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
Top 10 Hidden Gems Things to do in North Carolina, United States
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. Blue Ridge Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6,921 reviews
This 469-mile scenic drive links Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while protecting the cultural and natural features of the Blue Ridge.
Reviewed By cynthiap259 - New Britain, United States
Where do I start? What an awesome drive from Skyline Drive all the way to the Smoky Mountains ... through the magnificent BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY! It was in my bucket list and it sure delivered. The blue mountain ridges and colorful fall colors...seen in every overlook, just amazing! We stopped at Mabry Mill, the Blue Ridge Music Center, multiple overlooks, stopped and hiked the Natural Bridge trail and Graveyard Fields trail and saw a whole herd of elks in the Oconaluftee area! Ate real southern food and experienced their hospitality especially at Clyde’s in Waynesville. Didn’t get to explore Asheville and Biltmore Estate due to time constraint but will be coming back for it hopefully soon to see the rhododendrons blooming!
2. Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,397 reviews
Reviewed By wvsjr - Bessemer, United States
My wife and I love the show what’s in the barn so we decided to visit this museum of old motorcycles it is very interesting and a lot of history and old bikes to see it was awesome
3. Billy Graham Library
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,409 reviews
Journey through history with one of the most influential voices of the 20th century. Learn more about Billy Graham and his message of God’s love. Through multimedia exhibits, films, and memorabilia, you'll relive the historic moments of his life. Tour the restored Graham family home, shop in Ruth’s Attic, and enjoy lunch in the Dairy Bar. The Billy Graham Library will leave you inspired by this amazing man and his message of hope.
Reviewed By SilverStar092
This site is a wonderful experience as it includes the Graham homestead, a building housing displays of key events in Rev. Graham's life and a good dairy bar that is perfect for lunch. The grounds offer some nice walking paths as well. Amazingly there is no charge to visit and this is a great place to spend a couple hours.
4. Elijah Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 779 reviews
Covered outdoor and Indoor gem mining all season. #1 gem mine in the Carolinas on TripAdvisor. No reservations needed. Come pet and feed our goats and see our chickens. We double all competitor’s coupons and we’ll even buy you a coke! At Elijah Mountain Gem Mine, in Hendersonville, NC, you become a prospector from the 1800's and mine for real gem stones that you can keep! Gems that are found daily include Rubys, Sapphires, Emeralds, Quartz crystals, Citrine, Amethyst, Garnets, Adventurine, Sodalite, Opal, Fluorite, Aquamarine Crystal geodes and many more! We have covered outdoor and climate controlled indoor mining for your comfort! Find something really special and have it cut into a pendant for a necklace right here! Sometimes while you watch! You can even bring a picnic and relax at one of our picnic tables by the creek! Our Rock Shop is the best around and no one can beat our prices! See 400 million year old fossils.
Reviewed By konacoast24k - Cocoa, United States
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine in Hendersonville is a great place for a family to visit. Whether you are an amateur rockhound like my husband and I, or just out for a unique adventure, this is a fun experience! They have indoor and covered outdoor sluice runs to hunt for your gemstone treasures, and even a spot where you can walk down and see what there is to find in a small creek bed (you would be surprised at what is under that sand!!). The rock shop is full of interesting gem and mineral specimens, and you can even visit the many goats that live at the site! The weather was not cooperating when we visited which cut our time short (I would have enjoyed lingering at the creek a while longer-so relaxing!). If you are looking for something different and fun to do, visit Elijah Mountain Gem Mine - you won't be disappointed!
5. Waterrock Knob
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By GoVols79 - Chattanooga, United States
Waterrock Knob is part of the Plott Balsams mountain range in western North Carolina. At mile marker 451.2 on the Blue Ridge Parkway there is a great stop with a National Park Service Visitor Center that is open seasonally. It features a large parking lot with great views all around, restrooms and hiking trails. We enjoy hiking so we took the trail to the top but the view isn’t any better from what you see in the parking lot. It is paved for the first half and then turns to a dirt trail. The trail isn’t overly technical but I wouldn’t wear flip flops. It is also pretty steep; especially the paved part. The summit of the trail is 6,273 feet above elevation and is the highest point on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The visitor center is small but has a station for stamping a NPS passport, maps, an assortment of gifts and food and drink. There are also displays about the area and wildlife. We picked up Junior Ranger packets for the kids to complete. Waterrock Knob is a great stop on the Parkway and was one of the highlights of our trip.
6. Walton's Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 189 reviews
Walton's Distillery is a craft distillery making Moonshine, Whiskey and Bourbon. It is a full production facility with daily activities related to the mashing, fermentation, distillation and bottling of spirits. Tours offer a very thorough understanding of the process and the unique experience of seeing a functioning moonshine still. Free tastings of all Walton's products are offered and the facility has a gift shop which has lots of antiques and souvenirs. The Hours of Operation are Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm with tours running every hour, on the hour. The final tour runs at 4:00. Please call in advance if you have a group of more than 10 people coming. Times of tours may vary depending upon staffing and traffic volume. We will do our best to accommodate all visitors at arrival.
Reviewed By ericgY3142PB
We really enjoyed the tasting session and decided on the Pina Colada flavored moonshine. The store is full of interesting things to look at and buy
7. North Carolina Maritime Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Premier museum that has a large collection of boats, models, decoys and dioramas about life in coastal North Carolina.
Reviewed By 972doloresm - Pinehurst, United States
Very comprehensive museum with many of Blackbeard's artifacts on display.His ship the Queen Anne's Revenge sunk right off the shore of Beaufort NC. Many very nice exhibits encompassing the maritime history.
8. The North Carolina Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,603 reviews
Nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and groomed trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically-diverse plants in the region.
Reviewed By SeniorTravelTales - Oldsmar, United States
We have visited the Arboretum previously initially just ourselves, seniors, touring this magnificent arboretum and gardens and another time with our grandchildren to thrill at Winter Lights. Having our grandchildren visit again and since they love “LEGO’s” we were excited to visit the Lego Exhibit at the Arboretum. Specifically this is a very popular traveling exhibit that has 500,000 Legos. The exhibit is called Nature Connects: Art with LEGO bricks by Sean Kenney. Our grandchildren were so excited to stroll the gardens locating the 16 larger-than-life-size sculptures. Amazing how each sculpture is carefully placed in an appropriate location. This created excitement to find each sculpture and get a picture with each one. These Lego sculptures are just magnificent with design, color, depth and imagination. Additionally, the scale train was exciting for them to watch. They loved the “eyes” on each engine searching the tracks. A fun afternoon. There is much more to do at the Arboretum with hikes, creeks, and more. We plan to check into on our next visit
9. Pearson's Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
When visiting Pearson's Falls Glen, nature lovers and hikers are attracted to the scenic waterfall that plunges 90 feet and the many scenic trails bordered by native plants.
Reviewed By FlirtGarden - Suwanee, United States
Pearson’s Falls & Glen is a botanical preserve consisting of 268 acres, which has been owned and maintained by the Tyron Garden Club since 1931. The falls and glen are designated a Blue Ridge National Heritage Site, and they are also included in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archives of American Gardens. Over 200 species of trees, plants, wildflowers, fungi and ferns thrive in this unique, nearly year-round, freeze-free thermal-belt, providing a long growing season in the narrow glen. A short hike along Colt Creek leads up to this spectacular 90-foot waterfall. There are benches and picnic tables tucked along the trail, for those wanting to pause and wonder.
10. Oconaluftee Indian Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
A guided tour of the Oconaluftee Indian Village; a replica of a 1750s Cherokee Village. See Cherokees making traditional trades using centuries old techniques. The Village Square Grounds is a place of ceremony where you will learn about traditional songs and dance, our clan system and beliefs. Inside the Village Council House you will learn of our government, family and structure. We welcome you to our home.
Reviewed By Tyaskin - Mebane, United States
While it is well promoted, the village is easy to miss, as it is tucked away up a hill, removed from the bustle of the main drag through Cherokee. If you are interested in actual, bona fide Cherokee traditions and history (as opposed to the sometimes hokey tourist junk peddled in some stores in town. Now, I will tell you, your guide can make or break this tour. My daughter (15) and I were fortunate to have a young man who seemed both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he was doing. Your guide, dressed in traditional Cherokee clothing from the late 1700's (generally) will walk with you through the reconstructed village, explaining to you about the Cherokee language and history, and giving you some brief glimpses of how this group of Native people lived prior to and shortly after the coming of the settlers. Woodworking, beadwork, fingerweaving, canoe making, cabins, governance, and religion are all covered, and at various points you will see members of the Nation demonstrating various crafts, such as pottery or basket making. We also were shown the use of the Cherokee blowgun, used for small game hunting. It is informative, and you are encouraged to ask questions (but don't expect your guide to be an expert on EVERY aspect of Cherokee culture and history; many of them are young and still learning) There is a gift shop, which we didn't visit, and a Plant trail showing various plants used for different things by the Cherokee. The path through the village is generally easy to travel, even in a stroller, but there are some gentle grades that may require an extra minute for the elders in your party. I would think that wheelchairs could handle it with some assistance. So when you pass through the area, add this to your list of things to visit, but call ahead to make sure they are open, as they close for a while during the winter months. And, as always, Happy Motoring.
