Boone recently landed among the top five cities in the nation on Nielsen’s annual Restaurant Growth Index. According to the company, the Restaurant Growth Index, or RGI, “charts restaurant openings and sales to identify the nation’s hottest markets.” Boone landed at No. 4 on the list, behind Ocean Pines, Md., Findlay, Ohio, and Liberal, Kan. [...]

Ghost Town in the Sky amusement park in Maggie Valley is scheduled to open this year, kicking off its 2013 season Memorial Day weekend, thanks to the grit, passionate and determination of its new owner and longtime champion Alaska Pressley, who has slogged ahead with her dream despite hoops and hurdles. Ghost Town had a [...]

For the week of May 16 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Weekend, Relax with river cruise aboard the Catawba Queen off Queen’s Landing in Mooresville. Enjoy a stay at the Tapoco Lodge in Robbinsville. Take in a performance by the Carolina Ballet in Raleigh. Challenge your green thumb with Seagrove Orchids in Seagrove. And discover the [...]

Amtrak’s Piedmont train service was number one in the nation in growth within the Amtrak system during fiscal year 2012. According to Amtrak reports, March 2013 saw a 10.3 percent increase in Piedmont ridership over March 2012, and a 21.7 percent increase in revenue over same period. The Carolinian, which saw a suspension of service [...]

The 2012 North Carolina Visitor Profile, which includes a wealth of demographic and spending data, is now available on the Tourism Division’s website at no cost. The research provides critical data that help to guide the Division’s marketing decisions. For example, in 2012, 80 percent of all domestic visitors came to North Carolina for pleasure [...]

For the week of May 9 on UNC-TV’s North Carolina Weekend, step back in time while still enjoying the artwork at the Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem. Soar through the trees at ZipQuest in Fayetteville. Learn more about N.C. wines and food and get help finding the perfect selections at UnWined in [...]