North Carolina Roadside Attraction Nominated As One Of America’s 10 Best
With summer road trip season upon us, USA Today is helping to make the many miles in the car more entertaining by finding some of the most interesting and unusual…
Who doesn’t love a good roadside attraction? (Photo by Zoran Zeremski/iStock via Getty Images)
Photo by Zoran Zeremski/iStock via Getty ImagesWith summer road trip season upon us, USA Today is helping to make the many miles in the car more entertaining by finding some of the most interesting and unusual roadside attractions across America. They have a list of nominees for the best in the U.S. and you can vote for your favorite.
Among the nominees you can vote for is Lucy the Elephant along the Jersey Shore in the town of Margate. That one is a classic that I saw many times when I was growing up in the Philadelphia area. There’s also a towering Dalmation fire hydrant in Texas, the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Louisiana, the Cabazon Dinosaurs in California, Carhenge in Nebraska, and even one in North Carolina.
This Roadside Attraction Really Cooks!
Have you ever seen the World's Largest Frying Pan? I know, why is there even such a thing... but it is pretty cool! It's located in Rose Hill, North Carolina, which is just off I-40 in Duplin County about 45 miles north of Wilmington. The oversized kitchen implement is 15 feet in diameter and weighs 2 tons. Who's cooking with something THAT big!? The frying pan was placed in Rose Hill's town square to honor the local poultry industry. In fact, it's actually used to fry 365 chickens during the annual North Carolina Poultry Jubilee. It takes 200 gallons of cooking oil to get it done. Can you even imagine what that looks like?
You can vote for the best roadside attraction once a day through May 6th. The top 10 winners will be announced on May 15th. By the way, if you stop by to see the World's Largest Frying Pan on your way to the beach this summer, you can also visit the famous Duplin Winery in Rose Hill. Road trip! Take a look at the YouTube video below where you can see what this massive frying pan looks like! Tell us what you think or if you have ever seen it in person yourself!
https://youtu.be/uI0gJKoDJZA?si=RSoH_GGSLOdMoHGM
The 5 Closest Theme Parks To Charlotte North Carolina For The Best Spring Break
Spring Break is just around the corner and you may be looking for something to do to keep the kids occupied. And what kid (and adult) doesn't love a good theme park outing? And despite what you may think you don't have to go all the way to Florida to have experience the fun. Instead, you should check out one of the 5 closest theme parks to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The 5 Closest Theme Parks To Charlotte North Carolina
Listen if you have the time and money I will not talk you out of visiting the Florida parks. I spent New Year's visiting several of the major ones and had a blast. But they are expensive and crowded, especially during times when kids are out of school. So instead, why not plan a visit that's a little closer and perhaps not wall-to-wall crowded?
The 5 closest theme parks to Charlotte of course include one that's local. But also theme parks in the neighboring states of Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. Some even have on-site hotels and all are in places that offer more fun than just the theme parks so they will make great destinations to spend a weekend or even the entirety of spring break.
Theme parks also have so much more to offer than just rides. Of course, there are always the roller coasters (and each of these parks has some world-renowned coasters) and kid's rides. Many have waterparks as well. But the 5 closest theme parks to Charlotte also offer a wide array of entertainment, food, and even shopping.
Each of these comes personally recommended by myself (2 of 5) or a trusted friend (2 of 5). All are within a 5.5-hour drive from the city center of Charlotte North Carolina. So give this list a look and have a spring break all your kid's friends will be jealous of!
Carowinds
If you've spent any time in the Carolinas you know our theme park is the closest. Located right on the border (seriously it's in both states) of North and South Carolina is Carowinds. It features both a theme park and waterpark, home to more than 60 rides and attractions from the kid-friendly area of Camp Snoopy to the biggest thrills on Fury 325 and other coasters.
Dollywood
Located in Pigeon Forge Tennesee in the Smoky Mountains is Dolly Parton's Dollywood. It's about a 4-hour drive from Charlotte but whether you decide to spend all your time in the theme park or take in more of what the city has to offer it will be worth the drive! Dollywood offers more than 50 rides, along with entertainment, and award-winning dining. There is also a waterpark and two on-site hotels.
Six Flags Over Georgia
It's about 4 hours from Charlotte to Atlanta where you'll find Six Flags Over Georgia. Six Flags is home to some incredible coasters including the new in 2024 Georgia Surfer. In addition to rides for adults and kids alike, you'll find dining, shopping, entertainment, and more.
Kings Dominion
It's about a four hour and forty-minute drive from Charlotte to Doswell Virginia the home of Kings Dominion. Doswell is just north of Richmond off of I-95. You'll notice some similarities between Kings Dominion and Carowinds as they are sister parks. You'll find 60 rides, shows, attractions, a kids area, and a waterpark.
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
The farthest destination on this list, but still one worth visiting, is Busch Gardens Williamsburg. This part of Virginia is about 5.5 hours from Charlotte. Enjoy world-class coasters, kid play areas, leisure rides, and more.
