Staycation in the Carolinas Part 2
Rediscover your hometown this summer by checking out some of Carolinas Telco Federal Credit Union’s staff favorites surrounding the areas we serve.
Raleigh, NC
The capital city of North Carolina is known as a mecca for learning and has a variety of attractions. Home to one of our branches, there’s plenty to explore!
Things to Do
Play with Purpose at Marbles Kids Museum
This 2-story museum has 13 exhibits, one of the most interesting being the Play Around Town exhibit, which allows kids to simulate how people live, work, and play together. They can play as bakers, doctors, farmers, and more! Have smaller kids? Have children under 3? There is a Toddler’s Hollow exhibit that explores the magic of the woods and woodland critters.
Recommended by Dondra H. our Raleigh Branch Manager
Learn Lots at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The museum is free to the general public and includes the Nature Exploration Center and Nature Research Center. You can learn about state history, prehistoric life, animals of today, the deep sea, and more. We know you might spend a few hours here and get hungry, so check out the two onsite cafes for a quick bite between learning.
Recommended by Dondra H. our Raleigh Branch Manager
Shop Around at the State Farmers Market
Who doesn’t love strolling around a farmer’s market, especially one of this size with a combined 45,600 square feet of shopping? There are many options for fresh, locally grown produce, meat, cheese, and more.
Food to Try
Stop in for a Drink at Raleigh Beer Garden
Are you a beer connoisseur? Head over to Raleigh Beer Garden to check out the world’s largest selection of draft beers available in one restaurant! They also have a wide selection of food, cocktails, and wine you can enjoy on their expansive outdoor patio.
Recommended by Dondra H. our Raleigh Branch Manager
Try Recipes from Guadalajara at La Santa Modern Mexican
You will get nothing but unique and authentic Mexican food here with recipes taken straight from the owner’s mother’s town of Guadalajara. They serve made-to-order margaritas made with high-quality tequila and fresh-squeezed fruit.
Recommended by Dondra H. our Raleigh Branch Manager
Be Transported to Greece at Taverna Agora Greek Kitchen & Bar
Take a mini-vacation by trying Taverna Agora, where the food, drinks, and décor transports you to Greece. With menus for every meal, there are many yummy foods, like loukoumades (Greek donuts), lamb chops, and classic baklava.
Recommended by Dondra H. our Raleigh Branch Manager
Gastonia, NC
Located just a few minutes outside of Charlotte, there is so much to see and do in this town. It is home to one of our branches and is considered one of the area’s best places to live, work, and play.
Things to Do
Get Your Antiquing on at Gaston Pickers
You are guaranteed to find some gems in this 28,000-square-foot antique shop. Open seven days a week, stop by, to look through antiques, furniture, and collectibles. Some patrons have been lucky enough to find gems ranging from signed Reba McEntire memorabilia to vintage Coca-Cola signage.
Let Your Kids Run off Energy at Martha Rivers Park
Martha Rivers Park is the perfect place for a family outdoor adventure! The 57.95-acre park houses many sports fields, paved walking trails, playgrounds, picnic shelters, horseshoe courts, volleyball courts, and two play areas in the shape of a castle.
Get Your Bowl on at George Pappas Liberty Lanes
You can feel like a pro at this alley owned by George Pappas, a member of the Pro Bowlers Association Hall of Fame, and ranked in 2008, as one of the “Top 50 Bowlers of the Last 50 Years”. This 32-lane bowling alley provides fun for the whole family. You can often find Groupon’s to save a little money on your trip!
Food to Try
Try Homemade Ice Cream at Tony’s Ice Cream
Feel like family at this local favorite in downtown Gastonia that opened its doors in 1915. They serve made-to-order sandwiches and hotdogs if you want to stop in for a quick bite. The real treat is choosing between their 28 homemade ice cream flavors, which can all be made into milkshakes.
Recommended by Kim C. at our Crisman Branch and Jeni E. in our Member Support Department
Dig into BBQ at Ro’s Bar-B-Que
Another historic Gastonia staple is Ro’s Bar-B-Que, which has been in operation for just over 75 years. They have used their famous hand-grated BBQ slaw recipe for over 50 years. Customers rave about the special slaw and some even suggest asking for extra! You can even find R.O.’s BBQ sauce, slaw, and dip in grocery stores in Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland, and York counties!
Recommended by Jeni E. in our Member Support Department
Grab a Healthy Bite at Sprouts Café
This vegetarian and vegan-friendly café specializes in wraps, sandwiches, and flatbreads. You can stop in for brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Who said vegetables couldn’t be delicious?
Columbia, SC
This thriving capital city is home to one of our branches. This area is bustling with history, sports, art, and entertainment.
Things to Do
Discover Animals and Botanicals at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
Home to plants and animals from all over the world. You can spend a whole day discovering. Not only can you hang out with animals and admire the beauty of different flora and fauna, but you can also take a walk on the River Trail and see some historical landmarks.
Recommended by Jeremy L. in our compliance Department and Dustin T. our Columbia Branch Manager
Check Out the World’s Largest Child at Edventure Children’s Museum
While there are many fun things to learn and play with at the museum, the most incredible sight has to be EDDIE. Standing at 40 feet tall and weighing 35,000 pounds, the world’s largest ten year-old-boy is not to be missed!
Recommended by Dustin T. our Columbia Branch Manager
Watch the Columbia Fireflies at Segra Park
Head on over to Segra Park to cheer on the Columbia Fireflies. Wear neon yellow, navy blue, neon green, and silver for white to show your pride for the team! A fun afternoon for the whole family, it’s guaranteed to be a homerun!
Food to Try
Dine-in a Cool Building at Motor Supply Company Bistro
A local favorite since opening in 1989, Motor Supply Company Bistro serves fresh, local food and changes its menu daily. The building is on the National Register of Historic Places and you can find the original sign still shining outside the restaurant.
Dine Casual French Cuisine at Black Rooster
This casual French dining experience is a great place to explore new foods. They offer small plate options so you can try as many things as possible. The restaurants aim to work with local farmers and ranchers to provide good food for the community.
Recommended by Dustin T. our Columbia Branch Manager
Swing by for Sweets at The Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli
You can expect great things from a company whose mission is “Peace, love, and cinnamon rolls.” Here, you can choose from an assortment of rolls and classic deli foods. They were named one of the best in Columbia and have even been featured on the Food Network!
