North Carolina Vacations

Visitors flock to one of the South’s most beloved states. North Carolina has it all: stunningly dramatic coastlines, cultured Colonial towns, bustling cities and spectacular nature areas. Visitors can flock to the classy Charlotte metropolis or escape to the picturesque Outer Banks islands that stretch for nearly 100 miles along the shoreline. North Carolina is a state of firsts, hosting the first airplane flight in 1903 and opening the first four year college for Native Americans in 1943. The state also played a pivotal role in American history, hosting some of the first settlements and being one of the first thirteen states to join the Union.

Travelers to North Carolina can stop by Charlotte for a cultural experienced that is unparalleled by any other city in the South. The southern city is a major draw for fashion enthusiasts, who flock to the area to explore the wealth of designer shopping options. Music enthusiasts can catch a show at the Belk Theater while art aficionados can explore exhibits at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Those looking for an outside retreat can stop by the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, which sits on 380 stunningly manicured acres of the Lake Wylie. Guests can stroll through The Orchid Conservatory, which hosts the area’s only glasshouse that is dedicated to displaying tropical plants and orchids. Car enthusiasts should stop by the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which features historic race cars and more than 50 interactive exhibits designed to entertain children and adults alike. Visitors looking for a heart-racing adventure can stop by the National Whitewater Center, which features more than 400 acres of woodlands and the world’s largest recirculation river. Guests can embark on the Canopy Tour, raft on class II to IV whitewater, paddle along the Catawba River or climb in the world’s largest outdoor climbing venue. The young and young at heart can enjoy a day at Carowinds Park, which features world class roller coasters, a water park and more than 30 restaurants.

Those looking for an escape from the mainland can head over to North Carolina’s Outer Banks, home to a number of family friendly attractions and pivotal moments in history. Visitors can view the site of the famous Wright Brothers’ flight at the Wright Brothers national Memorial. Visitors can tour the historic Big Kill Devil Hill and tour the brothers’ innovative flying machines at the Visitor Center. Those looking to relive history can enjoy the Roanoke Island Festival Park, which honors the first English settlement in the New World. The living museum features a recreation of the young Settlement and a nearby American Indian Town and Cultural Education Center. Lighthouse enthusiasts can visit one or many of the Outer Banks’ spectacular lighthouses. Each lighthouse features its own story and personality, and visitors can tour the grounds or climb to the very top to catch a spectacular view. Guests looking to learn more about the wildlife can explore then 1,400-acre Nature Conservancy at Nags Head Woods Preserve, which features glimpses of more than 100 species of birds and historic artifacts.

Visitors arriving to the state’s capital have a number of family friendly activities to enjoy. Its bounty of museums, parks, lakes and festivals make it a great epicenter of family fun year round. Guests can tour the spectacular Capital area’s historic sites or stop by one of the many retail centers for shopping delights. Families can catch a kid-friendly show at the Kazoom Children’s Theater or learn more about the environment at Knightdale Environmental Education Park. Marbles Kids Museum allow kids to learn more the world around them through play while Green Level Gourd Farm allows families to learn what life was like living on an early twentieth century farm.

North Carolina Hotels

The Raveable guide to North Carolina Hotels was created by analyzing the millions of traveler reviews found all over the internet.

1

Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Northlake

6920 Northlake Mall Dr, Charlotte

99% recommended | 186 reviews

Guests of Drury Inn & Suites Charlotte Northlake liked the extremely comfortable beds, the convenient location, the nice swimming pool and the world-class room amenities.

• 2

  Hampton Inn Wilmington-University Area-Smith Creek Station
  124 Old Eastwood Road, Wilmington
  100% recommended | 70 reviews
• 3

  Renaissance Raleigh North Hills
  4100 Main at North Hills Street, Raleigh
  98% recommended | 120 reviews
• 4

  Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington-Mayfaire
  6732 Swan Mill Road, Wilmington
  99% recommended | 145 reviews