A research firm says the was the most visited of the state鈥檚 museums and historic attractions last year. It鈥檚 the first time in nine years that has not topped the list. Mathews-based Carolina Publishing Associates compiled the numbers. The firm says 1,220,814 people visited the museum in 2012. Biltmore attracted 1,123,144 visitors.
The status as the state鈥檚 most attended museum coincides with the opening of the new Nature Research Center last spring. The Museum of Natural Sciences recently received another accolade. It was named as a finalist for the National Medal for Museum and Library Service. It is considered one of the highest honors for institutions involved significantly in community service.
颁丑补谤濒辞迟迟别鈥檚 was third on the list of most visited museums and historic sites followed by the in Asheboro and in Atlantic Beach. Rounding out the top ten were in Raleigh, at Kure Beach, at Kill Devil Hills, the in Asheville and the in Durham
