The Piedmont region of North Carolina, often referred to as the heart of the state, encompasses a large central area between the coastal Tidewater and the mountainous Western region. It’s characterized by rolling hills, fertile farmland, and bustling urban centers like Raleigh, Charlotte, Greensboro. Visitors can explore charming small towns, visit vineyards and wineries, or enjoy outdoor activities in state parks and nature reserves.
- The Same
- Charlotte
- The DINKs
- Triad
- Greensboro
- Winston-Salem
- Piedmont Wine Country/Yadkin Valley
- Asheboro
- High Point
- Mount Airy
- Triad
- Summary
The Same
Charlotte:
As the largest city in North Carolina, Charlotte is a bustling financial and cultural hub. Known as the Queen City, Charlotte offers a vibrant urban experience with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic neighborhoods. Visitors can explore attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the U.S. National Whitewater Center, and the Mint Museum. The city also boasts a thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and a diverse culinary scene.
The Dinks lived in Charlotte for roughly 20 years and the Family visited them there several times. The Dinks shared their favorite things from the best bbq spots to the great outdoors.
- See: U.S. National Whitewater Center, NASCAR Hall of Fame, Billy Graham Library & Museum
- Eat: Midwood Smokehouse (classic Carolina BBQ), Dish (Southern comfort food with a modern twist) or Lupie’s Café (famous for hearty chili and homestyle plates)
- Drink: Birdsong Brewing Co. – Jalapeño Pale Ale (local favorite with a kick), Wooden Robot Brewery – Good Morning Vietnam (smooth coffee vanilla blonde ale)
- Sports: Major League Soccer: Charlotte FC (Bank of America Stadium atmosphere is electric) NBA: Charlotte Hornets, NFL: Carolina Panthers, Minor League Baseball: Charlotte Knights (beautiful Uptown ballpark with skyline views)
- Stay: Uptown Charlotte (walkable, central to sports venues, museums, and nightlife)
The DINKs
The DINKs lived in North Carolina for over 20 years and spent that time truly getting to know the region; from big cities to quiet corners. Whether it was cheering on the Tar Heels, discovering hidden hiking trails, or sipping wine in the Yadkin Valley, we made it a point to explore as much of the Piedmont as possible. With its mix of vibrant college towns, rolling foothills, rich history, and a growing food and drink scene, this central slice of the state quickly became one of our favorite places to live and travel.
Greensboro:
Located in the central Piedmont region, Greensboro is a dynamic city with a rich history. Visitors can learn about the Civil Rights Movement at the International Civil Rights Center & Museum, stroll through the Greensboro Arboretum, or explore the Greensboro Science Center. The city also hosts the annual North Carolina Folk Festival and has a thriving arts community.
Greensboro Science Center: Explore the Greensboro Science Center, a dynamic museum featuring an aquarium, zoo, and interactive science exhibits. Get up close with marine life, exotic animals, and hands-on educational displays. Explore a variety of interactive exhibits throughout the science center, covering topics such as physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science. Experiment with magnets, learn about weather phenomena, discover the properties of light, and much more through engaging hands-on activities.
- Aquarium: Dive into the wonders of the aquatic world at the state-of-the-art aquarium, home to a diverse array of marine life. Explore themed exhibits featuring everything from colorful tropical fish to mesmerizing jellyfish and even sharks. Don’t miss the opportunity to touch rays and sharks in the interactive touch tank. The penguins were our favorites. We actually came back to them after we made our way through to see them one last time before we left.
- Zoo: Get up close and personal with a variety of animals from around the globe at the zoo section of the Greensboro Science Center. Encounter creatures ranging from playful river otters and majestic red pandas to towering giraffes and powerful lions. The zoo features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, ensuring an enjoyable experience rain or shine. I was excited to see the baby Hippo but the Red Pandas always end up stealing my heart.
Winston-Salem:
Known for its Moravian heritage and arts scene, Winston-Salem offers a mix of cultural attractions and outdoor activities. Visitors can tour historic Old Salem, a living history museum depicting early Moravian life, or explore Reynolda House Museum of American Art and the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art. Winston-Salem is also home to Wake Forest University and hosts events like the RiverRun International Film Festival. Hanes Mall is major shopping destination in Winston-Salem.
- Wake Forest Basketball: Attending a Wake Forest basketball game is an exciting and memorable experience, whether you are a die-hard Demon Deacons fan or a casual sports enthusiast. Wake Forest competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball. The quality of play is high, and games are often intense and thrilling.
Piedmont Wine Country/Yadkin Valley:
The Piedmont region of North Carolina is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and wineries. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush countryside, these vineyards offer visitors a delightful escape into the world of winemaking. From boutique family-owned estates to larger commercial vineyards, there’s something for every wine enthusiast to explore. Visitors can enjoy wine tastings, guided tours of the vineyards, and scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. With a diverse selection of varietals and a rich winemaking tradition, the Piedmont region invites wine lovers to savor the flavors of North Carolina’s flourishing wine industry. Some of the most popular include:
- Childress Vineyards: Located in Lexington, Childress Vineyards is one of the largest and most well-known wineries in North Carolina. Known for its picturesque vineyards and Tuscan-inspired architecture, Childress offers wine tastings, tours, and events throughout the year.
- Shelton Vineyards: Located in Dobson, Shelton Vineyards is one of the oldest and largest wineries in North Carolina. With a focus on traditional European varietals, Shelton offers tastings, tours, and events in a beautiful setting overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- Round Peak Vineyards: Situated in Mount Airy, Round Peak Vineyards offers a laid-back atmosphere and a diverse selection of wines, including reds, whites, and fruit wines. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the cozy tasting room or relax on the outdoor patio with views of the vineyards.
- RayLen Vineyards & Winery: Located in Mocksville, RayLen Vineyards is known for its handcrafted wines made from estate-grown grapes. Visitors can sample a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, while taking in the scenic views of the Yadkin Valley.
Yadkin County and the surrounding Piedmont region aren’t just about vineyard, there’s plenty for outdoor lovers too. Pilot Mountain State Park is a standout, with its iconic knob rising above the landscape and offering sweeping views from the summit. The park features scenic trails for all skill levels, from easy riverside strolls to more challenging hikes up to the Big Pinnacle. Nearby, Hanging Rock State Park offers waterfalls, rock outcroppings, and nearly 20 miles of hiking trails. It’s the perfect area to balance wine tasting with fresh air and adventure.
Asheboro
Asheboro is situated in Randolph County, part of the Piedmont region of North Carolina. The area features rolling hills and is characterized by a moderate climate with four distinct seasons, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Downtown Asheboro is a vibrant area with a mix of historic and modern attractions. It boasts a variety of local shops, restaurants, art galleries, and cultural venues.
- Magnolia 23: Famous for its classic Southern dishes, especially the fried chicken.
The North Carolina Zoo, located in Asheboro, is one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world and a must-visit destination for animal lovers of all ages. Explore the zoo’s expansive natural habitat exhibits, which are designed to mimic the animals’ native environments as closely as possible. From the grasslands of Africa to the forests of North America, you’ll encounter a wide variety of wildlife in spacious and immersive habitats.
- African Plains: Witness majestic African species such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos, and lions roaming freely in large, open-air enclosures. Take a guided tram tour or walk along the scenic pathways to get an up-close look at these incredible animals.
- North American Prairie: Discover the diverse ecosystems of North America, including the prairies, forests, and wetlands inhabited by species such as bison, elk, wolves, and bears. Learn about the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these iconic American animals and their habitats.
- Aviary and Bird Habitats: Step into the immersive aviary and bird habitats to observe a colorful array of feathered friends from around the world. From tropical parrots to majestic birds of prey, you’ll have the opportunity to see a wide variety of avian species up close.
- Zoofari: Embark on a Zoofari adventure aboard the park’s open-air tram or explore the zoo’s extensive walking trails to discover animals from every corner of the globe. Keep an eye out for special exhibits and interactive experiences along the way.
- KidZone: Bring the little ones to the KidZone area, where they can enjoy hands-on activities, educational exhibits, and interactive play areas designed especially for children. Let their imaginations run wild as they explore the world of animals through games, puzzles, and creative learning experiences.
High Point:
High Point is internationally renowned for its furniture industry and hosts the High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. The High Point Museum and Historical Park and the Bernice Bienenstock Furniture Library are notable attractions.
Mount Airy
Mount Airy, North Carolina, is a charming town located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its picturesque setting and rich cultural heritage, Mount Airy offers a unique blend of small-town charm and a variety of attractions.
Mount Airy is famously known as the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in the classic TV show “The Andy Griffith Show.” Andy Griffith, the show’s star, was born and raised in Mount Airy, and the town has embraced its connection to the beloved series.
Historic Downtown Mount Airy: The downtown area is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions that reflect the town’s history and charm.
- Floyd’s City Barber Shop
- Snappy Lunch (famous for its pork chop sandwich)
- Mayberry Replica Courthouse and Jail: A replica of the courthouse and jail from “The Andy Griffith Show.” Visitors can tour the courthouse, sit at Andy’s desk, and see the jail cells where Otis often found himself.
Summary
The Piedmont region of North Carolina offers an incredible blend of culture, history, nature, and modern energy that appeals to every kind of traveler. From the vibrant city life of Charlotte and Greensboro to the charming small towns like Mount Airy and Asheboro, there’s something uniquely special about every stop along the way. Whether you’re sipping wine in the Yadkin Valley, hiking the rugged trails of Pilot Mountain, exploring college towns full of pride and tradition, or discovering hidden gems in the Triad, the Piedmont rewards curiosity with rich experiences and warm Southern hospitality. After over two decades of living and exploring here, we can confidently say that this heart of North Carolina is more than just a place to pass through. it’s a region to savor, return to, and always find something new to love.
- The Same
- Charlotte
- The DINKs
- Triad
- Greensboro
- Winston-Salem
- Piedmont Wine Country/Yadkin Valley
- Asheboro
- High Point
- Mount Airy
- Triad
- Summary
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