North Carolina Travel Guide
The Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
North Carolina runs from the highest peaks east of the Mississippi to the wild barrier islands of the Outer Banks. The Blue Ridge Parkway threads 750 km of ridgeline; Great Smoky Mountains National Park spills over the Tennessee line; and Asheville's Biltmore Estate is America's largest private home.
The Outer Banks are where the Wright brothers flew in 1903 and where wild horses still roam at Corolla. The Research Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill) brings universities, BBQ debates and a strong food scene.
Destinations in North Carolina
Great Smoky Mountains (NC side)Clingmans Dome and the Oconaluftee elk valley.
Blue Ridge ParkwayAmerica's favourite scenic drive: 469 miles of overlooks and tunnels.
Biltmore EstateVanderbilt's 250-room chateau in Asheville, with gardens and winery.
Outer BanksWild horses at Corolla, the Wright Brothers memorial, Cape Hatteras lighthouse.- AshevilleArt Deco downtown, the River Arts District and 30+ breweries.
- Chimney RockThe 96 m monolith with Hickory Nut Gorge views.
- WilmingtonThe riverwalk, the battleship North Carolina, Wrightsville Beach.
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Top Cities & towns in North Carolina
Regional food
- Eastern NC BBQ (whole-hog, vinegar-pepper sauce; the purist's BBQ)
- Lexington-style BBQ (pork shoulder with red slaw, the western style)
- Calabash seafood (lightly battered fried shrimp and fish)
Getting there
Charlotte (CLT) and Raleigh-Durham (RDU) are the gateways; Asheville (AVL) covers the mountains. The Outer Banks are a drive from Norfolk or Raleigh; ferries link the islands.