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Visit North Carolina

Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend retreat or weeklong vacation, there’s no shortage of things to do in North Carolina.

We’re here to help you discover the perfect getaway in our mountains, cities, beaches and everywhere in between. Dreaming about a getaway to North Carolina or planning your annual vacation back? Check out our free travel guides, get a feel for getting around, subscribe for trip ideas and find local travel information: https://www.visitnc.com/plan-your-visit

19/12/2024

Holiday magic is just a hum away when you immerse yourself alongside the live entertainers at Winterfest at Carowinds 🎤 Your guide to theater shows and sing-a-longs all season long:

🎄 Head to the stage at Celebration Plaza and watch as singers kick off the night with a Tree Lighting Ceremony.

🎶 Catch classic Christmas tunes by The MistleTones in Carousel Park, Sounds of the Nativity at the Crossroads Gazebo, or head back to the Plaza Stage for holiday hits during Cool Yule Christmas.

🧸 Grab a seat in Harmony Hall to watch Charlie, Lucy, Linus and Snoopy in “A Peanuts Guide to Christmas,” or join Santa and the elves at Carowinds Theater for a “Tinker’s Toy Factory” musical.

❄️ Pick a spot along the Wonderland Parade route and watch the performers side by side dazzling lights and decorated floats nightly at 9 p.m.

Discover the wonder and talent of the characters, singers and dancers on select nights through January 4: https://www.carowinds.com/events/winterfest/shows

18/12/2024

The 2025 North Carolina Travel Guide is here! Packed with adventures and hidden gems from all 100 counties (yep, all of them!), this 118-page guide has everything you need to plan your next unforgettable getaway.

✨ What’s inside?

➡️ Insider tips for scenic escapes, cool attractions, and drool-worthy eats

➡️ “Passion Points” with locals sharing their must-visit spots

➡️ Wheelchair-accessible and sensory-friendly destinations

➡️ A foodie’s dream: BBQ, international bites, and award-winning chefs

📖 The best part? It’s FREE! Snag your copy here: VisitNC.com/travel-guides

Start planning now—because in North Carolina, adventure is around every corner. 🌄

16/12/2024

Take this as your sign to escape to the water for some peace and quiet. Sure, the temps have cooled down, but the real fun is just heating up out on our beautiful lakes, rivers and oceans.

🛶 Fontana Village Resort & Marina in Visit Smokies is the perfect escape to wind down for the winter while enjoying a peaceful paddle on mountain waters.

🛶 Not into paddling? Rent a pontoon with Hyco Lake Boat Rentals and relax as you cast a line and cruise around scenic Visit Caswell County, North Carolina.

🛶 Sunsets aren’t just for summer! Head to the coast and rent a paddleboard from Inner Banks Outfitters on The Crystal Coast to take in stunning winter skies.

Drop your favorite way to slow down and reconnect with nature in the comments.

13/12/2024

Shopping for the foodie in your life? We’ve got the goods to get their taste buds buzzing. Here are some hot picks to spice up your gift game:

🌶️ Level up their cooking game with bold and fresh Spicewalla Spices crafted by James Beard-nominated chef Meherwan Irani in Asheville. The Grill & Roast Gift Set? Total flavor MVP.

🔪 Coastal Carolina Cutting Boards by The Dean Company —handcrafted hardwood boards made by veterans in Holly Ridge. Tough enough for the kitchen, classy enough for the table.

🧀 Crunchy, cheesy and downright irresistible. The handcrafted cheese snacks from Piedmont Pennies in Charlotte won't last long before Santa’s trip back to the North Pole.

Dig into these local gems and explore more ideas here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/qqdF/taste-enthusiast-gift-guide

12/12/2024

Ready to sleigh your holiday plans? We've got you! Think drive-through light displays that feel like magic, gardens that sparkle like enchanted forests and holiday villages that look like something straight out of a storybook. There's an event to start a new family tradition right here in NC.

🎅 Experience over a million twinkling lights at Festival of Lights in Visit Winston-Salem! This Winter Wonderland runs from Nov. 15 - Jan. 1, making it a holiday outing the whole fam will love.

🎄The Smoky Mountain Christmas Light Spectacular in
Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina will brighten up your holiday season from Nov. 7 - Jan. 5. Catch giant LED displays, drive-through arches and holiday scenes that are totally lit — literally!

🌟 WinterLights at the Elizabethan Gardensin Visit The Outer Banks is back Dec. 4 - 28. Stroll through enchanting gardens decked out in holiday lights, festive decor and beautifully decorated trees in the Gatehouse and Reception Hall.

Y'all know there is nothing like the glow of festive lights to brighten your winter nights in North Carolina. Where are you planning to see holiday lights this season?

10/12/2024

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, y’all! Here’s your guide to making December in North Carolina merry and bright! ✨

🎄Enjoy small-town charm with Home for Holidays in Visit Hendersonville, NC, where Main Street sparkles with Christmas decorations, wagon rides, holiday concerts and visits with Santa.

🎄 The Festival of Lights at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, North Carolina tradition lights up Chetola Lake with nearly 30,000 holiday lights. Drive through to see sparkling ice skaters, a nativity scene, Rudolph catching a big fish and more.

🎄 All aboard the Polar Express! Experience the magic at N.C. Transportation Museum in Visit Rowan County, NC with hot cocoa, carols and a visit from Santa on your journey to the North Pole.

Grab your loved ones and explore more festivities here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/kwxJ/your-guide-to-december-holiday-events-in-north-carolina

09/12/2024

From heartwarming plays that spread holiday cheer to ballets that whisk you away to a winter wonderland, North Carolina has a holiday performance for everyone to enjoy!

🎭 Flat Rock Playhouse in Visit Hendersonville, NC is serving up a Christmas show that’ll make even the Grinch crack a smile.

⏰: November 29-December 21, 2024

🎭 Spark up the spirit with the North Carolina Symphony Holiday Brass! Enjoy a magical performance by candlelight in visitRaleigh—perfect for a cozy night filled with festive tunes.

⏰: December 20-22, 2024

🎭 Don’t miss the Nutcracker at UNCW Kenan Auditorium in Visit Wilmington, NC and Beaches for an enchanting night to complete your holiday season.

⏰: December 23, 2024

We're curious: What is your favorite holiday performance in NC? Drop when and where in the comments.

06/12/2024

Looking for a gift that goes beyond the ordinary? For the thrill-seekers, daredevils and creative spirits in your life, we are bursting with one-of-a-kind experiences that guarantee unforgettable memories.

🔥 Take a class at Starworks in Star NC and combine fire, artistry and skill to create something extraordinary—perfect for those who seek creativity in action.

⛰️ Experience the rush of rappelling down waterfalls or riding the rapids with Green River Adventures in Saluda, the go-to spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to push their limits.

🪁 Explore Visit The Outer Banks with Kitty Hawk Kites, where parasailing, hang gliding, and other high-flying adventures await on the iconic dunes.

Find more gifts for the adventurer in your life: https://www.visitnc.com/story/sphN/adventure-seeker-gift-guide

05/12/2024

Step into a world where thrills, dazzling lights and immersive entertainment all come together to create lasting family memories. Celebrate the season at Winterfest at Carowinds :

⛸️ Fill the night with merry activities like ice skating on Snow Flake Lake, shopping at Artisan Alley and staying cozy inside Jack Frost’s Igloo Village.

☕ Feast on festive menu items like Cinnamon Sugar Pull-Apart Bread from Tinker’s Treat Shop, Salted Caramel Truffle Hot Chocolate at Sugar Plum’s Hot Coca or “The Gobbler” sandwich from Juke Box Diner.

🎠 Take a ride on fan-favorite attractions like Fury 325 or The Grand Carousel.

Get your park guide and grab tickets for select nights through January 4: https://www.carowinds.com/events/winterfest

30/11/2024

Got someone on your holiday shopping list who loves quiet moments, nature and self-care? We’ve got just the list of local NC businesses to help you right here. 👇

🎁 Reconnect with nature in Visit The Outer Banks with Hatteras Island Horseback Riding. With experiences for all levels, this romantic accessible adventure is for the free spirit in your life.

🎁 Send the yogi in your life to Explore Boone and enjoy the Art of Living Retreat Center. Their immersive programs in meditation and Ayurveda will help them rejuvenate in the new year.

🎁 Jules & Vetiver in Charlotte's got a lot is known for award-winning hand-formulated fragrances deigned to bring a layer of luxury to everyday life. The perfect gift for the romantic in your life.

Find more gifts from some of our favorite NC small businesses for everyone on your list here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/jLK9/romantic-wanderer-gift-guide

26/11/2024

Sometimes, a memorable trip is all about the simple pleasures – something Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce is no stranger to. Here’s how we’d spend our next mountain getaway:

⛰️ Glide through the Smokies with a Canopy Treetop Zipline Tour at Highlands Aerial Park. Not a fan of 250 ft. views? Hop on the Adventure Ropes Course or Giant Mountain Swing and feel like a kid again.

🪨 Dig and sift for hidden treasures at family-owned Cowee Gift Shop & Mason Mountain Mine, featuring a 100% native dirt pile! Stop by the gift shop where the staff can help identify what you find.

🍻 Take a stroll down Main Street, stopping in Lazy Hiker Brewing Co. (formerly town hall) for a handcrafted beer or two. Try the lighter Hiker’s Hefeweizen or the malty “Wesser Evil” porter.

🥩 Linger longer inside J.R. Chophouse, an elegant dining concept from Chef James Reaux. Indulge in the Signature Slow Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus, but save room for a Southern Mud Pie dessert paired with a Franklin Paloma.

What else can you discover in 2024? See what else is in store: https://franklin-chamber.com/

18/11/2024

Santa’s backyard for tree production is right here in North Carolina. Pack the bags, head to one of our choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms and hunt down the perfect evergreen.

🎄 Frosty's Choose & Cut in Ashe County Chamber of Commerce is family-owned and pet friendly. Take a hayride or trolley ride to search for your perfect tree!

🎄 Head to Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree Farm in Town of Waynesville, North Carolina. Opening Day is November 21, and you can catch Santa starting November 23!

🎄 One of the largest choose-and-cut tree farms in the state is Elk River Evergreens! With more than 30,000 Fraser fir trees available, you'll be sure to walk away with the tree of your dreams in Avery County Chamber of Commerce.

There are plenty more magical farms just waiting to be explored: https://www.visitnc.com/story/9xnv/choose-cut-and-stay-in-the-christmas-tree-capital

15/11/2024

Here in North Carolina, we’re fortunate to be home to the largest American Indian population east of the Mississippi and the eighth largest in the U.S.

Visit Cherokee, offers incredible ways to connect with Indigenous heritage. Start at The Museum of the Cherokee People, where the history, resilience and spirit of the Cherokee people come to life through moving exhibits and interactive storytelling.

At Qualla Arts & Crafts Mutual experience the beauty and skill of Cherokee artisans. Every basket, piece of pottery and beaded creation holds a story that has been passed down for generations.

Watch Cherokee artists demonstrate their crafts in Oconaluftee Indian Village and learn how their ancestors built lives in harmony with the land. If you’re lucky enough to catch "Unto These Hills," you will watch an unforgettable drama under the stars that share powerful moments in Cherokee history.

We encourage you to immerse yourself in exploring more ways to celebrate Native American history right here in NC: https://www.visitnc.com/story/s59Z/places-to-explore-native-american-history-in-north-carolina

📷📍: Oconaluftee Indian Village

14/11/2024

Looking for the best holiday light displays in North Carolina? We've got the top spots to brighten up your holiday season! From charming small-town luminaries to dazzling drive-thru lights, here’s where you can soak up the festive spirit:

✨ Step into a real-life holiday postcard with Dillsboro Lights and Luminaries. Stroll through the quaint town lined with thousands of candles and twinkling lights in North Carolina Mountain Towns of Cashiers, Cherokee, Dillsboro, and Sylva.

✨ Make a new holiday tradition at Tanglewood Festival of Lights. Drive through miles of magical light displays and experience the joy of the season in Visit Winston-Salem.

✨ Don’t miss the chance to watch beautifully decorated boats light up the water at the North Carolina Holiday Flotilla in Visit Wrightsville Beach, NC. A perfect way to kick off the holiday season with festive cheer and sparkling views.

Discover even more ways to light up your holiday plans: https://www.visitnc.com/story/bwoD/holiday-light-shows-glow-with-seasonal-cheer

12/11/2024

Hear that? The trickle of the creek, the whisper of the mountain air and the crackle of the fireplace inside one of your StayNantahala Cabin & Yurt Rentals in the heart of Nantahala National Forest. 🍁

Each oasis is guaranteed a scenic view – either of Nantahala Lake or the Great Smoky Mountains. Plus, if glamping is on your go-to list of NC experiences, why not stay in a luxury yurt?

Take the crew to Topton with Nantahala Visitors Guide: https://www.staynantahala.com/

11/11/2024

Today, we pause to honor the courage, dedication and sacrifices of our veterans here in North Carolina and beyond. From the mountains to the coast, we are grateful for the men and women who have served our country with strength and resilience.

Let’s take a moment to thank those who’ve protected our freedoms and remember the impact of their service. North Carolina’s military roots run deep, and today we proudly celebrate every veteran who has answered the call. To our veterans—thank you. Your service will never be forgotten. 🇺🇸

08/11/2024

From outdoor rinks surrounded by twinkling lights to cozy indoor arenas, there are plenty of spots to glide into the season. Here's where to find the best ice skating around the state:

🧊 Located in the heart of Charlotte's got a lot, enjoy outdoor skating in the Uptown city lights at NASCAR Hall of Fame! The perfect blend of holiday cheer and city vibes.

🧊 Head over to Visit Greenville, NC, for an indoor skating experience at Carolina Ice Zone! It’s a great place for all skill levels, with a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

🧊 In the scenic mountains near Blowing Rock, North Carolina, skate under the beautiful winter sky at App Ski Mtn.! Pair your ice time with skiing for the ultimate mountain adventure.

Tag who you’re skating with this season. ⛸️

07/11/2024

Did you know the Airborne & Special Operations Museum Foundation is the only U..S. Army museum not on a base?🎖️

Explore the artifact exhibits, life-size dioramas and audio and visual displays depicting the history of the parachute and glider borne troops from 1940 to present during your next visit to Distinctly Fayetteville NC.

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