North Carolina

The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is a tourist attraction in Asheville. It was built by George Vanderbilt. The Vanderbilt Mansion is located at the compound’s center and is the country’s largest private home. The mansion has more than 200 rooms with antiques, artwork, vintage clothing, and architecture. The estate also includes expansive gardens, pools, and sculptures. You will also find the country’s first managed forest on the estate, a deer park, and multiple dining options.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The museum focuses on the natural history of North Carolina and is also the oldest museum in the state. The building comprises the Nature Research Center and the Nature Exploration Center, which feature exhibits and educational presentations. You can learn about the various tropical and rainforest habitats and explore the region’s history of gemstones. The Acrocanthosaurus skeleton, nicknamed the ‘Terror of the South,’ is also displayed in the museum.

Chimney Rock State Park

You can enjoy some spectacular views and incredible hiking trails in Chimney Rock State Park, located southeast of Asheville. There is a giant granite spire that is almost 320 feet high. One unique feature of this park is an elevator built inside the mountain, which makes getting to the top extremely easy for tourists. Tourists are also found hiking on the Hickory Nut Falls Trail that leads to the Hickory Nut Falls.

Linville Gorge

North Carolina’s mountains are home to some of the most impressive waterfalls, most of which are easily accessible by a short hike. Linville Gorge is the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ the most scenic and deepest waterfall in the eastern United States. The waterfall is located in the Pisgah National Forest and has a drop of 90 feet.

Cape Hatteras

Cape Hatteras was the first coastal preservation area in the country. It consists of essential barrier islands along with some spectacular beaches and unique wildlife. Endangered species like the piping plovers and loggerhead sea turtles are found here nesting on the beach.

Some other notable places and attractions:

Blue Ridge Parkway
Grandfather Mountain
Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
North Carolina Aquarium
Nags Head