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To paraphrase Old Crow Medicine Show, if you're heading down south to the land of the pine, make sure to stop in North Caroline. Of course, they're talking about North Carolina, a state that stretches from the Smokey Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean. North Carolina offers a diverse menu of attractions. Some are typical of what you would expect of any tourist destination. Others are downright unique. If you're looking for an out of the ordinary experience, here are three examples of what the Tar Heel State has to offer.

Raleigh

Trees, trees and PhDs is the Capital City's motto. That should give you a hint of what you will find in Raleigh, North Carolina. The city boasts over 150 parks, gardens and lakes. Because of the number of museums and educational institutions, Raleigh is also known as the Smithsonian of the South. However, its off-beat events and attractions are not often found on traditional travel websites. Take for example, the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge, which is held in January or February. This charity event benefits the North Carolina Children's Hospital. To complete this race participants begin at the NC State Belltower on Hillsborough Street, run two miles to the Krispy Kreme store of Raleigh, eat one dozen doughnuts and run back to the Belltower. You must complete the event in under an hour. For information, visit http://www.krispykremechalleng e.com/about.html

If you prefer sweet scenery to sweet doughnuts, pay a visit to Lake Lynn in North Raleigh. The lake is home to generations of native ducks and geese. However, most of the geese are multi-colored, and look nothing like the geese you've seen in other places. May is hatching season, so if you have an affinity for cute baby birds, this is the tine to visit. Fishing is permitted. Since this is a residential area, Lake Lynn is not often discussed on tourist websites. As such, despite the number of dog-walkers, hikers and joggers, the trail is relatively uncrowded. It's a place where animals and humans can exist in perfect harmony with nature. According to visitor Max O'Well, "Saint Francis would love this place." The 2.2 mile trail has a few hills, so bring comfortable walking shoes.

Fiddler's Grove Festival

The Fiddler's Grove Ole Time Fiddler's and Bluegrass Event combines a music festival with a camping experience. It takes place at the Fiddler's Grove Campground, which is located in Union Grove, North Carolina. The authentic, three-day event was chosen as a local legacy by the Library of Congress Bicentennial Celebration 2000. For families who are new to camping, this is a "camping light" experience. There are plenty of public restrooms and food stands. In fact, if you've never tasted authentic southern grits and black-eyed peas, this is the place to try them. For information, visit http://www.fiddlersgrove.com/

T he Asheville Film Fest

Forget Cannes. Cinephiles can now experience an authentic film festival in the beautiful mountain town of Asheville, North Carolina. According to film director Ron Howard, "Not only is this good for Asheville, but festivals like this are changing and evolving this whole medium. You folks are on to something here." Now in its sixth year, the Asheville Film Festival features four days of movies and events, which include feature films, documentaries, short films, the latest movies by famous directors, receptions. For those with contrarian tastes, the Asheville Rejects Film Festival runs simultaneously, and features the films that were rejected by the official festival. For more information, visit http://www.ashevillefilmfestiv al.com/

Learn more about this author, Lisa Marie Mercer.
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