Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

By: Elyse Morgan

From the Atlantic Seaboard to the Appalachian Mountains, North Carolina has all the bases covered for travel, whether it’s business or pleasure. Spanning from outdoor recreation to exquisite dining and from modern industry to historical legends, North Carolina is the place to travel any time of year. Each of the four distinct seasons has something to offer.

North Carolina was one of the 13 original colonies, although its history starts much earlier as the first English settlement in the new world. The mysterious “Lost Colony” on Roanoke Island was established by the Crown in 1585, composed mostly of men. By 1587, when an expedition had returned, the entire settlement was gone. There are many theories about whether they were assimilated into one of the many local tribes or if they had perished as the hands of natives or due to starvation; luckily, you can visit the archaeological site today and decide for yourself what might have been their fate. Roanoke Island also happens to be the birthplace of the first English child born in the New World, Virginia Dare.

Travel North Carolina from Border to Border

North Carolina is divided into four distinct regions, gaining in elevation as they move west. Consequently, travelers to the state can enjoy a wonderful combination of Southern warmth and Northeastern cool all in one journey. The Blue Ridge Mountains in the Shining Rock Wilderness Area is a majestic destination for hikers and backpackers within the Appalachian Mountains that wind their way through Western North Carolina. There are also a number of ski resorts and winter getaways in this elevated part of the state, as well as the highest peak east of the Mississippi River: Mount Mitchell.

Central North Carolina is a flat region known as Piedmont where all of North Carolina’s major cities are located. The Research Triangle, made up of Raleigh (the capital), Durham, and Chapel Hill, is where fast paced University life meets cosmopolitan charm and booming industry. Along with Charlotte, this region is North Carolina’s cultural center, hosting numerous arts and entertainment events and world class museums. Another key site is the state capitol building in Raleigh, built in 1840, which has survived the test of war and is still standing today.

Panning further east, you will enter the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina. Make sure that Kitty Hawk, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is a stop on your travels. The Wright Brothers made this the birthplace of modern aviation. Travel North Carolina’s Outer Banks, just off the mainland, for wonderful seaside activities including fishing, boating and simple summer sun relaxation.

From Sea to Snow, Travel North Carolina Head to Toe

Any time of year is perfect for planning travel to North Carolina. Airfare to North Carolina is also convenient for all kinds of travel with the choice of several major city destinations in different locales. The dynamic nature of North Carolina’s borders is sure to satiate the most eclectic of travel desires.

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by JENNIFER WEISS

Located near the northern end of the Outer Banks, Duck is a quiet beach town that offers stunning stretches of sand and numerous opportunities for adventure off its shores. If you are searching for a relaxing vacation destination without any of the glitz and glamour that can overwhelm your peaceful and serene getaway, then Duck, North Carolina is the perfect place for you.

Although Duck Beach is only a few miles long, it makes wonderful use of every grain of sand along its breathtaking expanse of unspoiled coastline. In addition to the spectacular scenic beauty, visitors will find that the beach is rarely crowded, meaning they never have to fight for a prime sunning spot from which to begin their adventures. While swimming, body surfing, and boogie boarding are all popular in the waters off Duck Beach, the shelling here is excellent since the Outer Banks extend further into the waters of the Atlantic than anywhere else in the state.

For those looking to experience an exciting offshore adventure, there are numerous nearby outlets offering jet ski, boat, and kayak rentals in addition to parasailing and scuba diving expeditions. Set out on an outbound excursion and explore the sound at your pace aboard a kayak or get your feet wet with a brand new experience during a surfing or hang-gliding lesson. No matter what kind of adventure makes your heart beat a little faster, you can enjoy it all in Duck.

When you need a respite from the sun and want to stretch your legs a little, head to the Scarborough Faire Shops for a shopping experience unlike any other. Rather than a large, impersonal shopping complex, the shaded boardwalk, complete with massive oak trees, and the quant boutiques blend seamlessly into the small town atmosphere of Duck. Browse shops that offer a range of items from clothing and unique pottery to specialty foods and kitchen items. And when you need to re-energize after a long day of perusing the various stores, head to one of the excellent eateries such Elizabeth’s Café for top-notch cooking and wine selection.

To learn more about the coastal environment, head out on one of the 60-minute walking tours offered by the US Army Corps of Engineers Field Research Facility (also called the “Duck Research Pier”). This internationally-recognized facility conducts research to evaluate the ocean’s impact on the coast and provides informative and specialized tours at 10 am from mid-June through mid-August. Since the free tour makes its way over sand trails that can be difficult to navigate, be sure to dress appropriately.

Although it is located in Nags Head, Jockey’s Ridge State Park is one of the finest attractions in the Outer Banks and certainly should not be missed. While you can take on the seemingly endless dunes from any location or angle, the 1.5-mile Sand Trail is a best bet for excellent views and easy accessibility since it originates out of the parking lot of the visitor’s center. If you are feeling up for a challenge, try to tackle the Soundside Nature Trail, located on the south side of the park, for an intense climb that culminates in spectacular views of the coast. However, any roll or run down the side of a dune will also get your heart-pumping and leave you absolutely speechless.

Duck has everything you need for a relaxing getaway without any of the frills to distract you from its pristine and stunning natural beauty. For the ultimate accommodations located near a picturesque sandy beach and the gentle melody of the Atlantic, consider a Duck North Carolina vacation rental that comes complete with all the comforts of home. Enjoy amenities such as a washer and dryer, wireless internet, and plenty of space in an environment that is more stunning than you ever imagined. To experience the tranquil waterfront adventure you always wanted, browse a wide selection of Duck NC vacation rentals today to find the one that matches all of your needs.