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
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. 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
2. 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.
3. Airborne and Special Operations Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,075 reviews
The doors opened on 16 August 2000, the 60th anniversary of the original Test Platoon’s first parachute jump. The museum offers free admission, a main exhibit gallery, temporary gallery, four-story tall theater, a gift shop, and a motion simulator ride that features two experiences. Admission is free, and we do accept donations in the gift shop and in donation boxes in the lobby. The main gallery is designed as a self-guided tour, in chronological order, through the history of airborne and special operations soldiers from 1940 to the present. The temporary gallery changes periodically and displays a myriad of exhibits pertaining to the United States Army airborne and special operations units through their history and conflicts from World War II to the present.
Reviewed By SirRick - Reliance, United States
Had the opportunity to visit the museum while visiting Fayetteville. Must say it was well worth it and brought back so many memories of 20 years assigned to SF at Bragg. Forgotten memories came flooding back when I saw pictures and faces of people on the wall that I served with and knew. Goose bumps came over me, recalling experiences. This was a long over due visit, having left the area almost 30 years ago. It was well worth the visit and I salute those involved in creating this museum of history that displays the sacrifices made by the soldier in defense of this great country. I also SALUTE the volunteers who sacrifice their time to make this place an memorable visit for the old soldier and his family upon their return. Highly recommend everyone visiting the Fayetteville area to stop by and see what history has recorded of the Airborne and Special Forces soldier.
4. The Carolina Basketball Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 196 reviews
Reviewed By EDDY-H - Greenville, United States
We went once before a basketball game. I have to say it was impressive. I have worked with the University and the athletic department providing deejay and emcee services and have always been proud to be associated with UNC (also a 1983 graduate). Knowing some of the coaches, players and others represented here was an extra thrill for me and sharing with my friends and family was great. GO HEELS!
5. 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!
6. Crystal Mountain Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 299 reviews
Brevard, NC's Crystal Mountain Gem Mine brings you the unique experience of engaging in your own Gem Mining adventure! By joining us in our downtown Gem Mine - full of precious gems from private mine shafts around the world - you're able to mine for your own gemstones and try your luck at striking it rich! Just like a real prospector from the 1800's! You get to keep everything you find!
Reviewed By joboszko - Pendleton, United States
Wow! We are beyond impressed with the service and selection of gem stones here! Holden and Liz were SUPER friendly and the gem mining experience was so much fun for the little ones. Thank you!!!
7. 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
8. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,284 reviews
The Southeast's largest natural history museum features dinosaurs, whale skeletons, live animals, walk-through dioramas, special exhibits, hands-on science education and accessible scientists. IMLS National Medal Finalist, 2014.
Reviewed By sarahsavvy - Sevierville, United States
We spent multiple rainy Sundays here, we love this museum so many different sections, they have a butterfly exhibit,a sloth exhibit, dinosaurs, fossils,Arthropods and many other things highly recommend this museum the best in the state
9. 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.
10. Discovery Place Science
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,467 reviews
This hands-on science Museum in Uptown Charlotte features exciting interactive exhibitions, a larger-than-life IMAX Dome Theatre and educational programs. We offer summer camps and birthday parties too.
Reviewed By drwhocooke - Talisay, Philippines
This facility is consistently one of my favorite "accessible science" venues! Entertaining, engaging, and educational displays and activities are suited for all ages, with an emphasis on sparking the curiosity and wonder of children. Don't miss it when you visit (or live in) Charlotte!
