North Carolina is a diverse state, with various regions offering unique landscapes, cultures, and attractions. North Carolina’s landscape ranges from the Atlantic Ocean’s coastal plains in the east to the rolling Piedmont region in the center, and the Appalachian Mountains in the west.
North Carolina is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. The state boasts numerous historic sites, such as the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Biltmore Estate. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Great Smoky Mountains and the Outer Banks offer opportunities for hiking, camping, and water sports. The state is also known for its music, with deep roots in bluegrass, country, and blues.
The Same
There was actually a lot of overlap between the Family and the DINKs. While the family has frequently visited and passed through North Carolina on various road trips, the Dinks’ extensive experience of living in the state for over 20 years makes them true experts on the region. Their deep familiarity with North Carolina’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique cultural offerings provides them with a rich perspective that goes beyond that of occasional visitors.
Coastal Plains:
The Coastal Plain, also known as the Tidewater region, encompasses the eastern part of the state along the Atlantic Ocean. It features long stretches of sandy beaches, barrier islands, and coastal marshes. Popular destinations include the Outer Banks (OBX), known for its wild horses, lighthouses, and historic sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
Beyond the Outer Banks, the Coastal Plain offers charming waterfront towns like Beaufort and New Bern, where colonial history blends with scenic marinas and vibrant local culture. Visitors can explore coastal wildlife refuges, kayak through peaceful estuaries, or simply relax on quieter beaches like Emerald Isle and Topsail Beach. The region’s laid-back pace and rich maritime heritage make it a perfect escape for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
- See more on our different takes of this region
Research Triangle:
The Research Triangle, often referred to simply as “the Triangle,” is anchored by the cities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. This vibrant region is renowned for its prestigious universities — Duke University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University — as well as its cutting-edge research institutions and booming tech industry. The Triangle offers a dynamic blend of intellectual energy, innovation, and Southern charm. Visitors can dive into a rich array of experiences, from world-class museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art and the Museum of Life and Science to lush escapes like the Duke Gardens and JC Raulston Arboretum. The area also hosts a lively calendar of cultural events, music festivals, food truck rodeos, and farmers markets, offering endless ways to explore local creativity, flavors, and traditions. Whether you’re strolling through historic downtowns, catching a basketball game, or sampling the region’s thriving craft beer and dining scene, the Triangle provides a perfect balance of culture, nature, and innovation.
- While the Family has passed through this region often on road trips they haven’t actually spent much time there. The Dinks on the other hand, visited several times a year. See more about their time below. Spoiler alert: Chapel Hill is our favorite within this region.
Piedmont:
The Piedmont region of North Carolina, often called the “heart of the state,” stretches across a broad central area between the coastal Tidewater and the rugged mountains of the west. This diverse landscape is defined by gently rolling hills, rich farmland, and a dynamic mix of historic towns and thriving metropolitan centers like Charlotte, Greensboro, and Winston-Salem.
The Piedmont offers something for every type of traveler — from exploring quaint main streets lined with local shops and cafes to touring award-winning vineyards and wineries that dot the countryside. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and kayaking in the region’s many state parks, lakes, and nature preserves. Cultural experiences also abound, with world-class museums, vibrant arts scenes, and historic landmarks reflecting the area’s deep roots in both Southern traditions and modern innovation. Whether you’re seeking a weekend getaway or a deeper dive into North Carolina’s evolving identity, the Piedmont provides a rich blend of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and urban excitement.
Charlotte:
Charlotte, the largest city in North Carolina, is a vibrant urban hub that perfectly blends Southern charm with modern energy. Known as the Queen City, Charlotte offers a variety of attractions, from the NASCAR Hall of Fame and professional sports teams like the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Hornets to a thriving arts and culinary scene. Visitors can explore bustling neighborhoods like Uptown, South End, and NoDa, each offering its own unique vibe, or relax in one of the city’s many parks and green spaces. Charlotte’s dynamic growth and welcoming spirit make it a must-visit destination within the Piedmont region.
Check out our different takes on Charlotte, NC
Mountains:
Western North Carolina is a stunning region defined by the towering Appalachian Mountains, which include the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. With their misty peaks, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls, these mountains offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in the eastern United States. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy endless opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in national parks and along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. The area is also rich in cultural heritage, from traditional mountain music to Appalachian crafts.
Asheville, the region’s vibrant cultural hub, is a dynamic city nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s renowned for its thriving arts scene, where visitors can explore countless galleries, studios, and the vibrant River Arts District. The eclectic downtown area is filled with independent shops, farm-to-table restaurants, craft breweries, and lively street performers, creating a uniquely welcoming atmosphere. History buffs will appreciate Asheville’s rich architectural heritage, highlighted by the stunning Art Deco buildings and the grand Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned home. With a perfect blend of culture, history, and mountain charm, Asheville offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler.
The DINKs
Foothills:
The Foothills region lies at the base of the Appalachian Mountains, blending elements of both the mountains and the Piedmont. It offers scenic beauty, with rolling hills, rivers, and forests. Towns like Hickory and Morganton provide opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking, fishing, and exploring scenic drives.
The Foothills region is home to numerous state parks and outdoor recreational areas, perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Highlights include South Mountains State Park, with its miles of hiking trails and waterfalls, and Lake James State Park, offering boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. ake leisurely drives through the rolling hills and countryside of the Foothills region, enjoying picturesque views along the way. From kayaking and paddleboarding on Lake Hickory to mountain biking along the trails of Pisgah National Forest, the Foothills region offers a wide range of outdoor adventure sports for enthusiasts of all levels.
- Pilot Mountain State Park: Offers hiking, rock climbing, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Stone Mountain State Park: Known for its massive granite dome, the park features hiking trails, waterfalls, and excellent trout fishing.
- South Mountain in North Carolina is a prominent mountain range located in the western part of the state, near the towns of Morganton and Connelly Springs. It offers various outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping, and fishing. The park’s landscape features rugged terrain, dense forests, and scenic overlooks, providing visitors with opportunities to explore nature and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- High Shoals Falls is one of the notable attractions within South Mountain State Park in North Carolina. It’s a stunning waterfall cascading over a series of rocky ledges, creating a picturesque natural setting. Visitors can reach High Shoals Falls via hiking trails within the park, providing an opportunity to enjoy both the beauty of the forested landscape and the refreshing sight and sound of the waterfall. The hike to High Shoals Falls is moderately challenging, offering a rewarding experience for those who venture along the trail. Along the way, hikers can encounter diverse plant and animal life native to the area, adding to the richness of the outdoor experience. Once at the falls, visitors can admire the rushing water and take in the tranquility of the surrounding forest.
The Foothills region is known for its burgeoning wine industry, with numerous vineyards and wineries dotting the landscape.
- Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery (Ronda, NC): Raffaldini Vineyards is known for its Italian-style wines and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The vineyard produces a variety of wines, including Sangiovese, Montepulciano, and Vermentino. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the elegant tasting room, explore the picturesque grounds, and participate in special events such as wine and food pairings and grape stomping festivals.
- Silver Fork Winery (Morganton, NC): Silver Fork Winery is a boutique winery located in the foothills of the South Mountains in North Carolina. Known for its stunning vineyard views and handcrafted wines, Silver Fork provides a delightful experience for wine enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Research Triangle:
We have covered the Research Triangle visiting Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Raleigh:
The state capital of North Carolina, Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle, along with Durham and Chapel Hill. Raleigh is known for its high-tech research and education institutions, including North Carolina State University. Visitors can explore the North Carolina Museum of Art, the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, and the historic State Capitol. The city’s vibrant downtown area offers restaurants, breweries, and live music venues.
- North Carolina State Capitol: Take a tour of this historic building, which has been the active capitol of the state since 1840, to learn about North Carolina’s political history.
- Raleigh Brewing Company: Explore Raleigh’s craft beer scene by visiting this popular local brewery, which offers a variety of beers and a welcoming taproom.
- PNC Arena: Catch a Carolina Hurricanes hockey game, a NC State basketball game, or a major concert at this multipurpose venue.
Chapel Hill:
One of our favorite destinations is Chapel Hill, a charming town known for its vibrant community, rich history, and the prestigious University of North Carolina. Chapel Hill, with its blend of academic excellence, cultural vibrancy, and Southern hospitality, exemplifies the unique charm that makes North Carolina a beloved state for both residents and visitors alike.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: Explore one of the oldest public universities in the United States. Don’t miss a stroll through the picturesque campus, featuring the iconic Old Well, the historic Davie Poplar tree, and the beautiful Coker Arboretum.
- A game at the Dean Smith Center, affectionately known as the Dean Dome, is an iconic experience for fans of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team. Attending a game here is not just about watching basketball; it’s about immersing yourself in the rich history and tradition of one of college basketball’s most storied programs. On game day, the atmosphere inside the Dean Dome is electric, with fans decked out in Carolina blue cheering on their team with passion and enthusiasm. From the pre-game rituals to the halftime entertainment, every moment is filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you’re cheering from the student section, the lower bowl, or the upper deck, the energy in the arena is contagious.
- Carolina Basketball Museum: Basketball fans won’t want to miss the Carolina Basketball Museum, located on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. Learn about the history of Tar Heel basketball and see memorabilia from legendary players and coaches.
- North Carolina Botanical Garden: Spread across 1,100 acres, this botanical garden features a wide variety of native plants, display gardens, nature trails, and educational exhibits. It’s a peaceful place to explore the local flora.
- Coker Arboretum: Take a leisurely stroll through the Coker Arboretum, a serene botanical garden located on the UNC Chapel Hill campus. Enjoy the tranquility of this 5-acre garden, which features a wide variety of trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Carolina Inn: Visit the historic Carolina Inn, a charming hotel located near the UNC campus. Admire the inn’s beautiful architecture and gardens, and consider enjoying a meal or afternoon tea at the on-site restaurant.
- Franklin Street: The heart of downtown Chapel Hill, Franklin Street is lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and cultural venues. It’s a lively area where you can enjoy local cuisine, boutique shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. Some of our favorites include:
- Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery: Located at the corner of Franklin and Columbia Streets, Top of the Hill (often abbreviated as “TOPO”) offers locally sourced American cuisine paired with handcrafted beers brewed on-site. With its rooftop patio boasting stunning views of Chapel Hill, it’s a favorite spot for both dining and socializing. Their beers and liquor are awesome.
- Four Corners: Situated in the heart of Franklin Street, Four Corners is a cozy gastropub known for its craft cocktails, extensive beer selection, and pub fare. It’s a great stop before any game.
- Here Not Here: A dive bar serving up huge beers in blue cups, Here Not Here offers a casual and unpretentious atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends. With its laid-back vibe, it’s a popular spot for enjoying a cold brew and good company.
- Sup Dogs: Known for its laid-back vibe and mouthwatering hot dogs, Sup Dogs on East Franklin Street is a popular spot for casual dining and socializing. Enjoy a creative hot dog creation paired with a cold beer or a signature cocktail on their outdoor patio.
Summary
North Carolina offers a diverse range of regions, each with its own unique charm, landscapes, and attractions, making it a perfect destination for all types of travelers. From the laid-back beaches of the Coastal Plains and the vibrant academic and cultural scene of the Research Triangle to the rolling hills of the Piedmont and the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the state provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, and relaxation.
Whether you’re drawn to the coastal beauty of the Outer Banks, the bustling city life of Charlotte, the mountain charm of Asheville, or the wine regions of the Foothills, North Carolina has something to offer everyone. The DINKs, with their deep familiarity and extensive experience in the state, bring an insider’s perspective to these destinations, while the family’s travels highlight the appeal of North Carolina for all types of travelers. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying outdoor activities, or experiencing the state’s vibrant arts and music scene, North Carolina is a place where both adventure and relaxation await.
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