Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle

DREAMSCAPES SPRING 2017 34 T alking to North Carolina natives and long-time residents, I kept hearing one common complaint: "No one ever comes here." It became obvious they feel their state is often forgotten—never really the destination, but more a stop people make along the way to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina or Florida. Though once you visit, especially the coastal area, you see that it has a bit of everything: beaches, adven- ture, water sports, history, pop culture and food and drink to please every palate. ROOTED IN HISTORY AND LORE Taking a horse-drawn carriage tour through downtown Wilmington, it's very clear how rooted in history this town is, though it has a contemporary and laid-back southern charm. While passing through myriad streets—some of which are still cobble- stoned—you get that southern feel in spades. On a horse-drawn trolley tour, passing historic homes, some of which had been commissioned and previously inhab- ited by members of government, it's hard to ignore the plaques that adorn every other home—burgundy for those over 75 years old and black for those over 100. Wilmington isn't the only place rooted in history. Heading to the Outer Banks, a narrow region situated between the Pam- lico Sound and Atlantic Ocean, you'll see signs for Roanoke. If that name rings a bell, it's for good reason. According to lore, Roanoke was a settlement than even- tually became known as the "lost colony." BY ASHLEY KOWALEWSKI-PIZZI TOP: Surfing is a popular sport along the North Carolina coast. Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau OPPOSITE: A horseback ride is a lovely experience on the Outer Banks. Outer Banks Visitors Bureau Coastal NORTH CAROLINA DEEMED A PIT STOP TO SOME, NORTH CAROLINA'S COAST HAS MORE TO OFFER THAN YOU MIGHT SUSPECT.

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