~ Top 10 Places to visit in North Carolina, USA ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Places to visit in North Carolina, USA

From bustling cities to the great outdoors, from the beach to the mountains, North Carolina has a huge offering for the visitor. With Virginia to the north and South Carolina to the south, the state has something for everyone ... from cosmopolitan urban environments to the most popular mountain national park; extraordinary Atlantic beaches to the renowned welcome of the south. There is a huge amount of history to be discovered in the state, from the Native Americans through the Cherokee tribe; North Carolina's contribution to American political history and some important historic districts. This top ten gives you an idea of where to start your NC exploration.


1. Cape Lookout National Seashore   



Ninety kilometres of stunning, naturally formed barrier islands has been earmarked as national seashore, in recognition of the utter beauty of this stretch of Atlantic coast. From Ocracoke Inlet to the north, three almost connected barrier islands stretch down to Beaufort Inlet over 55 miles to the south east. On these thin strips of sand, protecting the inland marshes, there are magnificent beaches, superb fishing and the entire area remains undeveloped. The islands have no roads, so are only accessible by ferry which preserves their remoteness. This is the simple life: hunting for seashells, watching the wild horses on Shackleford Banks and paddling in the shallow waters. You can now climb the iconic Cape Lookout Lighthouse, lovingly restored, over 150 years old and open from May until September. Visit one of the three visitors' centres, the Keeper's Quarters Museum near the lighthouse and two historic village sites. Or just admire the incredible views. Rent a cabin to catch the sunrise, sunset and tranquility.

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2. Charlotte   



This is the biggest city in North Carolina and the arrival point for many domestic and international visitors. Don't head off to the hills or the coast too quickly, because Charlotte itself has a lot to offer. It's got a buzzing nightlife, superb restaurants, the NASCAR Hall of Fame and a huge number of thrills, rides and experiences for the adrenaline junkie. Called the Queen City, the local motto is that people only visit Charlotte once. Because after that? They move here. Take in the rollercoasters at Carowinds, the spa at The Ballantyne Hotel and the forty or more golf courses.

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3. Wilmington   



Wilmington lies on the estuary of the Cape Fear River. This is a great port city with excellent beaches, with a natural harbour protected by North Carolina's iconic barrier islands. For more than 250 years, this fertile land has been settled and some homes still survive from the 1730s. So you have the best of all worlds ... an historic downtown combined with the natural appeal and beauty of the coast. Almost three hundred blocks are designated as historic districts, and there is a rich military and trading heritage too. Enjoy the antebellum buildings, a world-famous WWII battleship ... or just head for the beaches.

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4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park   



Of all the national parks in the USA, this is the most visited and has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. It's so easy to see why. There are half a million acres of breathtaking scenery covered by almost eight hundred miles of trails. Here in the southern Appalachians, beautiful sunrises and sunsets are created by the natural fog over the dense forests. Year round, people come for the different seasonal delights - and the park is open free of charge, every day of the year. Come for the stunning Fall display or the skiing; the spring flowers or summer camping, rafting  and hiking.Though much of the park lies in Tennessee, NC has more than enough to please you. It also has the most concentrated population of black bear east of the Mississippi. Make sure you check out Cataloochee: an uncrowded series of coves between the mountains; Cherokee - the home of the eastern tribe - and its Mingo Falls, museum and Indian village at Oconaluftee, and choose a log cabin or pitch your campsite amidst the pines.

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5. Fayetteville



One of the most patriotic towns in the USA, Fayetteville is rich in history and heroes. This is a town founded by Scots, home to a large military base, on the Cape Fear River.  Fayetteville has undoubtedly played a key role in American history.  In 1775, The Liberty Point Resolve confirmed Fayetteville's support for independence from the UK. Flora MacDonald held rallies here. With no capital for North Carolina after the  Revolution, the legislature convened in the town. The US Constitution was ratified here in 1789 and the oldest university was ratified. There are nine historic districts in the city and many places to visit.

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6. Boone   



In the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is named for its famous sometime resident, explorer Daniel Boone. Over a kilometre above sea level, the winters bring heaps of lovely snow while the summers are cooler and more pleasant than many surrounding areas. The town centres around the Appalachian State University : one of the highest in the States. In this wonderful mountain location, Boone is a tourist hotspot with immediate access to the Blue Ridge Parkway; widely declared to be America's most scenic drive. The railways also provide amazing vistas with the 'Tweetsie' an historic steam train taking you on a three mile loop. The nearby countryside offers waterfalls, great fishing, cycling, hiking, kayaking, caverns and so much more ... there really is no outdoors greater.

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7. New Bern   



Just over 110 miles from from Raleigh and under ninety from Wilmington, New Bern - unsurprisingly - has a very Swiss influence. It has remained largely undamaged and unchanged since the eighteenth century and has over 160 buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places. If you visit nothing else, go to Tryon Palace and pop in to the many antique boutiques. The Swiss settlers first came here in the early 1700s and the town has always had a rich cultural and artistic feel. New Bern has more recently been made famous by The Notebook, and as the birthplace of Pepsi. This charming, olde worlde town lies on the banks of the Neuse River and Trent River.

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8. Asheville   



From the Blue Ridge Parkway to the downtown, Asheville is an award-winning city. It's been proclaimed, amongst other things, to be the happiest, the most alive, the most beautiful, the best place to reinvent one's life and much more. Asheville is the largest city in the west of the state, with just under 85,000 residents. This was part of the Cherokee nation and was settled in the 1540s. Hit hard in the Great Depression, it had a slow recovery but includes some great art deco architecture. Take in the city hall, the Basilica of St Lawrence, Grove Arcade and the Jackson Building. Make sure you visit Biltmore House - a veritable estate - the largest private residence in the USA. Built for the Vanderbilts in in the 1890s, this is the grandest of chateaux, with 250 rooms. A wonderful example of the Gilded Age, this estate remains in the Vanderbilt family today. You can visit a total of 8,000 acres including a winery and Antler Hill Village and even stay overnight.

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9. Pinehurst   



When you want a bit of luxury, head to Pinehurst and one of the finest golf and spa resorts to be found anywhere. The village, in Moore County, lies inland, under an hour from Fayetteville. The golfing here is legendary, having hosted the Ryder Cup, PGA, US Open and many more tournaments. Since 1895, people have been coming to the historic, secluded retreat for a breath of fresh air, relaxation as well as the golf. There are no fewer than eight courses here to suit all levels of experience and forming the largest golfing resort in the USA. For the non-golfer, there are numerous ways to refresh body, mind and spirit at the wonderful spa, and a pool, tennis and eight different restaurants. It's high class, it's low rise, it's just about perfect.

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10. Raleigh   



This is the city of oaks, a green and friendly city of just forty thousand people in Wake County in the centre of the state. There are fifteen museums, a thriving performing arts scene and historic districts in this relatively low rise, laid back city. Funky restaurants, entertainment hotspots, tree-lined avenues and historic buildings make this a great place to be. It's affordable and fun. The state capital, it boasts the State Capitol, the Victorian precinct of Oakwood, illustrious graveyards and the Executive Mansion.


North Carolina's climate is wonderful for the visitor. You can enjoy the snows of winter, the wild flowers of spring, warm (but not overwhelmingly hot) summers and a fantastic foliage display in the autumn. So head south and take in the best NC has to offer.