Mario Delgado of Winterville, NC made history as the first $5 million winner of a new scratch-off game. The 200x The Cash ticket cost Delgado $30 but that investment more than paid off. It was purchased at the Speedway on North Memorial Drive in Greenville, NC.

Delgado arrived at lottery headquarters Friday to claim his prize. He had the choice of receiving the prize as an annuity of $250,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $3 million. He chose to accept the lump sum. After required state and federal tax withholdings, took home $2,130,309. Delago was the first winner of the game that first debuted in March. There will be six top prizes of $5 million, 18 $180,000 prizes. Three of the $100,000 prizes have been won with 15 still outstanding.

Source NC Education Lottery

10 Fun Car Ride Trips You Can Take in North Carolina

• 1. Old Salem North Carolina

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  Old Salem Museums & Gardens promotes food security and explores the stories of people in the American South, including Moravians, Blacks, and Indigenous peoples. Old Winston Salem is one of the most comprehensive history attractions in America. Visitors to the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem have the opportunity to experience a historic experience that is both educational and memorable. The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) houses the nation's most complete collection of early Southern decorative arts, including architecture, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, needlework, paintings, and prints. The best part is this is just a short car ride away from Charlotte to visit.

• 2. Carowinds Amusement Park

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  Enjoy a family trip to Carowinds and feel the wind in your hair on a rollercoaster! If you are looking for a fun-filled day trip from Charlotte, then Carowinds is right for you. Carowinds is located just off Interstate 77 on the border of North and South Carolina. There are 13 roller coasters at this family-friendly amusement park, each more thrilling than the last.

• 3. The North Carolina Zoo

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  We get to see animals on such a wonderful day. In Randolph County, the North Carolina Zoo is nestled on 2,600 wooded acres in the heart of North Carolina, just south of Asheboro. One of two state-supported zoos, it boasts 500 acres of developed land, making it the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. This is a great place to enjoy the day with family and friends.
• 4. Blue Ridge Parkway

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  For me, a scenic drive is always a good idea. There is no doubt that it is one of the most popular and beautiful parkways in America. There are 252 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and it travels through mountain towns, historic sites, and tunnels through 26 hills and mountains. The park is the second-most visited among all National Park Services and is regarded as a must-see during autumn. In addition to the two-plus-hour drive west, it's another two hours to the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee region.

• 5. The Battle Ship NC

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  Experience the daily life of her crew and the fierce combat she experienced during the Pacific theater of World War II aboard the Battleship NC in Wilmington, North Carolina. The ship was built using the latest technology at the time and took part in every major naval offensive of the war. There are nine decks, gun turrets, living quarters, and a surgical clinic on the self-guided tour.

• 6. The Tweetsie Railroad

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  This place is so much fun for adults and kids. It is good old-fashioned fun to ride the Tweetsie Railroad for both travelers and locals. Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West theme park located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The railroad runs for 3 miles through the park and surrounding areas, and it is the main attraction at Tweetsie Railroad. Visitors can try their hand at panning for gold, taking a trip to the petting zoo or riding any of the park's amusement rides in addition to riding the locomotive at Tweetsie Railroad.
• 7. Lake Lure

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  Fan of the movie Dirty Dancing? Then you MUST know about Lake Lure. I still haven't been (it's on my bucket list) but this is only a short car drive that you can kick your heels up to! There are water activities, great food, shopping and more. If you want to stay in the area, the historic Lake Lure Inn (1927) is quite charming. 

• 8. Greensboro Water Park | Wet’n Wild

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  I love the waterpark. Enjoy a day in the sun and wave pool with your family and friends. This waterpark is one of the best in North Carolina and the biggest too.

• 9. Cherokee Casino

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  Casino time anyone? The Cherokee area has a lot to explore, but you might want to take a gamble at this spot. This is the only full-scale casino currently operating in North Carolina. It is a three-hour drive from Charlotte but worth the drive.  After a night of slots, you may want to spend the day fly-fishing or seeing the historic Oconaluftee Indian Village if you need a breath of fresh air.
• 10. The Biltmore

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  It is a North Carolina must-see to visit the Biltmore Estate. A beautiful place to visit, it's a very majestic and historic location. Located in Asheville, the estate spans 8,000 acres and dates back to the 1890s. The Biltmore has 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms, and 65 fireplaces, just to name a few features of its 180,000 square feet.

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