Mental health incorporates a person's social, psychological and emotional well-being and affects how we think, feel and act. Therefore, it is an important aspect in a person's life that should always be well maintained and taken care of. Lucky for you, traveling is very beneficial to our mental health by enhancing creativity, relieving stress, boosting happiness and strengthening relationships. This article is part two of a series that will introduce multiple places you must visit and activities to do there with friends and family.
5. Asheboro
(Pictured: North Carolina Zoo)
Home to the North Carolina Zoo, you must visit Asheboro to enjoy a day learning about over 250 different species of animals representing Africa and North America. Not only can you view the animals and learn about them, but you can also interact with some, such as feeding the giraffes or getting up close and personal with different types of birds in the Forest Aviary. Another attraction in Asheboro is the North Carolina Aviation Museum and North Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame, which displays an extensive collection of aircraft models, uniforms and memorabilia.
6. Pisgah National Forest
(Pictured: Sliding Rock)
If your idea of fun is sliding down a 60-foot-long gently sloped rock to a large 8-foot pool of water, then this is the right place for you. With only a $2 admission fee, you can take the short hike to this natural water slide, which is located in Pisgah National Forest and is close by Brevard and Asheville, NC. However, especially during the summer months, this place can get crowded and the line to slide can be long, but you can always observe from the rocks or any of the two observation decks. Overall, this is the place to be to have some fun and cool off from the hot summer heat.
7. Mooresville
(Pictured: Lazy 5 Ranch)
Mooresville, which is located just outside of Charlotte, has a lot to offer. My favorite attraction is its Lazy 5 Ranch, which people of all ages can enjoy. It is a park home to over 750 animals from six different continents. These animals can be viewed from the comfort of your own vehicle on a three-and -a-half mile trail around the park, or in a horse drawn wagon ride tour. If you buy animal feed, there is no doubt that you will get up and personal with the sweet and harmless creatures. Talking about animals, Carrigan Farms is another attraction with multiple activities such as hayrides, swimming in the quarry and, depending on the season, strawberry, apple or pumpkin picking.
9. Raleigh
(Pictured: Dorothea Dix Hospital)
Last, but definitely not least, when thinking of the perfect place to do a day trip, I think of Raleigh, because it has everything you could imagine. To start off, it has multiple museums to visit, such as the North Carolina Museum of Science, the NC Museum of History and the NC Museum of Art. Raleigh is also a great place to not only learn, but also SHOP. Out of all the places to do some retail therapy (Crabtree Valley Mall, North Hills, Lafayette Village), Cameron Village is my favorite with many stores, boutiques and restaurants to choose from. However, if you prefer to enjoy nature, there is something for you, too! Lake Johnson has multiple trails, opportunities for fishing and boat rentals for as cheap as $4 per hour. Although, my favorite place in Raleigh is the Dorothea Dix Hospital, where you can find a beautiful view of the Raleigh skyline. The now closed psychiatric hospital has plans on becoming a city park in the near future.
