Located in the southeastern United States, North Carolina is the 28th largest and 9th most populous state. It borders Virginia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Georgia and South Carolina to the south, and Tennessee on the west. This beautiful state offers visitors a wide range of attractions and activities.
North Carolina is home to several national and state parks, which offer visitors the chance to explore the beauty of the landscape. From the state’s tallest peak, Mount Mitchell, to the undeveloped beaches of the Outer Banks, there’s plenty to keep visitors entertained. Its beaches are a wonderful destination for picnicking and exploring, and the state’s state parks and beaches are great for water sports and hiking.
Visitors should spend some time in Wilmington, a historic port city that is close to three of the state’s most popular beaches. While they’re there, be sure to spend some time on the Riverwalk, which follows the Cape Fear River. Many scenic river cruises are available from here. Wilmington is also an ideal location to visit if you’re looking for a quiet getaway.
North Carolina’s main city, Charlotte, is a popular tourist destination and the state’s commercial center. Besides being home to a diverse collection of historical sites, Charlotte also features an active arts and cultural scene. The Civil War Levine Museum and the NASCAR Hall of Fame are two places worth visiting in the city. Visitors to the city can also take a stroll through the city’s downtown arts district, which is home to hip restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of America’s most scenic drives, offering spectacular views at every turn. From rhododendron-lined forests to acres of farmland on the northern end, the parkway offers a diverse landscape and a myriad of things to do. Our Blue Ridge Parkway itinerary highlights scenic overlooks, hikes and small towns.
The Mabry Mill, built by Ed and Lizzy Mabry in 1908, is perhaps the most iconic destination along the Parkway. The mill is a popular venue for mountain music concerts and has a restaurant serving down-home fare and cornmeal pancakes. The historic mill is located on Milepost 176.
Humpback Gap Overlook is located at Milepost 6. From there, you can continue on the Humpback Rocks Trail, a 7.8-mile roundtrip hike to Humpback Rocks Picnic Area. The view from Humpback Rock is spectacular. A small visitor center with restrooms and an information desk is also available.
The Blue Ridge Parkway runs through Little Switzerland, a small town on the parkway. The town has a couple of shops, gas, and food. You can also explore Emerald Village and Grassy Creek Falls, both within a few miles of the parkway. Alternatively, take a short drive to Grassy Creek Falls, a historical mining town. If you’re looking for something more active, you can visit the historic Puckett Cabin, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The cabin features interpretive displays highlighting life in the early 1900s in the mountains. The town also has the Bluff Mountain Trail, which runs 7.5 miles.
The Blue Ridge Parkway has many attractions, including mountain ranges, old-growth forests, and diverse ecosystems. The parkway also features the deepest gorge east of the Grand Canyon and some of the world’s oldest mountains. It is an important economic and ecological driver. The North Carolina side of the Parkway includes 25 tunnels.
Asheville
If you love the great outdoors, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Asheville. The city is home to the great Smoky Mountains, including Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. You can also enjoy hiking trails and waterfalls, as well as scenic views from the road. If you have time, consider going on a hot air balloon ride.
There are numerous arts and cultural venues in Asheville. The Diana Wortham Theatre hosts shows from diverse genres. You can also catch a show at the Terpsicorps Theatre of Dance or take in a performance at the Asheville Puppetry Alliance. The town has a vibrant music scene, and it is well-known as the “hippest music town” in the Blue Ridge.
The town is also a brewer’s paradise. The city is home to nearly two-dozen breweries. The city was named “Beer City USA” in 2009, and the craft beer culture is flourishing. One of the most popular breweries is Burial Beer Co., which opened its doors in 1994. The city was later named the first Beer City in the United States.
Asheville is a great place for families. The Davidson River, which runs through Asheville, is an excellent spot for fly-fishing. There are also a number of museums in the city. You can visit the Asheville Art Museum and the Asheville Museum of Science. The city is also home to the Asheville Pinball Museum, which is full of funky arcade games. For those who are more spooky, check out the Asheville Mystery Museum.
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Visitors from all over the world come to see the various exhibits at this museum. The museum features exhibits that explore coastal North Carolina, nature research, and the Living Conservatory. It is also scheduled to open an exhibit on Dueling Dinosaurs in early 2023.
The museum has seven floors filled with natural history. It is spread over two buildings connected by a sky bridge. The exhibits are organized by topic and include rare fossils and live animals. One of the highlights is the Terror of the South exhibit, which includes the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton. There are also hands-on programs available every day to help visitors understand the fascinating world of dinosaurs.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences has exhibits about the natural history of the state and has many unique features that are unique to North Carolina. The museum also has live butterflies, an impressive whale skeleton, and plenty of deer. The museum also offers special theme days and temporary exhibitions. There are nearly two million specimens in its collection.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences also offers programs for children and families. Small groups can learn about wildlife and plants through fun hands-on activities. The Museum also offers virtual programs through which students can hear from a Museum instructor and view live animals, specimens, and activities from the comfort of their own home.
Charlotte
If you are looking for something fun to do during your Charlotte vacation, check out the city’s many museums and galleries. The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art is one of the most impressive in the southeast and houses a large collection of modern art. You can explore works by Picasso, Calder, Hepworth, Tinguely, and many others. It is open daily, except Tuesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, from noon to 5 p.m.
For families, Charlotte’s ImaginOn Museum is a must. It’s filled with interactive exhibits for kids, as well as bilingual programs and live performances. Charlotte is also known for its diverse dining scene, offering everything from world-class restaurants to barbecues with all the fixings. If you’re looking for something to do with your kids on vacation, Charlotte is the place for you.
When visiting Charlotte, be sure to check out all of its outdoor attractions. There are several great playgrounds, including the NFL Play360 KidZone. You can also visit downtown shops and restaurants. Another fun place to visit in Charlotte is Frankie’s Fun Park, which features bumper cars, mini golf, and arcade games.
Waterfalls in North Carolina
If you love waterfalls, then North Carolina has plenty of them to offer. Spring is heating up and summer is fast approaching, so there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the beautiful natural scenery, consider visiting North Carolina’s waterfalls.
If you’re interested in waterfall hiking, North Carolina has over 250 waterfall hikes to choose from. You can choose from easy hikes to strenuous hikes to the top of some waterfalls. Many waterfalls are easy to reach from Asheville and other nearby mountain towns. To get to these waterfalls, you can plan a short car or hiking trip.
If you’re planning a day trip to North Carolina’s waterfalls, don’t skip the smaller waterfalls in the Piedmont Triad. Big Laurel Falls, for example, is just 35 feet high and drops in two plunges before sliding down a moss-covered rock face. The waterfall is also a popular swimming spot in the region, so kids will love this waterfall, and the trail is easy enough for families to complete.
Sliding Rock Falls is a 60-foot natural waterfall, but people treat it more like a waterslide. It cascades into a deep pool at the bottom, making it one of the best natural waterslides in the state. During the summer, you can even climb the edge of the waterfall to slide down. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. There are restrooms nearby and two observation decks where you can watch the waterfall and its surroundings.
Wilmington
There are many attractions in Wilmington, North Carolina. The city is a popular film and TV location. Shows like Dawson’s Creek, One Tree Hill, and the new Iron Man 3 have all been filmed in Wilmington. The city is also home to several popular historical buildings and sites. Take advantage of Wilmington’s Riverwalk, which is always open. You can take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront and explore the city’s many attractions.
For children, the Children’s Museum of Wilmington is a fun place to visit in Wilmington. This museum focuses on children’s culture, history, and natural history, and is located in historic downtown Wilmington. The museum features child-directed displays and hands-on exhibits that encourage kids to explore art and science. While the city is a great destination for families, kids of all ages will love this museum.
Wilmington is also a popular beach town, offering plenty of water sports and other activities for families. The city has miles of sandy shoreline, which is perfect for swimming and surfing. The city also has an impressive historic district, which is home to many stately homes. The Riverwalk, meanwhile, is lined with restaurants, pubs, and bars. Wilmington also has parks and farms that are worth exploring.
Battleship
The Battleship is a historic battleship and is now a national historic landmark. Whether you want to learn more about this famous warship or want to visit it for the first time, you can do so in a number of ways.
Located across from downtown Wilmington, Battleship is a museum ship dedicated to those who served during the Second World War. It has fifteen battle stars and is a National Historic Landmark. It also has a museum that honors those from North Carolina who fought during the war. It is accessible from Downtown Riverwalk.
The Battleship is also home to a park, which offers a natural setting for a picnic or a nature walk. Parking is free, and the parking area is relatively large. While there is no RV parking, there is plenty of room to park a car. A guided tour through the Battleship is not required, but it is a great way to learn more about this warship and how it was used in combat.
While you’re exploring the battleship, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and plan to spend about two hours. The lower levels of the ship are cool on a 100 degree day, but the decks are very high. Keeping your balance can be a challenge, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes.
Elizabeth City
If you’re looking for a unique vacation spot, Elizabeth City has plenty to offer. The downtown area is a popular attraction, with many historic buildings, a growing number of art galleries and cafés, and nearly 90 restaurants. From high-end waterfront delicacies to down-home Eastern Barbecue joints, you’re sure to find a dining spot that fits your style.
The city has a central location and picturesque waterfront. There are more than 30 venues available for meetings, weddings, and other events, with space for up to 450 people. Whether you’re looking to have a religious gathering or a large society event, there’s a venue that will meet your needs.
The Elizabeth City Public Library is a quiet oasis that offers plenty of reading material. On the first floor, you’ll find children’s books, while on the second floor, you’ll find teen and adult fiction books. The city also offers a children’s book club and a mobile library. If you’re a family, Elizabeth City is a great place to visit with your children.
The town is located on the Narrows of the Pasquotank River, just twelve miles from Albemarle Sound. It’s connected to the Elizabeth River in Virginia by the Dismal Swamp Canal, which was dug in 1790 and was used for trade in the early 1800s. The Elizabeth City and Norfolk Railroad was built in 1881 and made maritime trade much less necessary. After World War II, the economy began to level off, and maritime trade slowly faded from the northeastern North Carolina coastline.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore stretches 70 miles along the Outer Banks. You can drive there in four and a half hours, passing through a wildlife refuge, pleasant villages, and miles of pristine beaches without commercial development. The drive also passes the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the US and a beacon for ships since 1870.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is managed by the National Park Service, which prohibits the use of fireworks and littering on the beaches. You should also keep your pets on a leash at all times. Although you can enjoy bonfires throughout the year, you should be sure to place your bonfires below the high tide line. You also must be sure to put out your fire before leaving the beach. You must also avoid disturbing the dunes, which are protected under the National Park Service.
Several of the islands are accessible by boat. Ocracoke Island is the southernmost of the Outer Banks, and is about 16 miles long and has no road access. The most popular ferry runs from Hatteras Village to the northern tip of the island, and takes 45 minutes. The other ferry service connects Ocracoke Island to Sea Level, NC, and takes about 135 minutes. You may want to reserve your ferry tickets in advance.
The Cape Hatteras National Seashore is one of the largest preserved parcels on the Outer Banks. Featuring beaches, lighthouses, and nature trails, this area is perfect for a day on the beach or a weekend getaway.
North Carolina Aquarium
The aquarium is divided into individual “galleries” representing different ecosystems. This diversity of exhibits gives visitors a detailed look at the animals and ecosystems of the state. Visitors can see everything from turtles to alligators to the state’s flora and fauna. The aquarium has won several national awards for its work. Here are a few highlights. The Aquarium was remodeled recently to make room for rare albino alligators.
Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium is situated on a barrier island in North Carolina. It features the largest man-made ocean habitat in the state. It is also home to a replica of a historic sunken military ship. The replica is home to hundreds of fish and sharks. The aquarium also has a three-story waterfall.
The aquarium offers a variety of programs for visitors of all ages. From behind-the-scenes tours with facility caregivers to educational AquaCamps, the aquarium is sure to please all. A calendar of upcoming events can be found on the aquarium’s website.
Chimney Rock State Park
There are several ways to experience Chimney Rock State Park. You can take the elevator up or walk the trails to the top of the Chimney. Regardless of your preferred mode of transportation, there is a restroom near the parking lot at the top of the Chimney. The park also has a deli and gift shop.
Chimney Rock State Park is an easy day trip from Greenville and Asheville. You can explore the state park’s scenic trails or go up to the scenic Sky Lounge for a view of the surrounding area. For rock climbers, the park has world-class granite outcroppings. The Rumbling Bald Climbing Access Area features multi-pitch and problem climbing routes.
If you want to see more than just a view of the Chimney Rock, you can visit the Chimney Rock Museum. This is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. However, the museum is open on Christmas Eve until 3 PM.
Chimney Rock State Park offers hiking trails to a summit of 404 feet. You can also visit Devil’s Head, a rock believed to look like the head of a devil. In 2006, the park was expanded by acquiring World’s Edge land. This resulted in the park’s expansion to 1,568 acres. It is also popular for its waterfalls and hiking trails.
