A refurbished cotton mill on the Haw River in Saxapahaw.
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The Heart of North Carolina |
Each of the North Carolina cities that constitute “the Triangle”—Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill—is charming enough to warrant a dedicated visit. Add them together and they’re an impossibly vibrant destination, made even more compelling by nearby locales like Saxapahaw, a picturesque hamlet west of Chapel Hill. “For two decades now, a collection of rural visionaries and dedicated craftspeople have made the tiny river village and its once-abandoned mill a cultural magnet,” writes G&G contributor Logan Ward. Read his ode to the small-but-mighty community below, and keep scrolling for ways to explore the Triangle’s big three.
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STORIES TO INSPIRE WANDERLUST
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Newcomers and Classics
Fuel Durham’s Food Scene |
A Guide to Chapel Hill—
Beyond the UNC Campus |
Entrepreneur Tonya Council Shares Her
Favorite Spots Around Raleigh |
How a Historic Manor Home
Became a Soulful Center of Hospitality |
A Dream Realized at a New Durham Gallery |
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NEW SMYRNA BEACH, FLORIDA
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AN OFF-SEASON TO SAVOR: Who says beach vacations are better in summer? In New Smyrna Beach, Florida, the arrival of autumn heralds a quieter season with fewer crowds, showcasing the area’s laidback appeal. It’s the best time of year to appreciate the city’s seventeen-mile stretch of sandy white shores, with stylish accommodations just steps from your beach chair. Take a break from the sun by exploring museums and galleries in what’s been named one of the best small art towns in America. Or commune with nature on a guided kayak tour, sunset dolphin tour, or boardwalk stroll into the marsh at Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve. Plan your New Smyrna Beach getaway.
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ELSEWHERE AROUND THE SOUTH |
Seven Southern Hotels
for Midcentury Design Lovers |
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Ocala, Florida. First, it was a friend, Shannon, who moved to Ocala. Then I heard John Travolta owned an estate there. With two familiar (at least to me) names taking residence in the Central Florida town filled with live oak trees and Spanish moss, I had to check it out. It was a four-hour drive from my South Florida home, made only more pleasant as I crossed county lines and took in the sprawling green acreage and rolling hills dotted with Thoroughbred and warmblood horses. For those who want a taste of Ocala’s peaceful lifestyle, here are a few tips:
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Horse around: As the “horse capital of the world” (the county’s tagline), Ocala’s overnight options include the World Equestrian Center–Ocala, where I stayed. The luxurious hotel boasts Olympic-quality arenas and free-to-attend Grand Prix competitions. Non-equestrian folks (like me) will find plenty of on-property attractions to delight in, including a confectionary and a toy store that rivals FAO Schwarz.
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Cool off: A trip to Ocala is not complete without a dip in its world-famous natural springs. Well, a full-body swim in my case because it can get hot. Shaded by towering cypress trees, Silver Springs is perhaps the best known and even has a glass-boat tour that has operated since 1878. For the more adventurous spring-goers (not me), the nearby Paradise Springs offers the same cooling effect but with underwater caves that lure scuba divers.
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Taste the local juice: I’ll fight anyone who disagrees that Florida oranges are the best-tasting citrus on the planet. My belief was only furthered during a detour at the Orange Shop, a family-owned operation located off a main highway on my way home. I sipped—er, devoured—sweet, freshly squeezed OJ along with orange marmalade before entertaining the idea of buying a logo shirt to commemorate this stop (I did).
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MORE TRAVEL STORIES FROM G&G |
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