From outdoor recreation and unique lodging to arts and culture and fine dining, the charming small towns and vibrant urban locations of North Carolina offer something for everyone. Explore the 300 miles of pristine coastline at VisitNC.com or call 1-800 VISIT NC (847-4862).

Pirate Exhibit Features Blackbeard’s Skull
North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh holds what is reputed to be Blackbeard’s skull as part of its new Knights of the Black Flag exhibit running until Jan. 3, 2010. www.ncmuseumofhistory.org

Live the Movies in the Outer Banks
Relive the romance of the recent major motion picture “Nights in Rodanthe” starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane, based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks. Shot on location in the Hatteras Island village of Rodanthe. www.outerbanks.org

North Carolina Birding Trail
North Carolina has 460 of the 900 to 1,000 species of birds found across the country and 93 species of special concern. www.ncbirdingtrail.org

See Ya There!
Life’s too short. Get out and go somewhere!