Image Source: John Bule
North Carolina is a state with an awful lot to shout about. With history, greenery, and fantastic food in abundance, it isn’t surprising they’ve seen a boost in tourism in recent years. Whether you want to pass through on a road trip or a full vacation, if you’ve never been, here are some reasons why you really have to book it.
- Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
The stunning coastline of the cape and the historic lighthouse make a fantastic day trip for any tourist in the area with interest in maritime history. The nearby town of Buxton has some fantastic cafes and makes a great lunch stop.
- Wright Brothers’ National Memorial
Chances are, you will travel to North Carolina by airplane. Celebrate the invention of the airplane by visiting the museum and memorial to Orville and Wilbur Wright at Kill Devil Hills. Or just visit so that you can say you’ve visited somewhere called Kill Devil Hills.
Image Source: Selena N. B. H.
- Brightleaf Square
As it’s a cool university town, it’s not surprising that there are so many things to do in Durham. The area of Brightleaf Square is an absolute must for shopping, eating, drinking, and just hanging out. Situated in a couple of old converted tobacco warehouses, this is the place to be seen in Durham.
- Cherohala Skyway
Winding through the beautiful scenery in Cherokee country, the Cherohala Skyway just screams ‘road trip’ – albeit a short one. At around 40 miles long, it stretches through parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. Reaching heights of over 5000 feet, the views from the road are outstanding.
- So Many Breweries
North Carolina is spoilt with breweries, over 170 to be precise. Many of these offer tours and tasting sessions, so any beer lover would be mad not to seek them out.
- Haunted Asheville
Asheville claims to be one of the most haunted cities in the USA. It is surrounded by old Native American land and featured heavily in the Civil War, so it isn’t surprising that there are spooky goings-on. While you’re in town, make sure you book onto one of the guided ghost tours.
- Golfing on Kiawah Island
The stunning scenery makes for an idyllic backdrop for a day on the course. The island is home to a number of clubs due to the suitable terrain, and is a must-visit for anyone who is partial to a few rounds.
Image Source: Donald Lee Pardue
- Visit a Battleship
Have you ever wanted to set foot on a real life battleship? Now’s your chance. The heavily decorated World War 2 vessel the USS North Carolina is now permanently docked in its home state at Wilmington, North Carolina. When built, she was America’s proudest military vessel. Now she stands as a memorial commemorating the fallen soldiers and seamen of the war, as well as a museum for the history of American battleships.
North Carolina is a state rich in history, with so much to do and see. Hopefully, now you feel compelled to get the flights booked, and go along to see what it can offer you.
