The Ultimate North Carolina Bucket List – Over 50 Things To Do In NC
North Carolina is home to beautiful mountain ranges, dynamic cities, and beautiful beach towns – this state really has it all! I’ve created the Ultimate North Carolina Bucket List to showcase the must see and do attractions here in NC. The best part about this bucket list is that it features specific attractions, hikes, or local venues as opposed to a general town or city.
I’ve organized this bucket list by region:
- Central NC: featuring Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem
- Western NC: featuring the cities in the mountain ranges along the TN border
- Eastern NC: featuring the coastal cities along the beaches
10 – Central North Carolina Bucket List
Central North Carolina is where all of the big cities can be found! Central NC is composed of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Winston-Salem, and more!
Carowinds Amusement Park
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: Carowinds
Carowinds is the only amusement park in North Carolina, AND the only amusement park that is technically in 2 states (NC/SC). This park has plenty of rollercoasters and rides for an all day adventure. The rollercoasters are not for the faint of heart – because the drops, turns, loops, and twists are pretty big!! During the summer, you can visit the water park which has wave pools, water slides, and a lazy river! During the holiday season, they host events like Scarowinds (Halloween) and Lights at Carowinds (Christmas). FYI: It is closed in the spring.
Cornelius Brewery Tour
Location: Cornelius, NC
Website: Ass Clown Brewery | Eleven Lakes Brewery | D9 Brewery | Lost Worlds Brewing
Submitted By: KB Pop Culture (Insta @shopwithkwopop)
Cornelius is a lakefront town located in the southern half of North Carolina. Located on Lake Norman, there is plenty to do in Cornelius during the summer seasons. But, if you are not a lake person, or do not have a boat (yet), you can still have a fun weekend here in Cornelius. Not many people know but there are four breweries in this little town & even better, they are ALL within 10 minutes of each other!
Start your Saturday at Ass Clown Brewery. With over 30 types of beers and ciders you will be sure to find something you like to start your day. Next take a short (as in 2 minute) drive over to Eleven Lakes Brewery. Eleven Lakes has also a huge selection of drinks for every person, from beer to seltzer! While you are at Eleven Lakes make sure you have a seat and listen to the live music, usually featuring an up-and-coming artists! Once you are done at Eleven Lakes, head over to D9 Brewing. D9 has an expansive outdoor patio and large bar. They also have a drink selection made for everyone. By now you are surely hungry, so make sure you check out the food truck there! Finally, finish your tour off at Lost Worlds Brewing. Located in the center of town, Lost Worlds is a must see. Grab a drink at their HUGE bar then head outside to their patio under the lights.
Crowders Mountain
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: Crowders Mountain
Submitted by: ShannonxAaron
Crowders Mountain has been one of our favorite places ever since we moved to North Carolina. The views from the top of this mountain are incredibly breathtaking. On a clear day, you can actually see the Uptown Charlotte skyline on the horizon.
The hike up to the top of the mountain can definitely be a little daunting. But, if you’re comfortable with hiking 4-6 miles (depending on which trail you take) to the top, it’s definitely worth it. We always take the Pinnacle Trail to the top – It is 4 miles round trip and is labeled as ‘strenuous’ on the state park website.
Also, we recommend trying to come on a weekday or early in the morning if possible. This is definitely a popular place for people to visit on the weekends and the trail/top of the mountain can get a bit crowded at times.
Divine Llama Vineyard
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Website: Divine Llama Vineyard
You can probably guess by the name what this location has to offer – a wine vineyard with llamas!! I truly can’t think of anything better. This particular winery is home to award winning wines AND the largest llama farm in the Southeast. Spend the afternoon sipping on local wines while also watching llamas roam the farm! FYI: It is only open Thursday-Sunday!
Getaway House
Location: Asheboro, NC
Website: Getaway House NC
Looking for the ultimate tiny house cabin experience in the woods?! Getaway House is the perfect destination! These tiny houses are located all across the USA, but we’re lucky to have one here in NC! It’s located in Asheboro, NC which is about 90 minutes from both Raleigh and Charlotte. It’s truly a wonderful way to experience the great outdoors, without really needing to sleep outside on the floor. Sit by the fire, enjoy the stars, and unplug for some much needed relaxation!
Each cabin has a bed, kitchenette (with mini fridge and small stove), restrooms (toilet and shower), and table with chairs! it is even stocked with small snacks and food items that are available for purchase! Outside, you’ll find a picnic table, a fire pit, and 2 Adirondack chairs. It is truly equipped with everything you need for a little getaway.
Read more: Getaway House Review
Lake Norman
Location: Huntersville, NC
Website: Lake Norman
Submitted by: KB Pop Culture (Insta @shopwithkwopop)
Lake Norman is the largest manmade lake in North Carolina, so it is obvious as to why thousands of people attract to it each year. Made by Duke Energy in the late 1900’s, Lake Norman is a summer staple for the middle half of NC. If you are lucky enough to live by the lake you know its full beauty.
The towns of Cornelius, Davidson and Mooresville are all considered lake towns, each of which providing residents and travelers alike plenty to do by and on the water. In Cornelius, you can find two popular waterfront restaurants, Port City Club and Hello Sailor: both boosting delicious menus and wonderful lakeside experiences.
As you travel only a few minutes north parallel to the lake, you will find yourself in Davidson, famous for not only the lake activities but also Davidson College, Steph Curry’s alma mater. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of Davidson and let your tastebuds lead the way.
If you would still like to see more lake, travel another 10 minutes north to Mooresville. Stroll around downtown Mooresville and window shop, but make sure you head back to one of the many lakefront parks for an unbelievable sunset! If you are looking to get out on the water, there are plenty of boat, jet ski, and kayak rentals in the area. You will never run out of things to do in the Lake Norman region!
Lavender Oaks Farms
Location: Chapel Hill, NC
Website: Lavender Oaks Farm
Submitted By: Megan Clardy (@megansdesignedlife)
I always look forward to my yearly visit to pick lavender at Lavender Oaks Farm in Chapel Hill, NC. It’s so relaxing but also totally Instagram worthy! This lavender field, located at 3833 Millard Whitley Rd, Chapel Hill, is run by The Macdonald family, Robert & Karen! In addition to the beautiful lavender fields, they also have a gorgeous wedding/special events venue.
Lavender season in North Carolina usually begins in May. Admission is $5 per person, and you can pick your own lavender stems for $10 for fifteen stems! I’ve included some tips for your visit below:
- Bring your own scissors as you will need them to cut your stems if you choose to pick!
- Ensure you go on a day without rain because the fields can get muddy!
- Check out their website to check hours & for the most current information
While you pick the lavender you can listen to the humming of all the honey bees as they are pollinating the flowers, they take a minute to get used to as they love the lavender just as much as the visitors do. Wander around the lavender field and enjoy the lovely lavender scents. On your way out, run by their gift shop for special lavender gifts such as homemade lavender syrups, lavender soaps, and much more! This is one of my favorite spots to take a day trip in North Carolina and I hope your family will start a tradition of visiting here as well.
Occoneechee Speedway
Location: Durham, NC
Website: Occoneechee Speedway
Submitted By: Alison Watta
Tucked away in Hillsborough, NC is a piece of NASCAR history. Occoneechee Speedway was one of the first two NASCAR tracks to open. It’s now the only remaining dirt track from the inaugural 1949 season.
While cars no longer grace the speedway, it’s open to the public for free. You’ll see many local runners and walkers getting in their miles. When you visit, feel free to walk around the track, explore the concrete stands, or just sit and dream about Richard Petty and Junior Johnson going neck and neck down the straightaway.
When you’re done with your workout, cross the street and follow the Greenway trail to the heart of downtown Hillsborough where you can enjoy great food, a coffee, or a beer at one of the restaurants in town. Come enjoy this hidden piece of history right here in Hillsborough.
Quarry At Carrigan Farms
Location: Mooresville, NC
Website: Carrigan Farms Open Swim
Located about 30 minutes north of Charlotte, you’ll find a beautiful natural quarry! This quarry is open for swimming during the summer season – it’s the perfect place for a refreshing and relaxing swim! It’s family-owned, so tickets are required, but it’s well worth the money for this fun experience!
All guests must wear a life vest in the water unless you want to do the free Swim Test. This test shows the lifeguards your ability to swim. The test consists of jumping off a small cliff, wading in water for a minute, and swimming back to shore.
Onsite, they have a concession stand with pizza, burgers, fries and beer/wine for sale! They have restroom facilities and a seating area in the shade. It’s a perfect outing for the whole family, a group of friends, or couples!
White Water Center
Location: Charlotte, NC
Website: White Water Center
The White Water Center (WWC) is an adventure-lovers paradise. It is obviously most known for their man-made white water rafting river. However, there are so many other unique things to do here: ziplining, canoeing, yoga, hiking, biking, ropes course, climbing, and so much more! If you’re not very adventurous, this is still a great place to hang out on the weekends during the summer because they offer River Jam: a free live music concert series every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night!
World’s Largest Furniture
Location: Jamestown, NC
Website: World’s Largest Chest of Drawers
Submitted by: @Roadside.Enthusiast
Looking for some quirky fun in Central North Carolina? Then you must visit the Big Furniture Corridor! Within mere minutes of one another, you’ll find not one – not two – but *three* world’s largest pieces of furniture.
Start your adventure in Jamestown to admire the (85-foot tall) World’s Largest Highboy Dresser. This behemoth is located at Furnitureland South, 5635 Riverdale Drive.
Next, work your way about 10 minutes down the road to the World’s Largest Chest of Drawers in High Point (508 N. Hamilton Street). This gigantic attraction was built in 1926 and is also a building! High Point claims to be the Furniture Capital of the World – and it’s easy to see why – the city is home to over 100 furniture shops!
The final stop in your giant furniture adventure will be in Thomasville, about 15 minutes down the road. Thomasville, also known as “Chair City,,” is home to the World’s Largest Duncan Phyfe. At 30-feet tall, this humongous chair is a sight to see (44 W. Main Street).
For more oversized roadside attraction tips, follow Roadside.Enthusiast on Instagram!
12 – Western North Carolina Bucket List
Western North Carolina is home to beautiful mountain ranges and national forests! Most of Western North Carolina is filled with outdoor adventures waiting for you to explore – the most commonly known ones are the Appalachian Trail, Great Smoky Mountains, and the Blue Ridge Parkway! Check out what else this beautiful area has to offer.
Biltmore Estate
Location: Asheville, NC
Website: Biltmore Estate
The Biltmore Estate is an iconic historic home located in Asheville, NC! It is the largest home in America at over 178,926 square feet and features stunning gardens, a winery, and more! This is an absolute must-see destination while in North Carolina!
Tickets are a little pricey (typically $75+ per person) but they include a self-guided tour of the house, gardens, complimentary wine tasting, and parking! You can pay for an audio tour to learn more about the property and each room.
Blowing Rock
Location: Blowing Rock, NC
Website: The Blowing Rock
Submitted by: Cosette Karsmakers-Adriaans
One of the many attractions along the Blue Ridge Parkway is The Blowing Rock. A rock in the town of Blowing Rock surrounded by a legend. The legend is a love story of a Cherokee boy and a Chickasaw girl. They fell in love, but one day the boy had to leave and leaped from the rock into the wilderness below. Later on the wind blew the boy back into the arms of the girl. Since then a wind blows up onto the rock coming from the valley below.
The Blowing Rock is North Carolina’s oldest travel attraction, open since 1933. This attraction, where even the snow can fall upside down, still draws visitors. The Blowing Rock is a cliff rising 3000 feet above Johns River Gorge. When someone throws a light object over the void, the wind sweeps it back again.
There’s a 1200 feet long trail, which takes 15 to 25 minutes (or longer when you sit down). It covers an observation tower, overlook, waterfall, gardens and of course the Blowing Rock itself.
Suggested by Cosette from KarsTravels.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Location: Western North Carolina
Website: Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is known to some as a way to get from Point A to Point B. But to some, it IS the destination. The parkway follows the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, touching so many mountain towns along the way. It is the perfect destination for cars, motorcycles, hikers, bikers, and more! Since the parkway is designed for leisure driving, the speed limit is typically around 45 MPH which makes it an enjoyable drive with stunning views!
Catawba Falls
Location: Asheville, NC
Website: Catawba Falls
Submitted by: ShannonxAaron
Catawba Falls, located inside the Pisgah National Forest, is somewhere that you NEED to see in person.
On your way to the falls, you will drive down a long, narrow road before getting to the parking lot. Trust your GPS, it will get you where you need to go. We would recommend bringing a vehicle that can handle a bumpy dirt road as well.
This hike is roughly 1.2 miles one way and is not very strenuous. We would recommend this for hikers that are a little more beginner but be sure to wear good shoes and bring water and snacks because it is definitely tiring getting up to the falls.
Read More: Mountain Destinations in NC
Grandfather Mountain
Location: Linville, NC
Website: Grandfather Mountain
Wowza! Let me just say, this destination deserves it’s title as “#1 Scenic Attraction in NC”. Grandfather Mountain is absolutely stunning and great for families, tourists, locals, avid hikers and everyone in between. Here at Grandfather Mountain, the main attraction is the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It will give you incredible views overlooking the towns below. There is also an Animal Shelter with Bears and Cougars as well as dozens of hiking trails. You could easily spend the entire day here at Grandfather Mountain.
Read More: Everything You Need To Know About Grandfather Mountain
Great smoky Mountains
Location: Bryson City, NC
Website: Great Smoky Mountain National Park
Did you know that America’s #1 Most Visited National Park is located here in North Carolina?!? That’s right! The Great Smoky Mountains is the number one most visited national park, by a landslide!! Over 12 million people visit this park each year, while other top contenders like Yellowstone and Zion National Park only have 3 million visitors. With that in mind, you know this HAS to be on the NC Bucketlist!
This national park borders NC/TN and is filled with unique things to do and see. The top 4 attractions within the Great Smoky Mountains are listed below (some of which are in the TN side)
- Cades Cove
- Cataloochee
- Clingmans Dome
- Roaring Fork
Linville Gorge & Falls
Location: Linville, NC
Website: Linville Falls
Linville Gorge is known as the “Grand Canyon of the East” so it should ABSOLUTELY be on your North Carolina Bucket List! Located in Pisgah National Forest, it is the deepest gorge in eastern United States.
There are hiking trails around the gorge that will give you beautiful vantage points of the 90ft waterfall! The main trail is 1.6 miles roundtrip and gives you 4 different views of the beautiful falls. Near the Linville Falls Visitors Center, there is also a short .3 mile hike to Duggers Creek Falls!
Read More: 15 Things to Do In Linville, NC
Mount Mitchel
Location: Asheville, NC
Website: Mount Mitchell State Park
Fun Fact: Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi River! It is over 6,684 feet tall and features a dramatic viewpoint of the surrounding mountains! The observation deck is easily accessible and gives you panoramic views in all directions. It’s a fun destination to check off your bucket list and say you’ve been to the highest point on the East coast!
Around Mount Mitchell, you can hike, camp, and explore!
Treehouse Spa at Lakeview Fontana
Location: Bryson City, NC
Website: Lakeview at Fontana
Looking for a spa retreat that will make you feel as if you’ve transported to Europe? Look no further! The treehouse spa at Lakeview at Fontana is a charming little oasis that is perfect for nature lovers. This spa experience is in your very own private treehouse cabana that overlooks the Great Smoky Mountains and Lake Fontana. It’s secluded enough to give you privacy while you enjoy the soaking tub.
Read More: My Review of the Treehouse Spa in Lakeview Fontana
Rainbow & Turtleneck Falls
Location: Asheville, NC
Website: Gorges State Park
Submitted By: Teach Travel Tell
Nestled right across the border is a beautiful trail that gives you access to three waterfalls. The Rainbow and Turtleneck Falls trail is perfect for the nature lover! Located inside Gorges State Park, arrive at this trail before 9 am as parking is very limited. The trail is 3.9 miles out and back and rated as moderate. Make sure you have the AllTrails app pulled up on your phone while hiking as it will guide you to where the turn around point is! In the summer, take a dip into the river near Turtleneck Falls and in the fall enjoy the beautiful changing of the leaves!
Bring a pair of hiking shoes you don’t mind getting wet or water shoes like Chacos or Teva’s as there are a few small creek crossings. Rainbow Falls will take your breath away and get you a little wet as well if there was a big rainfall, so pack a rain jacket as well or enjoy the sprinkles ! This is the perfect hike to do on a beautiful day and if you are feeling extra adventurous, hike to Raymond Fisher Campground the night before. To reward yourself for a hike well done, pop over to Whitesite Brewing company for a refreshing drink!
Yadkin Valley Wineries
Location: Yadkin Valley, NC
Website: Yadkin Valley
Submitted By: Stuck On the Go
Located in the foothills of North Carolina you’ll find wineries that will rival those of Napa Valley. The Yadkin Valley AVA is the oldest in North Carolina with growing conditions very similar to Napa, California and Tuscany in Italy.
You’ll find unique wineries here like Divine Llama which is a winery and llama farm. You can walk through the farm with a glass of wine in hand. Carolina Heritage Vineyard is NC’s first fully organic vineyard.
Many of the wineries also have beautiful views like Round Peak in Mt. Airy where you’ll see the Blue Ridge Mountains. Roaring River Vineyard sits right above the Roaring River and there is a restaurant on site. At Pilot Mountain Vineyard you’ll have the perfect view of Pilot Mountain.
If you are a wine lover then don’t miss visiting the Yadkin Valley Wineries!
7 – Eastern North Carolina Bucket List
Alligator River National Wildlife refugee
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Website: National Wildlife Refuges
Submitted by: Nancy, Traveling With Purpose
You might be surprised to learn that you can see Black Bears and American Alligators in the same place in North Carolina. If you’re driving to the Outer Banks from the central or southern parts of the state, you’ll probably drive along U.S. Highway 264 or 64. If you do, you’ll drive right through 237 square miles (615 sq. km) of Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge just before you get to the barrier islands.
There are many options for wildlife viewing in the refuge, but some of the easiest are driving on the Murphy Peterson Wildlife Drive in the morning just after dawn or in the evening at dusk. This is when you’ll have the best chance of seeing wildlife like black bears, white-tail deer, wolves, raccoons, owls and so much more. To top it off, there’s no fee to enter the refuge.
Another option is to kayak or canoe on your own or with a guided tour on the Milltail Creek paddling trails. The refuge has 15+ miles (24 km) of easy color-coded paddling trails where you can see turtles, alligators, gorgeous and unique songbirds, shorebirds, wading birds, waterfowl, river otters and more. Don’t worry about the alligators. They won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
Battleship North Carolina
Location: Wilmington, NC
Website: Battleship North Carolina
USS North Carolina is stationed in Wilmington and provides tours of the mess hall, sailor’s quarters, officer’s quarters and the deck! This battleship was the first of 10 to join the American fleet in WWII and was considered to be the world’s greatest sea weapon!
Cape Hatteras
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Website: Cape Hatteras
Visit the country’s first ever coastal preservation area here in NC at Cape Hatteras. It’s a 70-mile stretch of protected coastal island region along the Outer Banks. It’s preserved for its cultural significance and natural resources. There are many things to do here like bird watching and enjoying the beaches! However, the number of activity is going on a self guided lighthouse tour around the cape. There are three notable lighthouses that you won’t want to miss!
- Bodie Island Light Station
- Cape Hatteras Light Station
- Ocracoke Light
North Carolina Aquarium
Location: Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, and Fort Fisher
Website: NC Aquariums
The North Carolina Aquarium is actually located in 4 different coastal cities: Roanoke Island, Pine Knoll Shores, Fort Fisher, and Jeanette’s Pier. It is a great place for sea-lovers, kids, or anyone interested in learning more about the marine life around them! 🙂 Each location offers something different and unique:
- Roanoke Island: largest collection of sharks in NC
- Pine Knoll Shores: varied marine life that are regional to NC
- Fort Fisher: freshwater, swamp, and ocean marine life
- Jeanette’s Pier: its not actually an aquarium; but its a dedicated space to see whales in their natural habitat
Ponies of Corolla
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Website: Corella Wild Horses
Submitted By: Directionally Challenged Traveler
One of the best things to do in North Carolina is to visit the state’s most unique beach dwellers – the wild horses of Corolla. Located at the northern tip of the Outer Banks, these horses have been enjoying the beach for over 500 years!
You can take a guided tour on the beach or do it yourself! SUVs are preferred and there is a place to deflate your tires a bit before heading out on the sand. Guided tours can help you find the favorite hangouts and provide information on the history of the area. The Wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs are wild so be sure to keep a safe distance. It’s actually illegal to feed or get within 50 feet of the wild horses. No matter how you see them, seeing these horses is one of the best things to do in Corolla, North Carolina
Tour Film Locations
Location: Wilmington, NC
Website: One Tree Hill Self Guided Tour
The NC coastal beaches have been used as filming locations for many popular TV shows and movies! When you’re in Wilmington, chances are you’ll stumble upon some sets you recognize from the big screen! My absolute favorite TV Show, One Tree Hill, was filmed here in Wilmington – and you can find most of the houses and famous scenes here in town! Some other notable movies/shows include Nicholas Sparks XXX, XXX and Dawson’s Creek!
Read More: One Tree Hill Filming Destinations
Wowza – who knew North Carolina had so many amazing and unique things to do and see?! How many of these bucket list items are you able to check off the list? Share below in the comments!
Share this post for later: ULTIMATE NORTH CAROLINA BUCKET LIST
Looking for more North Carolina guides? Check out my blog posts below:
ASHEBORO:
Getaway House: Tiny House Cabin in the Woods
BLOWING ROCK/BANNER ELK:
Best Things To Do Around Blowing Rock
Visiting Grandfather Mountain
BRYSON CITY:
15 Things to Do in Bryson City, NC
Treehouse Cabana Soaking Tub Experience
CHARLOTTE:
Charlotte, NC City Guide
Best Wall Murals in Charlotte, NC
Free Things to do in Charlotte, NC
Top 10 Breweries in Charlotte
Best Date Nights in Charlotte
Review: Dinner Date at Holly Day Farms
Road Trips from Charlotte, NC
CHARLOTTE (SEASONS):
Fall Season in Charlotte
Winter Season in Charlotte
LINVILLE:
Things to Do in Linville, NC
MOORSEVILLE:
Swimming in the Quarry at Carrigan Farms
WILMINGTON:
Self Guided One Tree Hill Tour
Great post! So many fun things to do in that state. Wow!
I used to travel to North Carolina for business but really did not get out to enjoy the state. I see we have to return and explore more of what there is to see and do. Breweries, mountains, waterfalls, amusement parks and a llama vineyard too!
I never thought NC has that much to offer! It would be nice to visit these places in the future.
Why haven’t I visited North Carolina yet – since basically everything you are introducing is totally down my alley. As a big art aficionado, I’d enjoy the huge furniture. As a nature lover, I’d enjoy all those beautiful sceneries and waters. I’ve been to South Carolina, however, even there I got to see only Charleston. Time to visit the Carolinas, I guess….
Wow! I literally love this! I knew the Carolinas were pretty, but there’s so much to do in North Carolina! Manmade water rafting, wild horses, and just about everything nature in Western N Carolina – sign me up!
Love all of your recommendations! We have taken our kiddos to the Smokey Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Cape Hatteras, and the Biltmore Estate – they were all amazing! We haven’t been to the White Water Center, but now I want to go!
What a great article covering the top things to do and see, especially the Lavender Oaks Farms and the Gateway House caught my attention. Cannot wait to visit North Caroline. I will use your article as a reference to see the highlights. It looks like so much fun.
The lavender farm and breweries, Outer Banks and Blowing Rock are all right at the top of my list. What a great collection of fun activities and places to visit. I haven’t been to NC yet, but I’ll have to book a trip and do some of these things
Great post! So many things to do in the state. The lavender farm attracted me the most.
What a great and comprehensive list! There’s so many great things to do in NC. I’m headed back down there in September and this is the list I needed! Thanks for the great ideas.
We used to vacation in North Carolia when I was young. I haven’t been there in years, but now I wonder why? I need to make a list of all the great places I want to visit there. Great post!
Wow I had no idea North Carolina was so stunning and mountainious. I just want to go everywhere here and love the look of Crowders Mountain
Oh My god, I wasn’t aware that there are so many amazing things t do in NC. We have been to Outer Banks and loved it. Didn’t know that there are Lavender farms there and that giant furniture. Adding to our list..
What a great list! I used to be obsessed with visiting North Carolina because of One Tree Hill. Ten years later I still haven’t been but it’s definitely on my list. It looks so beautiful and so many great things to do. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Can you believe I’m a WNC local and have still never been to Grandfather Mountain? (Well I guess I went once when I was a little kid, but I’ve never done the Profile Trail, which is like the whole point.) Glad to see the Gorge on your list though, that’s my favorite spot in the region.
what a great post!! my mom lives in AVL, so i’ve been to quite a few places in NC, but that Llama vineyard is 100% on my next trip itinerary 🥂
Wow, this is such a comprehensive NC bucket list! I think you really covered everything to see there 🙂 Great post!
I grew up in NC but it’s amazing how many of these I still need to do!
RIGHT?! Even as I complied the list I was amazed at the diversity of things to do here in NC!
That’s a lovely list ..North Carolina has so much to offer. Hope to visit soon
I have never been to North Carolina, but this is a great bucket list guide! I would love to visit Biltmore Estate, relax at the spa with lake views and exploring all those waterfalls.
Wow, there are so many great things to do in North Carolina! Your photos make it look so much fun, I’d love to visit soon to try some of these.
I had no idea there were so many cool things to do in North Carolina! I can’t wait to visit next year.
So excited for you to visit next year, Nina! There is truly SO MUCH to do here!
How fun! Saving this for our trip to North Carolina soon!
North Carolina looks really fun to explore! Thanks for sharing all of this!
Born and raised in NC, I loved seeing how many things I have experienced! I’m adding the Treehouse Spa at Lakeview Fontana to my next mother-daughter getaway!