How to Plan a Vacation to North Carolina

North Carolina is a beautiful state and there’s nowhere I’d rather live. For those who wish to visit, here are some favorite vacation ideas straight from a North Carolinian.

Decide what time of year you would like to plan a vacation to North Carolina. Different regions have different things to offer depending upon the season. The Appalachian Mountains provide breathtaking scenery year round, but the best time to go is in the fall just as the leaves begin to change colors. A drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway will remind you just how colorful and amazing nature can be. Plan a visit to the Biltmore House in Asheville and you'll be amazed at the shear magnitude of the home and the magnificence of the property. Drive over to Boone, NC and enjoy some down-home cooking at the Dan'l Boone Inn. You won't leave hungry. There are tons of shops and activities that you can fill an entire day exploring. Tell the folks at the Mast General Store, I said "hello" too. If gambling is in your blood, there's a Harrah's Casino nearby in Cherokee, NC where you can try your luck. Don't leave this area without experiencing the outdoor drama "Unto These Hills."

Visit North Carolina's beautiful coast. For beach lovers who enjoy walking with their feet in the ocean or witnessing a picturesque sunset on a clean and well-preserved beach, I suggest a visit to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. There are plenty of rental homes all along the coast, so lodging should not be a problem. While you're there, pay a visit to the Wright Brothers' Museum and learn some important aviation history that happened right here in NC. Then make the drive down to the Cape Hatteras Light House and see another one of our state symbols up close. While visiting the Outer Banks, learn as much as you can about the rich history of pirates and their dark tales of treachery along North Carolina's coast. One of the most famous is none other than Edward Teach, commonly known as "Blackbeard" by all you scurvy dogs.

Experience some local cuisine. The best barbecue in the entire world can be found in Gaston County, NC. My favorite barbecue restaurant is Kyle Fletcher's, but there are many others like RO's, Black's, and Carolina Country BBQ that offer tasty pork or beef plates with a variety of sauces. Gaston County also has a fine selection of fish camps, which for those of you unfamiliar with the term, is a restaurant that offers almost any seafood that you can imagine deep-fried with a side of hush puppies and slaw. While you're in the area, make the short drive to Charlotte and watch a Bobcats Basketball game or a Carolina Panthers football game. The city of Charlotte, NC may seem small compared to other major cities, but they pack a lot to see and do into a small package. If you're a NASCAR fan, head over the Speedway in Concord, NC and cheer for your favorite driver.


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