Every year March Madness takes over in North Carolina, as some of college basketballs' best teams rally throughout the NCAA tournament (Blue Devils all the way!). However, this year THE HUNGER GAMES is bringing North Carolina to the forefront and creating a frenzy all on its own!
The Tar Heel state served as the location of filming, and when the film releases on March 23rd, readers will undoubtedly be anxious to visit the locations that were transformed to replicate The Hob, the Capitol and the Arena among others, so North Carolina's Department of Commerce has planned the perfect itinerary to do so!
The Hunger Games 4-Day Itinerary will take you from District 12 in Shelby to the Capitol in Charlotte. The Charlotte Convention Center is getting a lot of buzz as the location of the Democratic National Convention that will take place this summer, but fans of the book will want to make a stop there as it is the location where Cinna, the stylist extraordinaire, lights Katniss' costume on fire for her interview with Caesar Flickerman.
Fans can retrace the steps of Katniss and Peeta in the Arena --- DuPont State Recreational Forest --- or visit the Hildebran Heritage Museum, which just opened last Fall, and learn all about the town that doubled as the location of the Seam.
Other Must-See Locations:
Nantahala Outdoor Center: Train like a tribute! From white water rafting to hiking learn your own wilderness survival skills so you can give Katniss a run for her money.
Malaprops Bookstore & Cafe: It's not too late! For all of you bibliophiles who haven't read the series, this local bookstore in Asheville, NC, can help you get caught up!
Hotel Indigo: Film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth and Woody Harrelson stayed at this hotel, and you can too! The Hunger Games Package includes discounted prices at some of the stars favorite local eateries, a Canopy Adventure tour, and gift packages including books and t-shirts.
For "12 Places to Experience The Hunger Games," visit North Carolina's website here.
With so many places to go, readers will feel as though they have truly entered the world of Panem. Let the madness begin!
