Indecision - a phenomenon that grips Americans each and
every day as we struggle to sift through the vast abyss of choices presented to
us almost constantly. Wouldn't it just be better to have a little bit of
everything?
Leave it to the restaurant industry, seldom the picture of pioneering and innovation, to provide a framework of just how to do it.
A few hot wings, throw in some potato skins, add a couple of mozzarella sticks and maybe fry up some shrimp for good measure and we have a recipe to satisfy the most hesitant among us - the sacred sampler platter.
North Carolina is a veritable smorgasbord of destinations, each geographically unique but all offering an outstanding lineup of golf courses.
So maybe golfers can't decide if they want the cheese sticks or the bacon-filled wedges, who can blame them? Let's have a little bit of everything.
Here is one possible route across the Tar Heel State, and there are many different combinations, that gives just a taste of the most sought-after landing spots in North Carolina.
Day 1 - Asheville
We begin against the backdrop of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains and like frontiersman such as Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett discovered, there is plenty to explore here.
Don't waste any time hitting the links, leaving time to visit a few of the cities other attractions.
Around 34 miles east of Asheville is the Mount Mitchell Golf Club, ranked in the top 10 public courses in the state by North Carolina Magazine. Just west of the city is the Maggie Valley Golf Club, which is nestled among some century-old woods and features some of Western North Carolina's most spectacular scenery.
Closer to downtown is the Asheville Municipal Course which boasts a front side designed by the legendary Donald Ross.
Whether it's on your way in or out of the city, be sure to travel at least a few miles on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. America's largest home, the Biltmore Estate, is accessible from the parkway or from interstate 40 and certainly warrants a tour or overnight stay.
For dinner try Asheville's historic and architecturally diverse downtown, which remains beautifully preserved yet vibrant.
Day 2 - Charlotte
Just over 130 miles and roughly two hours east of Asheville is the state's largest city, Charlotte, widely-recognized as the financial capital of the South.
The City's Quail Hollow Country Club plays host to the PGA Tour's Wachovia Championship in the spring. Last year the event's Pro-am saw Tiger Woods pair with Michael Jordan.
Upon arriving in Charlotte, there are a few options when
scheduling your 18 holes for the day.
One of the oldest and most liked public facilities in the Queen City is Larkhaven Golf Club. This traditional layout built in 1958 has been voted one of Charlotte's best values year after year.
Another course worth noting is the Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation, a spectacular semi-private course with quick greens and tree-lined fairways. Also worth a look is the Carolina Trail, a collection of seven of the finest golf courses in the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Once your round concludes there is plenty to keep you occupied including the cosmopolitan downtown with an assortment of clubs and bars or the upscale South Park Mall just outside of the city center.
The city is also home to a number of professional and college teams, NASCAR'S Lowes Motor Speedway and a variety of concerts and live music venues.
Day 3 - Pinehurst and The Sandhills
Winding through back roads, sweeping past small, country towns and crossing more than a few old railroad tracks, the 100-mile drive from Charlotte to the Sandhills paints a picture of life in backcountry North Carolina.
Upon arriving in Pinehurst, you'll be on the doorstep of one of golf's most storied sites.
The Pinehurst Resort is home to the famed No. 2 Course which has hosted two U.S. Open Championships and will host this summer's U.S. Amateur Championship in mid-August. With over 40 courses in a 15-mile area there are plenty of places to play in the Sandhills of North Carolina but none of them have the reputation of Pinehurst No. 2.
Gaining access to the No. 2 Course can be a bit of a challenge but the resort offers all-inclusive packages that include overnight accommodations, breakfast and a round of golf on the championship, Donald Ross design.
If you can't arrange a tee time on Pinehurst's most storied
course there are plenty of other options. Pine Needles, the sister course of
No. 2, has hosted three U.S. Open Women's Championships and the splendidly wild
Tobacco Road Golf Course designed by the late Mike Strantz is a local favorite.
The Pinehurst Resort has eight courses including No. 2 and the area also boasts designs by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Pete Dye.
At Pinehurst it's all about history.
The quaint walking village has in many ways been frozen in time, giving visitors a glimpse into life 100 years ago in this quiet, rural North Carolina location.
Don't leave nearby Southern Pines without sampling a plate of barbecue and a serving or two of banana pudding at Smithfield's, a North Carolina favorite.
Either call ahead to ensure reservations at the Pinehurst Resort or relish the spontaneity of the moment and make plans when you arrive in town; the area will pleasantly accommodate either choice.
Great resources for making plans to visit the Sandhills can be found at www.sandhillsgolf.com and www.tobaccoroadtravel.com.
Day 4 - Raleigh and the Triangle
Head North on U.S. 1 toward the state capital and enjoy another peaceful drive through a few more sleepy, Southern towns.
This portion of the trip is the shortest, it's only around 72 miles from Pinehurst to Raleigh, and provides a chance to get up early and experience a full day in the Research Triangle Area consisting of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill.
In Cary, located just west of Raleigh on I-40, you'll find the semi-private Lochmere Golf Club with tree-lined fairways and the ever-present Swift Creek. Lochmere would be ideal for an early morning round before proceeding into the heart of the Triangle.
The state capital in downtown Raleigh is a must-see attraction, especially on an expedition of North Carolina. The state fair grounds are located nearby and border North Carolina State University.
Some of the country's most affectionate college sports fans cultivate a passion for amateur athletics in the area most famously know as "Tobacco Road."
Along Interstate 40 you'll find Duke University in Durham
and within a short drive you can visit the University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill and tour the historic Dean E. Smith Center.
Drop your bags at either location and spend an afternoon on one of the University's golf courses.
The Washington Duke Inn and Golf Club is home to the Duke University Golf Club, the area's only Robert Trent Jones-designed course and UNC's Finley Golf Club, designed by Tom Fazio, is a wide-open layout that is both enjoyable and challenging.
There are a number of quality hotels in the area but why not try something new? The luxurious Franklin Hotel in downtown Chapel Hill just recently opened and is short walk from everything in the downtown area.
Be sure to get plenty of rest, although we imagine you'll have no trouble sleeping, because the trip is almost over but not before you stick your toes in the sand.
Day 5 - Wilmington
Jump on I-40 and head east.
Located about two hours from Raleigh, Wilmington offers a historic and scenic downtown plus access to nearby beaches such as Wrightsville Beach.
Wilmington has been called the "Hollywood of the East" because of the number of major motion pictures shot in the city. At least a part of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End was shot here.
If you need a break from golf head to one of the many public beaches but if it's golf that you want then Wilmington won't disappoint.
The Beau Rivage Golf Club and Resort is one of the best value courses in the area and offers a number of great stay and play golf packages that include outstanding accommodations.
Whether you play golf on your last day or not, Wilmington is the perfect place to unwind and recount the past few days.
Take a stroll downtown on the Riverwalk, enjoy outside dining or visit one of Wilmington's hip clubs or bars to put the finishing touches on your excursion.