Popup Explorer (www.popupexplorer.com) is one of the premier websites where popup owners e-mingle and share helps and hints about popup camping. Specialized forums are devoted to Camping Hobbies, Camping with Kids, Camper Mods, Camper Repairs, Product Reviews, Towing, Receipes, Freebees and more. If you visit, be sure to browse the PUX Trading Post.

Hybrid Explorer (www.hybridexplorer.com) is a sister-site which focuses on Hybrid Travel Trailer information.

North Carolina Museum of Art, Raleigh

North Carolina Museum of Life and Science, Durham

Located on Fayetteville Street in the heart of downtown Raleigh are 2 museums. They are both "must-see" for North Carolina citizens and anyone traveling near Raleigh.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has a number of landmark signature exhibts. The 2-story, half-block long "Coastal Carolina" exhibit on the first floor is a starting point from most visits. On the ceiling above are suspended skeletons of whales. The "Mountains to the Sea" exhibit is the highlight on the second floor, showing the wildlife and habitats found across North Carolina. On the third floor is the "Terror of the South" exhibit, which reenacts a dinosaur battle. The "Naturalist Center" on the fourth floor gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal with butterflies. Several traveling exhibits are regularly featured. Check their website often for the current and coming exhibits.

The Deck House in Carolina Beach is one of the best in fine dining on Pleasure Island. The restaurant is in one of the island's historic buildings, having been a church at one time.

Visit NC is a web site with information about tourist attactions in North Carolina.

North Carolina Aquariums are located at Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher. Being reasonably priced and highly educational, the Aquariums are a must-see attraction for every Carolina family and tourists on the Carolina coast.

Plan to spend a minimum of 2 hours at the Aquarium, and to enjoy some refreshment at the Snack Bar at the end of your tour.

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area provides a glimpse into Civil War history as well as the opportunity for a great day at the beach.

The Fort was the site of the last major Naval battle as well as one of the largest. Fort Fisher guarded the port of Wilmington, the last port open to the Confederacy. Within 3 months of the fall of Fort Fisher, the Civil War ended. During WWII, an air strip was built at Fort Fisher and bunkers were constructed. Today, the Fort Fisher's earthworks have been protected. A Visitor Center helps to interpret the history, and a short walking tour of the grounds gives visitors a chance to imagine the battle that took place there. A hiking trail leads to the WWII bunker, but be prepared to do battle with the mosquitos.

The Recreation Area is also one of the finest beaches on the East Coast. The pristine beauty is unspoiled by heavy development. A paved parking area often fills in the afternoons, but those who do get parking will enjoy a lifeguarded beach, bathhouse with showers, and a snack bar.

A portion of the beach is open to 4-wheel drive vehicles. This allows access to some excellent fishing in the North Carolina surf. Bring PLENTY of sunscreen!

Near to Fort Fisher is the NC Aquarium, another must-see attraction.

The slogan for the Kure Beach Fishing Pier is a reminder of the changing fortunes of fishing, and the benefits of fishing often. The Pier is a fun way to spend a day at the beach and to fill a cooler with fish for the freezer. Bait and tackle can be purchased at the Pier, as well as snacks and gifts.

Check their website for more information, fishing reports and a gallery of great catches.