North Carolina Travel Guide

North Carolina Travel Guide

Introduction

North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic mountains, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the bustling cities to the small towns, North Carolina has something to offer for everyone.

Geography

North Carolina is bordered by Virginia to the north, South Carolina to the south, Tennessee to the west, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state is divided into three regions: the Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Mountains.

The Coastal Plain is a low-lying region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the fall line, which is the point where the rivers begin to drop in elevation. This region is known for its beautiful beaches, marshes, and swamps.

The Piedmont is a plateau region that lies between the Coastal Plain and the Mountains. This region is known for its rolling hills, fertile farmland, and bustling cities.

The Mountains are a range of mountains that run through the western part of the state. This region is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor adventures, and quaint mountain towns.

Top Attractions

North Carolina has a wide range of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the top attractions in the state:

Beaches

North Carolina has some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Some of the top beaches include:

• Outer Banks
• Wrightsville Beach
• Carolina Beach
• Emerald Isle
• Holden Beach

Mountains

The Mountains of North Carolina are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the top attractions in this region include:

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Chimney Rock State Park
• Grandfather Mountain
• Linville Gorge

Historical Landmarks

North Carolina has a rich history, and there are many historical landmarks throughout the state. Some of the top landmarks include:

• Biltmore Estate
• Wright Brothers National Memorial
• Fort Raleigh National Historic Site
• USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial
• Old Salem Museums & Gardens

Hidden Gems

North Carolina is also home to many hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors. Here are some of the top hidden gems in the state:

Small Towns

North Carolina is home to many small towns that are full of charm and character. Some of the top small towns to visit include:

• Asheville
• Chapel Hill
• Blowing Rock
• Beaufort
• Hendersonville

Natural Wonders

North Carolina is full of natural wonders that are often overlooked by visitors. Some of the top natural wonders to visit include:

• Linville Caverns
• Sliding Rock
• Whirligig Park
• The Devil’s Tramping Ground
• Mount Mitchell

Food Scene

North Carolina is known for its southern cuisine, which includes barbecue, fried chicken, biscuits, and sweet tea. Here are some of the top restaurants to try in the state:

Barbecue

North Carolina is famous for its barbecue, which is made with pork that is slow-cooked over wood for hours. Some of the top barbecue restaurants in the state include:

• Lexington Barbecue
• Allen & Son Barbecue
• Skylight Inn
• Wilber’s Barbecue
• B’s Barbecue

Seafood

North Carolina is also known for its seafood, which includes fresh fish, oysters, and shrimp. Some of the top seafood restaurants in the state include:

• The Oyster Bar
• Calabash Seafood Hut
• Seafood Shack
• Beaufort Grocery Company
• Blue Water Grill

Budget-Friendly Tips

North Carolina can be an affordable destination for travelers on a budget. Here are some tips for saving money:

Accommodations

There are many affordable accommodations throughout the state, including camping, budget hotels, and vacation rentals. Some of the top budget-friendly accommodations include:

• State Park Campgrounds
• Hostels
• Motel 6
• Airbnb
• Couchsurfing

Free Activities

There are many free activities to enjoy in North Carolina, including hiking, visiting state parks, and attending festivals. Some of the top free activities include:

• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Wrightsville Beach
• North Carolina Museum of Art
• North Carolina Zoo

Outdoor Adventures

North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities to enjoy. Here are some of the top outdoor adventures in the state:

Hiking

North Carolina has some of the best hiking trails in the country, with options for all skill levels. Some of the top hiking trails include:

• Appalachian Trail
• Mount Mitchell Trail
• Linville Gorge
• Umstead State Park
• Hanging Rock State Park

Water Sports

North Carolina’s beaches and rivers offer a wide range of water sports, including surfing, kayaking, and fishing. Some of the top water sports destinations include:

• Wrightsville Beach
• Ocracoke Island
• Outer Banks
• Cape Fear River
• New River

Family-Friendly Activities

North Carolina is a great destination for families, with a wide range of activities to keep everyone entertained. Here are some of the top family-friendly activities in the state:

Amusement Parks

North Carolina is home to several amusement parks that are perfect for families, including:

• Carowinds
• Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe
• Tweetsie Railroad
• Ghost Town in the Sky
• Frankie’s Fun Park

Museums

North Carolina has many museums that are both educational and entertaining for families. Some of the top museums include:

• North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
• North Carolina Aquariums
• Discovery Place Science
• Marbles Kids Museum
• North Carolina Transportation Museum

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

If you’re looking for something unique and off the beaten path, North Carolina has plenty of options. Here are some of the top off-the-beaten-path experiences in the state:

The Land of Oz

The Land of Oz is a theme park located in Beech Mountain that was inspired by the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Visitors can take a tour of Dorothy’s house, walk through the yellow brick road, and meet the characters from the movie.

Linville Falls Winery

Linville Falls Winery is a family-owned winery located in the Mountains of North Carolina. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, take a tour of the vineyard, and enjoy the beautiful views of the mountains.

Nightlife

North Carolina has a vibrant nightlife scene, with options for everyone. Here are some of the top nightlife destinations in the state:

Downtown Raleigh

Downtown Raleigh has a vibrant nightlife scene, with a wide range of bars and nightclubs to choose from. Some of the top destinations include:

• The Raleigh Times
• Coglin’s Raleigh
• Trophy Brewing & Pizza