Popular Blowing Rock attractions include the Appalachian Fossil Museum, Tweetsie Railroad, Docs Rocks Gem Mine, and Mystery Hill. The animals are dispersed across two regions, North America and Africa, as well as a desert and a tropical, free-flight aviary. There are some really fun things to do in Hickory, especially when youre talking about its museums. .ai-viewport-3 { display: inherit !important;} } Jockey's Ridge is the tallest sand dune system in the eastern United States and Jockey's Ridge State Park encompasses. At 404 feet, it's one of the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. Charlotte is seeing much more rapid population growth and is the fastest-growing North Carolina metro area on the Best Places to Live list. The western edge of the forest offers renowned mountain biking routes, with stunning scenic views from the balds at the summits. Moving towards the most southern section of the North Carolina coastline, Carolina Beach State Park is located due south of Wilmington on the protected Cape Fear side of the shoreline. Start there with the Catawba Science Center and the Hickory Aviation Museum. Many travelers call this a must-visit attraction when in Asheville but warn that it can get quite crowded. This powerhouse region is a magnet for tech and biotech companies, and explosive job growth is one reason why Raleigh, NC, is among the best places to live in the U.S. Raleigh has two nicknames that hint at the unparalleled quality of life here. Dreamed up by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s, the home served as Vanderbilt's country retreat. Hanging Rock State Park. And if you come during the colder months, there are dozens of ways to have winter fun in Raleigh. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park and SEA LIFE are also here, making this Cabarrus County city a hotspot for family travelers. If youve brought kids, stop by the WNC Nature Center and the Asheville Museum of Science. The Pisgah Ranger District has a huge collection of incrediblewaterfalls, and its also home to the Cradle of Forestry, the nations first school of forestry. Stock up and save on travel-size toiletries ahead of your summer vacation. Undoubtedly, Pisgah National Forest is one of the best places to visit NC wilderness at its most pristine. Beyond its beautiful flora, the arboretum boasts 10-plus miles of hiking trails that connect to scenic areas like Lake Powhatan, the Pisgah National Forest and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Raleigh Affordability: 7/10 Job market: 8/10 Safety: 9/10 Wellness: 8/10 Raleigh again tops our list of best places to live in North. Asheville, North Carolina Courtesy of SeanPavonePhoto - Fotolia.com The Southern state boasts warmer temperatures than much of the U.S., and its varied terrain, including both mountains and coastal areas, offers something for everyone. La Farm Bakery, Bond Brothers Beer Company, and Taipei 101 are a few places that wed start with on any trip to Cary, but Ashworth Drugs is great for a look at an old-fashioned soda fountainand hot dogs, too! City in North Carolina,. You can relax after kayaking or scuba diving with some locally caught seafood by the beach. And for a scaled-down and more relaxing beach experience, Id recommend visiting Kure Beach. Here are the best places to live in SC. To reach the top of Chimney Rock, you can either climb 500 steps or ride the elevator up. 10 Beautiful Roadside Waterfalls in North Carolina for Everyone! Theres also the beautiful Carolina Theatre that you should check out for a show or just to stare at from the outside. Chapel Hill has been named Americas Foodiest Small Town by Bon Apetit. The city of 118,000 resident is bounded by the Cape Fear River, and the Riverwalk (which was voted Americas Best Riverfront) provides access to great restaurants, bars, and shops. Though there are numerous resorts in Wrightsville Beach, there is a larger supply of vacation rentals. The towns population has quickly grown since the 1970s, which was then around 8,000. Spanning 8,000 acres, the French-Renaissance estate boasts 250 rooms, including 35 bedrooms and 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. document.addEventListener( 'DOMContentLoaded', function() { What's more, it's home to some of the tallest peaks in the eastern United States. You can easily enjoy the outdoors here but there are some pretty fun things to do inside. Despite the towns small size, there are lots of greatBryson City restaurants and tourist attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad and Nantahala Outdoor Center, plus tons of cool shops. But it's also the spirit of the place that has people flocking to western North Carolina to take a look at this art deco-bedecked city and maybe even stay awhile. Spirits lovers should head to Waltons Distillery for a tasting and a tour. 35 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina (in 2023) Approximately 11,000 gallons of water course down the rock each minute. It's no surprise artists, musicians, filmmakers, and writers call North Carolina home. Located in Nags Head in the Outer Banks, the park spans 426 acres and features dunes standing more than 60 feet tall. The area also features the Wright Brothers Monument, which sits atop Big Kill Devil Hill, where the brothers first tested their gliding experiments. If you're looking for a charming weekend getaway that promises luxurious accommodations, delectable food and plenty of outdoor adventures, consider Highlands, a mountain town in southwestern North Carolina near the Georgia border. Olde Hickory Brewery pumps out some of NCs finest beer and you can also visit their three restaurant locations throughout town. ), Things to Do in Chapel Hill and Orange County, Fun Museums in Greensboro (Kid-Friendly, Contemporary Art, and More! One of the top things to do in Charlotte, the U.S. National Whitewater Center offers more than 30 different recreational activities across its 1,300-plus acres. @media (max-width: 767px) { Brevard has a tiny downtown area with a few blocks of boutiques, galleries, gift shops, and excellent restaurantsin any direction. Before deciding to live here, enjoy yourself with a room at The Cardinal Hotel or another one of Winston-Salems awesome historic hotels, and dont forget to dig into the citys delicious restaurants and innovative breweries. Along with its towering mountain, the park is known for experiencing the South's most severe weather. You can get outside at River Park North and if youre up for a short drive, Goose Creek State Park isnt too far away. Popular stops along the parkway include Craggy Gardens (known for its 360-degree views and abundance of rhododendrons), Mount Mitchell (the highest peak in the eastern United States) and Linville Falls (a three-tiered waterfall that cascades into the Linville Gorge). Even if you live in the area, enjoy a stay overnight at either the Carolina Inn or the Tusan-themed Siena Hotel. Covering over 500,000 acres, Pisgah National Forest is split into three distinct districts, with one below Asheville, one east of it, and one north of it. Theres such an abundance of great places to visit in North Carolina, visitors may find themselves wanting to stop every few miles down the road. What do you enjoy doing here? Durhams Museum of Life and Science does a great job of combining both in ways we love. Stay on marked trails, take only pictures, pack out your trash, and be considerate of others who share the trails and parks you explore. Huntersville is a large suburb in the Charlotte metropolitan . Or, grab a fishing rod and set up camp in Hatteras, which is a premier fishing destination. . Cary is pretty spread out and full of fun places to explore, but spend some time walking around downtowns shops and eateries and youll fall in love with it. I suggest camping and exploring smaller side roads to discover the lesser-known hidden gems. Let's look into 20 of the best tourist destinations in North Carolina so you have the information you need to plan your next retreat in the Tar Heel State. The best cities for long-term rentals are those with a high number of renters, average home prices, and residents with healthy rent-to-income ratios. Its main attractions, including the darling historic downtown, the . The Oconaluftee Visitor Center in GSMNP is just a few minutes further. Today, the arboretum welcomes visitors with more than 65 acres of cultivated gardens, including a world-renowned collection of bonsai trees. Real Estate. Huntersville. 15 BEST Places to Live in North Carolina (A Friendly Forum) READ MORE:The 15 Best Blue Ridge Parkway Hotels & Cabin Rentals in NC & VA, 1 Estell Lee Place Suite 201, Wilmington NC (877)406-2356 Official Website. Were huge fans of these cities in North Carolina and cant wait to keep revisiting these fun places. From the top of the park's 315-foot-tall namesake, you can admire 75-mile views overlooking Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge (on a clear day). Note: Stay tuned for an upcoming guide to Chapel Hill Restaurants. North Carolina offers everything you want in a state: mild climate, diverse population, booming art scene, and warm hospitality. Rent prices have also been trending higher but are in the range of the national average.. Property taxes are also reasonable, while North Carolina state taxes are roughly middle of the pack. 25 Best Places to Visit in North Carolina - VacationIdea.com The town of Cherokee in the Qualla Boundary is just 10 miles away, offering additional restaurant and cabin rental options. Out of the 150 most populous metro areas in the U.S., seven are located in North Carolina. The list spans restaurants coast-to-coast and is determined by verified diner reviews. Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com. A getaway in every sense of the word, Bald Head Island is a nature lover's paradise with 14 miles of wide white sand beaches and verdant nature preserves covering more than 80% of the island. Seasonal yoga, zip lines, a ropes course and more than 50 miles of trails for hikers, mountain bikers and trail runners round out the activities available here. There are tons of things to do in Asheville, one of the coolest cities in North Carolina. Among the major points of interest in North Carolina is Clingmans Dome, the highest mountain in the Smoky Mountains, as well as several mountains over 6,000 feet (the tallest summits on the AT). The hike up the Profile Trail and over to Calloway Peak was one of the most rewarding NC hikes my wife Emma and I have ever done. Eastern North Carolina is home to some amazing places and these NC coastal towns are another example of that fact.Many of them lead to our favorite weekend getaways and the best beaches.. .archive .content-area a { Visitors warn that you'll do a lot of walking, so wear comfortable footwear. Other highlights include the Fontana Dam, Cherohala Skyway, Cullasaja Gorge, and Nantahala River. Slightly west of Greensboro is Winston-Salem, which boasts a cost of living that requires just 21.11% of the median annual household income. After all, there are places where people are earning less than the $44,269 most Albemarle residents are doing. There are also great opportunities for Blue Ridge Parkway hikes and exploring nearby waterfalls. Located in the southeastern corner of the state, Wilmington has been a hotbed of North Carolina historyfor decades. And when you want to get outside for a bit, check out the paths and scenery at Frank Liske Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Carl and Christina started NC Tripping. Before you commit to buying a condo, consider these pros and cons. On the self-guided tour, visitors can explore nine levels of the ship, including the mess decks, berthing areas, engine room and bridge, among other must-sees. [See more of Charlotte: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]. A lot of outdoor things to do, dining, and other things. North Carolina is home to one of the nation's best places for younger adults to live, a new report finds. In order to see Antelope Canyon, you'll need to book a guided tour. 10 BEST Places to Visit in North Carolina - Tripadvisor The latter is one of our favorite outdoor attractions in the city and one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in North Carolina. It's also one of the premier kayaking and canoeing destinations on the mid-Atlantic coast, boasting 112 miles of uninhabited shoreline. There are also plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing thanks to the 400-plus species of birds that call the area home. Fayetteville is fun throughout the year, even during winter. This is the same area where the Wright Brothers took their famous first flight in 1903, and the Wright Brothers National Memorial is just up the road in Kill Devil Hills. One of those peaks is 6,643-foot Clingmans Dome, which wows visitors with 360-degree views of the Smokies (on a clear day, visitors can see for 100 miles). 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap NC (336)957-8185 Official Website. Transylvania County has approximately 250 named waterfalls within its boundaries, many of which are located within 15 minutes of Downtown Brevard. Its also got a reputation for some of the states finest barbecue, which youll remember after visiting Bs or Parkers. jQuery && jQuery( function( $ ) { Plus, the aviary houses more than 100 exotic birds and 3,000 tropical plants. For starters, the citys great museums and restaurants pair nicely, especially for a date night, and definitely for an entire weekend. /***Mediavine Sidebar Fix***/ 19. 30+ Amazing NC Coastal Towns (+ Things to Do in Each One!) Asheville is an artsy city that brews fantastic beer and is home to award-winning chefs, two of its traits making Asheville one of the best places to live in the U.S. Cradled by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville draws in outdoor enthusiasts . Read More: Airbnbs in Wilmington and its Beach Surroundings. text-decoration: none Many folks associate William B. Umstead State Park with Raleigh but the Reedy Creek Entrance sits in Cary. .right-sidebar .content-area { /***Underline Links***/ Tags: Travel, Vacations, North Carolina, North Carolina Vacations, US Vacations, Southeast Vacations. Located in the mouth of the Cape Fear River, this car-free coastal island is only accessible by ferry from Southport (about 35 miles south of Wilmington). Living in Asheville, NC | U.S. News Yes, but let us break them down. padding-left: 10px !important; It is the most visited of all U.S. National Parks, with over 14 million visitors in 2021. } ); Located in a lonely mountain range in the NC Piedmont, Hanging Rock State Park is a treasure trove of outdoor recreational activities. Raleigh is filled with things to do for everyone, especially with kids! Rankings Best Places to Visit in the Carolinas Last updated on March 18, 2022 North Carolina and South Carolina are two East Coast states with endless vacation possibilities. Based on the data used to determine the Best Places to Live in the U.S. ranking, which factors in cost of living, job market, desirability, net migration and overall quality of life, weve compiled the details that will help you determine which North Carolina metro area you should call home. .generate-back-to-top:visited { A variety of water sports equipment rentals are conveniently located near the beach, including traveler favorite Wrightsville SUP. The park's namesake stands tall at nearly 6,000 feet, making it the highest peak in the Blue Ridge mountain range. Were particularly fond of Jeffs and the Kettle Diner, but our opinion changes according to the time of day. Best Places To Live In North Carolina In 2023 - Forbes Advisor The diverse array of excellentAsheville Breweries has earned it the nickname Beer City, and the town is also a great destination for finding unique restaurants and locally produced NC wines. padding-right: 10px !important; [See more of Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Things to Do | When to Visit | Hotels | Photos ]. READ MORE: The 15 Best Things to Do in Brevard NC & Transylvania County, 2 Everett St, Bryson City NC (828)488-7857 Official Website. And while there are no camping facilities here, it is a great place for a picnic. There are a lot of important decisions to make during a real estate transaction. There are several other waterfalls in the park, including Widows Creek, which has a natural rock slide to play on. READ MORE: The 20 Best North Carolina Music Festivals, 89 Buck Forest Rd, Cedar Mountain NC (828) 877-6527. Youll also find tons of outdoor fun in Charlotte, with spots like the US National Whitewater Center and its amazing parks wildly popular during the warmer months. Archer Lodge. And if peaceful waters are what you're after, consider the Tuckasegee River, which offers ideal conditions for scenic rafting and tubing. Part of America's Favorite Scenic Drive winds its way through North Carolina. Overall Score 6.5 /10 #29 in Best Places to Live . Make the most of the town's elevation with a hike up Whiteside Mountain appropriately named for its sheer white cliffs. Youll find great B&Bs and Bryson City cabin rentals all around the area, and there are plenty of campgrounds available as well. Average age: 39.6 years old. /***Mediavine Mobile Fix***/ Best Places to Live in North Carolina in 2023-2024 - U.S. News Real Estate This is the highest point in Caldwell and Watauga Counties, and the tallest peak on the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Near Bryson City, visitors can check out the Deep Creek section of the park. // Insert placeholder for events injected when a product is added to the cart through AJAX. Using Asheville as a hub, its easy to explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. When you get hungry, there are quite a few places to eat in Fayetteville. Weather in North Carolina - Sperling's BestPlaces .wp-block-button a { County: Wake, Mecklenburg, 100 total. A quintessential beach vacation, this town just east of Wilmington is a magnet for families and active travelers thanks to its variety of water sports, parks, gardens, kid-friendly playgrounds and surf schools. Today, the museum's collection, which is housed in a nearly 130,000-square-foot space, spans more than 5,000 years. 12 Top-Rated Mountain Resorts in North . 1. At the time of its commissioning in 1941, the ship was considered "the world's greatest sea weapon." Stone Mountain Falls teeters on 200 feet, and has a comfortable wading pool at the bottom. It's known as the "Smithsonian of the South," thanks to the abundance of high-quality museums . Its possible to take a long day hike that encompasses 5 marquee waterfalls in the forest, includingHooker Falls, Triple Falls (my personal favorite), High Falls, Grassy Creek Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. Engage with the city's country roots on one of these tours. Elizabeth City is located between the Albermarle Sound and the Great Dismal Swamp, and its a beautiful 50-mile drive from Kitty Hawk (on the Outer Banks). READ MORE: 3 Great Places for Ziplining in Boone NC (and Other Aerial Adventures), 3042 Frank Parkway, Roaring Gap NC (336)957-8185 Official Website. Read More: Important Places to Visit and Learn Black History in North Carolina. text-decoration: underline This rapidly growing city has first-class historical attractions like the Biltmore Estate and The Grove Park Inn, as well as the nearby Cradle of Forestry. If many people are asked to name the third-largest city in the Research Triangle, they might respond with Chapel Hill instead of Cary. Read More: The Best NC Blue Ridge Parkway Hikes. The star attraction is the center's human-made whitewater river the world's largest which offers Class II to Class IV rapids. Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills are known for having some of the biggest waves on the area's northern beaches, making these spots particularly popular with surfers and skimboarders. (Note: Some tours and excursions may be affected by the coronavirus outbreak. 8. The average annual salary for the area is slightly below the national average at $52,150, and the average monthly unemployment rate in 2020, at 7.4%, was below the national average of 8.1%. History buffs will want to stop by the Battleship North Carolina while visiting Wilmington. .woocommerce-product-gallery{ opacity: 1 !important; } After you've gotten your feet wet at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, why not test your rafting skills on some of the state's rivers? Asheville is known as one of the most attractive places in the state, with some of the best natural scenery North Carolina offers. Their Downtown tasting room is a welcoming spot for visitors to come and try their special creations, as well as the delicious food coming out of their kitchen. } "agent": "woocommerce-7.8.1-3.0.26" Due to its currents, shoals, and unpredictable weather, the area is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic.. Over the last 15 years, Asheville has become nationally recognized as a desirable North Carolina vacationspot.