Outer Banks to Asheville, NC
 

I am looking for points of interest to break up a road trip from The Outer Banks to Asheville in mid-June. We are interested in history, crafts, gardens and wildlife. We plan to stay one night en route to Asheville. Any thoughts?

Old Salem, one of the top historical attractions in the south, is on your route. www.oldsalem.org. Gorgeous gardens there and at the nearby Reynolds Estate ( Reynolda Gardens). make this an ideal stop for you.

http://www.reynolda.org
http://www.reynoldavillage.com
http://events.wfu.edu/reynolda_house...f_american_art

Second Cmcfong's idea. Lots of good stuff there.
If you love pottery you could consider a small detour down to the Jugtown area just below Ashboro. Probably 150 potters of all kinds and styles. Plan to spend the day going from one to another.

The NC Zoo in Asheboro is also nice.

http://www.nczoo.org/

I would absolutely plan on stopping and staying in Lake Lure, NC! Very small, quaint mountain town that is absolutely beautiful and seems to have been forgotten by the droves of tourists. We stay at the beautiful Lake Lure Lodge (it is old though, if you are expecting a Hampton Inn then drive on!)...the views just can't be beat. You can spend a day hiking around Chimney Rock, spend the night at the hotel and then get up and go the next morning to Asheville.

Great suggestions, very appreciated.