Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By Richard Rspad

North Carolina is often referred to as Tobacco country, but there is much more to this beautiful state. Romantic destinations in North Carolina offer stunning scenery and intimate time together.

Romantic Destinations in North Carolina

Located on the border between the northern and southern East Coast, North Carolina is a beautiful mix of Southern hospitality and Mid Atlantic charm. This state is rapidly becoming one of the most popular areas to visit or move to in the United States, and North Carolina has many attractions to bring in visitors. There are amusement parks, zoos, museums and more scattered throughout the state – as well as many different areas of natural wonder. Romantic destinations in North Carolina offer couples a unique way to spend some time alone together.

One part of North Carolina that is full to the brim with hospitality and great places to stay is the Asheville area. Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this spot is perfect for people who want to enjoy the great outdoors, as well as those who enjoy quaint little shops and historic areas. One bed and breakfast inn located here is A Hill House Bed and Breakfast Inn. There are nine guest rooms/suites located in the inn, one of which is a separate cottage, and two more of the accommodations are suites. Most of the rooms include whirlpool tubs, and all include access to the parlour – which serves tea and wine upon arrival, as well as housing a bottomless cookie jar.

Before you even get down to breakfast, the innkeepers at A Hill House b and b will have already brought coffee and baked goods up to your room, in preparation for the delicious breakfast you’ll have down in the dining room. To add some extra romance to your stay, the “Fall in Love Again at Hill House” package offers couples all of the great amenities available at the Inn, as well as a bottle of champagne upon arrival, a bouquet of red roses in your room, and a box of chocolate truffles – along with a special two night stay package.

Another spot within Asheville that’s perfect for romantic destinations in North Carolina is the Beaufort House Victorian Bed and Breakfast Inn. Known for being the former home of Charleton Heston and his wife, and has also been featured in many publications for its beauty. This b and b has eleven guest rooms, most of which have either a fireplace or a Jacuzzi tub for two, and all include the many amenities available at the Inn. There are always complimentary coffee and beverages available, as well as an afternoon tea, and the breakfasts are sumptuously gourmet.

Romantic destinations in North Carolina provide a different perspective on the Southern experience, and are enjoyable for their unique qualities and beautiful atmosphere.

By Kathryn Lively

Think of the Outer Banks and recreation, and the more obvious water sports come to mind. Anybody planning a vacation to the shores of North Carolina, be it Dare or Currituck County, is likely looking forward to days of relaxing in the sun, surfing, fishing, and coasting the waves on a jet ski. Newer visitors to the Currituck Outer Banks may be surprised to know, however, that an alternative recreational activity awaits them at Maple Skate Park.

A recent addition to the attractions roster of Currituck County, North Carolina, the Maple Skate Park opened in May of 2006 in response the growing interest in skateboarding and extreme sports in the Outer Banks. Though the area is not populous year round, the spring and summer bring thousands of visitors to the area annually, mainly families looking forward to a beach vacation offering flexible activities to suit all interests. The park, located near Currituck Regional Airport in Maple, North Carolina, is free to the public and open from sun-up to sundown, allowing maximum enjoyment for all skating enthusiasts.

Visitors to the park will find the area split into two sections. An open flow bowl offers an “oververt” section, loveseat, and a door, and there is also an eleven-foot vertical keyhole with pool coping. Parents and others come to watch the action are welcome to make use of the grilling areas for a picnic. As there is no supervision at the park, skaters are advised to skate at their own risk, observe common sense and courtesy, and wear protection against injury.

For an alternative to the beach, extreme sports lovers are welcome to ride or watch at Maple Skate Park, and to view the progress as expansions to the park are being done. The Maple Skate Park is just one of many attractions making the Currituck Outer Banks the place to visit this year.