Indiana Dunes. Lazy Bear offers a scrumptious homemade breakfast each morning. It was tough for us to narrow down this bucket list of things to do in North Carolina because we know more. Morning Aerial Adventure Riegelwood 3. Things To Do In North Carolina 1. These gigantic biscuits are called as so because they are as big as a cats head. They are light and fluffy and delicious topped with just about anything -gravy, jam, honey, butter, etc. A visit to Pinehurst Resort is one of the best things to do in NCs Sandhills that well mention. Head to Jacksonville and spend time at Lejeune Memorial Gardens. Pack a picnic and enjoy the 360 degree mountain scenery. A host of other sights await on our side of the Smokies, and we hope you add it to your NC bucket list. Plus, there are numerous incredible viewpoints the entire way up, enabling you to enjoy views you wouldnt otherwise have the opportunity to see. Combine with the extraordinary Linville Falls for one amazing daytrip. Last but not least, weve arrived in Eastern North Carolina. At the bottom of Hatteras Island is the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. A view of the Parkway during leaf peeping season (late October). Its a much more rewarding experience to arrive at the stunning ending overlook via your own 2 feet. /***Move Back to Top Button***/ Speaking of Mooresville, you really need to visit downtown and just walk around before exploring all the other things to do in and around town. Location: 733 Haywood Rd Asheville, NC 28806. My best advice is to befriend an alum and hope they get word of available tickets. Location: 2 miles west of Highland off of Hwy 64. Today, the Road to Nowhere is a tourist destination, but its intriguing past is also worth noting. This beautiful North Carolina tourist favorite was chosen as an alternative to the Catskills due to the similar gorgeous rolling hills scenery which dominates the landscape. Pack up your car for a road trip and explore 40 of the best NC mountain towns near you below. Its one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in NC. A short trail will take you through sandy woods before you eventually reach a serene sound-front beach. Brushy Mountain Peach Festival 2023 Wilkesboro 8/19/2023 Yadkin Summer Whites Event Yadkinville 6/2/2023 - 8/26/2023 "The Lost Colony" Outdoor Drama Manteo 6/24/2023 - 7/29/2023 62nd Annual Eastern Music Festival Greensboro 7/12/2023 Ice Cream Train at the N.C. Transportation Museum Spencer 7/14/2023 - 7/15/2023 Joy Garden Tour Cashiers 7/15/2023 Snorkel Trail opened in western North Carolina mountains | Raleigh News Here are the best things to do in North Carolina. 39 Must-dos in beautiful Western North Carolina - Top Ten Travel Blog .inside-footer-widgets a { The best ski resort is the Appalachian Ski Mountain. Inside the main Speedway, youll find the 1.5-mile quad Oval, the .25 mile Short Oval, and the 2.28-mile road course (Roval). Just remember to keep your distance and never feed them. For the more adventurous types, whitewater rafting is a worthy addition to any WNC trip itinerary. More info on Nantahala river rafting trips. Bath is North Carolinas oldest town and is about 20 minutes from Washington. ), Restaurants in Concord and Cabarrus County, Things to Do in Gastonia and Gaston County, Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More! However, Lakeview at Fontana might have something to say about the best way to see the lake. Of course, you need to walk around the site because its amazing to see in person. It would be a shame to visit the area and not check out one of Americas best national parks. In terms of dining, there plenty of eclectic restaurants to choose amongst. You can look down at Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge from the top. Yep, were talking about the Wright Brothers National Memorial on the Outer Banks. Button. Check out Chai Pani for lunch, an award winning Indian restaurant serving authentic street fare. Hosting tours since 1937, this remains one of our oldest (and most popular) places to visit. Chow down on Moravian cookies and harken back to the times before Winston and Old Salem combined to make one amazing Dash City. The waterfall truly is beautiful, although it is not the best bang-for-your-buck experience. height: 100%; There are seven coastal lighthouses in North Carolina, each distinct outward appearance meant to help sailors. Head to Johnston County and check out the Ava Gardner Museum in Smithfield. Read More: 14 Delicious Blowing Rock Restaurants for High Country Travelers. It's owned by the wealthy Vanderbilt family and is open to the public to explore the mansion and grounds. Western North Carolina stretches all the way from the Tennessee border to South Carolina and Georgia in the south. The NC Sports Hall of Fame is inside this building and recognizes inductees Michael Jordan, Richard Petty, and more legendary figures. On an interesting note, the name arises from the unique appearance the rock takes on in winter as rain freezes and creates a mirrored or looking glass appearance. Tour the home and hike five miles of trails around the residence. Read More: The Best Pumpkin Patches in North Carolina. On this hike, you will get to see 3 gorgeous waterfalls via a moderate 2 mile out-and-back hike. On a side note, the resort is decorated gorgeously for the holidays. Read More: 10+ Great Things to Do in Chimney Rock Village (and Nearby). Spend at least a night at the Switzerland Inn. The NC Wildlife Resources Commission has created a Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail to encourage underwater recreation in the mountains of North Carolina, including this spot in the . The grounds are gorgeous as well with Koi ponds, gardens, and a beautiful veranda with plenty of cozy seating to take in the grand scenery. This list will help you jump ahead, but you can always keep reading about things to do in North Carolinas easternmost reaches from the beginning to the end. Exhibits touch upon maritime culture, history, wars, ghost ships, and more. As you walk across the bridge, you will take in gorgeous 360 degree vistas of the mountains. For just a few dollars, you can pan for gold. The legend of Blowing Rock says that the daughter of a Chickasaw . n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n; The gingerbread artists are incredibly talented. text-decoration: none Popular events include tournament Jousting, falconry demos, and a Living Mermaid exhibit! All Rights Reserved, Worldwide. Sightings are not at all rare in fact, I saw a bear on my first hike! July 7, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. 23 Top Things to Do in North Carolina Plan your next getaway to the beautiful state of North Carolina (Getty Images) A vacation in North Carolina promises a. That event is typically held in September. Regardless of your religious views, visiting this place is one of the most interesting NC tourist attractions. Lake Tomahawk is a serene place to walk, picnic, and simply enjoy the great outdoors in the beautiful community of Black Mountain. Hickory Nut Falls is a mesmerizing 404 foot tall waterfall located within Chimney Rock State Park. Today, you can walk the 174 acres of the park around the lake and join one of the mills guided tours. Central North Carolina is home to many of North Carolinas largest cities and some pretty amazing small towns, and less-populated counties. Today, the Road officially ends at a quarter-mile tunnel known as The Road to Nowhere. This collection of memorials reminds us of those whove served and died for our nation. $( document.body ).append( '' ); Weve been lucky enough to visit this wonderful place and hope you can, too! This truly is one of the superlative spots for winter outdoor recreation in North Carolina. Featuring a mix of kiddie, family, and thrill rides, the park is fun for everyone, whether you are a kid or simply a kid at heart. This iconic resort in Pinehurst has hosted several prestigious golf tournaments, including multiple US Open Championships, the US Womens Open, the PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. Treat yourself to a signature salted caramel hot chocolate by the gigantic fireplace and be sure to check out the extraordinary buffet! An additional one (Grassy Creek in Elkin) offers amazing wine and serves as a trailhead that eventually leads to Carter Falls. The hike is a bit steep in certain areas, however, the numerous overlooks give you plenty of time to rest and recover before continuing on. Read More: Western North Carolina Map (400+ Wonderful Places Listed). t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window, Although climbing to the top of Chimney Rock is quite a feat, save a bit of energy to hike to this enchanting waterfall, most well-known for being featured in The Last of the Mohicans. 19 Fantastic Places To Go In The North Carolina Mountains - y Travel Blog It is always fun watching the cowboys and train robbers duke it out. The Blue Ridge Parkway headlines a wonderful collection of scenic roads in our state. Read More: Things to Do in Wilmington and Family-friendly Activities. } Natural Wonders 2. Morehead Planetarium and Science Center KAD Photo / Shutterstock The Morehead Planetarium and Science Center has been open since 1949, welcoming over seven million visitors over the year and cementing itself as one of the most popular North Carolina attractions. Read More: Pender County (Everything You Need to Know + 4 Great Towns to Visit!). Anyone who is up for a bit more adventure should pick amongst the multitude of free hiking options in the area. You can also walk along its paths, which are among our favorite Outer Banks hiking trails! Read More: Places to Visit in the High Country. Beech Mountain Ski Resort, 1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, USA 2. (all houses must be completely edible and constructed of at least 75% gingerbread). } The center is on the raging Catawba River and has whitewater rafting, kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, mountain biking, zip-lining, and hiking. Since we're in the mountains, take a drive to Chimney Rock State Park, one of the filming locations for the movie The Last of the Mohicans and one of the most picturesque sights in North Carolina. Of course, you can always experience movie-inspired dance, music, arts and attempt the famous lake lift at Lake Lures Dirty Dancing Festival. And we cant forget about the ahead-of-the-game art and innovative experiences that await as you stroll throughthe Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh (CAM). Location: 4416 Nc Highway 105 S Boone, NC 28607. It is the first federally approved American Viticultural Area (AVA) ideal for growing exceptional grapes. On the bright side, you will only have to walk a quick quarter of a mile to see this 90 foot stunner. Like Asheville, this town is also known for its booming downtown district which includes an abundance of local dining and shopping options. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian is one great place to start. North Carolina Festivals - Events This Weekend in NC 2 is the best known. Also check out Mountain Made, featuring regionally produced works from over 80 local artists. July 10, 2023 6:00 AM. The lengthy Sycamore Trail and the scenic Company Mill Trail are two of our favorites at Umstead. Enjoy the rugged landscape of Pilot Mountain. 77 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in South Carolina Read More: Hiking near Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. And, for those with food allergies, they conveniently offer a gluten-free/vegan biscuit (plus a vegan gravy), so you do not have to miss out on the fun! Here are 11 romantic getaways from the Outer Banks to the Smoky Mountains. Things To Do In Lake Toxaway - Southern Living Here, you will find 11 ski trails, plus a sizeable ice rink and a snow tubing area. The innkeepers are super friendly and helpful with local recommendations for dining and activities. One of the best things to do in the WNC region is to book a stay at one of the areas gorgeous cabins or inns. Arctic 3. Hang out in Chapel Hill and grab some food at Time Out, one of the other fun places to eat on Franklin Street, or more next door in Carrboro. Many folks might forget about Georgia being our border neighbor, but there are many spots near Georgia that can't be missed! The Absolute Best Places to Visit in Western North Carolina Other than the Black Mountains (spoiler alert! Fly Fishing is a popular past time in Western North Carolina. Regardless, if you seek a beautiful maintained place to enjoy a leisurely nature stroll, enjoy bird watching, and would like to see a grand waterfall without much effort, you may want to put Pearsons high up on your list. ), 20 Amazing Restaurants in Jacksonville, NC and Onslow County, Things to Do in Goldsboro and Wayne County, 15 Tasty Ocracoke Island Restaurants (Best of the Village! The mountain scenery surrounding the lake is so tranquil and relaxing one of the few places you can enjoy the scenery without big crowds. Luckily, it was saved and is now open to the public who visit it each day. Construction on the dam began in 1942 and was completed in 1944. You can also learn about Wilmingtons place in history beyond the war. Here are our favorites that belong on your NC Bucket List: Read More: Carolina Beach State Park (and 7 Great Things to Do There!). This is one amazing waterfall with a perfect unobstructed viewpoint. Theres a lot to see and do here including the Appalachian Pinball Museum, Pisgah Forest Gem Mine, and The Center for Arts. Read More: Things to Do in Gastonia and Gaston County. You will find no shortage of family run apple orchards in the western North Carolina region. Why? There are 3 ski resorts to choose amongst the in the Boone/Blowing region. padding-right: 10px; You can get out on the water with a boat tour or kick back and relax on the beach. For those limited on time, simply enjoy the scenery enroute to a waterfall or state park. Pearsons Falls is a great little waterfall, unfortunately the entrance to this one is a bit pricier than all the others. One of the most popular outdoor things to do in NCs largest city Charlotte is to visit the US National Whitewater Center. This one is particular scenic in fall, so all leaf peepers take note. Not a fan of champagne? Nature 2. However, its the last thats still operable. The holdings consist primarily of private collections and some . Read More: Sanderling Resort in Duck (+ 7 Things We Love About It!). Rocky Mount Mills: Big Cotton to Beer Hub and More! Natural earth mounds formed in the far north. Featuring numerous water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool, this waterpark is easily the best in the state. Going up is one of the most fun and unique things to do in Statesville! Read More: Historic Tapoco Lodge (A Mountain Thrillseekers Retreat + 7 Things We Love!). Also be sure to check out the lineup of events. While the 75 foot waterfall itself is absolutely enchanting, the real highlight here is walking behind the falls without getting wet, hence the appropriate name. Hooker Falls is a powerful voluminous waterfall, while Triple Falls and High Falls both stun with a height of 125 feet. Put on a cozy sweater, grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte, hop in the car and enjoy the crisp weather and beautiful colors of the season at any WNC farm. The Oconaluftee River Trail is the closest trail to the Cherokee entrance. Read More: 25+ Amazing Restaurants in Morganton and Nearby! With multiple permanent and rotating exhibits, this building is one you should visit if you want to find a Model for Museums., Read More: How to Enjoy Harrahs Cherokee Casino Resort (+ 15 Tips). To prepare for the festival, 25 Chinese artisans from Chicago-based Tianyu Arts & Culture hand-assemble each beautiful lantern. Location: US Hwy 64 (Just under a mile away from the Dry Hills parking lot). Their beer is only brewed with four ingredients: hops, malt, yeast, and water. With dozens of retro pinball machines from yesterday, nostalgic 80s decor, classic NES and Sega gaming systems, and even a room dedicated to stand up arcade machines, this is the place to go if you love classic video gaming. Plenty of unique dining establishments to explore. .right-sidebar .content-area { There's a depth and a richness - new attractions to explore, familiar activities to experience in fresh ways and stunning outdoor locations we're helping preserve for generations . Catch one of their dinner shows, visit one of their many annual events, or just stop by the bakery for some delicious baked goods and fudge. Emerald Isle 6. Every seat in the room has a great view. Breakfast at the Blue Ridge Artisanal Dining room inside the Omni Park Grove is every bit as luxurious as the resort itself. Catawba is a mesmerizing 100 foot tall waterfall which stuns with multiple cascading levels. Read More: Amazing Outer Banks Restaurants for Your Next Beach Trip! 1. The Museum of Life and Science in Durham features a vast display of exhibits and is a favorite springtime destination for both locals and tourists who need refuge from the unpredictable spring temperatures. .search .content-area a { This family-friendly park extends from Western North Carolina into Tennessee and is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Location: 1250 Huskins Branch Rd, Marion, NC 28752. Also, Black Mountains historic downtown is worth visiting while you are in the vicinity. One of the most popular tourist attractions in North Carolina along the coast is to visit one of our NC Aquariums. From its entrance into North Carolina around Cumberland Knob to its southern terminus just outside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance, there are innumerable stops along the way. Here are some of our favorites in ABC order: Read More: 20+ Kid-Friendly Waterfalls In NC (Easy Hikes And Swimming Holes!). But, of course, the next one runs through Western NCs largest city. This one requires a tiny little 1/4 mile long walk to an observation deck overlooking the falls. We mentioned Durhams place in Black History but thought you should also know about Greensboros contribution to the Civil Rights Struggle. text-decoration: underline You can also visually plan your NC bucket list adventures with our North Carolina Travel Map. Basically, its a nice treat for birthdays, anniversaries, dates, a vacation treat, and any other special occasion. As one of the only Carolina waterfalls you can walk behind, Dry Falls should be high on your must-see list. Not only is the scenery here incredible, but its also home to the largest concentration of black bears in America. With an immense amount of mountain streams in the area you are sure to be able to find some fish somewhere. These pieces are all produced by local artists, so youll be supporting the area while also filling your home with something beautiful. 33 Best Things to Do in North Carolina in 2023 (By a Local) Water 2. Yes, you can watch as they grind corn right in front of you. From there, you can venture up to Wisemans View, which is totally worth the rocky drive. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} More info on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. NC Tripping offers access to a huge audience with multiple advertising options! The Clingmans Dome Observation Tower sits on the North Carolina side, offers bucket list-worthy views, and rightfully attracts hordes of visitors every year. Take a trip back to the 50s and load up on all the goodies you probably forgot existed! Location: 15 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801. I love that you included some great winter ideas too. If you are up for a good workout, you will be rewarded with an amazing adventure. Of course, thats not the only place to find them. Western North Carolina's Scenic Highway 64 Drive - Bindu Trips .generate-back-to-top, Appropriately, it has been nicknamed the Grand Canyon of Southern Appalachia., Location: Milepost 316 along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, we know that you can do some of these things elsewhere, but we think youll enjoy yourself a little more here. Read More: The NC Transportation Museum in Spencer (and 3 Reasons to Go Now!). Step inside and youll see why this place belongs on your NC Bucket List. Fontana Dam, the tallest in the Eastern US at 480 feet, is one of the coolest North Carolina attractions. .ai-viewport-1 { display: none !important;} On sunny days not at around 5:30 pm, a bear-like shadow forms over the valley below Rhodes Big View Overlook. Location: 2748 Pearson Falls Rd, Saluda, NC 28773. Of course, you should visit its mile-high swinging bridge, which requires entering the non-profit tourist attraction side. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is easily one of the top North Carolina attractions. The conversation with this area usually starts with Boone, which is full of fun things to do, even if youre not an App State student or alum. .sidebar a { This 84-acre science museum is one of the best places to visit in North Carolina in spring. Lazy Bear Lodge near Blowing Rock/Boone is a beautiful property which overlooks the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are quite a few nice watery spots and beaches, including Flanners Beach and Pine Cliff. Read More: Winter in Boone (20 Great Activities, Snow Tubing, and More!). Some of the animals you see were injured, while others have been imprinted. Its not too often that we come across a buffet that comes with great scenery as an added bonus. 7. Here you can look forward to a made-to-order omelet station, a donut bar, fresh squeezed juiced drinks, homemade pastries, as well as all the standard breakfast sides. What a unique concept to combine 2 of lifes greatest pleasures! The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station, Winston-Salem Flickr / Chuck Coker .ai-viewport-3 { display: none !important;} Tributes include the Beirut Memorial, 9/11 Memorial Beam, a Vietnam Memorial, and Montford Point Marine Memorial. The trek is 1.5 miles each way and easy enough for dog walkers (the only trail in the area where dogs are allowed). Best of all, its free so you can keep on coming back to enjoy the diverse scenery changes throughout the year. Stay in the loop and travel with us! The complete NCAA regional, super regional, and 2023 Men's College World Series schedules and results are below. A retail shop opens for your perusing eyes, and at the factory across the street, you can watch them make cheese at specific times each week! Craving some tasty pub fare? Today, the remaining mica glistens in the sun. 10 Exciting Things to Do in North Carolina in Spring (+ Tips) Throughout the year, pick up a beautiful creation at STARWorks Montgomery County. This is the site of Americas first documented commercial gold find. The 750-person capacity venue offers a more intimate setting, something we prefer to distant arenas and amphitheaters. The park lies on the border of the Carolinas, and thus, has become a favorite amongst residents of both states. The North Carolina State Fair typically kicks off in Raleigh on an October day and runs for about a week and a half. Be on the lookout for seasonal events including SCarowinds Halloween fest and Winterfest, a festive Christmas celebration featuring themed shows and over 5 million colorful lights. Its a true tribute to one of Hollywoods most famous actresses who just happened to be born in JoCo (Grabtown). When summer is flexing its muscles, head to Dix Park for a gorgeous sunflower display. The space is quite small at just 10 acres, however, it is conveniently located right in the center of the city, and thus, makes for a nice quick escape. We love Charlotte, too, and cant wait to go back! You can learn about it at Reed Gold Mine in Midland, Cabarrus County. The Asheville Pinball Museum is a true treasure for 80s pinball/arcade culture fans. We mentioned The Hunger Games earlier but thought you should know about the Henry River Mill Village in Burke County, too. Many folks come here to climb Stone Mountain itself, to check out the namesake 200-foot Stone Mountain Falls, or to admire and have a dip at Widows Creek Falls. North Carolina's Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains are well known for attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail.