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This two day/one night trip takes passengers to the largest natural habitat zoo in the world and the largest colony of working potters in the United States. Both attract visitors from around the world and are located in North Carolina's Piedmont, just three hours west of Leland.
On Day One we arrive in Seagrove for a guided history and cultural tour of this region known for its abundant and diverse natural clay deposits.
Immigrant potters settled here and forged a lifestyle that still exists three and four generations later. Our day provides a glimpse of early utilitarian pottery and its progression to highly collectable works of art. We will see the evolution of styles, shapes, glazing and firing techniques. The studios themselves are unique with rural and functional charm. The day will include demonstrations and time to meet some of the local potters. At the end of our introduction to Seagrove and NC Pottery Highway, we overnight in nearby Historic Asheboro.
Day Two is a full immersion of the North Carolina Zoo. The highlight of our visit is the ZooFari. We board a specially outfitted, open-air vehicle for an exclusive tour of the 40-acre Watani Grasslands! An experienced zoo educator will introduce us to nine species—nearly 100 animals! Discover rhinoceroses, gazelles, greater kudus, ostriches and many exotic antelope. Guests may even get a special view of the elephants!. There are some health-related considerations involved in the Zoofari option of the trip which are detailed below in ZooFari Safety Guidelines. Rest assured, there will be plenty to see and do even if you decide to opt out of the Zoofari. If you do, please use the blue Contact Organizer button to advise the Trip Organizer that you wish to opt out.
In addition to the ZooFari there will be plenty of time to explore all of your favorite habitats on your own. There are 1800 animals of more than 200 species! Habitat choices include Africa, Desert, North America and you won't want to miss the Aviary with 100 exotic birds and 3,000 tropical plans. You will also be armed with a schedule of animal feeding times and hopefully, unless the ground is too wet, we can visit the Giraffe Deck, where you'll be able to get eye-to-eye with these long-legged giants, an experience you'll never forget. As if all this isn't enough, the North Carolina Zoo is home to a large collection of art, primarily sculpture, murals and mosaics for guests to enjoy.
The ride may be bumpy, as the vehicle crosses uneven terrain and may need to stop suddenly. Guests should be in good health and free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems, claustrophobia or other conditions that could be aggravated by this wildlife adventure.
In the case that severe storms from the previous day or night, cause the ZooFari terrain to be too muddy for vehicle transport, a refund for the cost of the ZooFari will be issued to participants.
Proof of vaccination is required on Trips by Patty trips. Bus travel puts passengers at risk if not vaccinated due to the space limitation and air circulation.
Day One - October 27, 2021
8:30am - Depart Compass Pointe for an approximate 3 hour drive to Seagrove and Pottery Highway. There are no good places to stop for lunch. Please BYOL and snacks and drinks will also be offered on the bus.
Spend the day touring Seagrove and NC Pottery Highway followed by a late afternoon check-in at the Fairfield Inn in nearby Asheboro. Following a Welcome Reception, featuring some locally sourced beverages and snacks, the bus will board for the 2 mile drive into Asheboro's Historic District where you can dine on your own. There is a variety of dining choices as well as a craft brewery to choose from. A list of these choices will be provided well in advance.
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Day Two - October 28, 2021
9am - Following breakfast, we check out and make the short drive to the Zoo for our Zoo Experience.
We will need until approximately 3pm to thoroughly enjoy all the Zoo has to offer.
6:00pm - Approximate return time to Leland