Whether or not you need to have an thrilling mountain journey or a lazy day on the seashore, North Carolina is a state that has one thing for everybody. Right here’s a North Carolina Journey Information for these hoping to discover the state!
Carolina Lady
I spent the primary 30ish years of my life residing in North Carolina. Whether or not you’re a Duke or Carolina fan or you’ll be able to’t resolve between your love for the mountains over the seashore, you’ll discover one thing to like in regards to the Outdated North State!
Towards 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. Along with its out of doors choices, North Carolina can also be house to a number of the finest historic websites within the nation, in addition to nice eating places and purchasing for the extra trendy sensibilities (I’m you Charlotte!).
As it’s such a terrific spot to go to, I’ve determined to share a journey information that will help you plan and benefit 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 might be there, and the place to remain throughout your go to. This information will provide help to plan your finest journey to North Carolina to make sure you don’t miss something this state has to supply.
The Climate
Whereas planning forward, it’s all the time good to consider the climate. I really like that NC has 4 distinct seasons, however you’ll want to decorate appropriately for them. As a consequence of its location within the southern United States, North Carolina is finest to go to in early April to mid June and early September to late November. It will assist make sure you encounter the perfect temperatures, in addition to the prettiest views when mountain climbing.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park
North Carolina Journey Information
Desk of Contents
- The place to go
- What to do
- The place to remain
The place to Journey in North Carolina
Asheville
Asheville is a enjoyable metropolis providing a vibrant downtown with plenty of nice eating places. The Laughing Seed was all the time one in every of our favorites!
Exterior the downtown space, you’ll discover nice choices for out of doors lovers with nice hikes nestled within the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains plus plenty of craft breweries. It’s additionally a super spot to go to within the fall, as you’ll be able to count on cooler climate and colourful leaves.
As you get nearer to town, historical past buffs will take pleasure in stopping by The Biltmore, America’s largest privately owned and maintained property (extra on that later). Whereas there, wine lovers can cease and revel in a tasting at America’s most visited vineyard, Biltmore Vineyard.
When 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 common vacation spot for Bachelorette events or for {couples} in search of a enjoyable weekend away.
Weblog put up: Kath and Jenna do Asheville
Weblog put up: Mountain Meghann
Winston-Salem
Positioned simply 3 ½ hours from Charlottesville, VA, Winston-Salem, NC makes for a terrific 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 just’ll discover a mixture of out of doors actions, cool breweries (like Fiddlin’ Fish), and good meals.
One other enjoyable facet of this space is Outdated Salem. This common historic district permits folks to be taught in regards to the Moravians of North Carolina. Whilst you can stroll round Outdated Salem at no cost, you may also choose to cease on the Customer Middle to buy tickets for interactive reveals.. You too 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 will discover a lot to do when you are 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 realized lots in regards to the space!
Charlotte can also be house to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and the NASCAR Corridor of Fame, so in case you 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 lately, making it a enjoyable location for foodies and beer lovers.
I went to Davidson Faculty simply north of Charlotte, and the city of Davidson and complete Lake Norman space can also be value a go to in itself!
Optimist Corridor is a good place for lunch or dinner!
Weblog put up: Weekend in Charlotte
Raleigh
North Carolina’s capital metropolis, Raleigh, can also be known as the Smithsonian of the South because of the variety of free museums you’ll be able to go to. Right here you’ll discover the North Carolina Museum of Artwork (additionally the primary main museum assortment to be fashioned by state laws and funding), the North Carolina Museum of Historical past (affiliated with the Smithsonian), the North Carolina Museum of Pure Science, and the North Carolina Sports activities Corridor of Fame. That is simply a few of what Raleigh has to supply, so should you prefer to discover museums when you journey, it is a nice metropolis for you.
Live performance in Raleigh!
Durham
Simply 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 College. It’s a metropolis with a wealthy historical past (from tobacco to the Civil Rights Motion, it has an attention-grabbing previous) and it has been revitalized lately to such an extent that Vogue journal refers to it as “North Carolina’s Hippest Metropolis.” With boutique resorts to nice eating places, this vacation spot is ideal for a romantic weekend getaway. Try the American Tobacco warehouses that are restored into eating places and funky areas.
You probably have youngsters, you could go to the Museum of Life and Science! It’s a mostly-outside museum meets zoo meets play middle.
Wilmington
In case your tastes align extra with having a coastal journey, you’ll wish to take a look at Wilmington, NC.
In Wilmington correct, you’ll be able to discover the historic river district. Spanning the famed Cape Concern River, individuals who benefit from the southern attraction of Savannah and Charleston will really feel at house right here. Benefit from the many outlets and eating places alongside the riverside or take into account taking a river cruise for a brand new perspective of the sights.
In order for you a classic boardwalk really feel, go to Carolina Seashore. Positioned simply quarter-hour from Wilmington, you’ll be capable of have a soothing seashore trip with loads of locations to seek out tropical drinks and recent fish.
And be sure you be aware of Bald Head Island off the coast! Catch the ferry over for the day from Southport or plan a summer time vacay. There are not any automobiles allowed – golf carts solely – and BHI is a phenomenal nature protect surrounded by each marsh and ocean.
Outer Banks
For a seashore getaway with the flash of a resort city, go for the Outer Banks. A series of slim barrier islands (stretches of land operating parallel to coastlines), this space can be extra your pace if you need lowkey. Identified primarily for its huge beachfronts, that is your spot if you need a soothing seashore trip the place you merely take pleasure in your environment.
Additionally of observe are the Cape Hatteras Nationwide Seashore and its sister park, The Camp Lookout Nationwide Seashore. You’ll get two very totally different experiences with these, as Cape Hatteras is healthier recognized and much much less rustic. Relying on what you might be in search of in your go to, you’ll wish to see what each have to supply.
In fact, in case you are in search of one thing extra to do than strolling the seashore, you’ll be able to take a look at the Wright Brothers Memorial, one (or all) of the 5 lighthouses, or soak up a recreation of mini golf (it’s a putt putt lover’s dream vacation spot).
Weblog put up: Fall Journey to OBX
Issues to Do in North Carolina
Mountain climbing
Boasting over 900 miles of trails, North Carolina is a good state for individuals who like to hike. You’ll be able to take a look at this listing of the 21 finest hikes, which additionally contains elevation, size, problem, location, and something you’ll have to learn about what to convey or put together. You’ll be capable of discover one thing to suit any talent stage.
If you wish to expertise the perfect of each worlds, take into account visiting the Pisgah Nationwide Forest, simply exterior of Asheville. With greater than 500,000 acres of hardwood forest, whitewater rivers, and extra, there’s a lot to discover. You’ll be able to take within the lovely nature earlier than heading again into town for a beer and stay music.
Different nice mountain climbing spots so as to add to your listing are Chimney Rock State Park (about 25 miles exterior of Asheville), Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park (about 70 miles exterior of Asheville and the most-visited nationwide park), and the Mile Excessive Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain (close to Linville, NC).
Biltmore Property
Talking of Asheville, the Biltmore Property is a nationwide historic landmark and a particular merchandise to place in your to-do listing in case you are within the space. Constructed by George Washington Vanderbilt II, this house is the quintessential instance of the gilded age in America. At this time, you’ll be able to take a guided tour of the house or take time by yourself perusing the huge gardens on the property. The land can also be house to eating places, outlets, a luxurious lodge, and their common vineyard. You’ll be able to simply spend a weekend exploring the property.
Scenic Drive
I’m keen on something involving the Blue Ridge Mountains, as these are a key a part of the Virginia panorama as properly. Along with being one thing you’ll be able to drive in VA, The Blue Ridge Parkway really spans 252 miles of western North Carolina. It’s a phenomenal scenic drive, and it is only one of many. In case you love driving by the mountains, take a look at the many scenic drives you’ll be able to take by the state.
US Nationwide Whitewater Middle
That is the proper spot for anybody who loves out of doors adventures. Positioned in Charlotte, NC, the US Nationwide Whitewater Middle is house to 1,300 acres the place you’ll be able to run, paddle, journey, 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.
Try their occasions calendar as properly, as you’ll typically discover stay music, festivals, and extra.
Go to Bald Head Island
Take a 20 minute ferry journey from Southport, NC, to Bald Head Island. If you’re a historical past buff, you’ll be able to take a historic tour to be taught all in regards to the Island’s position throughout each the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. In case you like to golf, make sure and schedule your go to so you’ll be able to take an journey of their famed course. That is additionally only a enjoyable place to discover regardless of your pursuits. You’ll be able to be taught extra about it should you take a look at my put up on Bald Head Island.
Finest Locations to Keep 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 perfect locations to remain. Listed here are just a few concepts concerning the place to remain in your journey:
Inn on Biltmore Property (Asheville)
If you’re totally immersing your self in exploring the Biltmore, you’ll most likely wish to keep at their onsite premises. The Inn on Biltmore Property is a luxurious lodge providing lovely views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whereas right here, you’ll be able to soak up all the websites of the home and gardens, in addition to take pleasure in wine, meals, and spa companies. If you’re trying to discover the Biltmore and Asheville, you may take into account doing an evening right here earlier than heading into town to remain (although it is a shut Uber journey away).
The Princess Anne Lodge (Asheville)
The Princess Ann Lodge is a enjoyable choice for Asheville as a result of it takes the perfect elements of a mattress & breakfast and marries it with the perfect elements of a lodge to create a terrific place to remain. You’ll have decisions of beautiful visitor rooms with their very own loos, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and made-to-order breakfast.
Whereas that is positioned downtown, it’s tucked away on a quiet avenue and even has a beautiful non-public backyard so you’re feeling a break from town itself.
Glamping Collective (Asheville)
If you’re trying to have extra of the out of doors expertise in Asheville, why not take into account the Glamping Collective? This non-public mountaintop is house to luxurious glamping companies simply twenty minutes exterior of Asheville and a bit of over an hour from Nice Smoky Mountain Nationwide Park. You too can simply decompress right here, as there are non-public hikes and breathtaking views.
Glamping lodging embody choices like a Luxe Dome with a sizzling tub and mountain views or a glass cabin with a personal deck. Carry a e-book, open a bottle of wine, and revel in full rest.
Kimpton Cardinal Lodge (Winston-Salem)
The Kimpton Cardinal Lodge 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 Firm. 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 all the time 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 supply up some suggestions on how to take action.
21C Museum Inns (Durham)
21C Museum Inns 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.
Whereas staying at this lodge, make sure and take a look at the big exhibition area (greater than 10,500 sq. ft) that includes up to date artwork. The exhibitions rotate, so you’ll be able to see one thing totally different every time you go to.
The Iveys (Charlotte)
Boutique resorts could be enjoyable as a result of they often supply cool facilities and a enjoyable atmosphere. The Iveys isn’t any totally different. There’s a Library Lounge with all-day snacks that additionally serves complimentary cheese, charcuterie, wine, and champagne within the night and you’ll take pleasure in craft cocktails within the lounge.
Along with being a cool spot, it’s conveniently positioned so you’ll be able to 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 attraction and keep at a beautiful mattress & breakfast?
The Graystone Inn has been renovated so contains all trendy facilities in a historic area. Moreover, you’ll have nice views of the Cape Concern River and you’ll be strolling distance of the Wilmington Riverwalk.
Outer Banks Trip Leases
If you’re headed to the Outer Banks, why not totally embrace the quiet seashore life by reserving a trip rental? CondeNast Traveler has a terrific listing of twelve leases to select from, whether or not you need a romantic getaway in Kitty Hawk or a bar crawl in Duck. Examine them out right here.
There you may have it – my North Carolina Journey Information! I hope you may have enjoyable exploring all the enjoyable cities to see, issues to do, and locations to remain.
Extra Journey Posts:
Associated
