Fall break starts Wednesday night, giving students four days of freedom to enjoy a break from the stress of midterms and deadlines. Students are planning to travel all over North Carolina, as well as outside of the state. Traces of fall weather have just started to appear in the past few weeks, so take advantage of the chance to breathe the fresh air.  Or go the artsy route and visit a museum, art exhibit or festival. From the mountains to the beach, North Carolina has beautiful scenery and endless possibilities for things to do. Stacy R. Tomas, assistant professor and tourism extension specialist, encourages students to explore the state during fall break. “North Carolina is an incredibly diverse state that offers many unique opportunities,” Tomas said. “There’s really no need to go out of state for a fun trip.” Tomas recommends trips that support the state’s heritage and economy, such as hiking on the North Carolina Birding Trail or visiting an agri-tourism farm. ”VisitNC.com is a state-sponsored Web site that gives students resources to help plan trips,” Tomas said. A great way to spend time outside and see animals from all over the world is by visiting the zoo. Fall is one of the best times to visit the zoo, according to Rod Hackney, public relations manager at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheville. “There’s nothing else like it in North Carolina,” Hackney said. “Not only is the zoo fun, it also educates people on the importance of species we exhibit and saving the habitats of those species.” ”The zoo is only $10 for adults, making it an economical option for students,” Hackney said. He also mentioned that students from the University should check out the red wolves, which are not only the University’s mascot but also a native species of North Carolina. Caroline Yopp, a freshman in agricultural education, enjoys going to the beach in the fall. “I plan on going to stay with my grandma in Sneads Ferry,” Yopp said. “Even though it is cooler outside, I enjoy going clamming with my grandmother and walking on the beach.” The beach is great for an overnight trip, but students who don’t have a place to stay could easily drive up for the day. Wilmington is one of many beaches that are less than three hours away and offer public parking. All you need is a picnic basket and some friends for a relaxing and enjoyable day. Just check the weather first! On the opposite side of the state, students could take a trip to the mountains. Breathtaking scenery, along with hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, can be found on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Many people enjoy the mountains for its quaint roadside stands and pick-your-own farms that supply local and fresh food.   James Trammel, a junior in fisheries and wildlife, had an internship this summer in Asheville. ”The mountains are a great place to go in the fall, because the leaves are just starting to change colors,” Trammel said. “There are lots of options for hiking, sight-seeing, biking and one of my favorites, dirt-bike riding.” Trammel suggested students tour the Biltmore House, a historic house built in 1895 by the Biltmore family and also the largest house in America to date.  Another option near Asheville is the Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tour. This zip-line thrill takes riders through multiple ecosystems for over half a mile. Assistant Director of Outdoor Adventures Bill James has four trips planned over fall and spring, although the spots are already filled up. Students will travel on two backpacking trips to Mt. Rogers and sea kayaking trips to Cape Lookout and Beaufort. For students who didn’t sign up for the trip, James says students have many other options. “Uwharrie National Forest, the Outer Banks, Jordan Lake and Falls Lake are all places I would recommend,” James said. There are some special events occurring throughout the state over the weekend of fall break. Students interested in the arts might enjoy the Sculpture Salmagundi Exhibition, which will be at the Imperial Centre in Rocky Mount during fall break. The Ava Gardner Festival in Smithfield is also this weekend, an event that honors the famous actress. 

 The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, which features a Peanuts theme of the “Great Pumpkin Patch Express” in October, the 150th Anniversary of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse, the Ciao, Italia! Festival in Charlotte and the Tour de Pig Barbecue Festival are all events happening the weekend of fall break.