North Carolina 2006 Travel and Golf Guides Now Available

(PRLEAP.COM) The Official 2006 North Carolina Travel Guide and the 2006 North Carolina Golf Guide are now available free of charge to those planning a visit to North Carolina.

Through January 31, visitors who request the guides online at VisitNC.com can be automatically entered to win an Outer Banks getaway. The North Carolina Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development has partnered with members of the Outer Banks travel industry to assemble a travel package that includes everything from hang gliding lessons to a round of golf to massages for two. Visitors can enter at http://www.visitnc.com/sweeps_ob.asp.

Filled with information on almost 4,000 accommodations and over 6,500 attractions and things to do, the Official 2006 North Carolina Travel Guide covers the state and its three geographic regions: Mountains, Piedmont and Coast. The cover features the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. The 192-page Travel Guide also highlights the growing number of North Carolina wineries and vineyards.

“The Travel and Golf Guides are essential tools for travelers planning their visit to North Carolina,” said Lynn Minges, executive director of the N.C. Commerce Department’s Division of Tourism, Film and Sports Development. “Besides offering information on accommodations and attractions across the state, the Travel Guide features such prestigious events as the tall ships festivities in Beaufort this summer, the opening of the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte and the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit in Charlotte in the spring, and the re-opening of the N.C. Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores following a major renovation. Visitors can find additional information on a variety of topics, from the burgeoning nightlife in Raleigh’s Glenwood South and downtown Durham to special tips on photographing Whitewater Falls near Sapphire and other waterfalls across the mountains.”

The 56-page Official 2006 North Carolina Golf Guide includes listings for over 400 golf courses the public can play. The cover features a sunset-on-the-sound photograph of the Nags Head Golf Links. Included is the “Dream 18,” one golfer’s perspective of some of North Carolina’s most challenging and memorable holes. Each region has a section spotlighting new courses and highlighting the “golden oldies.”

Travel guides and golf guides are distributed via the state’s nine Welcome Centers, sent to callers of 1-800-VISIT-NC, ordered online at VisitNC.com, and given out at domestic and international travel and golf shows.

Natural scenic beauty, adventure and relaxation, a dining experience for every taste, rich history and warm Southern hospitality come together in North Carolina. Call 1-800-VISIT NC or go to VisitNC.com to plan your next getaway.