North Carolina - Eat, Stay, Play - Your Guide to the Tar Heel State
From sandy beaches to rolling hills and vibrant cities, North Carolina offers visitors a little bit of everything. With four beautiful seasons, you’re sure to find an adventure at any time of the year. North Carolina is home to 41 state parks and 10 national park sites ready to be explored, while breweries and restaurants abound for those looking to relax and enjoy some delicious food. Find a place to stay with beautiful hotels and lodges like the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville. No matter when you visit, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for on your next trip to North Carolina.
Eat
The south is known for having some of the best food in America, and North Carolina is no exception. Find fresh, locally sourced food at farm-to-table restaurants and kick back with a beer at one of the state’s many breweries. You’ll have no trouble satisfying your cravings in North Carolina!
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company/ Fletcher, North Carolina
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's East Coast brewing, bottling and distribution operation in Mills River is located 10 miles from downtown Hendersonville. Head over for a variety of tours and see first-hand how they make their flavorful beers. Or, simply sit down and enjoy one of more than 20 beers on tap. They also offer a variety of wines and delicious foods. Both indoor and outdoor seating available, and kids are welcome as well.
Sierranevada.com
Rx Restauraunt and Bar/ Wilmington, North Carolina
Even before they’d developed a menu for Rx Restaurant and Bar, owners Josh Novicki and chef James Doss were farm to table. They salvaged wood from a tobacco barn to make a bar and dining tables. From there, Doss lined up farmers and fishers to utilize the freshest products, including sustainable N.C. seafood. Since opening, Rx has been considered one of Wilmington’s top dining destinations. With a menu focusing on southern traditions, you’ll find yourself at home in this charming eatery.
Rxwilmington.com
Café Monte/ Charlotte, North Carolina
For brunch enthusiasts, check out Charlotte’s Café Monte French Bakery and Bistro. Their menu features classics with a French flair, such as smoked ham crepes and quiche Lorraine. All of Café Monte’s food is fresh and locally sourced. They offer quick counter service if you’re in a rush, or you can relax and enjoy their full-service dining room. Be sure to try a delicious Cappuccino or Café Francais with your meal.
Cafemonte.net
Play
You’ll find no shortage of fun and adventure during your trip to North Carolina. Activities from hiking to skiing and sledding are offered at many of the parks, while plenty of zoos, aquariums, and museums can be found for those wanting to take it slow. Take a look at some of the state’s fun offerings before planning your next trip!
Sugar Mountain Resort/ Sugar Mountain, North Carolina
Want to try something a little different than skiing or snowboarding? Sugar Mountain Resort is less than two hours from Asheville and offers guided snowshoe tours through a winter wonderland. A snowshoe guided tour can be a nice walk or an intense workout depending on which tour you choose. Each tour is one hour long and includes snowshoe rental. Children’s tours are available for eight to eleven year olds.
Skisugar.com
Greensboro Science Center/ Greensboro, North Carolina
Beat the cold and experience the wonders of an aquarium, museum and zoo - all in one attraction! At the Wiseman Aquarium, you can see sharks, otters, stingrays and so much more. Next, get eye-to-eye with gibbons, meerkats, monkeys, crocodiles and other unique animals in Animal Discovery ZooWatch. End the day with amazing 3-D shows that pop out of the screen in the OmniSphere Theatre.
Greensboroscience.org
Blue Ridge Parkway/ Cherokee, North Carolina
One of the most beautiful drives in America, The Blue Ridge Parkway spans 469 breathtaking miles that begin in Swain County. Throughout the parkway, you’ll find a visitor’s center, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Whether you want to get out and explore the wildlife or simply enjoy the views from your car, you won’t find many views more incredible than the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Blueridgeparkway.org
Stay
Can’t decide where to stay? North Carolina offers a plethora of beautiful hotels and lodges so you can get a good night’s sleep after a day of adventure. You can choose to stay in the heart of the city or a quiet country inn. You’ll enjoy a comfortable and relaxing stay wherever you go.
Grand Bohemian Hotel/ Asheville, North Carolina
Just steps away from the gates of the famous Biltmore lies the beautiful and rustic Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville. This Tudor-inspired boutique hotel is filled with original art and music. Set in the quaint Historic Biltmore Village, the Grand Bohemian is within walking distance of charming shops, museums and other attractions. Only minutes from downtown Asheville, you’ll be sure to find everything you need during your stay.
kesslercollection.com/bohemian-asheville/
Fearrington House Inn/ Pittsboro, North Carolina
Built on a historic dairy farm, The Fearrington House Inn combines the charm of the South with the luxury and service of a five-star hotel. Each room is decorated with antiques, original artwork and fresh flowers. Step outside of your room and you’ll find winding brick paths and picturesque garden views. Each stay includes a gourmet breakfast at The Fearrington House Restaurant. Located less than an hour outside of Raleigh, you have convenient access to the city while staying in a quiet and quaint village.
Fearrington.com
Great Wolf Lodge/ Concord, North Carolina
Want to enjoy family fun without ever leaving your hotel? Great Wolf Lodge in Concord features the largest indoor water park in the Carolinas, kept at a comfortable 84 degrees and reserved exclusively for resort guests. Perfect for all ages, the whole family can spend the day riding thrilling water slides as well as fun shows and appearances by Wiley the Wolf. The Lodge also features a dazzling arcade, 12-hole mini golf, and a 3-D theater, all within steps of your room.
Greatwolf.com
