When traveling to North Carolina, the journey can be as beautiful as the destination. The views are beautiful and the opportunities for romance, sports or adventure abound no matter the season. Whether your style is a thrill-seeking white water rafting trip on the Nantahala River or a more refined excursion to the golf clubs in haywood county north carolina, you can find it all in the land of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If North Carolina is calling your name, read on for some attractions to put on your list.
Blue Ridge Parkway
It’s amazing to imagine that the entire 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway was designed by an architect. Stanley Abbott had a vision of far more than a road between Virginia and North Carolina. The realization of his dream includes visitor centers, museums and hundreds of miles of hiking trails dotted with picnic areas and campgrounds. Pull-offs and scenic outlooks provide breath-taking views of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. In the summer there are waterfalls and wildflowers, swimming and camping, ziplines and horseback riding: basically, anything for the young or young at heart outdoor enthusiast.
Biltmore Estate
This 8,000 square foot mansion is considered a must-see for any trip to Asheville. With 250 rooms, the Biltmore Estate is the largest private home in the United States and employs 2.400 staff members. The French Rennaissance chateau was built in the late 1880s by George Vanderbilt. The beautiful, manicured grounds house a winery, an equestrian center, hotels, restaurants, gardens and a lagoon. The Vanderbilt Mansion is still privately owned today.
Outer Banks
If you are looking to slow things down, think about visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Numerous books, including those of bestselling author Anne Rivers Siddons, have been written about life on these barrier islands that stretch for 200 miles just offshore of the mainland. It is home to the famous lost colony of Roanoke Island and the Cape Hatteras Seashore, famous for its thriving sea turtle nesting area. There is no shortage of charming places to stay or amazing places to eat fresh, local seafood. For a romantic outing, take your special someone for a drive down the Banks Scenic Byway at sunset.
With numerous museums, science and nature centers and historical attractions, you won’t run out of activities for the family. No matter your age, activity level or interest, there is something for you in North Carolina. What are you waiting for?