Visit North Carolina

26/08/2024

Petition for slow strolls to be blocked off on your calendar! 🖋️🚶‍♀️ Make your way through the pedestrian-friendly Downtown Davidson and take time to soak in your surroundings:

☕ Grab a coffee (roasted in-house) from Summit Coffee's original location. We’re loving their chocolate mousse cold foam for an extra pick-me-up.

🗿 Take a self-guided audio tour and view the art pieces in the Davidson College Art Galleries campus sculpture program, featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Auguste Rodin, Jaume Plensa and others.

📖 Peek at the antique shelves full of new reads, games and puzzles at Main Street Books -- Davidson, NC, a downtown staple for almost 40 years.

👜 Shop the collection of handmade items from NC locals, from home decor to accessories to paintings, at The Village Store in Downtown Davidson.

Embrace exploring small town streets the next time you Visit Lake Norman: https://www.visitlakenorman.org/

23/08/2024

Y’all getting excited for apple picking and hayrides this fall? Us, too. Here are some spots that we’re eyeing for our autumn adventures:

🌽 Darnell Farms in Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina, is a 100-acre farm offering farmers markets, pumpkin picking, corn mazes, wagon rides and lots of live music.

🌽 Mike's Farmis a year-round agritourism destination in Onslow County Tourism with a barnyard full of friendly animals, a delicious bakery, hayrides and pumpkin patches.

🌽 Kersey Valley Maize Adventure is a 10.5-acre corn maze nestled in the Heart of North Carolina Visitors Bureau. Visitors can pick pumpkins, ride trains, mine for gems and more.

It’s never too early to start planning your fall adventures: https://www.visitnc.com/story/Vg4G/fun-at-the-farm-apples-pumpkins-corn-mazes-and-hayrides

📍: Kersey Valley Maize Adventure

21/08/2024

It’s not too late to make plans for Labor Day weekend! We’ve got 3 celebrations to add to your calendar right here. 👇

🍎 The North Carolina Apple Festival in Visit Hendersonville, NC is a long-standing NC tradition that includes street merchants, a kiddie carnival and a parade.

🌿 The Ayden Collard Festival is a Visit Greenville, NC tradition since 1975— with parades, live music and a collard-greens-eating competition you won’t want to miss!

🎷 The John Coltrane International Jazz & Blues Festival brings jazz and blues to Visit High Point with Incognito and Jesús Molina Music and so many more incredible artists.

Those aren’t the only ideas we have for you for the weekend! Find more last-minute Labor Day weekend getaways here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/vs43/labor-day-weekend-and-beyond-in-north-carolina

📸📍: The North Carolina Apple Festival, Visit Hendersonville, NC

19/08/2024

One way to spend a day in either the Town of Cornelius or Huntersville in Visit Lake Norman? Just add water:

⛵ Dine on creations from James Beard semifinalists Joe Kindred and Craig Deihl at Hello, Sailor. Trust us when we say the hushpuppies with kosher honey butter, blue crab claws and spicy chicken sandwich are a treat for your taste buds (but be sure to save room for some citrus soft serve).

🚤 Have Party Pontoon pick you up wherever you are on Lake Norman and spend the afternoon soaking in the views from a 10-passenger boat. Floats, coolers and bluetooth stereo are included (let us know which summertime tunes you’re picking in the comments👇)!

🐟 Throw a rod at Ramsey Creek Park’s ADA-compliant fishing pier (with a license, of course) or take a dip from its public access swim area, open through Labor Day weekend.

🌳 Launch a kayak or take a hike within the 1,480 acres of Latta Nature Preserve. But first, stop by Quest near the entrance to learn more about the forest, water and environment through interactive exhibits made possible by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation before heading out on the trails.

Make a new core memory: https://www.visitlakenorman.org/things-to-do/outdoor-adventure/

15/08/2024

Y’all don’t know fishing until you’ve fished in on the NC coast. Grab the fam and start planning for your next favorite adventure. 👇

🎣 Grab your bait and Visit The Outer Banks to find world-class fishing at Jennette's Pier! The water is clear and if you head to the end of the pier you may hook a big catch. Seriously, peep their page. 👀

🎣 Head to The Crystal Coast for inshore fishing and a chance to catch flounder, red drum, and black drum. If you’re planning for the fall season, black drums can get up to 100lbs!

🎣 Visit Beaufort NC for saltwater fishing with Fish IBX. You can explore the inner banks and learn how to reel in a red drum or a striper fish with the best.

Find more fishing adventures here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/fvTT/an-insiders-guide-to-fishing-the-north-carolina-coast

14/08/2024

You’ll find hiking, biking and kayaking in abundance when you Visit Greensboro, but did you know pedal boating, zip lining and spraygrounds are also in store? 🚴

Here’s what awaits when it comes to a weekend full of outdoor adventure:

“You’re Welcome” in Greensboro, where outdoor adventures await with hiking and walking, biking, kayaking, pedal boating, zip lining and spraygrounds.

07/08/2024

that NC is home to one of the most iconic monster trucks ever, the Grave Digger? Currituck Outer Banks is home to Digger's Dungeon— the perfect pit stop for the whole fam with a diner, gift shop and a chance to ride on a REAL monster truck.

See the Grave Digger in action and experience NC’s history of dirt track racing at Charlotte Motor Speedway's Monster Truck Jam. Find out more: https://www.visitnc.com/event/QBQW/circle-k-back-to-school-monster-bash

06/08/2024

As Tropical Storm Debby is expected to impact North Carolina in the coming days, NC Emergency Management and the North Carolina Department of Transportation are monitoring conditions closely and working to ensure safe travel across North Carolina.

For up-to-date information and resources regarding storm preparation and travel, please visit:

Updates and information regarding Tropical Storm Debby’s impact on North Carolina

01/08/2024

Did someone say floating concert? Oh yeah, it’s almost time for Catawba Riverkeeper Foundation’s Fork Fest in Go Gaston NC. Here’s what you can expect beyond just fun on the river:

🛶 Trail and kayak races
🎨 Lots of kids activities
🎵 Amazing musical acts
🍔 Food trucks and craft beer

Find out more here: https://www.catawbariverkeeper.org/fork-fest

📷: Nelson Stegall Photography

31/07/2024

Experience North Carolina no matter what your accessibility level— these are a few of the incredible wheelchair-friendly activities you can start planning for:

♿ Rent a track chair through NC Wildlife Resources Commission at Dupont State Forest, and catch a gorgeous waterfall at Ho**er Falls.

♿ Hang glide with Kitty Hawk Kites— their staff will make you feel comfortable and safe when strapped into the harness.

♿ Get ready for movies with goats and gem mining at Spring Haven Farm.

Find more wheelchair-accessible recommendations from Rachelle Chapman here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/hxxd/rachelle-chapman-guide-to-wheelchair-accessible-getaways-in-north-carolina

29/07/2024

Have yet to experience the magic that is Downtown Morganton, North Carolina in Discover Burke County? Here’s our lineup for a day in the city 🌆:

☕ Start with grabbing a horchata or coconut latte at family-owned coffee shop, Little Guatemala. Browse their selection of fair trade and artisan crafts, from pottery to weaving, and then take a bar of organic Guatemalan chocolate to-go! 🍫

🏓 Gear up for a game at PowerHouse Pickleball courts in the backyard of Bones Jones Burgers & Butchery (just don’t forget to get your share of fried cheese curds brought in from Brown Creek Creamery afterward).

🦪 Get a taste of scratch-made items, like cornmeal dusted oysters, NC mountain trout and an Italian Cream Soda mocktail, from Root & Vine Restaurant’s farm-to-table menu and enjoy the fresh air on their backyard patio.

🍻 Stop in at Brown Mountain Bottleworks for live local music or trivia (depending on the day) and a crisp beer on draft – catch us sipping on the Watermelon Cucumber Hibiscus Sour.

🏠 Since you’re in historic downtown, take the short walk to The Belle at Avery – a newly renovated property inspired by the Colonial Revival and Victorian design eras - and settle in for the night on its magnificent front porch or by the cozy fireplace and piano.

Craft your own one-day itinerary here: https://www.discoverburkecounty.com/

26/07/2024

Grab the leash— vacation doesn’t have to mean leaving your pup behind! We’ve got hotels to book across the state that will take care of you and your furry friends:

🐕 Visit Highlands NC and soak in that mountain air. The Park on Main has plenty of amenities for both you and your pup.

🐕 Explore Chatham County, North Carolina with your pet— The Fearrington House Inn has treats as turndown service and pet-friendly experiences within walking distance.

🐕 Inner Banks Inn in Visit Edenton, NC is a charming bed and breakfast with two pet-friendly suites that include fenced-in yards.

Find more pet-friendly hotels across NC here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/iijc/dog-friendly-hotels-where-man-s-best-friend-is-king

24/07/2024

When you dream of the dog days of summer, do you think of lake life? With more than 6,500 acres and over 150 miles of shoreline, Lake James State Park’s amenities are sure to float your boat:

🛶 Rent a canoe or kayak at the REI concession on the beach at Paddy’s Creek (or book a beginner-friendly lesson) and take your time wading around the banks.

🏕️ Settle in at one of the 83 campsites complete with a fire pit and picnic table (or try paddling in to one if you’re already on the water).

⛱️ Soak up the sun on Paddy’s Creek public beach, then take a dip in the lake to cool down!

🧒 Hike the kid-friendly Holly Discovery Trail and see if your little ones can spot the interactive ecological displays along the way.

🚴 Bike around Lake James – up to 20 miles – alongside Friends of the Fonta Flora State Trail.

🍺 After working up an appetite, head 10 minutes down the road to Fonta Flora Brewery at Whippoorwill Farm and enjoy sustainably sourced small plates, pizzas and appetizers from their kitchen – paired with a cold glass of Lake James Lime lager inside their tasting room.

See what all has in store when you Discover Burke County : https://www.discoverburkecounty.com/all-attractions/lake-james-state-park-paddys-creek-area/

22/07/2024

It's not hot girl summer, it's horse girl summer! Here’s where you can catch us enjoying horses all summer long:

🐎 Union Grove Pro Rodeo, August 25 with bull riding, broke riding, steer wrestling and roping and barrel racing.

🐎 Love Valley is a true cowboy town— no motorized vehicles allowed within city limits, but horse rentals are available.

🐎 Tryon International Equestrian Center & Resort offers equestrian games, live music and fun for the whole family.

Find more places to see horses in North Carolina here: https://www.visitnc.com/equestrian

12/07/2024

Have time to spare near Great Smoky Mountains National Park? Take a peek at these recommendations for slowing down this summer in Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina:

🥬 Grab local produce or browse the handcrafted collection of soaps, candles, jewelry and more at Smoky Mountain Farmers and Artisans Market – open every Friday and Saturday through October. Then, head next door to the Appalachian Rivers Aquarium and museum and enjoy free admission.

😌 Rent your gear with Smoky Mountain Campground and Deep Creek Tubes for a leisurely float down Deep Creek (don’t forget to watch for waterfalls)!

🚣‍♀️ Take a self-guided trip around Fontana Lake by way of kayak or SUP — grab either from Nantahala Outdoor Center's 500-acre campus.

🍷 Pair a glass of handcrafted wine, like the classic Thomas Falls White or Black Bear Merlot, with a charcuterie platter on Deep Creek Winery’s intimate patio – then stay for the views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

☕ Sip on responsibly sourced, high-quality roasts from around the world while browsing art from local, women-owned businesses at Cardinal Coffee, a 1900s style farmhouse turned brew bar.

Find more magical spots in the Smokies: https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/

09/07/2024

Celebrate National Forest Week by making plans to camp in one of our four incredible national forests.

📍Nantahala National Forest

📍Pisgah National Forest

📍Uwharrie National Forest
📷: Jsilkstonephotography on IG

📍Croatan National Forest

Start planning your next adventure here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/TCDD/go-wild-4-north-carolina-national-forests-to-explore

04/07/2024

Happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸

03/07/2024

the 4th of July is the biggest beach day in the U.S.? This is the perfect opportunity to show off your knowledge of the Leave No Trace Principles and pack out what you pack in!

Celebrate Clean Beaches week by helping us protect our beautiful coastline— from the Outer Banks to the Brunswick Islands. Join the Outdoor NC movement to take part in keeping our beaches clean and pristine for all the travelers who visit year after year here: https://outdoornc.com/join-the-movement/ 🌊

Together, we can keep our beaches beautiful for generations to come. Drop a photo from your fave NC beach in the comments. 👇

02/07/2024

A scenic drive through Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina is one thing, but an open-air ride in a Slingshot during the summer months is another. 🤩

Let Appalachian Adventure Rentals craft an itinerary for you and load your vehicle GPS with a panoramic route. Which one of these winding drives are you headed on with Polaris Adventures?

🏎️ NC Highway 28 (nicknamed the Hellbender)
🏎️ Tail of the Dragon at Deals Gap
🏎️ Great Smoky Mountains National Park
🏎️ Blue Ridge Parkway

Discover more thrill-seeking spots in the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Great Smoky Mountains: https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/

01/07/2024

Another reason to enjoy the 4th of July? FREE FISHING DAY! 🎣 Thanks to the NC Wildlife Resources Commission residents and visitors can enjoy some family-friendly fun on the water without a fishing license.

Just because you won’t need a fishing license doesn’t mean you won’t need to plan ahead and prepare:

🎣 Remember to check local fishing limits and bait and tackle restrictions.

🎣 Reserve a boat rental in advance.

🎣 Don't forget to pack snacks, sunscreen and a map.

Learn more about Free Fishing Day here: https://www.ncwildlife.org/Connect-With-Us/fish-for-free-in-north-carolinas-public-waters-on-july-4-13

24/06/2024

Y’all don't want to miss out on the ultimate fan experience— GalaxyCon is coming to visitRaleigh! 🚀 Dive into a world of comics, gaming, cosplay, celebrity panels and so much more! 🎮

Whether you're a superhero aficionado or a gaming guru, GalaxyCon Raleigh has it all, so start daydreaming about an unforgettable weekend in July. Learn more: https://galaxycon.com/pages/galaxycon-raleigh

20/06/2024

More sunshine, please! Spend the Summer Solstice picking which of these unique camping spots you want to add to your travel plans this summer:

🏕️ Jones Lake State Park is filled with tons of hiking trails, fishing adventures and 20 family campsites— complete with grills and showers.

🏕️ Uwharrie National Forest offers not just campsites but mountain biking trails, off-roading adventures and so many opportunities to get on the water.

🏕️ Linville Falls Campground, RV Park & Cabins is surrounded by mountain laurel and rhododendron and offers way more than an incredibly serene ambiance— hiking trails and climbing adventures await.

Find more spots to set up camp here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/ErrX/find-your-ideal-camping-spot-to-get-away-this-summer

17/06/2024

Yoga, forest bathing, gardening and fresh farm ingredients are just a few of the ways Juneberry Ridge offers visitors a chance to reconnect with nature during an all-inclusive farm stay. 😌

ISO a weekend wellness retreat? We’ve got your 3-day itinerary right here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/Wtbp/your-guide-to-a-regenerative-farm-stay-at-juneberry-ridge

14/06/2024

Ready to hit the road this summer? We’ve got 3 unique, family-friendly, free NC road trips you’re going to want to add to your itinerary right here 👇

🚗 Visit Caswell County, North Carolina, North Carolina and experience Shangri-La Stone Village in Prospect Hill. This unique storybook town was hand-built in 1968 by a local to***co farmer and has 27 buildings— including a school, church, hospital and more. They are around 5 feet tall and made of stone from a local quarry.

🚗 The Triad is home to multiple “world’s largest attractions,” all within 15 miles of each other near Visit High Point. The World’s largest highboy dresser, chest of drawers and Duncan Phyfe chair all pay homage to the furniture capital of the world.

🚗 Explore the 100-mile Waterfall Byway in Western NC beginning in Explore Brevard, the “Land of the Waterfalls,” and try to check all of the 200 waterfalls that surround this route off of your bucket list.

What's your favorite NC road trip stop?

10/06/2024

DYK that the Cherokee people are some of the most successful apple orchardists in the country? They developed 3 unique varieties of apples:

🍎 Junaluska

🍎 Cullasaga

🍎 Nickajack

Celebrate their legacy and discover more about the Nikwasi Initiative's vital work in preserving this important aspect of Cherokee culture on June 15 at Horne Creek Farm.🍏 Learn more: https://hangingrock.com/events/ #/event/272788-the-legacy-of-cherokee-orchards-and-the-nikwasi-initiative

05/06/2024

Spend Juneteenth in North Carolina celebrating freedom across the state in June:

🎉 Juneteenth Festival in Apex in visitRaleigh on June 15

🎉 Wilson Juneteenth Festival in the Wilson Tourism Development Authority on June 15

🎉 Downtown after 5: Juneteenth in Visit Asheville on June 21

Find more ways to celebrate Juneteenth here: https://www.visitnc.com/story/QYsD/a-celebration-of-freedom-juneteenth-in-north-carolina

04/06/2024

Did you know the City of Greensboro was named after Major General Nathanael Greene? Stop at Guilford Courthouse National Military Park and get the full history on the man who gave Greensboro its name:

🇺🇸 Read up on the commemorative monuments of key historical figures to the Revolutionary War placed around the park.

🤳 Use the National Park Service app to take a self-guided tour of the 239-year-old Hoskins Farmstead Site.

🎨 See an artist interpretation of the 1975 park film, “Guilford Letters" using over 40 paintings at Don Troiani Gallery.

🎥 Watch the 30-minute film, “Another Such Victory” depicting soldiers, which plays on the hour inside the Visitor’s Center.

🚲 Cycle your way across Tour Road and hit up to eight stops, from The Battlefield Preservation to The British Solider.

And don’t forget the battlefield tours offered during the summer season! History buffs, let us know in the comments when you’re planning to Visit Greensboro.

03/06/2024

Whether you’re set on uncovering a city’s historic past or dreaming about the future, your journey through time begins in Visit Greensboro:

📜 Celebrate Greensboro History Museum 100th anniversary and let ordinary objects tell extraordinary stories through “Voices of a City.” Or discover the power of the polls inside their “NC Democracy: Eleven Elections” exhibit.


🏡 Enter the Victorian era with a historic tour of Blandwood Museum and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark.

🚒 Shape your little ones into future leaders with the immersive and imaginative exhibits at Miriam P. Brenner Children's Museum. Have them build a digital forest at The Growing Place, climb through tunnels near the Outdoor Plaza, take on careers inside Our Town or practice growing their own garden next to the Edible Schoolyard!

Sample what the City of Greensboro has in store with more trip ideas here: https://www.visitgreensboronc.com/plan-your-trip/trip-ideas/default.aspx

01/06/2024

Calling all hiking aficionados! Today is the first day of Great Outdoors Month and it's no coincidence that it's National Trails Day, too. We're going to share 3 trails we've been eyeing right here:

Cash River Boardwalk Trail
Activities: 🥾🚲🛶♿
Difficulty: 🥾
Distance: 0.6 miles
📍: Windsor/Bertie County Chamber of Commerce
Dog Friendly: ✔️

Granite City Greenway (📸: Piedmont Legacy Trails)
Activities: 🥾🚲
Difficulty: 🥾🥾
Distance: 13 miles
Location: Riverside Park Visit Mayberry NC
Dog Friendly: ✔️

New Light Trail
Activities: 🥾🚲
Difficulty: 🥾🥾🥾
Distance: 7.9 miles
📍: Wake Forest, visitRaleigh
Dog Friendly: ✔️

Alright y'all, we shared what trails are on our lists, now it's your turn to drop what hikes you're exploring in the comments. 👇 Don't forget the Leave No Trace principles and to follow Outdoor NC while you're at it.

31/05/2024

Roadside Attractions latest film, Summer Camp hits theaters today! We’ll give you a little preview— Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, & Alfre Woodard and Western NC as the backdrop? Yeah, we’re sold, too. 🎬🎥

Start planning your next movie magic vacation! Stay where the stars did at Kimpton Hotel Arras in Visit Asheville and explore filming sites at Camp Pinnacle, Nantahala Outdoor Center, Bryson City, Swain County, North Carolina and Visit Hendersonville, NC.

Learn more about the movie and NC film sites here:

From Dirty Dancing to The Fugitive, and family-friendly flicks and Academy Award winners in between, relive the sites and scenes of these popular movies filmed in western North Carolina.