Top 5 Reasons to Go

Top 5 Reasons to Go

Raleigh museums: Some 20 museums -- many within an easy walk of one another -- cover every aspect of North Carolina life, from its prehistoric roots to its arts achievements to its sports heroes.

Old Salem: Costumed guides fill this quaint restored village in the heart of Winston-Salem, founded by the Moravians in the mid-18th century.

Seagrove: This Sandhills town has been renowned for its pottery for two centuries. A dozen or more potters provide the wares, from charmingly ugly face jugs to mugs, plates, and other treasures.

College sports: Home to four of the original Atlantic Coast Conference teams -- Duke University, North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Wake Forest University -- even visitors to the region have to pick sides.

Wineries: North Carolina has nearly 50 wineries, and many of the finest are in the Piedmont. Sample a few fine vintages in their tasting rooms.