Welcome to North Carolina

North Carolina’s spectacular beauty starts on its western border, where the Appalachian Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains form majestic skylines. Between the peaks, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear creeks and pleasant mountain towns provide peaceful retreats. Head east, and you’ll discover rolling hills and cities in the Piedmont region.

Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill are ever-growing college towns, forming the high-tech clutch known as the Research Triangle. The hills give way to lowlands as you reach the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Beautiful coastal towns like Wilmington, Beaufort and New Bern provide quaint escapes, while the islands of the Outer Banks feature adventure-filled shores.

Blue Ridge Road Trip

Nicknamed “America’s Favorite Drive,” the Blue Ridge Parkway dishes out stunning views at every turn. Running parallel with the state’s western border, from Virginia to the north and ending in the Great Smoky Mountains to the south, this roadway comprises almost 500 miles of sweeping curves and epic views, from rugged peaks to green hills rising over rippling creeks. Autumn is a spectacular time to visit, as the forests explode in bright colors.

With more than 300 miles of Atlantic coastline, North Carolina provides plenty of pretty spots for beach retreats. The barrier islands that constitute the Outer Banks offer unparalleled beauty, with endless views and beaches. Blackbeard made port here, and the Wright Brothers launched a historic flight on the sands.

While visiting Manteo, catch a performance of “The Lost Colony” to learn about the mystery of Roanoke Island. In the surrounding area, you’ll find wildlife galore, from the feral ponies that roam the islands to the marine creatures that swim offshore. Cape Hatteras National Seashore is a favorite spot for seaside recreation.

Beautiful Cities

With the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains surrounding the city, Asheville is one of North Carolina’s most beautiful towns, ranking as one of the region’s most popular vacation retreats. The city’s vibrant personality is best explored in brewpubs and galleries. The grandeur of the surrounding mountains is paralleled by the elegant architecture of the Biltmore Estate, the nation’s largest privately owned house.

North Carolina’s largest city, Charlotte, is found in the central Piedmont region, located in the middle of the state. The bustling town is a mecca for racing fans, with the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway located here.

Culinary North Carolina

Ready for some grilled meat? The state is famous for its two distinct styles of barbecue. The Lexington style focuses on pulled pork shoulder slathered in a ketchup-based sauce, while the Eastern style uses the whole hog and no tomato.