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
What to do and see in North Carolina, United States: The Best Historic Sites
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. Henry River Mill Village
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 43 reviews
For decades, the Henry River Mill Village has sat dormant. On the surface, the once vibrant village appears abandoned, lost, and well beyond repair. Since being built in 1905, there has been a lot of history made in the village, including it's most recent appearance as District 12 in the Hunger Games movies. Join us for one of our many tours available for all ages and all interests.
Reviewed By WeagleDude - Midlothian, United States
There is no other place I have ever been as unique as Henry River Mill Village. The site of Katniss Everdeen's house from Hunger Games and rich 120+ year old history. I went thinking that the history would be neat and the fandom was amazing. I left thinking the fandom is neat and the history being the most amazing part. Our family even met one of the individuals who used to call the village home as a kid. While I still like the rustic look of the houses, I value more that the renovations are restoring the outside of the houses closer to what they would have looked like when the original families lived there. I think it's important that that past is respected since it was home to many who live locally in the area. It's like the most amazing convergence of history, present, and future! My wife, kiddos, and I were able to stay in the 1st house restored by the owners. Calvin informed me that our kids were the first kids who have stayed in the upstairs beds that his wife designed. Take a look in the next time you're near hickory North Carolina, highly suggest you book this on your way towards Asheville or Raleigh depending on which way you're headed.
2. Biltmore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26,629 reviews
George Vanderbilt's historic country estate in Asheville, NC; Biltmore includes Biltmore House--America's largest home--plus gardens, winery, Antler Hill Village, historic farm, 4-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, shops, restaurants, branded products, and outdoor adventures. This National Historic Landmark is an amazing destination offering a wide range of activities for all ages.
Reviewed By travelerfromsj - San Jose, United States
We did the self-guided audio tour of the house early in the morning, with tickets bought on-line a month earlier. While the house itself was fascinating, I have to say the audio part of it was a little corny and overacted at times- all about guests going to a party, and not much about the history or architecture of the house; but I liked seeing the period clothing. The tour ended appropriately with a tour of the servants quarters, at the bottom of the house. After that we walked around the gardens, to the Bass pond and back. The highlight was definitely the Conservatory, which was stunning; make sure to stop in there to see the orchids. After a quick lunch we took the Legacy of the Land tour, which is a shuttle tour that makes a few stops for guests to get out and look around. I think our tour guide was Jim, and it was absolutely fascinating. I was expecting a tour of the Farm, but it was more about Vanderbilt’s decision to build the Biltmore, how he acquired the land, Olmsted’s design of the grounds, the beginnings of the US forestry service… It was definitely a nice counterpoint to the house tour, and I highly recommend it. We ate at Antler Hill Village twice while here, and sampled wine at the winery. I have to say this place is HUGE; it’s about 5 miles between the Biltmore House and Antler Hill Village, so you’ll definitely want a plan and a car. Plan on spending at least a day. The only negative we ran into is that parking for the Biltmore House tours was confusing and not well signed, especially if you’re looking for the park and walk lot. Pretty much every car that came in ended up driving all the way up to the lawn in front of the house, where a guard told them to do a U-turn and go back. More signs or a couple of folks directing traffic in the morning would be really helpful.
3. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,566 reviews
The nation's tallest lighthouse was moved to a different location to preserve it.
Reviewed By GypsyJules1111 - Albany, United States
Was a great experience! Tour groups were formed quickly.. beautiful grounds around the lighthouse to explore, informative tour guide & well worth the climb to the top! Amazing views from the top deck! Just an awesome experience!
4. Thomas Wolfe Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 511 reviews
Thomas Wolfe's childhood home, immortalized in his 1929 novel, "Look Homeward Angel," is preserved intact as a lasting monument to one of the 20th century's most prominent writers. The house, originally operated as a boardinghouse by his mother, retains most of its original furnishings and is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Tours of the 29 room house are offered hourly. The adjacent visitor center and museum highlight Wolfe's life and major literary accomplishments.
Reviewed By carolynn762 - Avon, United States
This is the boarding house that was the childhood home of Thomas Wolfe and his family. It is maintained as part of a memorial to the local author and is next to a modern structure erected by the city to showcase his life.
5. Wright Brothers National Memorial
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,204 reviews
Park where visitors can see a replica of the Wright Brothers' plane and receive an entertaining history of flight.
Reviewed By PHLee7ca - Ellicott City, United States
We visited this attraction on a sunny Saturday in October. The cost was $10/adult and lots of free parking. We first walked around the grounds and saw the old "runway", sheds, and climbed up Kill Devil Hill to see the monument and view of the town. Then we joined the narrated tour by one of the Park Rangers, she was very informative and animated! We then spent the rest of our time touring inside the info. center and got our "passports" stamped in the Gift Store! From the top of the hill, we noticed a full scale scene of the first flight and stopped by on our drive out....very nice, all the "characters" immortalized in bronze along with the plane. A very nice "park", museum and history lesson.
6. Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 582 reviews
Home of poet Carl Sandburg and his family. Located on 264-acres in Western North Carolina. The site includes 5-miles of hiking trails, a dairy goat farm and offers daily tours of the Sandburg Home.
Reviewed By Dree59 - Roswell, United States
Spent a few hours here on a pleasant, autumn day. The grounds are well kept, and the paths are easy walks. The goat farm area is interesting with wonderful volunteers who have a lot of fascinating information. Nearby, there is a vegetable garden planted and maintained by volunteers. Unfortunately, the plantings are not identified. By the restrooms, there are interesting informative plaques. We brought lunch and ate at one of the picnic tables near the lake, which was surrounded by trees with changing color leaves. There is no admission fee, but be sure to put a few dollars in the donation box. There is a fee for the house tour, but we did not do it.
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. North Carolina History Center - Tryon Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 901 reviews
Colonial Governors ruled, legislators debated, patriots gathered and George Washington danced. At Tryon Palace, where British rule once flourished, American independence took root and the state of North Carolina was born. Here you can still experience the adventure of North Carolina’s earliest beginnings and a living history like no other. Guided tours, live re-enactments and conversations with costumed interpreters from centuries past bring history to life in vivid detail at the Governor’s Palace, Gardens and Historic Homes. And, at the new high-tech North Carolina History Center, interactive games and hands-on exhibits delight visitors young and old. Whether you’re exploring one of our riverside gardens or sharpening your skills as a quilter, printer, ship’s captain or blacksmith, there are endless opportunities for making cherished family memories at Tryon Palace.
Reviewed By gwkelley - Raleigh, United States
We bought the ticket that included tours, garden and multiple locations. Beautiful grounds, passionate employees who honor the property and enjoy sharing their knowledge to the visitors. I would recommend planning 3 hours to tour, walk, and discover New Bern’s history.
9. Old Salem Museums & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,257 reviews
One of America’s most comprehensive history attractions. The museums, the Historic Town of Salem, and the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), along with award-winning heirloom gardens, engage visitors in an educational and memorable historical experience about those who lived and worked in the early South.
Reviewed By 731MarthaT - Belmont, United States
We got full activities tickets and after 5 hours on Saturday afternoon we did almost everything at a leisurely pace. We started at Muddy Creek cafe for a yummy outdoor lunch while a blue grass band played, to all the 200 year old interactive buildings and wonderful docents in period dress throwing pots or woodworking and telling the history - to St Philip’s Moravian historical African American Church - all was a step back in time. The visitors center staff was wonderfully helpful and a perfect start to our visit. Tomorrow will be a visit to the museum - since it’s going to be overcast or rainy. A truly unique must do weekend destination.
10. Oconaluftee Indian Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 905 reviews
A guided tour of the Oconaluftee Indian Village; a replica of a 1750s Cherokee Village. See Cherokees making traditional trades using centuries old techniques. The Village Square Grounds is a place of ceremony where you will learn about traditional songs and dance, our clan system and beliefs. Inside the Village Council House you will learn of our government, family and structure. We welcome you to our home.
Reviewed By Tyaskin - Mebane, United States
While it is well promoted, the village is easy to miss, as it is tucked away up a hill, removed from the bustle of the main drag through Cherokee. If you are interested in actual, bona fide Cherokee traditions and history (as opposed to the sometimes hokey tourist junk peddled in some stores in town. Now, I will tell you, your guide can make or break this tour. My daughter (15) and I were fortunate to have a young man who seemed both knowledgeable and enthusiastic about what he was doing. Your guide, dressed in traditional Cherokee clothing from the late 1700's (generally) will walk with you through the reconstructed village, explaining to you about the Cherokee language and history, and giving you some brief glimpses of how this group of Native people lived prior to and shortly after the coming of the settlers. Woodworking, beadwork, fingerweaving, canoe making, cabins, governance, and religion are all covered, and at various points you will see members of the Nation demonstrating various crafts, such as pottery or basket making. We also were shown the use of the Cherokee blowgun, used for small game hunting. It is informative, and you are encouraged to ask questions (but don't expect your guide to be an expert on EVERY aspect of Cherokee culture and history; many of them are young and still learning) There is a gift shop, which we didn't visit, and a Plant trail showing various plants used for different things by the Cherokee. The path through the village is generally easy to travel, even in a stroller, but there are some gentle grades that may require an extra minute for the elders in your party. I would think that wheelchairs could handle it with some assistance. So when you pass through the area, add this to your list of things to visit, but call ahead to make sure they are open, as they close for a while during the winter months. And, as always, Happy Motoring.
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