North Carolina

A southeastern U.S. state of both mountains and sea, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks.

North Carolina lies in the southeastern United States, with the Appalachian Mountains in the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. In the western mountains, Asheville is known for the Biltmore Estate, craft beer and its artistic atmosphere; the Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the region, and Blowing Rock and Boone are mountain resort towns. Part of Great Smoky Mountains National Park also lies in the state. In the east, the Outer Banks have the Wright Brothers National Memorial and tall lighthouses. Autumn is the best time for mountain foliage, and summer is good for seaside vacations. The airports of Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham are the main gateways.

Destinations

• Asheville
• Blowing Rock & Boone
• Wilmington (North Carolina)
• Outer Banks
• Emerald Isle & Crystal Coast
• Great Smoky Mountains & Gatlinburg

Itineraries

• Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway & Great Smoky Mountains Tour – Drive south along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway from Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains.
• North Carolina Outer Banks & Crystal Coast Ferry Route – Drive along Highway 12 through the Outer Banks and take ferries to Beaufort and Wilmington.