Popular N.C. Destinations
There are so many places to visit in North Carolina. Here are some of the more popular or famous ones.
Battleship North Carolina (Wilmington) - The Battleship NORTH CAROLINA is a preserved World War II vessel serving as her state’s World War II memorial, and a museum interpreting the history of all ships named NORTH CAROLINA.
Biltmore (Asheville) - Escape to America’s largest home, Biltmore House, situated on an 8,000-acre estate. Enjoy formal gardens, complimentary wine tastings at Biltmore Winery, interpretive River Bend Farm, an array of outdoor activities, one-of-a-kind shopping, and restaurants featuring locally-grown food.
Blue Ridge Parkway (Blue Ridge Mountains) Authorized in the 1930s as a Depression-era public works project, the Parkway was the nation's first, and ultimately longest, rural parkway (469 miles). It connects Shenandoah National Park in Virginia with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina. It is one of the most popular parts of the National Park Service. Here are 2 websites:
National Park Service
Blue Ridge Parkway Association
Cherokee - North Carolina (Cherokee) - . There are many things to do in Cherokee – attend the outdoor theatre of “Unto These Hills,” visit the Museum, buy a handmade piece of history at Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual, Inc., experience a working Village, go to the many events and festivals, enjoy the outdoors. It is at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway.
Folk Art Center (Asheville) - Located on the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, the Folk Art Center was opened in 1980 as a cooperative effort between the Southern Highland Craft Guild, the National Park Service and the Appalachian Regional Commission. It is the most popular attraction on the Parkway, welcoming 250,000 visitors each year. It showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary craft of the Southern Appalachians.
Grandfather Mountain (Linville) - Look out from the Mile High Swinging Bridge across mountain ridges cascading in all directions. Stand eye-to-eye with native wildlife in natural habitats. The staff can help you find your own perfect adventure at one of the most environmentally diverse nature preserves in the world. 800-468-7325
Great Smoky Mountains National Park (North Carolina and Tennessee) - Ridge upon ridge of forest straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee in this national park. World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, this is America’s most visited national park. It celebrated its 75th Anniversary in 2009.
North Carolina Aquariums (Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher) - The Aquariums were established in 1976 to promote an awareness, understanding, appreciation, and conservation of the diverse natural and cultural resources associated with North Carolina’s ocean, estuaries, rivers, streams, and other aquatic environments. There are 3 sites located on the coast.
North Carolina Lighthouses (Coastal N.C.) There are 9 lighthouses in North Carolina. Cape Hatteras and Cape Lookout are part of the National Park Service. Check out these resources:
NPS - Cape Hatteras
NPS - Cape Lookout
Carolina Lights
N.C. Museum of History (Raleigh) - Explore North Carolina’s past and learn about its people. See exhibits highlighting the state’s sports heroes, decorative arts, military history, and more. Special programs include annual festivals, craft demonstrations, music concerts, and family events. The Museum Shop features North Carolina crafts.
North Carolina Zoo (Asheboro) - Located south of Greensboro near Asheboro, the N.C. Zoo is seated on a 1,500 acre tract of land in the Uwharrie Mountains. Approximately 500 acres of this property have been developed into one of the largest "natural habitat" zoos in the U.S. You won't find cages made of steel and concrete here! The animals are given enclosures that mimic their natural habitats to include trees, ponds, rocks, grass and dirt.
Old Salem Museums and Gardens (Winston-Salem) - This is one of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. Its 3 museums — the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) and The Toy Museum at Old Salem — engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South.
Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst) - Become part of its history by experiencing Pinehurst Resorts' southern hospitality, elegant accommodations, luxury spa facilities, family recreational activities, and of course, any one of their eight pristine world-class golf courses. In addition to offering one of the finest golf experiences in the country, it also provides world-class spa and tennis vacations, as well as fun-filled family vacation packages.
Popular N.C. Performing Arts Events - Here are some of the more popular or famous performing arts events in N.C. including The Lost Colony, Eastern Music Festival, American Dance Festival, and more...
Roanoke Island Festival Park (Manteo) - Roanoke Island Festival Park, a 25-acre island five minutes from Nags Head on the N.C. Outer Banks, is where history comes alive, art and nature surround you, and there’s fun for everyone. Board their representative 16th century sailing ship, the Elizabeth II. Explore the Settlement Site, Museum, American Indian Town, and Art Gallery. Celebrate Roanoke Island’s place in history as the birthplace of English-speaking America.
Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens (New Bern) - Tryon Palace was originally built between 1767 and 1770 as the first permanent capitol of the Colony of North Carolina and a home for the Royal Governor and his family. Visit the Palace and historic homes. Learn about N.C. history, view the Palace's collections and exhibits, do research in their library. Enjoy the 14 acres of gardens that offer three centuries of gardening history.
Wright Brothers National Memorial (Kill Devil Hills) - Wind, sand, and a dream of flight brought Wilbur and Orville Wright to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where, after four years of experimentation, they achieved the first successful airplane flights in 1903. This is part of the National Park Service, and is located on the Outer Banks.