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
Top 10 Specialty Museums 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. 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!
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. Ava Gardner Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The Ava Gardner Museum, one of North Carolina’s most remarkable attractions, honors the life, loves, and legacy of Ava Gardner, who was born and raised in Johnston County. She became one of Hollywood’s most glamorous leading ladies and visitors to the museum enjoy an introductory film on her life, 16 permanent exhibits from her humble beginnings, her discovery story, a variety of movie posters, movie memorabilia, personal clothing and movie costumes and much more. New exhibits are rotated in the museum on an annual basis to continue to share Ava's incredible story and share with the world "the real Ava", who was down to earth, loving, direct and very approachable for one of Hollywood's most famous stars from the Golden Era. Visit the museum in Historic Downtown Smithfield any time, or make special plans to attend the Ava Gardner Festival held in May each year.
Reviewed By HMS-Sock - Raleigh, United States
I took my husband’s family visiting from the UK here before some outlet shopping. While the teen boys in the group opted out, they regretted it later as we talked about Ava’s adventurous life, movies, Howard Huges & Frank Sinatra - as well as the very unique paintings of Ava. We appreciated Miss Sarah’s passion for Ava & thought the musuem was well done - jewelry, clothing, movie artifacts, and personal items. We were also fortunate to have a Board member, Melissa, share stories & give us insights. I would like to see more of the items in storage!
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. Whalehead in Historic Corolla
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 654 reviews
Take a step back in time when you visit Whalehead in Historic Corolla! Originally built in the 1920s, this magnificent residence has been restored to its original grandeur and is open for tours year round. Located inside Historic Corolla Park, the museum is situated on 39 acres of pristine waterfront property, and is located in the heart of Historic Corolla. Open year-round for a variety of tours - choose from various House Programs, Children's Activities and Park Programs that are perfect for all ages! Check our online calendar for exciting events hosted in the beautiful Historic Corolla Park.
Reviewed By tee168 - Appleton, United States
This is worth the stop. It's an amazing house with a very interesting history that's really well re-done. It's self guided where you listen to an "I pod" recording that tells you about each room. Very informative. Took about an hour. Would highly recommend if you love old restored homes and learning about the local history.
8. Levine Museum of the New South
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 563 reviews
Visitors are awed by the interactive, multi-sensory exhibits at this museum dedicated to exploring the Southern United States during the post-Civil War period.
Reviewed By 900johnn - Sydney, Australia
All visitors to this extraordinary "learning through tourism" museum -- which begins its story immediately after the civil war through to the present -- must surely be grateful to the munificent far-farsightedness of the locally-famed Leon Levine & his Levine Foundation without whom this most accessible history of Charlotte & Piedmont's foundation, its trials'n'tribulations -- for mostly African-American people racially & economically, but Caucasians have done it economically tough very often too -- could not have been possible. It pulls no punches about the region's racial inequality.......indeed the 2nd (upper floor) part of the visit graphically evidences that racial inequality & injustice in Charlotte is yet dealt with convincingly>> & likewise so not just in these parts..but nation-wide! Allow 2 hours min. to immerse yourself in engaging & often entertaining visual & sometimes interactive exhibits that never want for intriguing nor enjoying wonderment at humanity's capacity to overcome. Footnote: there's no coffee shop here, but on the far side of the (conveniently adjacent!) Seventh Street under-cover carpark ( where you may have free 2hr weekdays + all day weekend parking validation by the museum !) there's a not unpleasant food hall offering all manner of drinks & food in casual abundance.
9. New Bern Fireman's Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 143 reviews
Attraction featuring antique fire engines including those used in the 1922 fire that destroyed one-third of the city. All equipment was used in New Bern, so the tour includes info about the persons who used the equipment, as well as how it worked. A Children's area offers many hands-on opportunities
Reviewed By nceast100 - New Bern, United States
A New Bern jewel that is a rewarding visit for all; young and old; local or visitor. Friendly volunteer guides will show you through the well maintained exhibits and beautifully restored and historic firehouse.
10. Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,484 reviews
This site tells the history and culture of the Cherokee Indians through displays and modern computer images.
Reviewed By 79shirleyj - Boones Mill, United States
You'll need an hour or two to do this fine museum justice.It is a very well done and accurate telling of the history of Cherokee people.. You have headphones and can take as much time as you like touring.The exibits and artwork are very well done.History lovers will thoroughly enjoy it.I think the $11 fee for seniors is fair and well worth it.The gift shop is large and has a really wide selection of books as well as other items.
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