North Carolina Mountains - by Richard Bitting
Traveling through North Carolina? You might want to rethink that after you hear a little of what this state has to offer. North Carolina is full of things to see and do with some of the most beautiful scenes in the Southeast. From the beaches to the mountains and everything in between, there is something here for everyone! The outdoors scene in North Carolina is certainly one of the most diverse in the Southeast. With the Blue Ridge Mountains to the west and the coast to the east you’ll find some of the most breathtaking views that nature has to offer. Here are a few highlights.
Ashville, N.C.
Asheville, N.C. is home to the largest privately owned home in the United States, The Biltmore House. It features 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants’ quarters, kitchens, and more. The estate would be the home of George Vanderbilt when it opened on Christmas Eve, 1895. The home is located on 125,000 acres of beautiful countryside. To this day, Biltmore is still family owned! They also have a winery and spa that also makes it well worth the trip! Obviously, this is a must see!
Highlands, N.C.
If you’re looking for better view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, then Highlands, N.C. is the place to start. There are plenty of hiking trails as the Appalachian Trail winds through the hills and plenty of areas for picnics and nature viewing. Many motor cyclist take advantage of the winding roads that pass through Highlands every year as well. There are also several waterfalls worth taking a look at such as “Bridal Veil Falls”. You can see the falls from your car when you drive under it or if you are more adventurous you can actually walk underneath the falls. In downtown Highlands you’ll also find great shopping and dining opportunities which means fun for the whole family.
Cherokee, N.C.
If history is something that you’re interested in, you might check out the Cherokee Indian Reservation in Cherokee, N.C. There you’ll find the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, “Unto These Hills” outdoor drama, Oconaluftee Indian Village, arts & crafts, souvenir shops and other family oriented attractions.
Cashiers, N.C.
Cashiers is another nice mountain town with great shopping like “The Bungalow Boutique”. Here you’ll find plenty of chances to catch views of waterfalls and experience the slower pace of life they’re used to in Cashiers.
Hickory, N.C.
Coming off the mountains you can head to Hickory, which is home to the minor league baseball team the Hickory Crawdads, a Class A affiliate of the Texas Rangers major league baseball club. Hickory is loaded with golf courses and wineries to satisfy your appetite for relaxation at its best. Hickory is also known as “The Furniture Capitol of The World” where you can find great deals on major brand name furniture and tons of locally owned stores. Hickory is definitely worth checking out!
Concord, N.C.
If you are a NASCAR fan the Concord is just the place for you. Take a day and tour Lowes Motor Speedway or the Dale Earnhardt Museum and get a taste of the rich history of racing in the state of N.C.
Charlotte, N.C.
The city of Charlotte has all that some big cities have to offer without all the hassle. Charlotte is the home of the Carolina Panthers NFL team as well so if you are in town you won’t want to miss an opportunity to see an exciting NFL game!
Jockeys Ridge of the Outer Banks
The Outer Banks
Along the North Carolina coast you’ll find some of the finest beaches in the world. There are plenty of accommodations for your family vacation or your weekend getaway. The Outer Banks is the place to go for the best coastal lifestyle experience. Lighthouses such as the Bodie Island Lighthouse provide some of the most picturesque scenes on the east coast.
You may also want to skip over to the Wright Brothers National Memorial at the site of the world’s first controlled power flight. You may also check out the Dare county Civil War Trail which is a great way to go back in time and experience a fascinating time in the history of the Outer Banks.
When it comes to dining you’ll find no better place than The Outer Banks. It is home to over 160 locally owned and operated restaurants serving up the most fresh, locally caught seafood as well as a diverse selection of culinary delights. You’ll find everything from Italian to Fried Chicken served in the unique atmosphere of The Outer Banks.
I hope that you have found a few things that might interest you in the beautiful state of North Carolina. We have barely scratched the surface, in fact. Time and space will not allow me to go on to tell of the history of the 2009 Men’s Basketball National Champions, the North Carolina Tarheels, or the great history of Wilmington. However, as you can see, there is more to North Carolina than meets the eye!
Review of North Carolina written by world traveler Chris Beusse