Play, Eat, Stay, Repeat at Fun-Filled North Carolina Attractions

1 Tryon International Equestrian Center

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Open year-round, Tryon International Equestrian Center hosts a range of events including horse shows and competitions, a Saturday Night Lights series, Winterfest and concerts. Between events, shop at stores that offer clothing, classic jewelry, antique treasures and children's toys. If hunger strikes, enjoy a family meal at Roger’s Diner or Campagna Italian Cuisine – or choose a quiet evening for two at Blue Ginger Sushi or Legends Grille. When the festivities are over, head straight to the on-site inn or cabins.

2 Carowinds

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Carowinds combines the best of thrill rides – including Fury 325, North America’s tallest and fastest giga coaster – themed and family rides, the splash-tastic Carolina Harbor Waterpark, live entertainment and special events (SCarowinds takes over in fall, and WinterFest during the holidays). Choose from dozens of dining options, ranging from classic amusement park fare to diners and cafés for sit-down meals. Accommodations are right next door at Camp Wilderness Resort. Options include campground sites, cabins with kitchenettes, or in the 1,100-square-foot Great Wilderness Lodge that sleeps up to 14 people and comes with all the comforts of home.

3 Blockade Runner Beach Resort

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Go beyond the beach with a waterfront resort where every one of its 150 guest rooms has either an ocean view or a sound view. Because of this incredible proximity to water, Blockade Runner makes it easy to surf, boat, fish, kayak, stand-up paddleboard or take a class from the on-site certified sailing school. Fuel up at EAST for oceanfront dining, grab a cocktail at the pool bar, and don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers in the only available oceanfront gardens in Wrightsville Beach.

• 6 Ways to Enjoy Your Stay at Blockade Runner

5 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort

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As gaming getaways set in the majestic mountains of western North Carolina, two Harrah’s hotspots offer poker, blackjack, craps, roulette, video poker and gaming, and Asian gaming. There are also plenty of special events throughout the year, including slot tournaments and big-name concerts. The 21-story hotel, varied dining, shopping, pools, the Mandara Spa and more await Cherokee visitors. Plus, you’ll want to check out more of the same at Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel in nearby Murphy.

6 Omni Grove Park Inn

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This 100-plus-year-old historical attraction in the mountains offers you all of the conveniences and amenities imaginable without ever leaving the resort if you don’t want to – though nearby downtown Asheville is quite tempting. From the Donald Ross-designed golf course, championship tennis and a sprawling fitness complex to historical property tours, world-class dining, wild food foraging adventures, shopping and one of the top resort spas in North America, the Omni Grove Park Inn is steeped in Southern tradition and hospitality. At the end of the day, your room awaits, with lots of choices.

7 Elkin Creek Vineyard

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Located in the Yadkin Valley, Elkin Creek Vineyard has produced whites, reds and sweet dessert wines for nearly 20 years from 6 lush acres of varied grapes. You’ll start with sampling in the tasting room, and if you’re there on a Sunday, enjoy a fresh, made-to-order pizza from the wood-fire brick oven (pizza dough reservations required). Then simply walk down the short path to one of Elkin Creek’s intimate creek-side cabins, featuring a full kitchen, stone gas fireplace, a soaking tub and complimentary Netflix in a rustic wooded setting.

• Vineyards and Wineries Where You Can Spend the Night

8 Cataloochee Ranch

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This isn't your grandfather's ranch, but you'll feel right at home at the recently renovated Cataloochee Ranch, along with the many activities to remind you you're on a getaway. Book your stay in a private room or, if you're planning a group outing, choose one of the cabins – complimentary breakfast and dinner is included with all accommodations. You'll want to spend much of your time outdoors, as the ranch is nestled among 700 acres at an elevation of 5,000 feet. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is its neighbor. Take in the scenery with mountain hikes, wagon rides, bird-watching and the especially popular guided horseback rides.