Just a short drive from here
The friendliness of the people is one of the things newcomers love most about Smithfield-Selma. That and our location offer the best of both worlds. The area is only a three-hour drive to the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and a two-hour drive to the legendary Outer Banks and Atlantic Coast to the east. And there are many spots in between that make North Carolina a variety vacationland!
Outer Banks
A world-class backyard destination, there is so much to do at the Outer Banks. There are 130 miles of unspoiled beaches along the barrier islands in two national seashores. Many noteworthy events took place along these shores, including the Wright Brothers' famous first flight in Kitty Hawk, and the disappearance of the first English settlers, known as the Lost Colony. And, of course, the area is dotted with some of the most famous lighthouses in the country. At the southern end is the Crystal Coast with its family beaches and outstanding wildlife. Outer Banks Vistors Bureau, 877-629-4386. Crystal Coast Visitors Bureau, 877-206-0929.
Cape Fear Coast
The closest coastal city to the Smithfield-Selma area, less than two hours away, is Wilmington. The city has a restored waterfront district with fine shops and restaurants. Tour Orton Plantation and Gardens, explore the battleship USS North Carolina or visit one of several nearby beaches. Cape Fear Coast Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-222-4757.
Raleigh
The state’s capital is just a short drive. Raleigh is known as the "City of Museums" with the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of History with the state's Sports Hall of Fame and the new Museum of Natural History. Also you can tour Historic Oakwood, visit the largest Flea Market in the state at the State Fairgrounds, stop by the City Market or take in a concert at the Time-Warner Cable Pavilion. Greater Raleigh Convention & Visitors Bureau, 919-834-5900.
North Carolina Zoological Park
The world’s largest and finest walk-through habitat zoo is located two hours away in the rolling hills of the Uwarhee Mountains near Asheboro. Bring your curiosity and a comfortable pair of shoes to explore more than 500 acres which will allow you to see everything from Polar Bears in the icy Rocky Coast of North America to an authentic African marketplace just beyond zebras, elephants, and giraffes. The zoo features an African habitat, an aviary and a North American area. 336-879-7000.
Pinehurst
This popular resort town, just 80 miles away in North Carolina's Sandhills Region, is best known for its world-class golf courses, including the famed No. 2 course, home of a number of amateur and professional championships. Visitors can also find quaint homesteads, museums, and shops. Pinehurst Visitors Center, 800-346-5362.
The Mountains
The Appalachian Mountains are some of the oldest in the world, and they are only three hours away. Explore Linville Caverns, take a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway and visit Tweetsie Rairoad, Chimney Rock and the Biltmore House. From Asheville to Boone, the mountains provide numerous and varied activities for friends and family.
