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Whether you wish to have an thrilling mountain journey or a lazy day on the seaside, North Carolina is a state that has one thing for everybody. Here’s a North Carolina Travel Guide for these hoping to discover the state!
North Carolina Travel Guide
Carolina Girl
I spent the primary 30ish years of my life residing in North Carolina. Whether you’re a Duke or Carolina fan or you possibly can’t resolve between your love for the mountains over the seaside, you’ll discover one thing to like concerning the Old North State!
Toward the west you’ll discover mountain ranges to hike and to the east you’ll be capable of dip your toes within the Atlantic Ocean. In addition to its out of doors choices, North Carolina can be house to a number of the greatest historic websites within the nation, in addition to nice eating places and looking for the extra trendy sensibilities (I’m taking a look at you Charlotte!).
As it’s such an amazing spot to go to, I’ve determined to share a journey information that will help you plan and profit from your North Carolina journey.
My information to North Carolina is made up of the place to journey to, what to do as soon as you’re there, and the place to remain throughout your go to. This information will allow you to plan your greatest journey to North Carolina to make sure you don’t miss something this state has to supply.
The Weather
While planning forward, it’s at all times good to consider the climate. I really like that NC has 4 distinct seasons, however you’ll want to decorate appropriately for them. Due to its location within the southern United States, North Carolina is greatest to go to in early April to mid June and early September to late November. This will assist make sure you encounter the very best temperatures, in addition to the prettiest views when climbing.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
Table of Contents
- Where to go
- What to do
- Where to remain
Where to Travel in North Carolina
Asheville
Asheville is a enjoyable metropolis providing a vibrant downtown with a lot of nice eating places. The Laughing Seed was at all times one among our favorites!
Outside the downtown space, you’ll discover nice choices for out of doors lovers with nice hikes nestled within the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains plus a lot of craft breweries. It’s additionally a super spot to go to within the fall, as you possibly can anticipate cooler climate and colourful leaves.
As you get nearer to town, historical past buffs will get pleasure from stopping by The Biltmore, America’s largest privately owned and maintained property (extra on that later). While there, wine lovers can cease and luxuriate in a tasting at America’s most visited vineyard, Biltmore Winery.
Once you hit town itself, you’ll discover a vibrant artwork scene within the River Arts District. If meals and beer are extra your vibe, there are a ton of nice eating places and breweries all walkable within the downtown space. It’s no shock it is a in style vacation spot for Bachelorette events or for {couples} on the lookout for a enjoyable weekend away.
Blog put up: Kath and Jenna do Asheville
Winston-Salem
Located simply 3 ½ hours from Charlottesville, VA, Winston-Salem, NC makes for an amazing weekend getaway or a pleasant cease on the best way to Asheville. This metropolis is much like different North Carolina cities like Charlotte and Asheville in that you simply’ll discover a mixture of out of doors actions, cool breweries (like Fiddlin’ Fish), and good meals.
Another enjoyable side of this space is Old Salem. This in style historic district permits individuals to be taught concerning the Moravians of North Carolina. While you possibly can stroll round Old Salem without cost, you may as well choose to cease on the Visitor Center to buy tickets for interactive displays.. You also can pattern Moravian meals, like cookies at Winkler Bakery
Downtown Winston!
Charlotte
Charlotte is North Carolina’s largest metropolis so it’s no shock you could find lots to do while you’re right here, from museums to eating places and past. I lived there for 5 years after school and labored for a customer’s journal, so I discovered rather a lot concerning the space!
Charlotte can be house to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Hall of Fame, so you probably have an fanatic in your midst they are going to be thrilled.
You’ll additionally discover loads of breweries in Charlotte and their meals scene has been gaining traction in recent times, making it a enjoyable location for foodies and beer lovers.
I went to Davidson College simply north of Charlotte, and the city of Davidson and complete Lake Norman space can be value a go to in itself!
Optimist Hall is a good place for lunch or dinner!
Blog put up: Weekend in Charlotte
Raleigh
North Carolina’s capital metropolis, Raleigh, can be known as the Smithsonian of the South because of the variety of free museums you possibly can go to. Here you’ll discover the North Carolina Museum of Art (additionally the primary main museum assortment to be fashioned by state laws and funding), the North Carolina Museum of History (affiliated with the Smithsonian), the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science, and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. This is simply a few of what Raleigh has to supply, so should you wish to discover museums when you journey, it is a nice metropolis for you.
Concert in Raleigh!
Durham
Just half-hour from Raleigh, you’ll come upon Durham. These would make nice locations to pair collectively for a visit!
Durham, NC isn’t simply house to Duke University. It’s a metropolis with a wealthy historical past (from tobacco to the Civil Rights Movement, it has an fascinating previous) and it has been revitalized in recent times to such an extent that Vogue journal refers to it as “North Carolina’s Hippest City.” With boutique accommodations to nice eating places, this vacation spot is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway. Check out the American Tobacco warehouses that are restored into eating places and funky areas.
If you’ve gotten youngsters, you should go to the Museum of Life and Science! It’s a mostly-outside museum meets zoo meets play middle.
Wilmington
If your tastes align extra with having a coastal journey, you’ll need to try Wilmington, NC.
In Wilmington correct, you possibly can discover the historic river district. Spanning the famed Cape Fear River, individuals who benefit from the southern appeal of Savannah and Charleston will really feel at house right here. Enjoy the numerous outlets and eating places alongside the riverside or contemplate taking a river cruise for a brand new perspective of the sights.
If you desire a classic boardwalk really feel, go to Carolina Beach. Located simply quarter-hour from Wilmington, you’ll be capable of have a soothing seaside trip with loads of locations to seek out tropical drinks and recent fish.
And be sure you pay attention to Bald Head Island off the coast! Catch the ferry over for the day from Southport or plan a summer season vacay. There are not any vehicles allowed – golf carts solely – and BHI is a gorgeous nature protect surrounded by each marsh and ocean.
Outer Banks
For a seaside getaway with the flash of a resort city, go for the Outer Banks. A sequence of slender barrier islands (stretches of land operating parallel to coastlines), this space can be extra your velocity if you’d like lowkey. Known primarily for its huge beachfronts, that is your spot if you’d like a soothing seaside trip the place you merely get pleasure from your environment.
Also of observe are the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and its sister park, The Camp Lookout National Seashore. You’ll get two very totally different experiences with these, as Cape Hatteras is healthier identified and much much less rustic. Depending on what you’re on the lookout for in your go to, you’ll need to see what each have to supply.
Of course, if you’re on the lookout for one thing extra to do than strolling the seaside, you possibly can try the Wright Brothers Memorial, one (or all) of the 5 lighthouses, or soak up a sport of mini golf (it’s a putt putt lover’s dream vacation spot).
Things to Do in North Carolina
Hiking
Boasting over 900 miles of trails, North Carolina is a good state for individuals who like to hike. You can try this listing of the 21 greatest hikes, which additionally contains elevation, size, issue, location, and something you’ll must find out about what to carry or the right way to put together. You’ll be capable of discover one thing to suit any ability degree.
If you need to expertise the very best of each worlds, contemplate visiting the Pisgah National Forest, simply outdoors of Asheville. With greater than 500,000 acres of hardwood forest, whitewater rivers, and extra, there’s a lot to discover. You can take within the stunning nature earlier than heading again into town for a beer and dwell music.
Other nice climbing spots so as to add to your listing are Chimney Rock State Park (about 25 miles outdoors of Asheville), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (about 70 miles outdoors of Asheville and the most-visited nationwide park), and the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain (close to Linville, NC).
Biltmore Estate
Speaking of Asheville, the Biltmore Estate is a nationwide historic landmark and a particular merchandise to place in your to-do listing if you’re within the space. Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this house is the quintessential instance of the gilded age in America. Today, you possibly can take a guided tour of the house or take time by yourself perusing the huge gardens on the property. The land can be house to eating places, outlets, a luxurious lodge, and their in style vineyard. You can simply spend a weekend exploring the property.
Scenic Drive
I’m a fan of something involving the Blue Ridge Mountains, as these are a key a part of the Virginia panorama as effectively. In addition to being one thing you possibly can drive in VA, The Blue Ridge Parkway truly spans 252 miles of western North Carolina. It’s a gorgeous scenic drive, and it is only one of many. If you’re keen on driving by the mountains, try the many scenic drives you possibly can take by the state.
US National Whitewater Center
This is the proper spot for anybody who loves out of doors adventures. Located in Charlotte, NC, the US National Whitewater Center is house to 1,300 acres the place you possibly can run, paddle, experience, climb, and extra. From whitewater rafting and kayaking to ziplines, your adventurous spirit can be proper at house right here. Be certain and take a look at their website for reserving your adventures.
Check out their occasions calendar as effectively, as you’ll usually discover dwell music, festivals, and extra.
Visit Bald Head Island
Take a 20 minute ferry experience from Southport, NC, to Bald Head Island. If you’re a historical past buff, you possibly can take a historic tour to be taught all concerning the Island’s function throughout each the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. If you like to golf, make certain and schedule your go to so you possibly can take an journey of their famed course. This can be only a enjoyable place to discover irrespective of your pursuits. You can be taught extra about it should you try my put up on Bald Head Island.
Best Places to Stay in North Carolina
Since there are such a lot of sorts of locations to go to in North Carolina, it’s not shocking there are tons of various choices relating to the very best locations to remain. Here are a couple of concepts concerning the place to remain to your journey:
Inn on Biltmore Estate (Asheville)
If you’re absolutely immersing your self in exploring the Biltmore, you’ll in all probability need to keep at their onsite premises. The Inn on Biltmore Estate is a luxurious lodge providing stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. While right here, you possibly can soak up the entire websites of the home and gardens, in addition to get pleasure from wine, meals, and spa companies. If you wish to discover the Biltmore and Asheville, you possibly can contemplate doing an evening right here earlier than heading into town to remain (although it is a shut Uber experience away).
The Princess Anne Hotel (Asheville)
The Princess Ann Hotel is a enjoyable choice for Asheville as a result of it takes the very best elements of a mattress & breakfast and marries it with the very best elements of a lodge to create an amazing place to remain. You’ll have selections of pretty visitor rooms with their very own bogs, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and made-to-order breakfast.
While that is positioned downtown, it’s tucked away on a quiet road and even has a beautiful personal backyard so you’re feeling a break from town itself.
Glamping Collective (Asheville)
If you wish to have extra of the out of doors expertise in Asheville, why not contemplate the Glamping Collective? This personal mountaintop is house to luxurious glamping companies simply twenty minutes outdoors of Asheville and somewhat over an hour from Great Smoky Mountain National Park. You also can simply decompress right here, as there are personal hikes and breathtaking views.
Glamping lodging embody choices like a Luxe Dome with a scorching tub and mountain views or a glass cabin with a non-public deck. Bring a e-book, open a bottle of wine, and luxuriate in full rest.
Kimpton Cardinal Hotel (Winston-Salem)
The Kimpton Cardinal Hotel is positioned proper downtown within the historic RJ Reynolds constructing. This stylish artwork deco constructing as soon as was house to the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company. Now it’s a stylish and comfy lodge that’s strolling distance from eating places, breweries, and outlets.
When staying at chains (Kimpton is a part of IHG), it’s at all times a good suggestion to see how one can make the most of bank card journey rewards. Be certain and reference my put up the place I provide up some ideas on how to take action.
21C Museum Hotels (Durham)
21C Museum Hotels refers to a up to date artwork museum and boutique lodge chain. Their fourth location opened in Durham in 2015 and is conveniently positioned within the downtown space.
While staying at this lodge, make certain and take a look at the big exhibition house (greater than 10,500 sq. toes) that includes modern artwork. The exhibitions rotate, so you possibly can see one thing totally different every time you go to.
The Iveys (Charlotte)
Boutique accommodations may be enjoyable as a result of they often provide cool facilities and a enjoyable atmosphere. The Iveys is not any totally different. There is a Library Lounge with all-day snacks that additionally serves complimentary cheese, charcuterie, wine, and champagne within the night and you may get pleasure from craft cocktails within the lounge.
In addition to being a cool spot, it’s conveniently positioned so you possibly can stroll to museums, eating places, and even nightlife.
Graystone Inn (Wilmington)
If you’re visiting the historic river district in Wilmington, why not go all in on the southern appeal and keep at a beautiful mattress & breakfast?
The Graystone Inn has been renovated so contains all trendy facilities in a historic house. Additionally, you’ll have nice views of the Cape Fear River and you’ll be strolling distance of the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
If you’re headed to the Outer Banks, why not absolutely embrace the quiet seaside life by reserving a trip rental? CondeNast Traveler has an amazing listing of twelve leases to select from, whether or not you desire a romantic getaway in Kitty Hawk or a bar crawl in Duck. Check them out right here.
There you’ve gotten it – my North Carolina Travel Guide! I hope you’ve gotten enjoyable exploring the entire enjoyable cities to see, issues to do, and locations to remain.