North Carolina Guide from Cheap Hotels Worldwide

COASTAL

Atlantic Beach lies on North Carolina's crystal coast and has a summer population ten times that of its permanent residents. Hit up “the Circle,” where you can shop, eat at local restaurants and park for a day at the beach. This is an artist's town, and there are great traditional crafts, boutiques and art exhibitions to enjoy year round. Kids will love the The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores where they will learn about the sea and marsh's wild, finned creatures. Take the time to go snorkeling, canoeing, fishing and explore nearby islands with Outer Banks Sail and Kayak.

Nearby  Beaufort is one of the oldest ports in the state, once frequented by Blackbeard the pirate. Learn more about this historic area's spooky past with the Port City Tour Company where you will hear the legend of Blackbeard, visit old cemeteries and historical homes. There are plenty of ferries that will take you on adventurous explorations of the area's costal banks. In April and May the Beaufort Music Festival will charm the whole family.

Wilmington is also located close to the Atlantic shore and is home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial, Airlie Gardens and a historic district. This large city, with over 75,000 residents, has plenty for every vacationer to do. History lovers will get a kick out of the antebellum treasures such as the Bellamy Mansion Museum and Gardens and the Burgwin-Wright House. The Cape Fear Museum has self-guided tours and impressive exhibits detailing early life in the area. The area's real attraction is the beach though, so make sure to bring your swimsuit!

Havelock is proud to be the home of Marine Corps Air Station, the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing and the Fleet Readiness Center, also boasting many residents that are members of the U.S. armed forces. Located in Eastern North Carolina, midway between historic New Bern and the beautiful beaches of the Crystal Coast, Havelock's beautiful coasts are ready for you to enjoy.

About an hour down the coast from Havelock is Jacksonville. This town of about 75,000 residents is home to the Marine Corps Base Camp and Marine Corps Air Station. The Lynwood Park Zoo will entertain the kids for hours, while adults will enjoy the historic Pellitier House, built in 1731. The Sea Gull Recreation Center will entertain the whole family with mini-golf, batting cages and bumper cars.

New Bern is the birthplace of the popular soda beverage Pepsi. Visit Tryon Palace Historic Sites and Gardens, for a taste of colonial life, or enjoy a walking or trolley tour of three centuries of history and architectural beauty around the historic district. The seaside location makes New Bern an ideal spot for tourists and yachtsmen to enjoy.

North Myrtle Beach is a perfect vacation playground for the whole family. It's a great spot to swim, surf and just play in the sand. You can go deep sea or sport fishing, rent jet ski, go parasailing and banana boat rides or try your luck at the SunCruz Casino. The whole family will enjoy mini-golf venues, the arcade at Ocean Drive Pavilion and a visit to Alligator Adventure. Live theatre includes shows at the Alabama Theatre, the House of Blues and Tribute, right on Main Street. You can go horseback riding in the Cherry Grove section at Inlet Point Plantation Stables. Motorcycle enthusiasts will enjoy Bike Week each May and October in addition to the Atlantic Beach Bikefest over Memorial Day Weekend.

Kill Devil Hills is part of the Outer Banks, a beautiful island chain in the Atlantic Ocean. This is the place where the Wright Brothers actually first took off in flight. The area's Wright Brothers National Memorial contains a completely restored replica of the innovative Wright Flyer. The Memorial Pylon dedicated to the Wright Brothers is located at a nearby sand dune. Nag Head Woods is a spectacular natural preserve where the family can explore the natural beauty of the area, the deciduous forest, swamp and animals.

Further up the coast and about 125 miles east of Raleigh is Washington, located on the Pamlico River. There is plenty of history to discover at the timeless shops on Main Street, the boardwalk and historic waterfront district. There are art galleries and cultural events year-round. You can charter your own sailing vessel and ride the waves. Visit the North Carolina Estuarium, the Goose Creek State Park or the Aurora Fossil Museum, for a taste of history, science and nature.

GREENVILLE AREA

About a half an hour inland from Washington is  Greenville, located between Raleigh  and the Atlantic coast. It is the economic, cultural and educational center of this area. Greenville is known as BMX Pro Town USA and was also named Sportstown by Sports Illustrated and the National Parks & Recreation Association. Visitors will enjoy the Greenville Museum of Art and the town's rich historic district. Kids will get a kick out of the Greenville Fun Park and Shiloh Farm, a former plantation offering hayrides and animal viewing.

About an hour southwest of Greenville is  Goldsboro, where there's plenty of golf and trails for hiking. Cliffs of the Neuse State Park is nearby where you can enjoy swimming, fishing or picnicking. The Waynesborough Historical Village gives visitors a peek into what life was like in the 19th century. The town's municipal golf course, which has been around for almost 70 years was renovated a decade ago and is a great place to tee off. The Oheb Shalom Synagogue is one of the oldest in the country and the second oldest synagogue in the state. A great place of Jewish history to explore.

The town of  Wilson is an hour north of Goldsboro and is home to the North Carolina Baseball Museum with memorabilia from North Carolina ball players. The Freeman Round House Museum has artifacts depicting African-American culture and contribution to the town's history. Take in the flora of North Carolina at the Wilson Botanical Garden. There's theater, sports and outdoor activities all in this busy town.

FAYETTEVILLE AREA

Fayetteville is a fairly large city with over 200,000 residents, located off of I-95. It is the sixth-largest city in the state and boasts numerous historic sites, seven museums, three colleges and universities, multiple entertainment venues, a historic downtown and award-winning golf courses. Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base are nearby, so the town is military-centric and you can learn more about the armed forces at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum.

Just north is Benson, a thriving community with a bustling downtown area. You can walk around to various shops and restaurants and just relax. The beach is located only an hour and a half away so you can spend the afternoon at the shore. There are local golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools where the whole family can spend their hours. Each September, the town holds Mule Days, a festival that began in 1950 that honors the nurturer of the surrounding agricultural community, the mule and is also a lot of fun!

Just south of Benson is  Dunn which sits on the bank of the Cape Fear River. The city is home to two Bible colleges and at least 30 churches. In downtown Dunn you can check out year round theater productions at the Harnett Regional Theatre and Stewart Theatre or head to nearby Campbell University for some musical entertainment.

Clinton is located just outside of Fayetteville and offers a more rural vacation setting. This all-American town has historic inns and bed and breakfasts where you can rest your head. The picturesque community has tree-lined streets where you can stroll along, shop and dine. The area also has award-winning wineries in the area where you can try some local brew.

South of Clinton is Elizabethtown located by the Singletary Lake State Park in the midst of the beautiful Bladen Lakes State Forest. This is a great place to pitch a tent or explore the greenery. Jones Lake State Park offers 2,298 acres of opportunities for hiking, swimming, camping and fishing. There are sandy beaches where you can tan and unwind. History buffs will enjoy Tory Hole Park, the site of a Revolutionary War battle.

Laurinburg is located near the South Carolina border in Scotland County. The town is driving distance from the beach and not far from Charlotte. The area is blessed with serene beauty and numerous pine trees. The John Blue Cotton Festival is held in October at the delicate, steamboat gothic John Blue house. You can check out a mule-powered cotton gin, crafts, local delicacies and all types of entertainment.

Off of I-95, Lumberton has plenty of museums and entertainment. The Border Belt Farmer's Museum highlights the tobacco plant and there are two museums dedicated to Native Americans. There is a restored historic train depot where you can learn about the history of trains. The Lumber River offers plenty to do in terms of canoeing, swimming and outdoor adventure.   Further east is  Warsaw, located along I-40 and is a small town, settled in 1825. Warsaw has plenty of holiday festivities that the whole family will enjoy, including a tree lighting celebration at Christmas. The autumn brings a gospel fest for music lovers and the Duplin Winery hosts a grape stomp in September.

RALEIGH AREA

The capital of North Carolina, located in the middle of the state is  Raleigh. Whether it's history, art or children's museums, you will find an extensive array of museums and activities to choose from. Learn about Raleigh's history at the Haywood Hall and Gardens or events that shaped the state's political history at the Joel Lane Museum House. Visit the governor's home at the North Carolina Executive Mansion, the historic St. Augustine's College Chapel or the plantation at Spring Hill. Take in some fishing at the Harris Lake County Park or stroll through the rare vegetation at the Hemlock Bluff's Nature Preserve. Laurel Hills park features an underground tunnel for the children and the Martin Luther King Memorial Park features more than 8,000 blooming flowers. Golf courses abound in this city, with more than 20 to choose from. Here you can enjoy all the food and shopping options your heart could desire.

A suburb of the capital is Cary. The Cary Heritage Museum will offer you a taste of the city's past. Enjoy a host of festivals, such as the renowned Laze Days Arts and Crafts Festival and the Festival Ritmo Latino. Shopping in Cary is an enjoyable experience, and you can take a trip to the Crossroads Plaza for a range of shops or check out the local Shopping at Cary Towne Center. For dinner there are some yummy spots to grab a bite of delicious Carolina barbeque.

Morrisville is a smaller suburb of Raleigh and a comfortable community. There are tennis courts for the beginner or avid player to enjoy or a few local golf courses where you can have a relaxing day on the green. For a change of scene, head over to the Orchid Trail, where you can see a large variety of orchid hybrids and 21,000 square feet of greenhouse space filled with these unique beauties!

Garner is located about 8 miles from the capital. In this small-town atmosphere you're very close to the downtown area where you can see an exhibit at the North Carolina Art Museum, or view one of the local Atlantic Coast Conference football games. The North Carolina Symphony is nearby, as are some of the state's most impressive universities.

Also in the Raleigh metro area is Clayton, a town of only about 6,000 residents. You can visit the Ava Gardener Museum and learn about this glamorous Hollywood legend. The downtown area has preserved its quaint charm, boasting specialty and coffee shops, and classic businesses like Beddingfield's Drugs, opened first in 1919. Clemmons State Educational Forest offers well marked trails and camping for the outdoorsy types.

Chapel Hill is home to the oldest state funded university in the country, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. This college town has a vibrant music scene having hosted some of the biggest names in the industry. This is also a thriving hotspot for foodies, so get your palette ready. For well-kept greenery, there's the Coker Arboretum, Niche Gardens, and the North Carolina Botanical Garden. A walking tour will introduce you to some neat historic sites like Forest Theater, Morehead-Patterson Memorial Bell Tower, the Old Playmakers Theater, The Old Well and Horace Williams House. This is a perfect example of a town that has it all.

Take a stroll around the homey town of  Durham. There are a bunch of public and private golf centers and golf courses in the area provide that provide perfect setting for any enthusiast. Whether you enjoy fine arts, history and culture, sports or rest and relaxation, there's something for you in this busy town. The beautiful recreational areas enable you to enjoy all sorts of activities, from sightseeing and nature walks to a gentle stroll and a picnic with your family. You can take in the natural beauty of the area without having to compromise on the fun and enjoyment that can really make a difference in a vacation.

Head north on I-85 and you'll find the rural town of  Henderson. This is a place with a rich history, where some remnants of this city's history still remain. There are plenty of places to munch and even some barbeque to savor. The Franklin Brothers Nursery is a garden center and nursery where you can choose from a wide variety of plants, trees, flowers and even seasonal veggies to eat.

Chill out in nearby Oxford, a town which has maintained the lovely shaded, wide streets of its past. The central business and residential areas are on the National Register of Historic Places. The pretty town is near a variety of outdoor activities, but you can just stay in-town and enjoy all the southern hospitality the locals have to offer.

About an hour east of the capital is Rocky Mount ocky Mount. Visit the Rocky Mount Arts Center with monthly exhibits and performing arts programs that will appeal to all ages. The hands on exhibits at the Children's Museum will provide many entertaining hours for the whole family. Take the Tar River Trail and enjoy a camp-out with 10 canoe and kayak access locations. The Country Doctor Museum is dedicated to old-time family doctors and features an old-fashioned doctor's office complete with antiquated instruments.

Sanford, located just south of Raleigh, is a small town where you can just relax. The Railroad House is a museum which holds an old steam locomotive in the outside area. You can check out local theater and even an orchestra while in town. There's fun to be had in nature around Sanford, so you can get some fresh air.   The state's railroading heritage is evident when you visit  Selma, a city proud of its past. It is the home of the American Music Jubilee, providing some of the best entertainment of the region. If you visit here during the Christmas season, you can take the Polar Express to Raleigh along with Santa Claus. Shopping is the premier activity in Selma. In the area is JR Tobacco, one of the largest tobacco and perfume outlets on the east coast.

HICKORY AREA

West of Raleigh is the town of  Hickory, located on the Catawba River, just an hour south of the Blue Ridge Parkway. There's tons to do with the whole family, including Buffalo Beal's Animal Park, Hickory Dickory Dock and the Hickory Motor Speedway. There are also vineyards where you can sample locally made wines and plenty of golfing options.

Claremont is a lovely, quaint town. Check out the Bunker Hill Covered bridge, which has been designated as a national civil engineering landmark. There's the relaxing Murray's Mill Historic District which is located in the rolling countryside, nestled along the banks of Balls Creek. There's a general country store and even an art gallery on the farm. The Western Piedmont Symphony lends the option of culture to every evening and the Catawba Science Center has a planetarium and fun exhibits where you can learn about wildlife in the swamp.

Located between Winston-Salem and Hickory is Jonesville, in the county of Yadkin. There are over a dozen wineries located within 15 miles of this small town. Take a trip to Yadkin County's Pilot Mountain State Park where you will see majestic Pilot Mountain rising 1,400 feet above the rolling countryside. The park has canoeing and plenty of other outdoor activities the whole family will enjoy.

Boone is located high in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and has abundant local beauty you can't help but enjoy. Visit the Blowing Rock, the state's oldest travel attraction. It features an immense cliff that overhangs over the Johns River Gorge. Take a horse ride on the Dutch Creek Trails or mine for gems in the Foggy Mountain Gem Mine. There's trout fishing and hiking galore. You'll enjoy every minute in the fresh Boone air.

A half hour east of Hickory on I-40 is the charming town of Statesville. It's here you'll find two exciting festivals, the CrossRoads PumpkinFest and the Carolina BalloonFest, both which offer great food, crafts, entertainment and arts. You can stroll around the historic downtown and grab a bite to eat and check out local culture. If golfing, NASCAR or outlet shopping are more your idea of a good time, this town will be a treat for you.

A half hour west on I-40 from Hickory will bring you to  Morganton, which has plenty of greenways to enjoy. You can spend hours wandering the foothills of the lush Blue Ridge Mountains and enjoy a nice canoe ride. Downtown Morganton has an annual historic festival with tons of fun for the entire family and there's a seasonal farmers market with fresh, local goodies.

GREENSBORO AREA

Greensboro is the third largest city in the state and has all amenities a vacationer might need. This includes high end shopping, theater, the ballet and opera. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the city's many gardens including the Bog Garden - an elevated boardwalk, the arboretum and the Bicentennial Garden. There's a children's museum and a Wet ‘n Wild water theme park. You can check out international musical acts and sports galore in the Greensboro Coliseum Complex.

A half hour south is Asheboro, a great town to eat some home cooking or delicious Carolina barbeque. The area has wonderful hiking in Uwharrie National Forrest. The North Carolina Zoo is located in-town and you can learn about the history of flight at the North Carolina Aviation Museum.

Winston Salem is home to two major universities and is known as the City of the Arts. There is an abundance of cultural activities available for visitors, especially located on Reynolda Mile. A few things on the mile are the Reynolda House, Museum of American Art, the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art and Diggs Gallery, which features artifacts from the rich local African American history. There are many vineyards in the area where you can sample the local wines. The city has plenty of nightclubs where you can dance the night away. Golf lovers will be happy to know that Winston-Salem is home to some of the finest golf courses in the country.

Just east of Greensboro is  Burlington. Ace Speedway has extreme sports and NASCAR excitement for the whole family. The area has tons of museums and small village fun, including the Glencoe Mill Village, the Graham Historical Museum and the Haw River Historical Museum. There's outlet malls and golf courses too.

High Point is a great place for the oddity enthusiast, as it is home of the world's largest chest of drawers. Kids will go nuts at the All-a-Flutter butterfly farm, the spooky Doll & Miniature Museum of High Point, and they'll love learning about animals at the Piedmont Environmental Center. History buffs will love High Point Museum & Historical Park and Historic Castle Mcculloch Gold Mill and some other quirky museums like the Museum Of Old Domestic Life.

The small town of  Lexington is packed with entertainment. The Childress Vineyards has a lot to offer beside top of the line wine. The huge facility was built in the style of the Italian Renaissance and you can get an up close peek at how wine is made. The Lexington Golf Club is definitely worth the drive as is the Childress Racing Museum where you can see NASCAR memorabilia. Uptown Lexington has 190 stores and businesses to choose from and is a National Register Historic District. You'll want to be in town in October for the mouth watering annual Barbeque Festival.

Thomasville is known as Chair City for its landmark - a 30 foot monument to a large chair. The city is home to the oldest railroad depot in the state. Grab a delicious southern treat at the Thomasville Diner, an old dining car from Southern Railway. Check out some live music at the city's bandstand in the warmer months. If you'd like to pay homage to those who fought for the U.S., the town houses the state's Vietnam Memorial.

CHARLOTTE AREA

Salisbury is an old fashioned southern town about 45 minutes north of Charlotte. Take the Salisbury heritage walking tour and check out the myriad of historic spots around town. A Civil War walking tour will also delight any war buffs. There's golf courses and lots of live music opportunities that everyone will enjoy.

Charlotte is a major metropolitan area, offering all that a big city has for the vacationer. There are big name concert events, sports games, nightlife, dining and shopping. The Billy Graham Library will impress even the biggest non-believers. Thrill speakers will love the rides at Carowinds park and the kids will love what they learn, hear and see at the Carolina Raptor Center. If you like fast cars, get some Nascar action at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Concord is a pretty big city with lots to do. Try your luck at nearby Reed Gold Mine State Historic Site, the site where gold was first discovered in the US. If you like antique cars, the Backing Up Classics Auto Museum has NASCAR collectables and many, beautiful antique cars. The Cabarrus Arts Council provides the town with fine arts and culture for the whole family.

Cornelius is nestled on the banks of Lake Norman. There's a ton of shoreline to kick back and relax on. The area has great golfing, fishing and shopping possibilities. You can even see the city from above on a hot balloon ride or learn about the proud history of the town at the Cornelius Heritage Hall.

Gastonia is a beautiful, southern town where you can taste some local culture. There's plenty of seasonal events, including wildflower walks and cotton ginning days. The U.S. National Whitewater Center is a world class recreation and training facility set among the wooded shores of the Catawba River where you can enjoy trails, kayaking and even shopping.

Huntersville is just outside of Charlotte and has both urban and rural perks. Located on the shores of Lake Norman, it has 520 miles of shoreline and much wildlife. You can sail or shop at the Birkdale Village, a huge shopping, dining and living mini-town. The Historic Latta Plantation has livestock and the original plantation for the family to enjoy.

Another suburb of Charlotte is  Matthews. You can check out Amber Crest, the first microwinery in the state. Here you can make your own wine, and customize it to your liking. Rest your head at one of the area's elegant bed and breakfasts. You're near enough to enjoy all the activities of Charlotte, in a more laid back environment.

Another suburban retreat is  Monroe, the seat of Union County. You can explore the tree-lined historic Main Street and main square. There's something for everyone here. You can get a massage and pedicure on the same street as the historic Victorian Courthouse. There's plenty of places to fish for bass or pick your own veggies. If you want to go horseback riding, there's tons of trails in the area.

Mooresville is another North Carolina place to enjoy golfing. Tee off at Mallard Head Golf Course and Mooresville Municipal Golf Course. It's a great place for the whole family. There's Carrigan Farms where you can pick seasonal fruits and vegetables, take a hayride and picnic. Queen's Landing offers miniature golf, bumper boats and dinner cruises on a Mississippi paddleboat replica or a yacht. You can check out 700 animals from six continents on a safari drive through the Lazy Five Ranch.

Shelby is a quaint town with easy access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and plenty of outdoor activities. The Cleveland County Fair takes place each fall and has tons of rides and treats. A tee off at one of the town's five golf courses on a beautiful Carolina afternoon would please any golfer.

ASHEVILLE AREA

In the heart of Blue Ridge Country lies the lovely hippy town of  Asheville. Chimney Rock Park is a privately owned park offering an ideal mountain vacation. There's also Grandfather Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains which has 12 miles of hiking trails, over 100 picnic tables, a nature museum and naturalist programs. Minor league baseball games are fun for the sports lovers at Asheville Tourist's Baseball Club. The world famous Biltmore Estate is America's largest home and has a winery, impressive gardens, shopping and outdoor activities. Asheville's Urban Trail gives you the opportunity to walk through the city and relive some of its historic past. From general stores to specialty stores, you will find this to be a unique shopping experience.

Just northeast of Asheville is  Burnsville, another mountain haven. There's tons of outdoor adventure to be had here, crafts to purchase and even a literacy festival. The Parkway Playhouse is the oldest continually operating summer playhouse in the state. Rest in the same bed that Elvis Presley or O. Henry slept in at the Nu Wray Inn.

Nearby is Marion where you can pan for gold, pick apples in the fall and even bike the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enjoy new trails, wildlife and pristine nature at the Pisgah National Forrest. You can explore the inside of the mountains at Linville Caverns, surrounded by stalactites.

Hot Springs is located at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains has been a popular tourist destination for 200 years. The city has long been known for its healing mineral springs and beautiful vistas. For local eats, check out the Smoky Mountain Diner, Martha's at Magnolia Mountain Inn or the Iron Horse Station. For outdoor fun, there's rafting, hunting, horseback riding, even llama trekking with Hiking in the Smokies! You can enjoy something new or enjoy traditional adventures here in Hot Springs.

West of Asheville is Canton where you can enjoy several very fine golf courses. Visit Cold Mountain for a nice hike or check out bike trails. The trails in winter at Cataloochee Ski Slopes are a great place to learn to ski or enjoy a cool day on the powder.

Columbus is a tiny town southeast of Asheville. You will find plenty of historical places of interest in this county, with attractions such as the Green River Plantation, the Polk County Historical Museum, Sears House and much more. Enjoy the nearby Tryon Fine Arts Center for some local country culture. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer so many outdoor activities, it'll be hard for you to decide what to do.

Hendersonville has a lovely historic downtown area where you can experience traditional southern charm. Dupont State Park offers waterfalls and 80 miles of beautiful roads and trails. The Henderson County Heritage Museum brings alive the lives of the Cherokee and pioneers. Another cool place to visit is the Western North Carolina Air Museum featuring restored antique planes.

Hang out on the beach in the shadow of the Blue Ridge mountains in the tiny town of  Lake Lure. Rent a boat or a lake house, or take a dinner or lunch cruise. This is a great location for fishing or golfing. Canoeing and water sports are more than available. The Old Cider Inn has all the local gifts you'd need, including cider, honey and syrups. There's tons of quaint stores and great eating options in this town.

Located about an hour southwest of Asheville is Franklin , a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. An American institution, the Appalachian Trail passes just a few miles west of the city. This popular city has gem mines, access to waterfalls, amazing hiking, biking and shopping opportunities. There are local festivals galore, including a pumpkin, arts and crafts and leaf lookers celebration.

All the way west of Asheville is Maggie Valley where the mountains are the main attraction. There's skiing in the winter and tons of green scenery to take in during the other seasons. The town is a great place to begin your whitewater rafting trip, which will leave you glowing and exhausted from adventure. Try your luck at Harrah's Cherokee Casino. There's local barbeque to taste and ice cream for the whole family.

Whether you are looking for international cuisine or local dishes, you will also find a great choice on the menu when in North Carolina. A great choice of accommodations, from lodges and cottages to hotels and bed & breakfasts will ensure that you get to enjoy a comfortable stay that fits in with your needs and your budgets. Charming, quaint, beautiful, and refreshing, North Carolina will ensure that you have a vacation that the whole family will love.

North Carolina Towns & Cities