History buffs and hikers can enjoy education and exercise at Kings Mountain National Military Park, on the South Carolina-North Carolina line. The park's museum and landmarks help commemorate the Revolutionary War battle, which resulted in the deaths of 28 Americans and 225 Loyalists. The trip from Gwinnett is about three hours, and you can make a day of it by checking out the town of Kings Mountain, N.C., a bit north of the park, and outlets in Gaffney, S.C., a bit west. And this is the weekend to go, with several events planned in the area.

GERRY PATE/Associated Press

Nathan White from McKinney, Texas, with the Sons of the American Revolution takes a wreath to a monument during the celebration of the 225th anniversary of The Battle of Kings Mountain in N.C.

Associated Press

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Battle overview

My 18-month-old boy is running from tree to tree, but fortunately he's contained, because we're indoors. The family-friendly museum is set up to look like a forest, with sound coming out of the trees to tell the story of the battle. Artifacts include an original Ferguson Rifle, a breech-loading rifle that was invented by British Maj. Patrick Ferguson. For an introduction to the battle, there's a History Channel film in the auditorium that runs every 45 minutes. The free museum and trails are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

On the grounds

A 1.5-mile walking trail leads you through the wooded area where the Patriot and Loyalist forces fought, as well as past the Centennial Monument, U.S. Monument and Ferguson's Grave. There are three other trails, from as short as 2.5 miles to a 16-mile loop through both Kings Mountain national and state parks. If you want to camp out, there's the free Garner Creek Campsite, accessed via a 3-mile hike — note that registration is required, and the site holds 10-12 people.

Anniversary event

Sunday is the 227th anniversary of the Battle of Kings Mountain. Free events include firing and cooking demonstrations, children's games and re-enactments from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. At 11 a.m. Sunday, there's a wreath-laying ceremony at the U.S. Monument. At 3 p.m. — the time the battle began — a ceremony in the amphitheater will include remarks from Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.).

Another annual event

In the city of Kings Mountain, N.C. (Exit 8 off I-85 North), the annual Gateway Festival is scheduled from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday in the downtown area. The free festival includes performances at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. by bluegrass band the Dillards (made up of members of the fictional Darling family from "The Andy Griffith Show"). Arts and crafts will be on display next to Patriots Park, and war re-enactments will be among the demonstrations at the Kings Mountain Historical Museum (100 E. Mountain St., Kings Mountain, 704-739-1019). As part of the festival, the Kings Mountain Art Center (704-739-5585) will have its "Arts by the Tracks" juried competition in the old train depot on Piedmont Avenue.

On the way

If you have the shopping bug, stop at Prime Outlets, with stores including Pottery Barn, Coach, Strasburg Children and Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store, in Gaffney, S.C., south of Kings Mountain (I-85 Exit 90). It's open 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 1:30-7 p.m. Sunday, closed Easter, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day (888-545-7194, www.primeoutlets.com).

One exit north (Exit 92), you'll find chain restaurants in Gaffney. Downtown you'll find Harold's Restaurant (602 N. Limestone St., Gaffney, 864-489-9153, www.haroldsrestaurant.com). It's known for its $1.25 chili burgers and was featured on Food Network's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." It's open 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

IF YOU GO

• Getting there: Take I-85 north past the Greenville-Spartanburg, S.C., area. Once you enter North Carolina, take Exit 2 and turn right. You will follow the road until you enter into Kings Mountain National Military Park.

• Information: Kings Mountain National Military Park, 2625 Park Road, Blacksburg, S.C., 864-936-7921, www.nps.gov/kimo