North Carolina is a tourist destination that can’t be beat. Whether you are seeking interesting adventure indoors or out, there are many places your can enjoy either as a family or as a couple of any age. This guide can point out a few of the top places to see and do things on your next vacation.
Take a Drive
If you want an experience that provides as many breathtaking views as it does opportunities for relaxation, take a drive through the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Enjoy the deep green of the forests against the background of a blue sky. Looking Glass Falls just outside the Pisgah Forest is a photo-worthy location. Or take a drive along Cape Lookout National Seashore for a relaxing afternoon of ocean breezes.
Spend a Day on the Green
A day on the golf course can be very relaxing; fresh air and sunshine, mild exercise and a little friendly competition make for a great recreational experience. A well cared for green is a must and a picturesque location is a draw for any golfer. If you are a golf lover, you can even find courses with associated hotels such as the Cherokee NC golf courses, where you can stay on site to make the most of your experience.
Sightseeing
You can tour the Biltmore mansion and winery, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian for a traditional experience. Or go off the beaten path and visit the Billy Graham Library, the Battleship North Carolina or the smoky Mountain Trains Museum. Better yet, take a ride on the Tweetsie Railroad open-air rail car.
Hands-On Experience
The Elijah Mountain Gem Mine is a fun place to explore, as is the Casino at Harrah’s Cherokee. The kids might enjoy some time at the Discovery Place Science center where learning is fun and everything is touchable. Likewise the Greensboro Science Center offers a ropes course, a zoo and an aquarium, as well as the Sky Wild adventure.
Flora and Fauna
For those with a green thumb, there are several places to enjoy in North Carolina. Visit the Old Salem Museums and Gardens. Indoors you can see antique Moravian furniture and pottery. Outdoors there are the award-winning heirloom gardens where you can see a variety of heirloom plantings and flowers. The beautifully maintained grounds of the North Carolina Arboretum feature acres of flowers that are a joy to behold.
No matter where you go in North Carolina, you won’t go wrong. It is a beautiful and diverse state and offers something for everyone.