The Triad, home of Krispy Kreme, barbeque and Mayberry, is packed with things for the whole family to enjoy. The NC Zoo, furniture shopping, the International Civil Rights Center and Museum and historic Old Salem are all nearby. Yadkin Valley, the heart of North Carolina’s wine country, also has plenty to taste and explore.
Quaint coastal towns full of history and beauty populate this area. Visit Bath, the state’s oldest town and explore where the pirate Blackbeard walked over 300 years ago. Somerset Plantation offers a glimpse of antebellum South, while nature lovers will be drawn to Pettigrew State Park and the Great Dismal Swamp.
Known as Hollywood East, Wilmington has been the home of many television and film sets. Opportunities for surfing, fishing, sea kayaking and golfing are abundant. Don’t miss the great beaches, restaurants and galleries that are all nearby.
The Triangle, home of Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh, offers baseball, cultural arts and gardens, as well as some of the state’s finest educational institutions. Find superb museums in Raleigh, the state’s capital; fine dining in Durham; and a lively music scene in Chapel Hill.
The world’s largest collection of rare and endangered waterfowl is located at Sylvan Waterfowl Park in Scotland Neck. Lake Gaston, near Roanoke Rapids, is a fisherman’s paradise. Located on the Roanoke River, historic Halifax offers a glimpse of NC before the American Revolution.
This area claims the largest antique district on the eastern seaboard, the largest independent pickle company, the site of the largest Civil War battle in NC and, of course, the best barbecue on the East Coast. There is also outlet shopping, birding trails and a museum dedicated to the actress Ava Gardner.
Sailing is popular on the Crystal Coast – the town of Oriental has more boats than people. New Bern, the birthplace of Pepsi and once the state’s capital, is home to Tryon Palace, the former governor’s mansion and current host to gorgeous gardens. Beautiful beaches, historical sites, an aquarium, and museums can also be found.
Home of the world famous Pinehurt Resort, the Sandhills region is known for its abundant golf courses. Several military museums, drag racing, handmade pottery and historic sites are also nearby.
Asheville, known for its love of art and good food, is near the historic Biltmore Estate, which contains a winery, expansive gardens and a grand mansion. In the surrounding central mountains area, you’ll find Hendersonville, the apple capital of NC; Mt. Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi; and plenty of opportunities to explore waterfalls, hike and raft.
Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is known for arts, nightlife, sports and shopping. Not far from the city you can hike Crowders Mountain, watch a race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, hit the rapids at the US National Whitewater Center or ride a roller coaster at Carowinds.
Iconic lighthouses are scattered along the pristine beaches of the historic Outer Banks. Fishing and surfing are popular along the unspoiled coast. Visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial to see where man first took flight.
North Carolina’s High Country is home to beautiful state parks and an abundance of natural attractions. Walk across the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain, view spectacular waterfalls and vistas at Linville Gorge or ski, tube or snowboard at the area’s top ski resorts.
The Hickory area is internationally known for their furniture and the craftsmanship that goes into making it. Nearby, historic sites such as Union Grove, Fort Dobbs and Old Saint Paul’s Church, tell the story of the area’s past.
The southern mountain region of North Carolina is an outdoor paradise with abundant opportunities to fish, kayak, hike and more. Home of the Cherokee Indians, the area is rich with heritage and cultural attractions. The highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway can also be seen here.