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Experiences|Museums

Most People Don’t Even Know This Little-Known Destination In North Carolina Even Exists

Discover the Museum of the Alphabet in Waxhaw, North Carolina, which showcases the history and impact of writing systems through dynamic and interactive exhibits.

Published Jul 31, 2023

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Be transported around the world from this little-known destination in Waxhaw, North Carolina. The Museum of the Alphabet highlights alphabet makers and writing systems from their early beginnings. Dynamic displays throughout 12 rooms showcase cuneiform, tonal languages, and Native American language syllabaries. You'll also learn about music, Braille, and other writing systems; and read stories of how literacy transformed communities even in modern times. Enjoy this immersive experience today at The Alphabet Museum and the fascinating Cárdenas Building.

Established in 1991, the museum is located on the JAARS (Jungle Aviation and Relay Service) campus.

Exterior view of the Museum of the Alphabet, featuring a brick facade and a sign indicating it's open.
Daniel Schaller/Google

You'll find exciting exhibits of maps, art, sculptures, and paintings.

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By scanning a bar code on your phone, you can listen as you tour.

A wooden tree sculpture labeled "The Alphabet Tree," featuring branches and leaves with letters and words carved into them.
Erica Greene/Google

Read the timeline on this hand-made alphabet tree.

Learn about the industrious and brave Johann Gutenberg and the invention and importance of printing.

Display featuring a printing press, historical illustration of Gutenberg, and information about the invention of printing.
Erica Greene/Google

The authentic visuals garner interest.

As do the interactive activities that are so fun, you don't even realize you are learning.

A young child interacts with a wooden educational display in a room with Asian-themed decor.
The Alphabet Museum at JAARS/Facebook

Can you find the hidden treasure?

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Two children examine a display at a museum, one using a magnifying glass to read a text about historical prints.
The Alphabet Museum at JAARS/Facebook

Have you ever seen a handmade lyre?

A wooden string instrument displayed in a museum, with musical notes and educational materials in the background.
Ani uxka/Google

Here you can learn about how the earliest musical notation was written.

The Cárdenas Building features exhibits that tell the story of JAARS and the contributions of former Mexican President Lázaro Cárdenas.

Exterior of the Cardenas Mexico Museum, featuring a brick building with a tiled roof and landscaped surroundings.
Sanka Muzikant/Google

JAARS is a nonprofit organization striving to make Bible translation and language development possible, especially in the most remote and difficult places.

Discover more about this exceptional, little-known destination in North Carolina on JAARS' website. Have you already been? If so, please tell us about your experience in the comments below.

And while you're there, drive about 20 miles for some of the most delicious Hispanic food at one of these restaurants in Pineville, North Carolina.

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Experiences|Museums

There Is A Tiny European Village Hiding In The Middle Of The City In North Carolina

Reynolda Historic District in Winston-Salem offers a European village experience with historic buildings, shops, and art galleries.

Updated Jun 24, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

Reynolda Historic District in Winston-Salem is a hidden European town in North Carolina. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this charming community conveniently sits adjacent to Wake Forest University. Several buildings originally modeled after an English village were once part of the 1,067-acre estate of the R.J. Reynolds family, now holding shops, restaurants, and other businesses. As you’ll discover, setting foot in this enchanted shopping village in North Carolina quickly carries you to another world. If you ask us, this is one of the best places that feel like Europe in NC. Come see for yourself!

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Developed from 1912-1917 by Richard Joshua Reynolds and his wife, Katharine Smith Reynolds, the Reynolda Historic District was part of their sprawling country estate.

Historic building with a stone facade, multiple gables, and a grassy area in front. Black and white photo.
Reynolda Village Shops & Restaurants/Facebook

From art galleries to home furnishings and clothing boutiques, you'll find something to take home from Reynolda Village's wide array of unique shops.

Welcome sign for Reynolda Village with a map and information board, surrounded by colorful plants and a sunny pathway.
Vani Narayana/Google

The old-world feel comes from the unique use of the renovated buildings housing all of the businesses.

A pathway lined with colorful flowers leads to a building under a clear blue sky. A person walks towards the entrance.
Cynthia Villojan/Google

And for some delicious refreshments, you'll find everything, including the finest blends of coffee to sandwiches and a hearty filet mignon.

A cozy restaurant with a stone chimney, outdoor seating under orange umbrellas, surrounded by autumn foliage.
Sylvia Titgemeyer/Google

For a unique experience, which is why we're here, order a savory or sweet crepe from Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop.

Or find another way to eat in between the scenery.

A sunny courtyard with wooden picnic tables, greenery, and string lights between white buildings.
Eric Moore/Google

And daydreaming is also available in these carved-out spaces just for you.

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A serene scene featuring a waterfall cascading into a pond, surrounded by blooming yellow daffodils and lush greenery.
Reynolda Village Shops & Restaurants/Facebook

The Barn at Reynolda Village is now renovated and a popular venue for weddings and other social events.

A white building with a round tower, surrounded by greenery and under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
M&D E/Google

The 64-room Reynolda House Museum of American Art was completed in 1917 as the home of Katharine Smith and R.J. Reynolds.

A large, elegant mansion surrounded by colorful flower beds and a well-maintained lawn under a cloudy sky.
Ronnie Esquivel/Google

And we love the 34,000-square-foot+ historic home showcases more than 6,000 historic objects and a world-renowned collection of American art with great names, such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Frederic Edwin Church, Romare Bearden, Stuart Davis, John Singer Sargent, Andy Warhol, and Grant Wood.

For more about this hidden European town in North Carolina, visit the Reynolda Village website.

And while you're in Winston-Salem, consider staying over at a historic Vrbo in North Carolina, or stay somewhere old and haunted like the Brookstown Inn.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/haunted-brookstown-inn-winston-salem-n/

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Experiences|Museums

Immerse Yourself In North Carolina’s Amazing Geological History At FossilFest 2024

The North Carolina FossilFest 2024 in Aurora offers a unique celebration with fossil digging, live music, a parade, and various family-friendly activities.

Updated May 23, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

A fossil festival in North Carolina offers some unique fun in Aurora. Make plans to attend the North Carolina - FossilFest 2024 on May 25-27. This extraordinary event supports the important, nonprofit Aurora Fossil Museum which is free to the public, showcasing the rich fossil record of the state. The free festival also had some ticketed events to support the museum and the festival. Dig for fossils, learn from the science and history displays, dance to the live music, enjoy the kid's zone, eat some of the best food, and yes - cheer on the parade! Let's take a look at what's to come at this delightful celebration.

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The Jurassic Classic Bike Ride kicks off the Fossilfest at 9 a.m. on Saturday with cyclists riding through the lovely countryside.

Cyclists ride along a scenic road lined with vibrant yellow fields under a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

This annual fundraising 38-mile ride is hosted by Flythe's Bike Shop of New Bern. You can support your favorite participant, or sign up to ride on the Jurassic Classic Bike Event website.

Then watch the exciting parade on Main Street beginning at 11 a.m.

A parade scene with people in small fire trucks waving, surrounded by spectators and marching bands.
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Check out this handy schedule of the two-day event.

You'll find food vendors, face painters, and artisans selling their handmade arts and crafts - all in one place.

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North Carolina Fossil Fest

Come nose to nose, or rather nose to knee with some very cool dinosaurs.

And if you're brave, take a ride on one.

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Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

And just look at the fun they're having in the Kid's Zone at the North Carolina fossilfest!

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Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Are you brave enough for this?

And how many museums allow you to dig in the dirt?

People of all ages are digging in a gravel pit, searching for fossils in a sunny outdoor setting.
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Time flies here as you search the depths for shark teeth.

A person in a hat sifts through dirt with a wooden frame, while a child works in the background.
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

Before you leave, take a tour with an expert through the cool museum showcasing interesting and historic exhibits.

A group of people listens to a guide near a display case with large fossilized skulls in a museum setting.
Aurora Fossil Museum/Facebook

We love to see the fabulous displays inside and learn about the fascinating fossil history.

This fossil festival in North Carolina is a great way to welcome summer. Discover more on the North Carolina Fossil Fest website.

Find out about fossils in this Rockhounding for Beginners book. And for a more substantial dinner later on, take the 30-minute drive to The Silos Restaurant in Oriental which is located inside two converted grain silos.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/the-silos-restaurant-oriental-nc/

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