North Carolina

Whether you’re coming for barbecue, outdoor fun, or university vibes, North Carolina delivers. The majestic Blue Ridge Mountains beckon hikers while beachgoers head for small coastal towns along the Atlantic. In between are artsy Asheville, whose restaurants have several James Beard Award semi-finalists and nominees, as well as Raleigh, Charlotte, and Durham, where three big research universities mean lots of students and academics and top-notch museums—like the free North Carolina Museum of Art and Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.

The Linn Cove Viaduct, at mile marker 304.4, was one of the most ambitious and technically challenging segments of the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway

Photo by Anthony Heflin/Shutterstock

Overview

Planning your trip

Use these articles, resources, and guides to plan and inspire your next trip to North Carolina.

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READ BEFORE YOU GO
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HOTELS
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RESOURCES TO HELP PLAN YOUR TRIP
Journeys: Food + Drink
Chef Silver Iocovozzi, of James Beard Award-nominated Asheville restaurant Neng Jr.’s, recommends delights on and off the table during this 48-hour itinerary filled with the best of the city.
Journeys: United States
Enjoy river adventures, mountaintops, and art walks in one of the cities that pioneered farm-to-fork dining with this four-day guide by Foundry Hotel General Manager Larry Crosby.
Where to hike, bike, plunge, and otherwise get outdoorsy in the Blue Ridge Mountains of this vibrant North Carolina city.
Gaze out at the Blue Ridge Mountains and art deco skyline from behind your chilled martini glass.
From raising up underserved communities to fighting book bans, these indie shops are on a mission.
There’s a music museum for you, whether you’re in Asheville, Cleveland, or South Dakota.
Enjoy a cultural journey through Asheville’s natural beauty with these travel tips for outdoor adventures.
Consider these 51 beautiful places found across the country—including Puerto Rico—for your next trip
Local author Ashley English recommends the city’s best bookstore, year-round hiking spots, where to drink coffee among plants, and other things to do, see, eat, and drink for a mindful trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
From hiking trails to dog-friendly restaurants and hotels, travel tips for dog parents on where to go and what to do in Asheville to make tails wag