The late 19th-century textile boom brought North Carolina from its purely agrarian origins to national prominence as a manufacturing powerhouse, and created entire mill communities, mostly across the Piedmont. Glencoe Mill Village on the outskirts of Burlington — once known as the Hosiery Capital of the Nation — is one of the few fully preserved mill communities remaining in the state. Here, you’ll find the Textile Heritage Museum. The museum’s executive director, John Guss, is passionate about preserving our state’s textile history in a time when most of the big mills have closed or moved abroad. Guss believes that it’s important that North Carolinians understand and care about our state’s industrial past.
In busy workshops and bright stores, our state’s toymakers and purveyors keep wonder alive. Dolls, trains, and games remind us: The joy of play never grows old.
Whether it’s secret Santa or the company cookie swap, sweet gatherings get everyone into the Christmas spirit.
Among dazzling lanterns, silk creatures, and twinkling lights at the North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival, one little boy leads his parents straight to the heart of the holidays.
Sparkling streets, local traditions, and the cozy charm of a city wrapped in holiday wonder — Asheville offers merriment for every age of visitor.
