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
10 Scenic Drives in North Carolina That You Shouldn't Miss
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. Cherohala Skyway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 651 reviews
This scenic 36-mile road stretches from the mountains of North Carolina into the Tennessee backcountry.
Reviewed By dbauman9 - Lenoir City, United States
Hidden gem in the Cherokee National Forest. Beautiful drive through the mountains, waterfalls, mountain streams, hiking, fishing and picnicking. Parts are rather curvy so beware because some like to speed through this area either on road rally’s or on motorcycles. There have been some horrific accidents because of that. Not to be missed if your in the area!!
3. Grandfather Mountain Overlook
4. Tail of the Dragon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,199 reviews
Reviewed By charless32 - Knoxville, United States
Tail of the Dragon is a road (US 129) in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains that is a favorite of sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The road has an 11 mile stretch that has over 318 curves. This road is not for those that get motion sickness and I do not recommend driving it at night. There are many crashes on this road as auto and motorcycle drivers test themselves beyond their skill set. If you are looking for a road that will let you know exactly how good a driver you are - - - - this is your test track.
5. Blue Mountain Parkway
6. Walker Falls
7. Road to Nowhere
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 79 reviews
A scenic drive through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.
Reviewed By 512angelak - Fort Myers, United States
Staying in Bryson City for a few day at Deep Creek Campground. Did this one afternoon and I am so glad we did. The road to Nowhere takes you to the tunnel to nowhere which takes you to a very nice hiking trail. The road was very well maintained and the scenery was unbelievable. We pulled over along the way about 7-8 miles on way to the tunnel. There are a few scenic pull over stops that are breathtaking. I was nervous a little as my husband was the driver and it I did not want him to take his eyes off the road as they twist and turn around the mountain. Some people are driving really fast and come in hot at the end of the road which seems a little dangerous. The road ends at the tunnel. We had to park along the side of the road as there is very few parking spots and it has a lot of visitors. Take the time to do the trail coming out of the tunnel (tunnel bypass trail) it brings you back to the parking lot. It is a very easy trail (narrow). It is very easy trail actually. I feel like just about anyone that can walk a couple of miles can do it. Scenic and worth taking the extra hour to do.
8. I-95 South Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 6 reviews
North Carolina's nine Welcome Centers promote thousands of tourism-related businesses — attractions, accommodations, events and more — to visitors already in the state actively seeking travel information. Located on Interstate highways just inside the state line, each Welcome Center has a statewide focus, with an emphasis on information for visitors traveling a particular interstate corridor. Our professional, nationally-certified travel counselors: >Distribute the state's Official North Carolina Travel Guide, the Department of Transportation's official state map, and other marketing publications exclusively about North Carolina. >Offer detailed travel information in clean, modern facilities. >Book room reservations at no charge for visitors staying overnight in North Carolina. The Welcome Centers are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily. The centers are closed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Free Wi-Fi Internet access is available.
9. Highway 64
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
10. Mountain Waters Scenic Byway
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