There are so many reasons to visit North Carolina we’d run out of words covering them all! During our lifetimes, Ramie and I have lived in 12 different states covering the middle, and all four corners, of the United States (plus Hawaii). Every state has its charms and attractions but North Carolina holds a unique place for us. Simply, it is a unique combination of fascinating history, cultural diversity, excellent weather, natural wonders, friendly people and absolutely no end of things to do and places to go that would enrich even the sharpest cynic.
North Carolina is our home but also our playground. We have made it our goal to experience all of this great state and share it all with you. This article will serve as a hub from which you can discover more about why you should visit North Carolina and its many wonders. North Carolina is split into three regions: Mountains, Piedmont and Coast.
A Brief History
North Carolina has always represented a unique American perspective among states. Its settlement was slow due to immigrant access (barrier reef coastline), bureaucratic obstacles (high taxes from the crown) and over 30 indigenous tribes fighting to maintain their land. Over time each of these impediments decreased, some as a result of winning the American Revolution and others, tragically, primarily due a lack of immunity to European diseases.
The end of the Civil War did not end the struggles of the newly freed slaves of North Carolina. When the Democratic Party regained political control in the late 19th-century it meant a return of laws specifically designed to restrict opportunities for blacks and poor whites. Social change was slow to come to the Tar Heel state.
Industry had a huge impact on the state in the 20th-century with progress made in the textile, cotton, and tobacco industries as well as the breakthrough efforts of the Wright Brothers in Kitty Hawk. The World Wars impacted North Carolina in a number of ways training more soldiers than any other state to the thousands of battlefield casualties incurred. The latter half of the 20th-century saw the state taking a significant role in the Civil Rights movement including sit-ins, picketing and student protests like the 1960 Greensboro Woolworths “whites-only” sit-in that drew national attention.
To learn more about the history of the Tar Heel state see our article on the North Carolina Museum of History.
The 4 Seasons
Weather is one of the major attractions of North Carolina. Aside from the humidity in the summer, the other seasons are relatively mild. Winter can produce some snow but steady accumulation is generally restricted to the higher elevations. For instance, in the Raleigh-Durham area snow and ice are so rare the roads are never pre-treated.
Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate meaning hot and humid summers and cold to mild winters. Following are average climate numbers for each of the (3) regions.
Mountain Region
Piedmont Region
Coastal Region
There are four distinct seasons in North Carolina but, aside from the summer humidity, the weather is very pleasant and enjoyable for most of the year. North Carolina does have a hurricane season that lasts between June and November but only a total of 47 hurricanes have actually made direct hits on North Carolina since 1851.
Urban Attractions When You Visit North Carolina
There are (4) urban areas of note in North Carolina: Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Winston-Salem and Greensboro. Each have their own flavor and appeal yet all are located in the Piedmont section of the state. While Raleigh serves as the capital, Charlotte is the largest and most populated.
Charlotte
Charlotte has a population of approximately 875,000 “Charlotteans” making it the 16th largest city in the country. It is filled with fantastic attractions ranging from the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and the Charlotte Ballet to Carowinds Amusement Park and the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Charlotte is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers, the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, the MLL’s Charlotte Hounds, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the state’s largest airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT).
Raleigh-Durham
Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and has the second largest airport in the state, Raleigh-Durham International (RDU). Raleigh-Durham is a metro area best known for its Research Triangle, which is anchored by the (3) primary research universities of North Carolina State University, Duke University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The area is one of the fastest growing, and most desirable (Money Magazine’s “Best Big City in the Southeast”), places to live in the entire East Coast. It is also home to the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, the infamous minor league baseball Durham Bulls and the American Badminton Academy. Raleigh also has two of the state’s best museums, the North Carolina Museum of History (including the NC Sports Hall of Fame) and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Winston-Salem
Named in 2012 as one of the 10 best places to retire (CBS MoneyWatch), Winston-Salem has the tallest office building in the state, the former Wachovia Building now known as the Wells Fargo Center. In 2017, both the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times ranked Winston-Salem second in the U.S. as the most livable downtowns in America. Among the city’s attractions are the Old Salem Museums & Gardens, Reynold House Museum of American Art, Children’s Museum, SciWorks, Historic Bethabara Park and the West End Historic District. In a local oddity, Wake Forest University is actually located in Winston-Salem having moved west from its original home in Wake Forest, NC in 1956.
Greensboro
Part of the Piedmont Triad, along with Winston-Salem and High Point, Greensboro has over 170 parks and gardens making it one of the more active urban areas of the state. The 3rd most populous city in North Carolina, Greensboro is located at the intersection of (3) major interstate highways, Interstates 40, 85, and 73. Greensboro’s more notable attractions include the Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe water park, the Greensboro Science Center, the International Civil Rights Museum, the Weatherspoon Art Museum and the Greensboro Symphony. It is also HQ for the ACC and home to several minor league organizations including the Greensboro Grasshoppers, the Carolina Dynamo and the Greensboro Swarm.
Rural Attractions When You Visit North Carolina
The (3) regions of North Carolina each offer completely different experiences for visitors and locals alike. The western Mountain region is an outdoor paradise, the Piedmont offers amazing museums, zoos and parks while the eastern Coast area has some of the best beaches of the eastern seaboard.
Mountain Region
If you love the outdoors then the western part of the state offers an endless supply of entertainment. The world famous Asheville area alone features the Biltmore Estate, the Botanical Gardens, the Carl Sandburg Home and the North Carolina Arboretum not to mention the wonderful quaint downtown Asheville itself. You could spend a relaxing family day (or weekend) on the water at beautiful Lake Lure or on the slopes at award-winning Sugar Mountain Resort. The kids may also enjoy the three-mile ride behind an historic steam locomotive and the Wild West theme park at Tweetsie Railroad.
If you enjoy hiking and/or waterfalls the Brevard area is known locally as the “Land of Waterfalls” with over 300 identified falls and cascades to explore including Bridal Veil, Triple, High and Linville Falls. If you prefer majestic views the choices include Chimney Rock, Grandfather Mountain, Blowing Rock and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park or, if you prefer to descend, there are the amazing Linville Taverns. A more sedate option is to simply drive the Blue Ridge Parkway for unmatched scenic beauty. For the adults an ideal weekend getaway can always be found at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.
Piedmont Region
The Piedmont region offers more of an intellectual experience with its vast array of cultural offerings. Raleigh has (2) of the best museums in the entire southeast with the North Carolina Museum of History and the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. There is also the Old Salem Museum, the military museums at Fort Bragg, the Weatherspoon Art Museum, the International Civil Rights Museum, the Charlotte Liberty Walk and the free Mint Museum. For a day on the links, relaxing at the spa, or an evening of fine dining, make sure to visit the home of the 2019 U.S. Men’s Amateur Championship event at the Pinehurst Resort.
There are outdoor opportunities as well to entertain. There is the Uwharrie National Forest, the Black Mountain and the world’s largest natural habitat zoo, the North Carolina Zoo, featuring 500 developed acres with animals ranging from gorillas and giraffes to Red Wolves and Grizzly Bears. If you enjoy camping or water activities visit the 47,000 acres of the Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. There are quaint towns like Mount Airy (home of the fictional Andy Griffith Show) or the Yadkin Valley Wine region featuring more than a dozen local wineries including a variety of scenic vineyards slipped into the rolling countryside. If you’re in town in early fall you can experience the NC State Fair or the entertaining BBQ Festival in Lexington.
Coastal Region
A visit to North Carolina’s Outer Banks should be on everyone’s bucket list. It features some of the best beaches on the eastern seaboard and endless beach entertainment like the late summer warm waters of Wilmington’s Wrightsville Beach. One of the more unique Outer Banks experiences is seeing the Wild Spanish Mustangs in the Currituck Banks. In all there are over 100 miles of beaches with a significant stretch only accessible by driving on the beach itself (make sure to deflate your tires a bit first). The entire Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a geological wonder and each of the Barrier Islands is unique in itself.
The Coast region isn’t more than just magnificent beaches. It also features Civil War Battlefields, the Battleship North Carolina and the Lejeune Memorial and Arlie Gardens. A total of (7) lighthouses dot the North Carolina shoreline from the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands. For a bit of history there is the Tryon Palace, North Carolina’s first permanent state capital, featuring (14) acres of beautifully-sculpted gardens, museums, exhibits and shows that bring you back to colonial America.
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Parks and Outdoors
North Carolina has (14) locations throughout the state managed by the National Park Service. Some pass through the state like the Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway while others commemorate memorable in-state events like the Guilford Courthouse National Military Park, the location of the largest battle of the Revolutionary War in the South. There are historical sites like the Wright Brothers Memorial on the Outer Banks and Fort Raleigh where England’s first New World settlements from 1584 to 1590 are preserved. There are even two sites on the national seashore, Cape Hatteras and its world famous lighthouse and Cape Lookout located within the barrier islands.
When you visit North Carolina, a major part of the outdoors experience of North Carolina are its state parks, forests and lakes. If you are into hiking with great views there are endless options including Chimney Rock, Crowders Mountain, Grandfather Mountain and Blowing Rock. In the western part of the state you can find the “Land of the Waterfalls” many of which can be seen in Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest. The Outer Banks is world renowned for its beaches, sand dunes, museums, lighthouses, restaurants and Wild Mustangs. There are also a wide variety of lakes to visit in the Tar Heel state including many so-called “finger lakes” which contain innumerable inlets and coves. Among the most popular of the lakes is Lake Norman, known for its fishing, boating and bird watching and Jordan Lake, which features over 1,000 campsites, (7) beaches and over 17 miles of hiking trails.
Weekend Getaways
North Carolina’s east coast proximity lends itself well to out-of-state weekend getaways along all compass points. To the east is the coastline with the Outer Banks, Wilmington and the barrier islands. To the south are South Carolina gems like Charleston, Hilton Head, Lake Jocassee and Myrtle Beach. Georgia hot spots like Augusta, Clayton, Savannah and Atlanta are only a 4-5 hour drive south.
To the west is the Nantahala National Forest, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Knoxville, TN. To the north is Virginia Beach and Richmond, VA. We were surprised to find that even Washington, DC is under an hour drive from Raleigh.
Where to Dine When You Visit North Carolina
The (3) regions of North Carolina each offer completely different experiences for visitors and locals alike. The western Mountain region is an outdoor paradise, the Piedmont offers amazing museums, zoos and parks while the eastern Coast area has some of the best beaches of the eastern seaboard.
Mountain Region
The restaurant at Pisgah Inn in Waynesville has the advantage of being one of the few places to eat along the Blue Ridge Parkway with views that couldn’t be painted any more glorious. The food is excellent and the pricing, though a bit high on some items, is reasonable. A few things . . . get there early if you’d like a window seat (they don’t take reservations) but be prepared to wait if you don’t and order the French Silk pie for dessert.
Located just east of the Tennessee border in the tiny hamlet of Robbinsville is the Tapoco Tavern. The Tapoco is known locally for its views of the Cheoah River (including fire tables outside on cooler nights) and their hand-tossed pizza. The restaurant is on the lower level of the Tapoco Lodge and has both indoor and outdoor seating. The menu is American fare with everything from an excellent local (and fresh) trout and 12 oz. ribeye to a classic Reuben and build your own pizza.
An hour northeast of Asheville is the Chalet Restaurant. It is in a wonderful gem of a hamlet known as Little Switzerland and features yet more amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains (sensing a pattern of preference here) from its indoor and outdoor seating area. The Chalet features American fare and has plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. The only complaint is the morning sun can be pretty fierce so be aware. Seating preference is given to Switzerland Inn guests so if you aren’t staying there you should make reservations ahead of time.
Piedmont Region
Herons in Cary is pricey but possibly the best restaurant in the entire state. It is genuine 5–star experience complete with wine pairings, 3-8 course meals and even “Art Tour” offerings. Decidedly upscale with an atmosphere to match it isn’t just about the food though it is unmatched. It is about the ambience, the pacing, the unhurried mood and sumptuous presentation. Highly recommended is the 9-course meal with a wine pairing for each course. Perfect for an Anniversary or special occasion.
When you visit North Carolina, hidden in South Park Charlotte is the Peppervine, an independent small plate restaurant that excels as much in presentation as it does in quality. Described as an eatery for foodies, the menu changes often and the descriptions may be confusing for some but rest assured, there are no poor choices here. Particular gems include the Lamb Loin Skewers, the Korean Beef Rib, the Pappardelle “Carbonara” and the Zucchini & Potato Pupusas. Peppervine is pricey but well worth the experience.
The North Ridge Shopping Center in Raleigh is home to two of the best restaurants in the Triangle area. There is Café Tiramisu, a small and intimate Italian eatery whose selections are matched only by their excellent service. They have amazing Lasagna, Marsala, Saltimbocca, Pork Loin Chop and Tuscan Chicken. A few doors down is Saint Jacque which offers some of the best French cuisine despite its unusual location. Once inside you forget you’re in a strip mall as the atmosphere and aromas prepare you for culinary delight. You’ll even likely get a visit from the chef, Serge Falcoz-Vigne, who is always eager to discuss his unique interpretations of classic French dishes like Cuisses de Grenouille (frogs legs), Filet Mignon de Bœuf, Braised short rib Bourguignon and Crème Brûlée.
Coastal Region
Another great French fare option is the Caprice Bistro in Wilmington. Its façade is reminiscent of Little Italy and try and get seated upstairs if you can for an even better experience. The Escargots Petits Gris and the Crepe Forestiere are excellent starters as is the Arugula Salad. They have a sumptuous pork tenderloin, Salmon au Vert and Lamb Shank Tagine but the pièce de résistance is the peerless Beef Bourguignon braised in a red wine sauce. Bon Appétit!
In the southeast tip of North Carolina, specifically Southport, is the Provision Company. It features waterfront dining at very reasonable prices. There are sandwiches ranging from traditional cheeseburgers and grilled chicken to Grouper Salad and Grilled Yellow Fin Tuna. The always fresh seafood features steamed shrimp, clams and Conch Fritters. The Thee Special (½ steamed shrimp and crab cake, homemade potato salad and cucumber salad) and Crabcake Dinner Special are excellent. As a little quirk, drinks are served on the honor system so keep your own tab.
Some of the best southern comfort food to be found in coastal North Carolina is the aptly named Granny’s Country Kitchen in Carolina Beach. The exterior is hard to miss with its ocean blue brick face (with yellow trim) and the black & white checkboard floor inside. There is all-day breakfast as well as the familiar staples like Made From Scratch Gravy Biscuits, Fried Green tomatoes, Shrimp & Grits and BLT. And be sure to try their exclusive Meatloaf Sundae.
Where to Play When You Visit North Carolina
North Carolina has a rich history in the sports world from the Charlotte Motor Speedway to the PGA Wyndham Championship at the Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, NC. It is home to (3) major sports franchises including the NFL Carolina Panthers, the NBA Charlotte Hornets and 2006 Stanley Cup Champion Carolina Hurricanes. The Tar Heel state is also home to (3) professional soccer teams (NC Courage, Charlotte Independence and NCFC), (4) indoor football franchises (Carolina Cobras, Cape Fear Heroes, Carolina Energy and High Country Grizzlies) and the Charlotte Hounds of the MLL (Major League Lacrosse).
North Carolina is probably best known for its college sports but it also has been home for such luminaries as Michael Jordan, Dale Earnhardt, Lawrence Taylor, Mia Hamm, Richard Petty, Buck Leonard, Catfish Hunter and David Thompson. The list can go on forever. If you ever get a chance to visit North Carolina make sure to drop into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame . . . you’ll be surprised at all of the familiar names. UNC-Chapel Hill alone has won 45 NCAA championships including 21 in Women’s Soccer.
Residents of North Carolina have plenty of opportunities to play as well. Every year features the Powerade State Games of North Carolina. Over 20 different sports have competition from mainstays like baseball, basketball and soccer to more eclectic sports like archery, disc golf, taekwondo and (my personal favorite) lacrosse. The games generally alternate every year between Charlotte and Raleigh. The state also features several amusement parks ranging from Carowinds and Carolina Harbor in Charlotte and Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe to Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock and Frankie’s Fun Park and Galaxy Fun Park in Raleigh.
Where to Sleep When You Visit North Carolina
If you are visiting North Carolina or staying out-of-town for a night or two where you stay matters. While we could go on forever about specific hotels we thought we’d relegate it to the best hotels in each of the state’s (3) regions. The best isn’t always the most luxurious or expensive.
Mountain Region
The Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands has the advantage of being located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and features some of the most spectacular views in the state. There are numerous dining options onsite as well as a spa, the Acorns boutique (antique home decor) and the Old Edwards Golf Club. The Inn evokes memories of a European lodge with its cozy fireplaces, stone and brick façade and Victorian-era furnishings.
The Haywood Park Hotel in Asheville is a 33-room boutique hotel with a perfect location for enjoying downtown Asheville’s special charm. You’re greeted with Champagne at check-in and chocolates at the nightly turndown service. You have access to a fitness center and two in-house restaurants. The rooms feature wet bars, free WiFi, Keurigs and flat-screen TVs not only in the room but the bathrooms as well.
The Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville is worth it for its entrance alone. Located on the fringe of Biltmore Village the Tudor-inspired décor and ambiance, complete with velvet couches and stone fireplaces, create an atmosphere that all great lodgings accomplish. The afore-mentioned entrance is a drive through into an open roofed courtyard on a cobble-stoned service. The interior includes a spa, an art gallery and an excellent restaurant, the Red Stag Grill.
Piedmont Region
The Umstead Hotel and Spa is widely considered the best hotel in the state. Located in Cary, it has won awards from such critics as Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor’s, Forbes and Travel + Leisure. It is tucked away in a forest of pines overseeing a 3-acre lake next to Umstead State Park.
The Fearrington House Inn features exteriors of manicured gardens and rolling pastures and interiors including an excellent in-house restaurant, rooms with authentic southern décor with amenities like 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, Molton Brown bath products, complimentary Wi-Fi and breakfast plus fresh flowers.
The Ballantyne is located about 16 miles south of Charlotte and is perfect for a relaxing weekend away from the hustle and bustle. Enjoy 18 holes of Golf Club at Ballantyne, individual treatment at The Spa at Ballantyne and epicurean American cuisine served at the Gallery Restaurant. The best feature of the Ballantyne is the consistent attention to excellent service and attention to detail.
Coastal Region
The Sanderling Resort in Duck is generally considered to be the finest accomodations on the Outer Banks. It is very much a beach resort with its oceanfront setting with a beautiful stretch of beach, award-winning spa and three pools. There are plenty of culinary options available along with a marble bathroom and a private balcony with an ocean view worth every penny.
Nags Head is home to the Surf Side Hotel. This family, and pocket-book, friendly hotel that is not only beach accessible but has its own indoor and outdoor pool and a hot tub. Many of the rooms have ocean views and balconies with rocking chairs. It’s decidedly no-frills but with a nightly rate under $80 you get a nice clean hotel with ideal beach access.
Hampton Inns are a personal budget traveling favorite of ours when we visit North Carolina (or anywhere in the country). The 123-room Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks/Corolla are one of the nicer venues and has, hands-down, the best beachfront in Corolla. It’s worth requesting a top floor room with a view of the ocean. There is an outdoor, indoor and kiddies pool, a hot tub, free hot breakfast and a gazebo about halfway to the beach. The water and sand shelf are perfect for lounging, swimming and even boogie-boarding.
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North Carolina is a unique mix of endless natural wonders, rich cultural history and southern hospitality. From the tech boom of Raleigh’s Research Triangle and the “Land of the Waterfalls” to Charlotte Motor Speedway and the magical outer Banks and Barrier Islands the Tar Heel state offers a wide variety of wonder and entertainment.
When you visit North Carolina please let us know about your experience, especially if you go somewhere we haven’t been yet. Thank you!
This is a very detailed and informative post. I’ve only experienced the coast of North Carolina. I would definitely like to explore the mountain areas too. I will have to refer to this post when we plan a trip in the future!
I really love this post. My husband and I travel several times throughout the year in our RV and cannot wait to visit North Carolina! Thanks for sharing!