Offbeat Attractions and Museums You Must See to Believe

1 American Museum of the House Cat

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At the American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva, thousands of artifacts pay homage to loveable, yarn-chasing cats. Trace the history of house cats from ancient Egyptian statuary up to modern-day advertising, and help support one of our state’s largest no-kill cat shelters while you do. The museum’s curator, Dr. Harold Sims, shares his love for felines with every visitor as he leads tours that include art from Andy Warhol, beer steins decorated with cat motifs, a bronze statue dating back to 600 BC and more.

3 Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park

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This collection of whirligigs – large, wooden, wind-driven mechanical windmills – brighten the landscape thanks to the late local folk artist Vollis Simpson. The devices incorporate complex movement and sound and are an integral part of more than 30 of Simpson’s works, some of which have been exhibited at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta.

6 Real-Life Mayberry

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Fans of "The Andy Griffith Show" get a taste of the life depicted in the popular television series when they visit Mount Airy, Griffith’s hometown and the inspiration for the series. Visitors are welcome to take a ride in Barney’s squad car and cruise by Andy’s childhood home and down Main Street past Floyd’s Barbershop. Or visit in September, when Mayberry Days celebrates everything Andy Griffith.

• Go Beyond the Guidebook in the Real-Life Mayberry

8 Devil's Tramping Ground

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Legend has it that in this circle of bare earth about 20 feet across, the devil paces, thinking up bad things to do to mortals. His “tramping” supposedly kills off vegetation and causes wildlife to keep their distance. Even spookier, anything placed inside the circle after dusk is moved outside the circle before dawn.

11 Belhaven Memorial Museum

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This museum about 50 miles east of Greenville showcases Mrs. Eva Blount Way’s overwhelming affection for collecting buttons. In addition to some 30,000 buttons, you’ll see a fascinating array of collectibles, such as period clothing, toys and dolls, china and farm tools. Believe it or not, there’s also a dried flea wedding, viewed through a magnifying glass, a two-headed kitten, one-eyed fetal pig and a hare-lipped dog.

13 Nation's Largest Collection of Historic Log Structures

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Stroll through Hart Square, the nation's largest collection of historic log structures, just outside of Hickory. More than 100 log buildings – all of which look like a pioneer’s home from the 1800s – sit on the 200-acre property. Visitors are invited to explore the history and significance of the area at festive events throughout the year. During spring, join in on an Easter celebration with egg hunts and storytelling. In the summer, walk through the 5-acre sunflower field for picture-perfect memories. Or pick pumpkins in the fall and take part in The Annual Festival on the fourth Saturday in October. Then wrap up the year with Christmas in the Village in December, where you’ll be able to step inside several cabins and embrace Yuletide traditions of early America.

14 Wild Horse Museum and Store

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Located in the Old Corolla Village, this museum – run by the Corolla Wild Horse Fund – offers a fascinating look at the wild Spanish mustangs of the Northern Outer Banks. With interactive exhibits, an extensive aerial map and opportunities to meet a live Mustang during the summer, it’s both educational and engaging. Plus, every purchase from their gift shop supports the preservation of these remarkable horses.

17 World's Largest Chest of Drawers and Highboy

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Head right down the road to High Point, the “Home Furnishings Capital of the World,” and check out not one, but two, giant chests of drawers. The Chamber of Commerce built the original curiosity in the 1920s, when the 20-foot building-with-knobs served as the “bureau of information.” Renovated in 1996, the building was converted into a 38-foot Goddard-Townsend block-front chest. Two giant socks peek from a drawer, symbolizing the city’s hosiery heritage. Not to be outdone, Furnitureland South erected a massive highboy, standing at 80 feet tall, right off I-85.