How to spend a perfect day in each region of our state? Have an outdoor adventure, eat a delicious meal, and catch an incredible show.
state park
Your Ultimate Guide to a Wilmington Getaway
Refresh your itinerary for exploring this historic coastal city and its neighboring beaches with can’t-miss craft cocktail and tiki bars, buzzed-about restaurants, ghost tours, and more.
Hidden Treasures of Autumn in the North Carolina Mountains
We know you’re heading west to see stunning fall color, but look beyond the Blue Ridge Parkway overlooks and you’ll discover more incredible ways to experience the season.
In Search of Fall Color in the Blue Ridge Mountains
An Appalachian State University professor explores the mountains to find the telltale shades of autumn. Then he shares on social media the best places to find the most color in nature.
Protecting Wonder at Grandfather Mountain
North Carolina’s iconic mountain has been a place of wild beauty for hundreds of millions of years. The Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation is determined to keep it that way.
Our State Knows Best: Leaf Peeping
We talked to three biologists about how and when to plan a trip to see peak fall color in North Carolina, their favorite hikes and overlooks, and why our mountains are one of the best places in the country to see stunning autumn leaves.
Swing Time: North Carolina’s Suspension Bridges
In Gorges State Park and other remote areas of our state, swinging suspension bridges — practically woven into the woods around them — transport hikers over rivers, across creeks, and into the past.
The Joys of West Jefferson
In this artsy Ashe County town, discover dozens of colorful murals and local galleries, try famous “squeaky cheese,” float down the New River, and more.
7 Scenic Drives on the Carolina Coast
When it’s summertime and the mercury’s climbing, North Carolinians flock to the beach — but there’s more to our coast than surf and sand. These scenic drives are full of water and wildlife, meals and memories. What are you waiting for?
