Day 2:  

After filling up with a delicious hot breakfast, get ready to bike! Numerous distance options exist today depending on how you wish to spend your time. We pedal today toward Seagrove, the pottery capital of NC, where potters create handcrafted earthenware made in the same tradition that began here more than 200 years ago. After a catered lunch and the option to visit a few pottery galleries, continue pedaling into the Uwharrie National Forest. This National Forest was named for the Uwharrie Mountains which were created from an ancient chain of volcanoes. The 1,000-foot hills of today were once 20,000-foot peaks!

We end our ride today in the small village of Troy. We'll enjoy a wine and cheese reception at an art gallery where we will have a chance to listen to local artists describe their craft. A gourmet catered dinner at our inn caps a great day on the bike. 

Bicycling Distance:  Up to 76 miles, with numerous options to shorten this distance, on hilly terrain.

Day 3:  

After breakfast, we'll depart on bikes to continue our trek through the Uwharries.  Our bike ride today takes us south and east, leaving the Uwharrie Mountains behind.  We pedal through the famous Village of Pinehurst, which is a New England style town and home of renowned Pinehurst Resort.  Both men’s and women’s PGA Tour events have been held on these fabled courses designed by revered golf architects such as Donald Ross and Rees Jones.  

We continue a short distance to our end destination of Southern Pines, an invitingly walkable village imbued with southern hospitality, galleries, shops and numerous wonderful restaurants.  We regroup for hors d'eourves on the outdoor terrace of our inn at sunset prior to dinner on your own this evening. 

Bicycling Distance:  45 - 65 +/- miles, moderately hilly terrain.

Day 4:  

Our layover day in Southern Pines provides the option of biking a loop ride through the heart of NC's equestrian centers, or remaining in charming Southern Pines for the day for a stroll along the downtown streets or a visit to the local day spa. Our bike ride takes us past the historic House in the Horseshoe, a colonial and Revolutionary War era plantation home along the banks of the Deep River. Enjoy a short private guided tour of this home prior to pedaling the rolling terrain. In between stops, savor bicycling through quiet and quaint small communities as well as landscapes dotted with thoroughbred horse farms. 

Bicycling Distance:  30 - 60 miles, rolling terrain.

Day 5:  

It's time to leave the "home of golf" to return to Chapel Hill today. We cap your vacation with a lovely bike ride on quiet country roads toward the shores of beautiful Jordan Lake. Verdant fields of soybeans and peach groves provide a green backdrop for today's final ride. Showers and a catered lunch will be provided prior to departure. 

Bicycling Distance:  Up to 68 miles, with options to reduce this mileage should you wish, on rolling terrain.

Meals: 

All meals are included, with the exception of one "on-your-own" dinner in Southern Pines.  This includes breakfasts, picnic lunches, gourmet dinners and abundant snacks and beverages.  As with all Carolina Tailwinds tours, guests will eat very well on this tour!

	Lodging: Night 1 (and optional nights prior or after):  The Franklin Hotel, Chapel Hill, NC.   The Franklin Hotel is simple elegance defined. You will experience classic style and warm, friendly hospitality from the moment you enter through the revolving doors into the domed, porcelain and mahogany lobby. The upscale hotel features 67 beautifully appointed guestrooms including 7 spacious penthouse suites with private patio balconies and stunning views, that combine with exceptional amenities and contemporary comforts to create an exquisite ambience that will satisfy your highest expectations.
	Night 2:  Blair House, Troy, NC.   The historic Blair House was built in 1893 by country lawyer Joseph Reese Blair. The Blair House is now run as an inn by the original owner's granddaughter, and provides gracious accommodations in a hometown setting. Eight guest suites are available in two buildings, each providing private bath, in-room cable, dvd, and phone, as well as individual climate control.
	Nights 3 & 4: Jefferson Inn, Southern Pines, NC A century old landmark in the heart of the Southern Pines Historic District recently received a multi-million dollar restoration, transforming it into the area’s only boutique hotel.  Cottage style furniture; plantation shutters; custom-made down-filled duvets and pillows; 600 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets; flat screen LCD or plasma TV’s in every room; and free wireless internet service, as well as generously sized travertine-clad baths with clawfoot and garden bathtubs, and oversized showers with regular and rain showerheads. The inn was recognized by Conde Nast Johansens in its 2009 Edition of Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts and Spas.

Extend Your Vacation:  Before or after our activity packed tour, you may want to tack on a few days.  Perhaps in the vibrant historic college town of Chapel Hill.

Combine with an NC Wine Country Tour:  Our NC Wine Country Tour is a 2 day tour of the Yadkin River Valley of NC.  The May 23-27 NC Heartland Tour can be combined with either the May 21-22 or May 28-29 NC Wine Country Tour for 7 days of bicycling!

Call 888.251.3206 (local number is 336.794.1054) or click here to make your reservation today!

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