FAM Tours
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Pre-FAM Tours
Buyer Pre-FAM Tour 1: Blast From the Past
January 24-26, 2018
Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and their neighboring towns boast a rich history and spirit of innovation. Here, you’ll visit one-of-a-kind landmarks, like the world’s largest chest of drawers, which resides in High Point, a town dubbed the “Furniture Capital of the World” in honor of its storied furnituremaking legacy. Learn about Winston-Salem’s evolution from a tobacco and textile hub with a traditional Moravian culture to the bustling city it is today. Explore early American history in the unique Moravian settlement of Old Salem. In Greensboro, tour the International Civil Rights Center &
Museum, which is housed in what was once the F.W. Woolworth Building—the site of the 1960 Woolworth lunch counter sit-in that served as a catalyst in the civil rights movement. Take a stroll down memory lane in the quaint town of Mount Airy, whose charm inspired the fictitious Mayberry setting for the beloved 1960s sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show.” Jam at the historic Earle Theatre in Downtown Mount Airy and sample Mayberry spirits brought to life by copper stills. Finally, meander down to the Yadkin Valley to see how the area has transformed the fertile fields it once relied on for tobacco into more than 30 lush vineyards, each with its own character and story to tell. This tour will leave you looking back on it with a deep sense of nostalgia.
Buyer Pre-FAM Tour 2: Mountain Views and Brews
January 24-26, 2018
Celebrate North Carolina’s mountain heritage. Discover the creative spirit of an area filled with art galleries, craft brews, music and natural attractions. Nestled in these mountains are priceless gems like Chimney Rock State Park; the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, built by George Vanderbilt; and the Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina’s state theater. You’ll find yourself captivated by Lake Lure’s tranquil allure and immersed in Asheville’s unique mountain vibe; there’s always something unexpected around every bend. You’ll discover the lovable town of Waynesville, which is set in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, and explore Main Street in the charming town of Hendersonville. All of your senses will be provoked on this whirlwind tour. Breathe in the fresh mountain air. Take in the spectacular Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain vistas. Delight your taste buds with local ciders, beers and moonshine. Enjoy special performances in one-of-a-kind mountain venues. And see where celebrities, dignitaries, writers and photographers have found inspiration. Perhaps you’ll even find some of your own. This itinerary will allow you to see another side of the rugged beauty of the mountains and foothills of North Carolina.
Buyer Pre-FAM Tour 3: Safe Harbors
January 24-26, 2018
It’s hard not to feel welcome in these harbors of hospitality. Travel through military history, taking the time to reflect on the past while enjoying the present. On this tour, your first stop will be the port city of Wilmington. Explore the historic River District, board the Battleship North Carolina, visit the Cape Fear Serpentarium to see some of the world’s rarest species of reptiles, and then grab a cold brew and relax for the night. The following day you will make your way to New Bern. Stopping along the way in Jacksonville, where several memorials were established to honor those who served. The patriot spirit and feeling of freedom is palpable to all those who visit. After your moving visit to Jacksonville you will continue to New Bern. The first capital of North Carolina, New Bern is also the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, and home to the best-selling author Nicholas Sparks. Spellbound by its charm the group will overnight here. The final stop on your journey takes you to Fayetteville, which boasts Fort Bragg, historic buildings, cobblestone sidewalks, beautiful botanical gardens, an adventure trail and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. Fayetteville will surely give you something to write home about.
Buyer Pre-FAM Tour 4: Shiny, Tasty and New
January 24-26, 2018
The Outer Banks of North Carolina and Norfolk, Virginia, have teamed up to showcase all things shiny, tasty and new! Attendees of this tour will fly into the Norfolk International Airport. Our tour kicks off with lunch and retail therapy at the brand new Norfolk Premium Outlets, which feature 90 designer and name-brand stores. Observe works of glass art being made right before your eyes at the Chrysler Museum of Art Glass Studio, the only one of its kind in the entire Mid-Atlantic region. Who doesn’t like ice cream? We’ll get a taste at Doumar’s, home of the first waffle cone in the nation. Afterward, we will complete our evening at the new and revitalized Waterside District for dining and evening entertainment. Our next day takes us down to the Outer Banks (also known as the OBX), home to three national parks, free beaches and new offerings for group adventures. We’ll see the newly renovated North Carolina Aquarium and Sea Turtle Assistance and Rehabilitation Center on Roanoke Island. Nothing is better than sipping on a rumfilled, chilled cocktail on an island paradise, so we will taste and tour our way through Outer Banks Distilling, which specializes in small-batch rums. A lot of people go crazy over sea glass, especially when you find it shining in the surf. Learn from a local specialist why OBX sea glass is so special. Ever wonder just how narrow our islands are? Cap off your visit with an air tour down to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, winding up at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, where flight began.
Post-FAM Tours
Buyer Post-FAM Tour 1: Southern Sampler
January 31 - February 2, 2018
The heart of North Carolina is also its geographical center. Here, you’ll experience some of the things for which the Tar Heel State is best known: delicious barbecue, gorgeous wineries, talented artisans and the thrill of NASCAR. You’ll feel the excitement of racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway, discover the beauty of historic Downtown Concord and visit an aquarium that’s tucked inside a mall! And that’s just the first half of day one. You’re in for a real treat next. We’ll tour the quaint town of Lexington, the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” Along the way, we’ll stop at shops like The Candy Factory—an old-time candy store filled with sweet noshes and nostalgia, the Conrad & Hinkle Food Market—a community market known for its mouthwatering pimento cheese, and Lanier Hardware—a family-owned hardware store that opened in 1942. You’ll spend the evening enjoying barbecue, local performances and craft brews. The next day, we’ll hit the road for more racing fun. We’ll tour the museum of NASCAR owner Richard Childress and visit his winery, Childress Vineyards. Things are going to get wild as we head to the North Carolina Zoo for our next stop. The world’s largest walk-through, natural habitat zoo, it’s home to more than 1,600 animals, including elephants, zebras, giraffes, gorillas, otters, seals and puffins. While dining at the North Carolina Zoo, visit with a local potter from Seagrove as he or she creates one-of-a-kind artwork right before your eyes. You’ll learn about the longstanding pottery traditions of this unique community. World-famous barbecue, fast cars, inspiring artistic heritage and awardwinning wines—it’s all here in the heart of North Carolina. Every mile of the journey will be a memory, and along the way, you’ll fall in love with American originals, signature tastes and North Carolina tradition.
Buyer Post-FAM Tour 2: The Vibrant Triangle - Triple the Fun
January 31 - February 2, 2018
A blossoming Southern metropolis awaits. Immerse yourself in the dynamic Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Triangle region of North Carolina. Uncover cultural and culinary delights while enriching the senses at world-class museums and indulging in some great shopping! Our first stop is Alamance County. Located comfortably between the mountains and the coast, it offers a rich history, exciting cultural attractions and a vast variety of shopping right off of Interstate 40. Next, we’ll make our way to the multicultural town of Chapel Hill, where we’ll tour the campus of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and learn about its rich history as the nation’s first public university. This is more than just another campus tour. An enthusiastic and knowledgeable guide will take you on a “Welcome to Carolina Tour,” giving you an introduction to The University of North Carolina’s history, legends and traditions. Following our visit to Chapel Hill, we’ll travel west to Durham. Nicknamed the “Bull City,” Durham is overflowing with exciting things to see and do. Its culture boasts a unique blend of history, pioneering achievements and diversity. You’ll experience awardwinning performing and visual arts, stimulating nightlife, historic sites, breathtaking farm tours and so much more. Our final stop is in North Carolina’s capital city of Raleigh. This Southern stronghold is a thriving community shaped by the passionate minds of its residents. It’s home to several attractions, including three major state museums of art, history and natural science, plus nearly 30 breweries and four distilleries. Beyond that, music venues, festivals, sporting events and more than 9,000 acres of park land offer recreational activities year-round. Your time in the triangle will leave you feeling enriched and energized.