For secret spots and swimming holes, visit Mayo River State Park in Raleigh — and for magnificent rivers, canyons, and waterfalls, take a dip in the water at Gorges State Park in Sapphire.
photograph by Tommy White
If you’re not interested in getting completely soaked, this is the next best option. We compiled a list of 16 beautiful North Carolina waterfalls and how to find them.
photograph by Thomas Moors
Hike to the summits of Blowing Rock and Hanging Rock. Sure, you’ll probably work up a sweat on the climb, but the view and swift breeze will be worth it.
photograph by Patrick Schneider
See polar bears at the North Carolina Zoo and meet the penguins at the Greensboro Science Center’s aquarium.
photograph by Meredith Ross/VisitNC.com
Visit the Cline Observatory in Jamestown or Morehead Planetarium in Chapel Hill. With a variety of shows each day, you can spend hours inside learning about the frontiers of scientific discovery. And if you’d like to get outside to stare at the sky, check out these 10 beautiful places to go stargazing throughout the state.
photograph by Matt Ray Photography
North Carolina is home to some of the best creameries and ice cream parlors. Cool off from the inside out at one of these 13 sweet spots.
photograph by Karen Swain/visitRaleigh.com
We recommend a visit to one of these 35 unforgettable museums throughout the state — complete with air conditioning and fun facts about the place we love.
Mark our words: Whether they nod to North Carolina or were penned by its residents, these notable, quotable passages remind us of the power of speech inspired by our state.
When one stream flows into another, the two chart a new course for the future — together.
When the weather outside is frightful, one chef serves loved ones dishes so delightful.
A historic Rose Bowl pitted Duke University against Oregon State in Durham. Then, in the dark days of World War II, those same football players — and a legendary coach — joined forces to fight for freedom.
