The Quirky Traveler

Are you doing anything unusual for vacation this summer? It’s easy to get into a rut. I’ve been thinking about some quirky vacation ideas. Here goes.

Let’s begin with the National Hollerin’ Contest at Spivey’s Corner. The competition has been raging for 40 years and the latest action resumes June 21st. Talk about culturally unique! This down home event may take the cake.

Avoid the body bake on the beach and go kayaking the next time you head to the Outer Banks. Check out the water in the maritime forests north of Kitty Hawk. It is a wonderful relaxing adventure.

Lucama is loaded with quirky things. Check out Vollis Simpson’s incredible collection of whirligigs. When the wind blows you will be treated to a colorful cacophony of country art and ingenuity.

The mountains are a cool magnet this time of year. Let’s plan a trip to see all of the Blue Ridge Frescoes. The large luminous wall paintings by Ben Long can be found at churches in Glendale Springs and W. Jefferson and also in a Montreat chapel as well as Morganton, Crossnore and Wilkesboro.

While out west I think I’ll revisit NC’s only cheese factory at W. Jefferson. They have a saying there: “A dinner without cheese is like a kiss without a squeeze.” I like that.

I also want to check out the fabulous new outdoor drama at Crossnore near Morganton. “Miracle on the Mountain” chronicles the courageous story of Eustace and Mary Sloop who rescued children from poverty by building a boarding school, hospital and dental clinic.  The show dates are July 22-27.