Top Things to do in North Carolina
Top Hotels in North Carolina
- 1. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown, an IHG Hotel
- 2. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Area
- 3. Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort
- 4. Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village
- 5. Embassy Suites by Hilton Charlotte Uptown
- 6. Hampton Inn & Suites Outer Banks / Corolla
- 7. Tru by Hilton Fayetteville I 95
- 8. Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Arrowood
- 9. Bridgepointe Hotel and Marina
- 10. The Dunhill Hotel
Countries
Things to do in North Carolina, United States: The Best History Museums
North Carolina has something for everyone, with the highest mountains in the eastern U.S., 300 miles of pristine coastline, quaint towns and vibrant cities. From the mountains to the sea, explore the natural, scenic beauty, discover outdoor adventure or try one of 500 golf courses, including the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Discover a favorite among 100 wineries and 60 craft breweries, tour historic and cultural treasures, sample farm to table delicacies and get the thrill of motorsports in the "home" of NASCAR.
Restaurants in North Carolina
1. The Storytelling Center of the Southern Appalachians at Bryson City
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
2. Hickory Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
The Hickory Aviation Museum located at the Hickory Regional Airport(HKY) in Hickory North Carolina. We are a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Tax Exempt Organization. We are dedicated to maintaining the facts and artifacts of the Golden Age of Aviation. The Museum provides a unique opportunity for all generations to learn and appreciate aviation history. Free to the Public. Open Tuesday - Sunday.
Reviewed By donrush377
a great museum,,, not a lot to see but worth it, a great place to take the kids. lots of history and something to do on a weekend
3. Turnage Theater
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Vicki802 - Beaufort, United States
If you visit Washington, you need to see if there are any events here while you visit. It is an awesome theatre in the heart of downtown. If you are lucky enough to be in town on Thursday or a Saturday, stop by Thursday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 or Saturday morning at 10 to listen to the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association. It's free and it's the Associations time to play in the round. You can also bring an instrument if you play and join them The music is fantastic. You can come in anytime during their jams. They also have art openings here, movies and musical events. They did an incredible job in refurbishing the theatre - it's just beautiful!
4. Artists in Residence at Edgewood Cottage
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
The Blowing Rock Historical Society uses Edgewood Cottage to showcase high country artists. Up to 30 artists are selected each year and given a week to display and sell their art in the restored original home of renowned American artist Elliott Daingerfield. There is art for every interest and budget, and it is a special opportunity to meet the artists, watch them work, and buy their art.
5. Ava Gardner Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The Ava Gardner Museum, one of North Carolina’s most remarkable attractions, honors the life, loves, and legacy of Ava Gardner, who was born and raised in Johnston County. She became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous leading ladies and visitors to the museum enjoy an introductory film on her life, 16 permanent exhibits from her humble beginnings, her discovery story, a variety of movie posters, movie memorabilia, personal clothing and movie costumes and much more. New exhibits are rotated in the museum on an annual basis to continue to share Ava's incredible story and share with the world "the real Ava", who was down to earth, loving, direct and very approachable for one of Hollywood's most famous stars from the Golden Era. Visit the museum in Historic Downtown Smithfield any time, or make special plans to attend the Ava Gardner Festival held in May each year.
Reviewed By HMS-Sock - Raleigh, United States
I took my husband’s family visiting from the UK here before some outlet shopping. While the teen boys in the group opted out, they regretted it later as we talked about Ava’s adventurous life, movies, Howard Huges & Frank Sinatra - as well as the very unique paintings of Ava. We appreciated Miss Sarah’s passion for Ava & thought the musuem was well done - jewelry, clothing, movie artifacts, and personal items. We were also fortunate to have a Board member, Melissa, share stories & give us insights. I would like to see more of the items in storage!
6. Ocracoke Preservation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 163 reviews
A tiny museum that features the history of Blackbeard, the 18th-century pirate.
Reviewed By sandcmom - Boone, United States
We stumbled across this gem after eating lunch at sMacNally's. It's full of Ocracoke history but the best part is that it won't take up a whole lot of your time. It's just a small place and I think we were there maybe 30min. We soaked it all in and we on to enjoy the rest of the island. It's free which is always nice, but they do have little donation jars sat around if you do want to donate.
7. Federal Point History Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
8. Biltmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,629 reviews
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
We did the self-guided audio tour of the house early in the morning, with tickets bought on-line a month earlier. While the house itself was fascinating, I have to say the audio part of it was a little corny and overacted at times- all about guests going to a party, and not much about the history or architecture of the house; but I liked seeing the period clothing. The tour ended appropriately with a tour of the servants quarters, at the bottom of the house. After that we walked around the gardens, to the Bass pond and back. The highlight was definitely the Conservatory, which was stunning; make sure to stop in there to see the orchids. After a quick lunch we took the Legacy of the Land tour, which is a shuttle tour that makes a few stops for guests to get out and look around. I think our tour guide was Jim, and it was absolutely fascinating. I was expecting a tour of the Farm, but it was more about Vanderbilt’s decision to build the Biltmore, how he acquired the land, Olmsted’s design of the grounds, the beginnings of the US forestry service… It was definitely a nice counterpoint to the house tour, and I highly recommend it. We ate at Antler Hill Village twice while here, and sampled wine at the winery. I have to say this place is HUGE; it’s about 5 miles between the Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village, so you’ll definitely want a plan and a car. Plan on spending at least a day. The only negative we ran into is that parking for the Biltmore House tours was confusing and not well signed, especially if you’re looking for the park and walk lot. Pretty much every car that came in ended up driving all the way up to the lawn in front of the house, where a guard told them to do a U-turn and go back. More signs or a couple of folks directing traffic in the morning would be really helpful.
9. Cape Fear Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Exploring the history, science and cultures of the Lower Cape Fear region. Founded in 1898. Summer Hours: Monday - Saturday: 9 AM-5 PM Sunday: 1-5 PM.
Reviewed By Zedd97511 - Sea Cliff, United States
Did not know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. Combination of history/science/nature and while large parts geared toward kids the historical aspects of the museum- into which natural history and ecology of the region , pre- and post-civil war development, and racism are woven- are appropriate for adults. These areas are all thoughtfully presented. Worth a morning or an afternoon.
10. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,204 reviews
Park where visitors can see a replica of the Wright Brothers' plane and receive an entertaining history of flight.
Reviewed By PHLee7ca - Ellicott City, United States
We visited this attraction on a sunny Saturday in October. The cost was $10/adult and lots of free parking. We first walked around the grounds and saw the old "runway", sheds, and climbed up Kill Devil Hill to see the monument and view of the town. Then we joined the narrated tour by one of the Park Rangers, she was very informative and animated! We then spent the rest of our time touring inside the info. center and got our "passports" stamped in the Gift Store! From the top of the hill, we noticed a full scale scene of the first flight and stopped by on our drive out....very nice, all the "characters" immortalized in bronze along with the plane. A very nice "park", museum and history lesson.
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