy trailside cabin, or discover another southeast river adventure with NOC, including rafting on the French Broad River in the Blue Ridge Mountains! www.noc.com (800) 232-7238.

National D-Day Memorial - The Nation's monument to D-Day. Admission includes guided tour. www.dday.org (540) 587-3619.

Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center - MP 61.4 & 63.7. Spectacular mountain views, dining, tavern, state park, caverns. www.naturalbridgeva.com (540) 291-2121.

Natural Bridge Zoological Park - Discover the largest & most complete collection of birds & animals in the state of Virginia. Ride on an elephant, stand next to a giraffe, see a huge white tiger, hug baby llamas & donkeys. Enjoy monkeys, gibbons, & mandrill baboons.  See Himalayan bears, pink flamingos, colorful macaws, huge alligators. Feed, pet, & photograph tame animals in Virginia’s largest petting area. Safari gift shop, free picnic areas. Off I-81 between exits 175 & 180. 15 minutes off Parkway. Daily 9-6pm. www.naturalbridgezoo.com. (540) 291-2420.

Natural Bridge KOA Campground - Rt. 130 west to The Natural Bridge, Rt. 11 North 4.5 miles, RV-tent-cabin-deluxe cabins. Open all year. www.naturalbridgekoa.com (800) 562-8514.

NC High Country Host & Regional Visitor Center - Travel info for Boone, Blowing Rock, Beech Mtn, West Jefferson area. Open 7 days a week, located at BRP Milepost 291 exit. Order a free vacation planner. www.MountainsofNC.com (800) 438-7500.

From MP 0 to the mighty James River, explore 471 miles of wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, orchards, unique lodging, restaurants & shopping. Info: Nelson County Dept. of Tourism, PO Box 636, Dept. BRPA, Lovingston, VA 22949. www.nelsoncounty.com. For free travel & event information, e-mail: info@nelsoncounty.org (800) 282-8223.

The North Carolina Arboretum - Entrance at MP 393. Renowned gardens, hiking & biking trails and engaging exhibitions. www.ncarboretum.org (828) 665-2492.

Town of North Wilkesboro, NC - Living starts here! Located in the foothills of the NC Blue Ridge Mtns. www.north-wilkesboro.com (336) 667-7129.

Northeast Tennessee - Bordering NC, VA and KY in the Appalachian Mountains. Explore the true outdoors, music, history, small town charm and southern culture. www.NortheastTennessee.org

Northwest Trading Post - at MP 259 is now "Sally Mae's on the Parkway" featuring Hand Made In The USA products with food and drinks in a magical historic venue. (336) 982-2543.

Oak Haven Lodge - Comfortable, affordable, overnight accommodations. 7 mi. from MP 164 on Route 8. Lovely 12 room lodge. www.oakhavenlodge.com  (540) 745-5716.

Oakland Cottage B&B - 74 Oakland Rd. Asheville, MP 388.8.
Full breakfast, WiFi, pet/family friendly, 1 mi. to Biltmore,
1.5 to vibrant downtown. www.oaklandcottage.com (828) 994-2627.

Ober Gatlinburg - Ride the 120 passenger Aerial Tramway to indoor ice skating, Alpine Slide, scenic chairlift, Wildlife Encounter, Ski Mountain Coaster, winter skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, dining, shopping & more! www.obergatlinburg.com (865) 436-5423.

Oconaluftee Indian Village - Poses the question, “Is it actually Cherokee history if it’s still happening?” Today you can transport back to an 18th century village full of authentic stickball demonstrations, dance, staged war reenactments—you name it. If it happened then, it’s happening now. Season opens May 1st, and tickets and times are available at www.CherokeeLivingHistory.com or (866) 554-4557.

Old North State Winery - 199.5, US 52. Winery & restaurant in downtown Mt. Airy. Open Tues.-Sun. www.oldnorthstatewinery.com (336) 789-9463.

Olde Beau Resort - 729 Olde Beau Blvd, Glade Valley. MP 229.7 - 5 miles, South Hwy 21, entrance left. Rooms, golf, pool. www.oldebeau.com (800) 752-1634.

Olde Liberty Station Restaurant - Your ticket for casual dining. 12 mi. from MP 86; Open 11-10 M-Th, 11-11 Fri, Noon-11 Sat., 1st Class Dining in beautifully restored train station. Great prices. (540) 587-9377.

OOAK Art Gallery - 14 miles north of MP 344. Fine, folk, & funky local art and live music. www.ooakartgallery.com (828) 675-0690.

Our State Magazine
Celebrating the very best of North Carolina from the mountains to the coast. www.ourstate.com