If you are planning a day trip, or a week long adventure, North Carolina has many different options that will fit your needs.
1. Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is located in Ashville. This estate is 6950 acres or 10.86 miles and it contains some of the most amazing scenery that you will ever see. The estate built between 1889 and 1865 by Geroge Washington Vanderbilt II. It is the largest privately owned house in the US, at 17,926 square feet. At the estate, general admission will get you a self-guided tour of the house and gardens, and access to the art exhibition in the gardens. Tickets are $67 for adults and $33.50 for youth (age 10-16), but if you buy your tickets 7+ days in advances, you will get $10 off per ticket. You can learn more here.
2. Cape Hatteras
Cape Hatteras is located on Hatteras Island in the Outter Banks. This lighthouse replaced a previous one what was in the same spot in 1870. This lighthouse stands 198.5 feet, making it the tallest lighthouse in the United States.
3. The North Carolina Zoo
You can never go wrong with the Zoo! The North Carolina Zoo is the largest zoo in the world, complete with 1,600+ animals and 225 different species of animals. It is broken up into two sections, "North America" and "Africa". North America has animals like penguins, polar bears, black bears, sea lions and many other animals. Africa has African Elephants, lemurs, rhinos, chimpanzees, lions, tigers and many more.
4. Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is located near Boone. It is a cave that you can do in and see all of the different limestone caverns that are inside. These caverns were discovered in1822 by a local fisherman, and it has been an interesting attraction ever since. It is about a 30-minute tour and $9 per person.
5. Charlotte
Charlotte is one of those cities where it has a bit of everything. Being the largest city in North Carolina, there are plenty of things to do. You can go to the White Water Center for a day of white water rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, ropes courses and so much more. If you are someone who likes to go out, there are many different clubs and bars that are in uptown that are great! If you are an artsy person, "NoDa" is just for you. And how could you forget that Carowinds is here, too! There is something for everyone here!
6. Raleigh
Just like Charlotte, Raliegh has so many different things to do there. There are many different museums to go to, like the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. If you are a hockey fan, you can go see the Carolina Hurricanes play one night as well. Carolina Hurricanes play one night as well.
7. Holden Beach
Okay, I may be a little bias, but I think that Holden beach is the best. I love it because it is just beach and that is it. The island itself is not commercialized, and it is so peaceful. It is the perfect beach for a nice quiet day of relaxation.
8. Uwharrie
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Uwharrie is a pretty interesting place to go to. It is located in Montgomery County. Uwharrie is a huge national forest that you can go hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, gold panning. camping and many other things. This is also around the same area where some of the first gold that was found in the United States.
9. Boone
Boone is one of the most beautiful cities that you will ever see. There are so many different things to do. Linville Caverns (see above), skiing, snowboarding, along with the Appalachian mountains to hike. Appalachian state university is also up there if that is something that you are interested in.
