Most Unusual Architecture: Korner’s Folly was designed as a showroom for a local architect and has ceilings of differing heights, trap doors, pivoting windows, and secret hiding places.

Best Place to Step Back in Time: The Moravian settlement of Old Salem was first occupied in 1766. Several of the original buildings have been preserved and act as a living-history museum.

Tastiest Sweets in North Carolina: At Winkler Bakery, sugar cakes and sweet breads are still made using the same techniques the Moravians used in the 1800s.

Most Picturesque Place for a Sunday Drive: There is a reason that the 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway is called “America’s favorite drive”: The scenery between the Shenandoah Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains is among the most beautiful in the nation.

Best Place to Find Fine Art: Celebrated North Carolina artist Bob Timberlake has assembled a collection of prints, lithographs, and original works depicting life in North Carolina at the Bob Timberlake Gallery.

Best Place to Find Cookware and Kitsch: The Mast General Store was founded in 1883 and still acts as a supermarket, hardware store, clothing shop, and community gathering spot for locals. The historic store carries everything from cookware and cookie mix to bolts and rocking chairs.

Prettiest Inn: There is nothing ragged about the Inn at Ragged Gardens, which is a former summer home built in the 1900s.

Best Place to Board a Battleship: Heralded for its successes in World War II battles, the 45,000-ton warship, Battleship North Carolina, now serves as a museum and a tribute to the North Carolina soldiers who died during the war.

Best Place to Spot a Celebrity: More than 350 movies and TV shows have been shot on the studio lot at EUE Screen Gems Studios, making it the biggest production facility outside of California. Look for celebrities while you’re on the studio tour.