Composed of 100 counties, North Carolina is a striking state located in the south-eastern region of United States. Its capital Raleigh is often referred to as the ‘City of Oaks’ bestowing to the great quantity of oak trees found here. Right from the mighty mountains on the East Coast to rolling hill and 300 miles of beach, the state of North Carolina offers an array of tourist attractions for nature lovers. This beautiful state enjoys a humid sub-tropical climate with mild winters and humid summers. However, the best time to explore the charming North Carolina is from September to November. So, if you are planning your first tour to North Carolina than read on to know about the top attractions of the state.
The Great Smoky Mountains
Truly a heaven for nature lovers, the Great Smoky Mountain is a stunning mountain range, which rises along the Tennessee-North Carolina border in the Southeastern US. Also renowned as the Great Smokies, this mountain range is best known for housing the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Apart from being a part of an International Biosphere Reserve, these Great Smoky Mountains are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and being one-of-its-kind, a must visit tourist site of the state.
North Carolina Zoo
Spread over 2000 acres in the Uwharrie Mountains region, The North Carolina Zoological Park, also known as North Carolina Zoo is located in Asheboro in Randolph County, North Carolina. It is the only two state-owned zoos and the largest walk-through zoo in the world. The zoo is a home for over 1100 animals from over 250 species and 53, 000 plants from the two continents, primarily representing Africa and North America. Apart from that, this zoo houses a prime collection of Chimpanzees and Alaskan seabirds in the United States.Some of the other popular things about this zoo is its large collection of public art and exclusive walking trails that will take one through the wildlife.
North Carolina Museum of History
Located in the downtown Raleigh, North Carolina Museum of History was established in the year 1902. It primarily houses permanent exhibits that focus on the state’s military history, decorative arts and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and much more. The admission to this museum is free. Apart from the permanent exhibits, some other highlights of this historic museum are its special music concerts, specific crafts demonstrations and museum shops, where one can find special North Caroline crafts.
Carowinds
Located right on the border of North and South Carolina in Fort Mill and Charlotte, Carowinds is a famous family-friendly amusement park. This family amusement park spans over an area of about 398 acres and was established on March 31, 1973. It is famous for having some of the most exhilarating rides. Apart from other rides, the most famous highlight of the Carowinds is its 20-acre water park namely, Boomerang Bay which is an excellent place to enjoy water rides, rain dance and much more.
Apart from these, Pisgah National Forest, Biltmore Estate, Biltmore Estate, Cataloochee Ski Area, Elevation Church are some of the other must visit attractions of North Carolina.
