The historic riverwalk in downtown Wilmington has been named the “Best American Riverfront" by USA Today. The city’s center is also home to many attractions, such as the Cape Fear Museum and a war memorial for the World War II battleship USS North Carolina.
(image via Facebook)
Durham
Few sports rivalries run as deep as the one between the University of North Carolina and Duke University. Each year, the entire state tunes in to see who will have bragging rights until the next matchup. Even if you aren’t a basketball fan, the energy of the crowd is enough to pull you into the action, assuming you can snag a seat.
(image via Facebook)
Greensboro
At this location once stood an F. W. Woolworth’s, which was the site of instrumental non-violent sit-ins by protesters during the Civil Rights Movement. Now a museum, it chronicles both the difficult journey minorities have to face in the United States and the dedicated individuals who devoted their lives to ensuring progress.
(image via Flickr)
Raleigh
This artisan cafe believes that presentation is as important as the quality of ingredients used in its products. Fostering trade relationships all around the world, Jubala Coffee gathers its beans from Sub-Saharan Africa. In return, the cafe is able to provide nourishment to some of the poorest people in the world.
(image via Facebook)
Charlotte
It’s no wonder that Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden routinely makes its way onto ‘best garden’ lists around the country. The history of cultivating the land goes back to the 1700s when French botanist André Michaux discovered new plant life in the area. Visitors can come and see nearly 400 acres of unique vegetation.
Asheville
At nearly 179,00 square feet, the Biltmore Estate has been the largest privately owned house in the nation since it was built in the 1800s. Visitors love the Château-style architecture that showcases the ideals of the Gilded Age. To this day, the mansion remains in the hands of the Vanderbilts but is open for public tours.
(image via Facebook)
Danbury
Atop Moore’s Knob, visitors have an amazing view of miles of lush forest. Hanging Rock State Park has many views that were destined to be displayed on a postcard. Guests love the rustic hikes leading to one of the park’s many beautiful waterfalls. Hanging Rock’s unique location makes it a perfect home for a wide range of plant and animal life.
(image via Instagram)
Corolla
Located in the northeastern corner of the state, Carova Beach is North Carolina’s best-kept secret. The beautiful beach gets its name because it is on the border of Virginia and North Carolina, combining the first syllables of Carolina with Virginia's postal code. The beach is famous for its wild horses that roam the sands.
(image via Instagram)
Charlotte
Located in Charlotte, to be close to the origins of stock car racing and the birthplace of many of its drivers, the NASCAR Hall of Fame is less than half an hour away from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. The museum is dedicated to the 35 individuals who have been inducted so far.
(image via Flickr)
Buxton
For more than 200 years, a lighthouse has stood on the rocky shores of Hatteras Island. The current tower has stood since 1870 and is currently the nation's tallest lighthouse. Throughout the years, it has been a necessity, as the choppy waters and jagged rocks have earned the cape the nickname “Graveyard of the Atlantic."
(image via Instagram)
