Staycations: 10 day trips within two hours

Need a vacation but don't have the time or money to go on a far-off excursion? A vacation doesn't mean having to break the bank or leave the state or even your county. There are plenty of things to do in your own backyard. These are our top 10 places to spend a day.

Bakers Mountain, Hickory
Miles from Hickory: 10
Travel Time: 20 minutes from Hickory
Why Visit? At 1,780 feet Bakers Mountain boasts the highest peak in Catawba County. The summit gives you a panoramic, bird's eye view of the Catawba Valley. It's three strenuous miles to the top, but he park showcases streams, massive boulders and the ruins of an old mountain homestead on the way.
For more: 324-8461 or www.CatawbaCountyNC.
gov/depts/parks

Valdese
Miles from Hickory: 14
Travel Time: 25 minutes from Hickory
Why Visit? Thought Martin Luther was first in trying to separate from the Roman-Catholic Church? Come learn about the Waldensians, a group of people who fled religious persecution in the Italian Alps. They settled in Valdese. A heritage museum that explains the history and the Trail of Faith that takes you through time to show what they experienced. Make sure to also visit McGalliard Falls and the Meytre Grist Mill. The Waldensian Heritage Winery is another great — and flavorful — stop.
For more: 879-2126 or www.visitvaldese.com

Blowing Rock
Miles from Hickory: 40
Travel Time: About 50 minutes
Why visit? Legend has it a lover torn between his feelings and loyalty to his people tried to end his plight by throwing himself from the rock. He was blown back into his lover's arms and, thus, a breeze always blows up the rock. If that's not enough to make the romantic in you curious about this city, there is a lot more to the place than an urban legend. The town itself is lined with tons of quaint, artsy shops. A sprawling downtown park offers a playground. Nearby is a picturesque lake.
For more: 295-7111 or www.theblowingrock.com

Blue Ridge Parkway
Miles from Hickory: 42
Travel Time: About an hour from Hickory
Why Visit? Getting lost in the mountains (figuratively, not literally) is great way to take a road trip near home. One of the best Parkway stops nearby: Moses Cone Memorial Park and Flat Top Manor near Blowing Rock. Cone's house and the land where it sits is a hidden treasure with gorgeous mountain views. The park is open year round and is home to hiking and horseback riding trails, a trout pond for fishing and cross country skiing in the winter. His sprawling, white house is open in the spring through the fall.
For more: or 298-0398 or www.BlueRidgeParkway.org

Brown Mountain Lights / Wiseman's View, Linville
Miles from Hickory: 58
Travel Time: 1 hour, 27 minutes from Hickory
Why Visit? Are you into the paranormal? Looking for adventure in the dark? Strange circular lights have been said to appear over Brown Mountain during the night. What's more, they never appear the same way twice. Scientists, meteorologists and geologists have all tried to explain this phenomenon but so far, no one has a confirmed answer. For a scenic spot and a potential view of the lights, head to Wiseman's View in Linville. Though the lights are said to appear throughout the year, September and October may be the most promising months for catching the unexplained phenomenon. Pick a clear night with little moonlight.
For more: 668-4282 or www.BrownMountainLights.org

Little Switzerland
Miles from Hickory: 60
Travel Time: 1 hour, 12 minutes from Hickory
Why visit? Little Switzerland is hidden deep in the Blue Ridge. It's home to waterfalls, golf courses, horseback riding, a general store and one of the most attractive views of the parkway. The view is reminiscent of the Jura Mountains in the Swiss Alps. Hence the name of the town.
For more: 668-4282 or www.LittleSwitzerlandNC.com

Asheville
Miles from Hickory: 80
Travel Time: 1 hour, 17 minutes from Hickory
Why visit? Known for its art scene, this town is packed with unique shops and one-of-a-kind restaurants. It is also home to an art museum, an earth-science museum, achildren's health museum and novelist Thomas Wolfe's home. You can learn about the city's history in many ways — via Segway tours, moving sidewalk, ghost tours and trolley tours.
For more: 258-6101 or www.ExploreAsheville.com

Biltmore Estate, Asheville
Miles from Hickory: 85
Travel Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes from Hickory
Cost: $60 for adults and free for kids 16 and younger through Sept. 6. After Sept. 6, youth tickets are $30.
Why visit? Though it is in Asheville there is so much to explore that Biltmore has to be a trip of its own. The estate boasts 250 rooms, including an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley. It is seated on 125,000 acres. Surrounded by vast gardens, you and your family will get lost in the imagination of living and growing up in a home this magnificent.
For more: (800) 411-3812 or www.Biltmore.com

Mount Airy
Miles from Hickory: 90
Travel Time: 1 hour, 32 minutes from Hickory
Why visit? Andy Griffith grew up here and the town is reminiscent of his famed television show. Besides the Andy Griffith Museum, it is home to Floyd's City Barber Shop, the Mayberry Courthouse and Griffith's childhood home.

You can also visit the Old City Jail, a small jail similar to the one on the show. You may also be able to get a ride from Barney in the Squad Car tour. Griffith isn't the only famous person to have resided in Mt. Airy. Homage must be paid to Chang and Eng Bunker. They were the first ever "Siamese twins" known to the world. After leaving Siam, they toured with circuses in the United States before settling down with their individual wives and 21 children in Mt. Airy.
For more: (800) 948-0949 or www.visitmayberry.com

Sliding Rock, Brevard
Miles from Hickory: 110
Travel Time: 2 hours from Hickory
Cost: $1
Why Visit? Though it's the farthest on this list from Hickory, Sliding Rock is well worth the journey. Recently, it was hailed one of the United States 10 best swimming holes by Yahoo. If you're looking for a way for your family to beat the heat, this is it. This gently sloping waterfall is a natural rock waterslide that stretches for 60 feet. At the bottom is a 6-foot deep pool. The park service encourages visitors to take advantage of the natural water park. Railings help visitors climb to the top. Lifeguards also are on duty from Memorial Day weekend through until Labor Day.
For more: 877-3265 or www.NCWaterfalls.com