Everyone seems to think that their hometown or even home state is boring, and for a lot of people, growing up in Cary, North Carolina was no different. However, living in a state where you can travel to the mountains or the beach well within a days drive, I couldn't disagree more. North Carolina is a crazy interesting state with a wide variety of things to do, if you know where to look. So here's a list of some of my favorite things to do in North Carolina!
1. Shackleford Banks
Shackleford Banks is a small island that's just a short ferry ride off the coast of Beaufort, NC. Shackleford Banks is famous for the wild horses that roam the shore and is a great place for camping or just a day trip. They allow dogs, which is always amazing, and you and the family get to experience the beach in a much more remote and adventurous way. With ferries leaving frequently at the cost of $16 per person, it's an easily accessible destination that's very much worth the trip. Here's a link to the Island Ferry Service for more information!
2. Emerald Isle
However, if you're looking for a more traditional beach experience, Emerald Isle is the place to be! Emerald Isle is a small town near the Bogue Banks, with one of the most beautiful beaches along the NC Coast. Plus, once you're done hanging out on the beach, Emerald Isle has ton of fantastic dining options and other summer activities such as stand up paddle boarding, mini golf, aquariums, and museums! Emerald Isle really provides the small town summer beach experience.
3. Grandfather Mountain
Besides beaches, North Carolina is also blessed with mountains. With a peak of 5,946 feet, Grandfather Mountain is also one of the tallest mountains east of the Mississippi and has one of the most rewarding views. Grandfather Mountain is a non-profit attraction that offers miles and miles of hiking, ranging from moderate to difficult for those of you who are more adventurous. For those of us who aren't quite as daring, Grandfather mountain also has a road to drive up to the peak where tourists can either take the stairs or ride an elevator up to the mile high swinging bridge! For an added bonus, slightly further down the mountain, families can explore the wildlife habitat and see eagles, bears, otters, and many other animals! Here's a link to the parks website.
4. Sliding Rock
Sliding Rock is what I consider one of North Carolina's most interesting and amazing natural attractions. Located in the Pisgah National Forest, Sliding Rock is a 60 foot slide-type waterfall, with a 6-7 deep swimming hole at the bottom! With fresh mountain air and cool mountain water, Sliding Rock is definitely a refreshing summer adventure for the entire family, and easily one of my favorites. There is a $2 per person all day rate, but it's tons of fun and very much worth the trip. Here's their website for more information.
5. Linville Falls
Linville Falls is a stop along the Blue Ridge Parkway not too far from Boone, and really has something to offer for everyone. From the visitors center, you can hike half a mile to the plunge basin overlook, seen above, or you can go on the Erwins View Trail which is a 1.6 mile round trip that offers stops at the Upper Falls, Chimney View, and Erwins View which offers an impressive panoramic view of the falls. Plus, if you want something more strenuous, you can take the more difficult Linville Gorge route which offers closer up views of the falls, and takes you all the way up to 3330 feet in elevation! Here's the website.
6. Durham Museum of Life and Science 
Located in Central NC, this is is one of the best museums I've ever been to. All the exhibits are super interactive, located both inside and outside, and focus on things such as aerospace, wildlife, contraptions, soundspace, insects, and so much more. They even have zoo themed exhibits for black bears, red wolves, lemurs, butterflies, and farm animals! They offer classes, camps, birthday parties, etc. Even though this exhibit might technically be geared towards children, it's super fun for all ages. Here's the website.
7. Eno River State Park
Eno River State Park is in Durham and is definitely a hidden treasure of central NC. There's lots of hiking along the beautiful river, but what's even better is all of the swimming holes! The most widely known is the Eno Quarry, which is exactly how it sounds. An old rock quarry, filled with clear wonderful water. At the quarry you can even cliff dive into the water! However, being 60-80 feet deep in all areas, I'd only recommend the quarry to advanced swimmers. Some of the lesser known swimming holes are Sennet Hole/Turtle Hole, which is pictured above, and Bobbit Hole. Turtle Hole is about a quarter mile hike from Landis Dr in Durham, and isn't as risky as the quarry but still offers swimming for all ages as well as rope swings. Bobbit Hole is similar, but definitely the lesser known of the three. Here's the website.
8. Umstead State Park
Umstead is right in Raleigh and is often overlooked, but offers a wide variety of activities for all ages. Being nearly 6,000 miles, Umstead offers camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. They even offer specific trails for cycling and horseback riding, if you're into either of those, along with open fields for ultimate frisbee, pickup football, soccer, or anything else you could desire. The hiking trails range from easy, such as the Inspiration Trail, or more moderate like the Company Mill Trail. My favorite is that the Company Mill Trail leads to Crabtree Creek, which is pictured above. Here's the park website.
9. Ghost Walk of Haunted Wilmington
If you happen to be near Wilmington and need something to do around dusk, The Wilmington Ghost Walk is really cool! Available to all ages and located downtown, the Ghost Walk is a guided walk touring some of the old buildings and back alleyways of downtown, where you get to hear about the rich history along the Cape Fear river, as well as dozens of local and haunting ghost stories. I'd recommend this to lovers of the paranormal, as well as lovers of history. Here's the website, with more information and scheduling and rates.
10. Civil Rights Center and Museum
North Carolina is rich with all kinds of history, but I didn't really expect it to be rich with Civil Rights history - but it is! North Carolina is home to the famous A&T State College Sit-In, which helped spark sit-ins across the country and eventually lead to the end of Jim Crow Laws, and you can learn all about it and visit where it happened just by taking a trip to the museum! They offer daily tours and even have informational events geared towards all ages. This museum is dedicated to teaching about NC's involvement in the Civil Rights movement, and is a fantastic place to go if you have an interest in history! Here's the museums website.
North Carolina is filled with tons of things to do, from dozens of museums, aquariums, historical attractions, to natural wonders found along our coast and throughout our state parks and mountains, and I hope this list helped you to find something to do in North Carolina! Have fun exploring!
