With its rugged mountain ranges, vast coastlines, and iconic foods, it was difficult to choose just a few photos synonymous with life in North Carolina. For those lucky enough to live here, we know them up close and personal. Here are a few reminders of what makes the Tar Heel State so grand.
1. Charlotte Motor Speedway, Concord
"America's Home for Racing" welcomes thousands of fans in more than 60 years for exciting motorsports entertainment, including us. Coming here is part of living in North Carolina. Visit Charlotte Motor Speedway's website for the events' schedule.
2. Britt’s Donut Shop, Carolina Beach
This charming place keeps us waiting in line for the sweet, homemade glazed donuts made right there on the boardwalk. The staff at this 84-year-old icon takes cash only.
3. The Shackleford Banks, Cape Lookout National Seashore
This is one of my favorite photos of North Carolina. Folks flock to the area for many reasons, but they especially come to see the gorgeous "Banker ponies."
4. Biltmore House, Asheville
We love our castle and so do the millions who tour the 8,000-acre estate in the Blue Ridge Mountains with its pristine gardens, 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces.
5. The Andy Griffith Museum
This beloved stop in Mount Airy where he was born, celebrates our beloved Andy and all of the characters from the iconic TV series.
6. Mt. Olive Pickles and Cheerwine
This North Carolina photo may remind you of your childhood! Mt. Olive began in 1926 and has grown to be one of the most-loved pickle companies in the U.S. The oldest-continuing soft drink run by the same family, Cheerwine was created by L.D. Peeler in 1917 in Salisbury, North Carolina.
7. Virginia Dare, Elizabethan Gardens, Manteo
The mysterious lady is the first child born of English parents in the New World.
Virginia Dare, who was lost forever with other members of the Lost Colony, caught the imagination of sculptor Maria Louise Lander of Salem, Massachusetts.
8. Grandfather Mountain, Blue Ridge Parkway, Western North Carolina
Grandfather Mountain, a 5,946-foot-tall natural wonder, gives access to the Mile High Swinging Bridge and the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.
9. Bodie Island Lighthouse, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Outer Banks
This historic structure is open for self-guided climbs between April and October with a 219-step ascent from the ground to the balcony level.
10. Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, Wilson
At his farm in Wilson County, machinery repairman and genius Vollis Simpson made gigantic kinetic sculptures as he neared retirement age. He crafted the whirligigs up until about six months before he sadly died at age 94. The rest is history.
We hope you enjoyed these photos synonymous with life in North Carolina. For more information about any of these exciting places, visit the TripAdvisor Booking/Experiences website.
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