Leigh Ann asked Nicholas Sparks:

Someday we will be able to travel again. When we do, what are your must-visit locations in the Carolinas?

Nicholas Sparks Such a great state! Runs from the mountains through the sea; so many great things to se if you’ve been here. But if it’s your first trip to North Carolina I really think the Vanderbilt Estate in Asheville is something that you’ve gotta see; that’s also, of course, very close to Black Mountain College, one of the original settings for my novel ‘The Longest Ride,’ love those places. If you’re looking for a beach location how about ‘Kitty Hawk,’ where Orville and Wilbur Wright first flew the airplane? It’s very desolate but austere and beautiful at exactly the same time. Love the Outer Banks if you’re looking for something small town-ish. Of course I favor New Bern where I live, and you can find other sea side locations. Wilmington area is always beautiful. And of course Sunset Beach also has a special place in my heart because that’s where you can find the famous lonely mailbox ‘Kindred Spirit.’

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