Panelists: North Carolina Tourism Poised to Thrive During Nation's 250th Anniversary Commemoration

(Raleigh, N.C.) — From battlegrounds to backroads, North Carolina’s landscapes brim with stories of America and stand ready to delight visitors, according to a panel discussion among historians and tourism experts last night at Raleigh’s Nature Research Center. Alongside a special screening of Travels with Darley: North Carolina Revolutionary Road Trip at the Nature Research Center, award-winning host and executive producer Darley Newman, American Battlefield Trust president David Duncan, historian Troy Kickler, Jason Luker of the Charlotte Museum of History, Frank McMahon of Historic Halifax State Historic Site and André Nabors of Visit North Carolina gathered to delve into the state’s many tourism treasures.  

“Rich with history, blessed with incredible natural beauty and home to incredible cuisine and culture, North Carolina has something for everyone,” said Nabors. “As so many different sites and communities mark the nation’s 250th anniversary with outstanding special programming, the next few years are an ideal opportunity for travelers and families to explore all that the Tar Heel state has to offer.”   

The 11th season of Travels with Darley, a PBS and Amazon Prime series, debuted “Revolutionary Road Trip” content, showcasing locales central to the story of America’s fight for independence. South Carolina’s Liberty Trail, New Jersey’s “Ten Crucial Days” and Saratoga’s Revolutionary battlefields have also been featured. 

In the new episode, Newman traces North Carolina’s historical journey from the Regulator Movement and the Battle of Alamance to the decisive clashes at Guilford Courthouse and onward to Civil War sites, like the Bentonville Battlefield. Along the way, she uncovers presidential connections, famous movie stars and samples regional cuisines at Broadslab Distillery and The Redneck BBQ Lab. You can find information on the many ways to watch this and other episodes through the Travels with Darley website.  

The special event was hosted by the American Battlefield Trust and Travels with Darley, with assistance from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, America 250 NC, the North Carolina General Assembly Semiquincentennial Committee and Visit NC. 

The American Battlefield Trust is dedicated to preserving America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educating the public about what happened there and why it matters today. The nonprofit, nonpartisan organization has protected nearly 60,000 acres associated with the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War across 160 sites in 25 states — including nearly 2,900 acres across North Carolina. Learn more at www.battlefields.org. 

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