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
Things to do in North Carolina, United States: The Best Gift & Specialty Shops
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. Topsail Island Trading Company
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 134 reviews
Resort wear, fine jewelry, gifts and fudge for the family
Reviewed By kathycalwell61
My family had visited the Topsail and loved the Topsail Trading Company. It was my kids favorite place to go. Love the bubble gum machine with the hope of free fudge and my daughter loved to play the piano. I had a little hiccup with an order at Christmas. I called and the woman who waited on me was lovely. Not only did she refund my money, but when I got back after a trip at Christmas - to my complete surprise was my fudge order in full!! How wonderful was that!! Now that is superb business. I will be ordering again and again and again....☺️
2. O.P. Taylor's
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By jodit888 - Charleston, United States
It’s such an awesome little place! If you have kids you definitely have to make a stop. I always have to stop here and get gifts for my nieces and nephews
3. The Candy Factory
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
Reviewed By MadFamily88 - Greensboro, United States
I read about this place in Our State Magazine and made a note to stop if we were anywhere near Lexington. It's like stepping back in time....nostalgia candies and sodas, delicious chocolates and fudge and very friendly staff who have probably been there for years. If you've ever been to a Mast General Store, this is an authentic "Mast" store. They also have unusual small toys and some small antiques near the rear of the store.
4. New Morning Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 402 reviews
New Morning Gallery has been celebrating American-made crafts since 1973. Showcasing hundreds of artists in ceramic, wood, glass, metal and beyond, we are one of the largest craft galleries in the country – and, by many, the most beloved! Located in the heart of the historic Biltmore Village in Asheville, NC, our gallery and annual craft fair draw art-lovers from near and far. At New Morning Gallery we cherish what is beautiful, functional, crafted and lasting; we call it Art for Living.
Reviewed By Z6930DLmb
I love the mix of arts and crafts in this store. We have pieces large and small from here. Lots of unique gift and decor items. It has the obligatory NC pottery, but so much more. Give yourself a couple of hours to explore.
5. Shiloh General Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By 56sherryh - Lamar, United States
Took a little day trip with my Mom to this delightful country market about an hour north of Charlotte NC. It is an Amish Style market and I was happy to see a lot of the same products I had found in the Amish Country in Ohio. They sell in bulk also. They have the famous Amish homemade bread. We had a sandwich lunch on the front porch too. Quite a nice little experience. I will definitely return to this establishment.
6. Bryson City Outdoors
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Bryson City Outdoors is your local adventure basecamp, located right in the heart of Bryson City! We love the outdoors and we want to share that with the many people that come to Bryson City every year. There are many places to go and many things to do and we know all the best spots! Stop by our store to stock up on gear you may have forgotten for your adventures or discovered that you need, let us give you information on where you are going and what are the best things to see in that area. Rent a paddleboard or kayak for use n the lake or the river or schedule a hiking tour! We also have a Craft Beer Department with 10 ever changing craft beer and ciders on tap, and huge selection of over 225 different beers to try in-store or take with you! You can buy your beer and gear in the same place! We are your one stop shop for everything outdoors, and if we do not have it then we will find someone who does! See you soon!
Reviewed By bobbyb983 - Evans, United States
Stooped in to get a few things for a day hike, they have good quality stuff. We picked up some new hiking shoes that were on sale and BEER ???????????????? This is a good place to pickup supplys for the local hikes
7. Mitchell Hardware
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 257 reviews
Reviewed By lyndaw909
This most unique hardware store is over 150 years old, and it has absolutely EVERYTHING! It was quite an adventure exploring the many nooks and crannies. The selections were endless, practical and unusual as well! We loved it!
8. The Veggie Wagon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By 890jant - Sylva, United States
This place is awesome!! Fresh vegetables, baked breads, organic products, coffee that’s outstanding, milkshakes and the hot chocolate bar is unreal!! I can’t say enough about how great this place is. There are so many choices of high quality abs delicious food and drinks here. The staff are wonderful as well and provide great service!!
9. Asheville Bee Charmer
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 135 reviews
Asheville Bee Charmer specializes in Local Artisanal Honeys, and hosts Asheville's first Honey Tasting Bar. We also offer International Artisanal Honeys, Infused Honeys, Local Beeswax/Honey Body Care and Soaps, and Locally Made Handcrafted Pottery.
Reviewed By anderson1425 - Raleigh, United States
I have wanted to check this place out ever since my brother and SIL came back from their trip to Asheville last year raving about how cool this shop was. They were so right. The shop has lots of interesting and cool bee themed gizmos like bowls, salad tongs, t-shirts, etc. They also have a great selection of honey and bees wax products. I got a jar of the lotion from there that's meant to help with skin hydration and relaxation. I love the smell. The honey bar was also a lot of fun. Their firecracker honey was amazing!!
10. Pisgah Forest Gem Mine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 164 reviews
Gem mining just minutes from downtown Brevard and Sliding Rock. Just a short drive from Asheville. We have the perfect bucket waiting for you. You can find Rubies, Sapphires, Amethyst, Geodes, and many, many more minerals and gemstones. Bring the whole family and share a bucket. We are pet friendly too! Come visit us today, we will keep your bucket ready!
Reviewed By lorihT5925QQ - Tucson, United States
My brother-in-law wanted to do this but the rest of the family wasn’t too sure about it, but decided that we would all go since he had spent the previous days doing what we wanted to do. Well let me tell you, we all enjoyed it! We split into groups and did 3 large buckets. This is not just for kids, we are all grown adults. The guys that work there were great. Definitely recommend this place!
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