If you have a long weekend booked and are looking to spend a few days somewhere new, full of charm, natural beauty, and history, North Carolina is just the place to visit. There are some old towns to roam, scenic routes, mountains, waterfalls, stunning nightlife, restaurants and hotels, and museums to keep you occupied. Below you will find a few recommendations on places to visit for a short trip to North Carolina.

Visit Kill Devil Hills

 

If you are looking for adventure and water-related activities, Kill Devil Hills is the right place to visit, even though the name is kind of off-putting. You will find the Wright Brothers National Memorial here, and see a replica of the Wright Flyer. There are plenty of ocean hotels to choose from on your trip, and you can find a quality hotel near Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina for less than you would imagine. Don’t forget to visit the Outer Banks Brewing Station and the Wings Over Water festival in October.

Smoky Mountains

Outdoor lovers will find plenty of natural beauty and trails in the Smoky Mountains, NC. Visit Cherokee, where you can spend the day exploring the trails on foot, bike, or horseback, and spend the nights at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. If you are looking to update your Instagram and take some stunning photos, make sure that you check out Lake Lure and Asheville. You can see the surrounding area from Chimney Rock, and on clear days see as far as 75 miles each way. If you are coming for Autumn and Winter, this is the perfect time to experience the train through the Smoky Mountains. You can either watch the changing colors of the leaves along the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers or when the snow falls take a Polar Express-like ride through the mountains. It shouldn’t be missed!

Boone

If you would like charm and comfort and find a hotel that meets your budget and expectations, Boone might be your perfect destination. The place has mountain views, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is not far away. There are charming local restaurants and shops, and plenty of parks offering some outdoor fun. Take a trip to the Viaduct Fall, take the Ghost Train during Halloween, or complete one of the more challenging hikes, such as the Crabtree Falls Hike or the Rough Ridge Hike offering stunning views over the Grandfather Mountains.

Raleigh

This metropolis has plenty of science museums and exhibitions. You can visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, check out the Neuse River Trail, the Hyatt House Raleigh North Hills, and take a walk in the historic town, too. Raleigh is also famous for its craft beer culture and music festivals throughout the year.

Charlotte

Those who are obsessed with horsepower and racing cars can visit the NASCAR course and even get tickets for an event. You can check out the schedule at the NASCAR All-Star races page to arrange your trip. If you are more interested in other spots, you can see the Carolina Panthers NFL team play in the local stadium.

If you are looking for the perfect destination for a long weekend or short break, consider one of these North Carolina hidden gems for your next getaway. Whether you are an outdoor lover or an amateur historian, you will surely find something new and engaging during your trip.

Have you visited North Carolina before? Are you planning a trip sometime soon? Tell me about your visit and your future travel plans. Let me know the deal in the comments below.

Until our next rendezvous…

XOXO

Trudy

 

 

This was a collaborative post.