NASCAR Hall of Fame, Charlotte
Whether too young — or, maybe, too old — to drive, every member of the family can find some fun at this center dedicated to fast cars and the drivers who race them. Visitors get their introduction to the sport’s history by watching an action-packed film — complete with surround-sound and shown on a 64-foot screen — that recounts the story from the earliest days on the Daytona beaches to the current national craze. A museum displays more than 200 artifacts, including original uniforms and some of the earliest helmets. More history is on display in the Glory Road exhibit featuring 18 classic cars. And, of course, the main attraction is the Hall of Honor, where annual inductees are enshrined. An interactive kids zone, gift shop and cafe are on site.
400 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte. 704-654-4400, nascarhall.com, @NASCARhall.
Pepsi birthplace, New Bern
Atlantans may be well versed in the story of Coca-Cola, but a visit to this small town will fill them in on the lore of the company’s leading rival. New Bern, on the edge of the Neuse River, is the birthplace of Pepsi, created by pharmacist Caleb Bradham in 1898. That event is recounted and celebrated at the Pepsi Store, where visitors can browse through memorabilia and sit down at the old-fashioned soda fountain for an ice-cold taste.
256 Middle St., New Bern, N.C. 252-636-5898, pepsistore.com.
High Hampton Inn, Cashiers
Think of it as summer camp for the entire family. This rustic resort nestled in the mountains is an outdoors lover’s delight, with golf, tennis, 15 miles of hiking trails and a 35-acre lake for fishing, swimming and paddling. A full spa offers services to rejuvenate those tired muscles after an active day. A kids club keeps ages 3 to 9 busy with donkey cart rides and pajama parties, while the youth program for teens schedules geocaching, kayaking and volleyball. With limited access to phones and television, guests are encouraged to spend the evenings sitting around a roaring fire playing games and conversing.
1525 N.C. 107, Cashiers, N.C. 828-743-0263, highhamptoninn.com, @highhamptoninn.
