North Carolina features a variety of destinations that will appeal to every traveler, from the unique towns in the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sun-drenched locales situated on the Outer Banks. ResortsandLodges.com has compiled a list of the best North Carolina destinations to visit.
Wilmington is a vibrant coastal city of over 100,000 people, which offers a unique contrast of cosmopolitan activities and rich historical roots.
Downtown Wilmington is a must-visit destination for all visitors. It serves as the economic and social hub for the southeastern portion of the state, and features an eclectic mix of historical locations and fun things to do. The selection of restaurants downtown is diverse, from top rated Asian inspired cuisine at Indochine to authentic Italian meals at Osteria Cicchetti. Don't leave downtown without visiting the USS North Carolina. It’s docked across the river from downtown Wilmington, and it's a monument to the sailors and soldiers who stationed on it during WWII.
No trip to Wilmington can is complete without visiting the neighboring beach towns of Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach. Wrightsville Beach is an ideal location for surfing, Carolina Beach features an impressive seaside boardwalk, and Kure Beach is a fishing hot spot.
Nags Head is one of the best locations for a beach vacation on America’s East Coast and has been for over 150 years. The town is located at the northern end of the Outer Banks and features stunning ocean vistas and every activity under the sun.
Jockey’s Ridge State Park is the ideal location for a beach adventure. The Park features the tallest natural dune formation in the United States and climbing to the top of it treats visitors to great views of the island, ocean, and Nags Head. The park’s sound facing side is ideal for outdoor activities. The waters of the sound side are good for snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, wind surfing, dolphin watching, and the list goes on.
Downtown Nags Head is the ideal place to spend time after a fun-filled day under the North Carolina sun. Visitors will encounter a variety of family owned restaurants and shops that line the streets of the downtown area. Families will love the kid-friendly activities and entertainment such as mini golf, go-carts, live music, and more.
Asheville is a vibrant and naturally beautiful vacation destination perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The city of over 87,000 people is one-of-a-kind and features a vibrant art scene, world-class restaurants, and much more.
Travelers would be hard-pressed to find a more artistic community than Ashville. The area's stunning beauty attracted top artists from around the world, and their works are in galleries and exhibits around the city. The Asheville Gallery of Art is the oldest fine art gallery in the community, featuring over 30 artists who produce artwork in a variety of disciplines. Lexington Glassworks is a can't-miss location for any fan of art. They showcase a collection of beautiful glasswork, make glass art in front of patrons, and are happy to educate and answer any questions.
The beauty of Asheville has also attracted a variety of world class chefs. Visitors to the city can expect to encounter a foodies paradise, from southern BBQ to Vegan the city has it all. The Copper Crown is a local favorite, and it has something for everyone. Menu items come from a variety of culinary influences and include meals that range from mussels to pork bellies.