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HEARTLANDS
LIVING
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pread out between the mountains
and the coast, the Heartlands of the Carolinas encompass rolling meadows, abundant rivers and lakes, marshlands, miles of verdant farm country,
and hundreds of communities,
large and small.
Ask people who live in the Carolina Heartlands what they
like most and many will tell you that it's the flexibility of living a couple
of hours away from the mountains, or the ocean. You have choices here, and for
lovers of varied terrain, that's important. Then again, you may not want to
leave this beautiful region filled with cool lakes, fast-moving rivers, history,
government, colleges, sports and more. There's plenty to keep you busy and happy
-- here at home!
Both state capital cities reside in the Heartlands. Raleigh, N.C. is part of the region known as the Triangle – an area famed for attracting some of the finest high-tech companies in the world.
The Triangle includes Raleigh, Durham
and Chapel Hill, three towns not coincidentally known for their high caliber universities, respectively, N.C. State, Duke and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Just west of Raleigh is the town of Cary, a charming community with its own style and loyal following.
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orthwest is Winston-Salem, a gateway to the Yadkin Valley and dozens of wineries. One venerable Italian family searched for the perfect location in the United States to replicate their award-winning Italian wines. They chose the Yadkin Valley.
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To the south lies Pinehurst, home to many of the world’s most famous golf courses. The Sandhills are also a favorite for equestrian activities, and throughout the Heartlands, you’ll find steeple chases, fox hunting (no foxes harmed, of course) and polo.
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And then, there’s Charlotte. The Queen City rates number 1 on
Carolina Living readers’ “Most Preferred” Carolina towns. Charlotte has been largely responsible for the renaissance of a number of satellite communities that surround it, affording families the opportunity to experience all of the charm of small-town Southern hospitality, with big-city amenities such as shopping, arts and culture, and Douglass International Airport nearby.
Dipping into South
Carolina, the capital
city of Columbia is
found in the
geographical center of
the state. Columbia has
its own world-class
education through the
University of South
Carolina.
Founded in 1803, the
campus retains its 19th
Century charm, even as
the University sets its
sites on hydrogen fuel
cell research, and 21st
Century technology. Its
Moore School of
International Business
garners accolades as
well.
In fact, U.S. News
& World Report has
ranked the Moore
School's graduate
program in international
business No. 1 in the
nation among public
universities and No. 2
overall; it has been
ranked No. 1 or No. 2
overall for 18
consecutive years. |
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The
magazine again ranks the
undergraduate
international business
program No. 1 in the
nation overall, for the
10th consecutive time.
The school and its
programs have garnered
additional rankings from
the likes of
Financial Times of
London, The Economist,
and Forbes.
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Columbia, too, has its share of surrounding towns, including Blythewood to the north, and Chapin and Lexington to the west. Lake Murray, with its 600+ miles of shoreline, is the playground for Chapin, Lexington, and all of the Midlands.
On a given weekend, sailing regattas showcase multi-colored sails dancing across the water, while families enjoy swimming, and picnics on sandy beaches or islands which dot the landscape.
Aiken and Augusta are southwest, where the terrain is ideal for golfing as well as equestrian pursuits.
There are more towns and cities, of course. Upscale gated communities are springing up along winding rivers, as folks from everywhere discover the particular joys of living in the middle of everything.
There are choices here, with the Blue Ridge Mountains a couple of hours to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean equally accessible in the other direction. And nearby, in the backyard for some, are the lakes and rivers that beckon year round.
The outdoors lifestyle reigns supreme in the Carolina Heartlands, from low-key daily strolls, to enjoying the thrill of spectator sports, to picking up a tennis racket and polishing your game.
The Heartlands are as varied as the people and towns that reside here. We’re adding more Heartlands information every month, so check back soon and
discover even more about this Carolina destination.
Have some fun. Get some expert feedback.
Post your
Heartlands exploration
questions, comments, experiences and great restaurant & inn recommendations
on the "Carolinas Message Board."
Lake Living
River Living
Equestrian Living in the Carolinas
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Katherine O. Pettit has worked as a writer, magazine editor, printer and
public relations consultant. The Columbia resident has published
more than 250 articles in magazines and newspapers. Her writing
explores a variety of subjects including travel, lifestyles, business
and management.
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