Holiday Spirit Top Ten

Looking to get into the holiday spirit? Well, here is my top ten Tar Heel travel destinations. You will see some snow. You will also find a warm place by the hearth. You will smell fragrant foods cooking in the kitchen. You will hear the lingering laughter of new friends. You will go back to a simpler time across the Tar Heel landscape. You will tour the countryside but also the heart of the city.

1. Raleigh's Historic Oakwood: romantic Victorian neighborhood.

2. Tryon Palace: beautiful colonial era decorations.

3. Sparta: Christmas trees galore.

4. Pinehurst: charming village with thousands of twinkling lights.

5. Blowing Rock: gorgeous stone architecture takes on special Christmas glow.

6. Manteo: Shallowbag Bay comes alive with holiday lights.

7. Edenton: historic waterfront town is stunningly beautiful

8. Asheville: Biltmore House and Grove Park Inn.

9. Old Salem: Sacred simplicity of Moravians is beautifully preserved.

10. Morganton: Christmas Eve service at Grace Episcopal Church