There are just certain things in life that spark a memory from years past. Maybe it’s a juicy burger that reminds you of the first drive-in fast food joint you ate at once your dad finally let you drive the car. Maybe it’s a movie that reminds you of your first date with your high school sweetheart.

There are dozens of things that, if we allow them to, will make us feel nostalgic, yes almost homesick for a place we once knew.

Here are just a few spots to visit when you long for yesteryear.

• Ava Gardner Museum, 325 E. Market St., Smithfield, NC. With 6,000 square feet of exhibit space, movie lovers can get lost in displays, ranging from awards, personal items and costumes this silver screen beauty wore. Now through spring, the museum will have on display costumes from Mogambo, a movie starting Clark Gable, Grace Kelley and, of course, Ava Gardner. The actress was born about seven miles from the museum and is buried just down the road.
• Mayberry Days, Mt. Airy, NC. Typically held in September, Mayberry Days brings fan and friends from all over together in Andy Griffith’s hometown. The festival brings to mind a time when the Sheriff didn’t carry a gun. During the rest of the year, visitors can listen to Merry-Go-Round, the country’s third longest running live Bluegrass radio show, held every Saturday morning in the Downtown Cinema Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Show up early for a jam session where newcomers can dance or play an instrument.
• Mast General Store, Valle Crucis, Boone, Waynesville, Hendersonville and Asheville, NC and Greenville, SC.  A stop in one of these stores will take you back to the days when a general store tried to carry just about everything neighbors needed. These stores include a candy room, where you can buy by the pound or sort through specialty candy like cigar bubble gum. The child’s play area includes toys and games – no batteries needed for these.
• Shelby’s City Park Carrousel, Shelby, NC. This restored 1920s-era carrousel is the only year-round operated carrousel in North Carolina. For just 50 cents, visitors can climb aboard and sit on one of 29 original wooden horses and three hand-carved replacements. The city received the attraction in 1951, after years of traveling with a carnival. It is one of only five wooden carrousels in the state. December – March hours are Friday-Saturday 1 p.m.-5 p.m.
• Beacon Drive-in, 255 John B. White Sr. Blvd., Spartanburg, SC. Greasy drive-in restaurants make us think of big cars, slicked back hair and Olivia Newton-John singing “Summer Love”, and the Beacon will deliver all that with a side order of “Call it Out!” if you aren’t quick with your order. Menu items include catfish sandwiches, banana sandwiches and a chicken liver plate. Don’t forget to give their sweet tea a try.