bigtravelbuzzNorth Carolina is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its beautiful beaches, charming small towns, and vibrant cities. Some of the popular attractions in North Carolina include the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Outer Banks, the Biltmore Estate, and the city of Asheville, which is known for its arts and culture scene. The state is also home to several universities, including Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. North Carolina is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and fishing, as well as for foodies, with its delicious barbecue and seafood cuisine.
Places to Visit in North Carolina
North Carolina is a state full of natural beauty, charming small towns, and vibrant cities. Here are some of the top places to visit in North Carolina:
Asheville – This city in the western part of the state is known for its arts and culture scene, as well as its stunning natural surroundings. Visitors can explore the Biltmore Estate, hike in the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains, and enjoy craft beer and farm-to-table cuisine.
Outer Banks – This string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is a popular vacation spot, with beautiful beaches, lighthouses, and historical sites such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Charlotte – North Carolina’s largest city is a hub for business, sports, and entertainment. Visitors can check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame, explore the Uptown area’s museums and restaurants, and enjoy outdoor activities at nearby Lake Norman.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park – This national park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is home to some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country, including waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife.
Wilmington – This coastal city is known for its historic downtown district, which features architecture from the 19th century, and its proximity to several beautiful beaches. Visitors can explore the USS North Carolina battleship museum, take a riverboat tour, or visit the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher.
Raleigh – North Carolina’s capital city is a mix of modern amenities and historic sites. Visitors can explore the North Carolina State Capitol, visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and enjoy the city’s numerous parks and green spaces.
Durham – This city is home to several universities, including Duke University, and is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. Visitors can check out the Nasher Museum of Art, explore the American Tobacco Historic District, or catch a show at the Durham Performing Arts Center.
Blue Ridge Parkway – This scenic drive through the Appalachian Mountains offers breathtaking views of the natural beauty of North Carolina, with numerous hiking trails, overlooks, and historic sites along the way.
Emerald Isle – This small beach town on the Crystal Coast is a popular vacation spot, with miles of pristine beaches, fishing piers, and watersports opportunities.
Chimney Rock State Park – This state park near Asheville features a 315-foot granite monolith, hiking trails with stunning views, and the iconic Hickory Nut Falls waterfall.
Best Time To Visit North Carolina
The best time to visit North Carolina depends on what activities you are interested in and which regions of the state you plan to visit. Here are some things to consider:
Weather – North Carolina has a varied climate, with the western mountains experiencing colder temperatures and more snowfall than the coastal regions. Generally, the best time to visit is in the spring (March-May) and fall (September-November), when temperatures are mild and there is less humidity. Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid, especially in the coastal areas.
Outdoor Activities – If you plan to hike, bike, or enjoy other outdoor activities in the mountains, the best time to visit is in the fall, when the leaves change color and the temperatures are comfortable. For beach activities, the summer months are the most popular, but the shoulder seasons of spring and fall can also be pleasant.
Festivals and Events – North Carolina hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Azalea Festival in Wilmington (April), the Biltmore Blooms in Asheville (April-May), and the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh (October). Check the event schedules and plan your visit accordingly.
Tourist Crowds – North Carolina is a popular destination for vacationers, so if you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. Spring and fall tend to be less busy than the summer months, especially in the coastal areas.
Overall, the best time to visit North Carolina depends on your personal preferences and what activities you want to do. However, the spring and fall seasons tend to be the most pleasant for outdoor activities and exploring the state’s attractions.
Things to Do in North Carolina
North Carolina is a state full of diverse attractions and activities. Here are some things to do in North Carolina:
Visit the Biltmore Estate – This historic estate in Asheville is the largest privately owned house in the United States, with 250 rooms and acres of gardens and grounds to explore.
Hike in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park – This national park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee and is home to miles of hiking trails, stunning waterfalls, and scenic overlooks.
Explore the Outer Banks – This string of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina is a popular vacation spot, with miles of beaches, lighthouses, and historical sites.
Check out the NASCAR Hall of Fame – This museum in Charlotte celebrates the history of NASCAR and the legends of the sport.
Discover the arts and culture scene in Asheville – This city is known for its vibrant arts community, with numerous galleries, studios, and events to explore.
Tour the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences – This museum in Raleigh features exhibits on North Carolina’s flora and fauna, geology, and ecology.
Enjoy the beaches and watersports in Wilmington – This coastal city offers miles of beaches, fishing piers, and opportunities for surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Visit the North Carolina Zoo – This zoo in Asheboro is home to more than 1,600 animals from around the world and offers opportunities to see animals up close and learn about conservation efforts.
Explore the historic districts of Durham – This city is home to several historic districts, including the American Tobacco Historic District and the Ninth Street District, with numerous shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Take a scenic drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway – This iconic drive through the Appalachian Mountains offers stunning views of the natural beauty of North Carolina, with numerous hiking trails, overlooks, and historic sites along the way.
How to get around in North Carolina
North Carolina is a large state with many options for transportation. Here are some ways to get around in North Carolina:
Car – Driving is the most common way to get around North Carolina, especially if you want to explore multiple destinations. Major highways include I-40, I-85, and I-95, and there are many scenic byways and country roads to explore as well.
Public Transportation – Some cities in North Carolina, such as Charlotte and Raleigh, have public transportation systems that include buses and light rail. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and the Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) are the largest transit systems in the state.
Amtrak – Amtrak offers passenger rail service to several cities in North Carolina, including Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro. The Carolinian and the Piedmont are two of the main Amtrak routes in the state.
Air Travel – North Carolina has several airports, including major international airports in Charlotte and Raleigh. Smaller airports in Asheville, Wilmington, and Greensboro also offer commercial flights.
Taxis and Ridesharing – Taxis and ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in many cities in North Carolina, especially in the larger metropolitan areas.
Bicycle – Many cities in North Carolina have bike-friendly infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes and bike share programs. There are also many opportunities for recreational biking, such as on the Blue Ridge Parkway or the Outer Banks.
Where to eat in North Carolina
North Carolina is known for its delicious food, ranging from classic Southern comfort food to fresh seafood and international cuisine. Here are some recommendations on where to eat in North Carolina:
Lexington Barbecue – Located in Lexington, this barbecue joint is known for its delicious pork shoulder and vinegar-based sauce.
Mama Dip’s Kitchen – This Chapel Hill institution serves up classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and black-eyed peas.
Crook’s Corner – Located in Chapel Hill, this restaurant is famous for its shrimp and grits, made with local stone-ground grits and fresh shrimp.
A&M’s Red Food Truck – This food truck serves up Caribbean-inspired cuisine, including jerk chicken, curry goat, and plantains.
Acme Food & Beverage Co. – Located in Carrboro, this restaurant offers a seasonal menu with dishes like shrimp and grits, local catfish, and homemade desserts.
Chef and the Farmer – This farm-to-table restaurant in Kinston features seasonal and locally sourced ingredients in dishes like pimento cheese hush puppies and roasted duck breast.
Beasley’s Chicken + Honey – Located in Raleigh, this restaurant serves up fried chicken, biscuits, and other Southern comfort food favorites.
The Admiral – This Asheville restaurant features a rotating menu of creative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, like pork belly with blueberry compote and pan-seared trout with spring pea puree.
Oysters Carolina – This seafood restaurant in Asheville specializes in fresh oysters from North Carolina and other East Coast locations.
Johnson Family Barbecue – Located in Durham, this family-owned barbecue joint serves up delicious pork and chicken with classic Southern sides like mac and cheese and collard greens.
Famous street stalls in North Carolina
North Carolina has a vibrant street food scene, with many delicious and unique street stalls serving up local specialties. Here are some famous street stalls in North Carolina:
Bojangles’ Famous Chicken ‘n Biscuits – This fast food chain is famous for its Southern-style fried chicken and flaky, buttery biscuits. Bojangles’ has numerous locations throughout North Carolina, including several in the Charlotte area.
Cook-Out – Another popular fast food chain in North Carolina, Cook-Out is known for its burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Cook-Out has locations throughout the state, including in Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro.
Snoopy’s Hot Dogs – This Raleigh institution has been serving up hot dogs since 1978, with toppings like chili, slaw, and mustard. Snoopy’s also serves burgers and fries.
Food Truck Friday – This weekly event in Charlotte brings together dozens of food trucks offering everything from barbecue to tacos to crepes. Food Truck Friday takes place every week from April to October.
Varsity on Franklin – This Chapel Hill hot dog stand has been a favorite of UNC students and locals for decades. Varsity offers classic hot dogs with all the fixings, as well as burgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Raleigh Flea Market – This huge flea market in Raleigh offers dozens of food vendors selling everything from barbecue to funnel cakes to fried pickles.
Mr. Softee – This ice cream truck is a fixture on the streets of Charlotte, serving up soft serve ice cream and other frozen treats.
Cousins Maine Lobster – This food truck specializes in fresh Maine lobster, served in rolls, tacos, and other dishes. Cousins Maine Lobster has locations in Charlotte, Raleigh, and other North Carolina cities.
La Cocina de Mama – This food truck in Durham serves up authentic Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, made with fresh ingredients and traditional techniques.
Krispy Kreme – This iconic doughnut chain got its start in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and still has numerous locations throughout the state. Krispy Kreme’s hot glazed doughnuts are a must-try for any visitor to North Carolina.
Where to stay in North Carolina
Luxury accommodation
North Carolina offers a range of luxurious accommodation options for visitors looking for a high-end stay. Here are some recommendations for luxury accommodation in North Carolina:
The Umstead Hotel and Spa – This Forbes Five-Star hotel in Cary offers elegant rooms with lake views, a full-service spa, and a farm-to-table restaurant.
The Fearrington House Inn – This Relais & Chateaux property in Pittsboro features individually decorated rooms, a fine dining restaurant, and beautiful gardens.
The Ritz-Carlton, Charlotte – This luxury hotel in Uptown Charlotte features spacious rooms with city views, a rooftop bar, and a luxury spa.
The Ballantyne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Charlotte – This luxury hotel in Charlotte’s Ballantyne neighborhood features elegant rooms and suites, a championship golf course, and a full-service spa.
The Sanderling Resort and Spa – This luxury beachfront resort in Duck offers stylish rooms and suites, a full-service spa, and multiple restaurants.
The Inn at Biltmore Estate – This elegant hotel on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville offers luxurious rooms and suites, multiple dining options, and access to the estate’s gardens, winery, and other attractions.
The Carolina Inn – This historic hotel in Chapel Hill features elegant rooms and suites, a fine dining restaurant, and a convenient location on the UNC campus.
The Grove Park Inn – This iconic hotel in Asheville features spacious rooms and suites, multiple restaurants and bars, and a world-class spa.
The Omni Grove Park Inn – Another luxurious option in Asheville, the Omni Grove Park Inn offers elegant rooms and suites, a championship golf course, and multiple dining options.
The Duke Mansion – This historic mansion in Charlotte has been converted into a luxury bed and breakfast, offering elegant rooms and suites, beautiful gardens, and a convenient location near Charlotte’s city center.
Where to stay in North Carolina
Budget accommodation
North Carolina offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options for visitors looking for an affordable stay. Here are some recommendations for budget accommodation in North Carolina:
Hostels – North Carolina has several hostels that offer affordable dorm-style rooms, including the Hostel Charlotte, the Asheville Hostel & Guest House, and the Durham Hostel.
Motels – North Carolina has a wide variety of motels that offer affordable rates, including chains like Motel 6 and Super 8, as well as independently-owned motels like the Black Mountain Inn and the Budgetel Inn & Suites in Wilmington.
Campgrounds – North Carolina has numerous campgrounds that offer affordable tent and RV sites, including state parks like Jordan Lake and Hanging Rock, as well as private campgrounds like the Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Cherokee.
Airbnb – Airbnb offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options in North Carolina, including private rooms, shared rooms, and entire apartments or houses.
Bed and Breakfasts – North Carolina has many bed and breakfasts that offer affordable rates, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Some popular options include the Elizabeth City Bed and Breakfast, the Albemarle Inn in Asheville, and the Inner Banks Inn in Edenton.
University Housing – During the summer months, many colleges and universities in North Carolina offer affordable housing options for travelers, including dorm rooms and apartments. Some popular options include UNC Chapel Hill, Duke University, and NC State University.
Vacation Rentals – North Carolina has a range of vacation rentals that offer affordable rates, particularly in beach towns and mountain areas. Websites like VRBO and HomeAway offer a wide selection of properties to choose from.
Budget Hotels – North Carolina has several budget-friendly hotel chains, including Red Roof Inn, Days Inn, and Econo Lodge, that offer affordable rates and basic amenities.
Travel Tips North Carolina
If you’re planning a trip to North Carolina, here are some travel tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Plan ahead – North Carolina is a popular destination, particularly during the summer months, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations and activities in advance.
Consider the weather – North Carolina can have a wide range of weather conditions, depending on the season and location. Be sure to check the forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
Rent a car – North Carolina is a large state with many scenic drives and attractions that are best explored by car. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit more remote areas.
Try the local cuisine – North Carolina is known for its barbecue, seafood, and southern cuisine. Be sure to try local specialties like pulled pork, hushpuppies, and fried chicken.
Visit the state and national parks – North Carolina has many beautiful parks, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Cape Hatteras National Seashore. These parks offer hiking, scenic drives, and other outdoor activities.
Explore the cities – North Carolina has several vibrant cities, including Asheville, Charlotte, and Raleigh. These cities offer a range of cultural attractions, museums, and restaurants.
Attend a festival – North Carolina has many festivals throughout the year, including the North Carolina Azalea Festival, the North Carolina State Fair, and the Biltmore Blooms Festival.
Be respectful of local customs – North Carolina is known for its southern hospitality, so be sure to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Be polite and friendly, and take the time to learn about the local culture.