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From aviation and maritime legends to stunning wildlife and scenic views, the breathtaking Outer Banks of North Carolina offer the perfect blend of discovery and coastal charm. Explore the birthplace of flight at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, uncover thrilling tales of shipwrecks and sea rescues along the “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and view iconic lighthouses on this spring coastal adventure.

Day 1 – Mount Airy, NC – Today we enjoy a scenic drive through West Virginia and North Carolina to our first overnight in Mount Airy. Mount Airy, NC, was the childhood hometown of Andy Griffith and the real-life inspiration for Mayberry in “The Andy Griffith Show.” 

Day 2 – Andy Griffith Museum – Burlington, NC – After an included breakfast, we visit the Andy Griffith Museum. Learn about his life and legacy and view the world’s largest collection of memorabilia from “The Andy Griffith Show.” Afterwards, we’ll explore some of the iconic spots from the TV show such as Wally’s Service Station, Mayberry Jail, Mayberry Courthouse, and Floyd’s Barber Shop. This afternoon, we’ll enjoy lunch on our own and shopping in downtown “Mayberry.” Stroll the charming downtown streets and maybe eat at the legendary Snappy Lunch Diner where Andy ate as a boy. We overnight in Burlington. 

Day 3 – Wright Brothers National Memorial – Kitty Hawk, NC – After an included breakfast, we travel to the town of Kitty Hawk. It was here on December 17, 1903, that the Wright Brothers made the first powered airplane flight. We will visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial and stand where aviation history took off, exploring fascinating exhibits and feeling the spirit of innovation that changed the world. Dinner is included this evening. We overnight three nights in Kitty Hawk. 

Day 4 – Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station – Cape Hatteras Lighthouse – Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum – Bodie Island Lighthouse – After an included breakfast, we visit the historic Chicamacomico Life-Saving Station. Here we’ll learn about the brave stories of the Coast Guard heroes who saved lives along the treacherous Outer Banks shores. Next, we make a photo stop at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest and most recognizable lighthouse in the U.S. After lunch on our own, we visit the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum to discover more about the maritime history of the Outer Banks and the thousands of shipwrecks that earned this stretch of the coastline its haunting name. Afterwards, we make a photo stop at Bodie Island Lighthouse, which played a major role in guiding ships safely through the dangerous waters known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Overnight same hotel. 

Day 5 –  Back Country Safari Horse Tour – Currituck Beach Lighthouse – Dolphin Cruise After an included breakfast, we embark on a Back Country Safari Tour in search of the legendary Corolla wild horses. Descendants of Colonial Spanish mustangs brought by the explorers over 400 years ago, the horses roam freely along the dunes of the Northern Outer Banks. Next, enjoy a scenic photo stop at  Currituck Beach Lighthouse, the last brick and mortar lighthouse built in North Carolina. After lunch on our own, we take a relaxing dolphin cruise. Set sail on a tropical-style boat and keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins dancing in the waves. Overnight same hotel. 

Day 6 – Virginia Air & Space Science Center – Virginia State Capitol – Charlottesville, VA –  After an included breakfast, we visit the Virginia Air & Space Science Center in Hampton where aviation history and space exploration come to life through thrilling exhibits and interactive displays. Next, we continue north to Richmond and take a guided tour of the Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. We overnight in Charlottesville.  

Day 7 – Home – After and included breakfast, we journey home to Kentucky with unforgettable memories of the Outer Banks.

Meals: 6B, 1D