If you've been struck with the travel bug, we have a surefire cure! North Carolina has no shortage of sweet little road trips, and they'll take you to some of the most spectacular spots in the state! In fact, it's hard to choose with so many beautiful sights to see in one great state. For some ideas on where to start, here is a list of 25 jaw dropping places in North Carolina that will blow you away.
1. The 'Serendipity House' from the movie Nights in Rodanthe is now a vacation rental called the Inn at Rodanthe.
2. 'The Road to Nowhere' starts in Bryson City and leads to a tunnel deep within the Smoky Mountains. Although this road to nowhere has much speculation and dead ends past the tunnel, it gives you breathtaking views of Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains.
3. While you're in the car, take a drive down the Uwharrie Mountains Wine Trail. It covers 42 miles with four vineyards where the land flows for miles into vast hills as mountains sit in the distance. It's a beautiful drive, just make sure to bring a DD!
4. Home to its own mini-desert at Jockey's Ridge, the largest active sand dune on the east coast is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in North Carolina.
5. Step back in time in downtown Winston-Salem. Old Salem is a little slice of history where you can take a tour, ride a horse-drawn carriage, and get some Moravian cookies.
6. Live a little and conquer your fears on the Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain. It's sure to be an exhilerating experience!
7. Since we're in the mountains, take a drive to Chimney Rock State Park, one of the filming locations for the movie The Last of the Mohicans and one of the most picturesque sights in North Carolina.
8. Linville Falls was also a filming location for Last of the Mohicans. Besides breathtaking waterfalls, Linville has some beautiful hiking trails.
9. Breathtaking in its own unique way, The USS North Carolina is a floating slice of history. This battleship was awarded 15 battle stars during her service. It now resides in Wilmington.
10. Craggy Bottoms Trail is straight out of a fairytale leading to breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
11. Though the ships that explored the NC beaches are long gone, you can still see their legacy with the descendants of Spanish mustangs known as 'Corolla Wild Ponies'
12. No list of NC landmarks is complete without The Biltmore Estate. Natives know the best time to go is during Christmas.
13. There's nothing quite like sliding down a 60-ft rock into crisp mountain water to remind you you're alive. Take a dip, or a (long) slip at Sliding Rock.
14. Come see sunken treasures, and sunken pieces, from Blackbeard's ship, Queen Anne's Revenge, at the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort. ARRGH.
15. It's a real two-for-one on the Outer Banks Scenic Byway. Enjoy beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Pamlico Sound on the other.
16. With a 6,684-foot elevation, the highest point on the East Coast is Mount Mitchell, which is right here in our home state! Enjoy epic views from the summit's observation deck, visit the museum detailing the history of the mountain, and explore the network of trails.
17. The infamous 11-mile 'Dragon' at Deals Gap is one of the most popular roads for motorcyclist because of it's sharp turns and breathtaking views. Take a drive, if you dare, although it's considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country.
18. The Atkinson Mill in Selma will take you back in time, it has been in continuous operation making cornmeal products for more than 250 years.
19. The Reed Gold Mine, outside of Concord, is the only underground gold mine open to the public. It is also said to be the location of the 'first documented commercial gold find in America.'
20. Tryon Palace is a true North Carolina gem. Located in New Bern, it is known for being the first permanent state capitol.
21. NC loves its nostalgia and the town of Bath gives you just that. As NC's oldest town, this waterfront community is breathtaking.
22. Meander a bit off the Blue Ridge and you'll find Skinny Dip Falls, a beautiful, hidden gem perfect for swimming on a warm summer day.
23. Bald Head Island Lighthouse or 'Old Baldy' is the oldest NC lighthouse that's still standing. It was first operational in 1817 helping guide ships past the dangerous shoals at the river.
24. The Blowing Rock in the Blue Ridge Mountains is considered 'North Carolina's oldest attraction.' Hike up here for the most incredible views of surrounding forest and mountain peaks.
25. There's nothing more 'classic Carolina' than Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the country.
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In such a beautiful state, this list of jaw dropping places in North Carolina is really just scratching the surface. What are some of your favorite sights in this beautiful state? Even better, what are some of your favorite hidden gems or natural wonders in North Carolina? Share below in the comments!
And to learn more about some of the above jaw dropping places in North Carolina that have been featured on the big screen, check out this list!
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