Travel & Vacation Guide, North Carolina

The barrier islands of North Carolina may not be the most obvious choice for your next vacation, but if you have a soft spot for nature, history, or unique geography, the Outer Banks are worth a look.

Because this region was accessible only by boat until the 1930s, it has a feel of charming isolation and a relaxed pace. That’s not to say that the Outer Banks lack intrigue or development. Area exhibits and ancestors of the first settlers will tell you all about the rich and colorful events of the islands’ past, and the emphasis placed on conservation certainly shows a knack for forward-thinking.

For starters, this was the site of the first English colony, and Blackbeard famously anchored just offshore. A few bloody battles have been waged nearby, and as you may know, Orville and Wilbur Wright chose this as the setting for the first powered airplane flight. A look around will convince you that this is a place like none other, and taking the time to dig a little deeper will better acquaint you with this fascinating and beautiful span of shoreline.

Obviously, the expansive coast makes water-themed activities a huge draw for tourists. Summertime invites swimming, boating, windsurfing, crabbing, and anything else you might feel inclined to do while wearing a swimsuit. Deep sea fishing could produce your best catch ever, and keep your eyes open for the wild horses that roam the far north and south beaches.

If you’d like to fill your mind with fun facts while you’re here, visit one of the many museums, take an informative sight-seeing tour, or enjoy a cultural festival. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest of the many trademark structures that line the coast of the Outer Banks, and it welcomes visitors to take in an ocean view from 208 feet above the ground. The Roanoke Island Festival Park contains an art gallery, several natural marshes, and a 16th century sailing vessel. History buffs won’t want to miss the Civil War Trail, and the Wright Brothers Memorial is a local source of pride. All in all, this area offers a surprising array of interesting diversions, and you’ll surely leave more knowledgeable than when you arrived.

Nature lovers, especially those with an appreciation for untouched beauty, will be impressed by the large portions of land that are protected from modern influences. The Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge is made up of 150,000 acres of wetland habitats, and visitors will have a chance to see black bears, red wolves and, of course, alligators, as they hike and kayak. The Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge claims to attract 360 species of birds, so don’t forget binoculars if you’re fond of feathery friends.

The independent and adventurous personality of the Outer Banks makes it easy to understand why vacation rentals are the way to go when it comes to lodging. Many areas do not even have hotels, so embrace the spirit of your surroundings and look into renting a cozy and secluded ocean side cottage or a Victorian-style house big enough to allow for the whole family to spread out.

The Outer Banks are inviting you to do things differently, so take a walk off the beaten path and entertain the possibility of discovering a whole new world. If this sounds like the kind of vacation you are looking for, then visit HomeAway.com for a number of great OuterBanks Vacation Rentals.

Visit CyberRentals.com to further explore the vacation rental options in the destination of your choice.

A mountain biking vacation is a great way to unwind for a while and explore America. Several companies organize mountain biking tours that go through scenic areas, and often arrange accommodations for travelers. A mountain biking vacation can be perfect for an athletic couple looking to relax and get some exercise together.

Every region of the United States has some great mountain biking trails. It is not just major mountain ranges that have the best mountain biking trails, but any scenic, hilly, rough trail can provide riders with all the thrills and adventure that they need. Some of the best places to mountain bike in the United States are the Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and Southeastern states like North Carolina.

Pretty much the entire American West is a great place for a mountain biking vacation, but the Southwest is quickly becoming a popular spot for the sport. Some of the best mountain biking trails in the Southwest are the Pinery Canyon Road in Arizona, South Boundary Trail in New Mexico, and Flume Trail in Nevada. All of these trails deserve their reputations as tough challenges that are well worth the hard work for the scenic ride. Each of these trails is over 20 miles long, with Pinery Canyon Road being the longest at 50 miles. Of course, people don’t have to ride the entire trail.

The Pacific Northwest is another great destination for a mountain biking vacation. Surveyor’s Ridge in Oregon, California’s Mount Tamalpais, and the Methow Trail System in Washington are three of the best trails the region has to offer.

Don’t think that all of the best mountain biking vacations happen in the west; the east has its share of great trails as well, many of them in the Appalachian region. The Tsali trail in North Carolina is known for its difficulty, but much of it is perfect for novices. The Bee Log Ride, which reaches from North Carolina to Tennessee, is another beautiful trail that mountain biking enthusiasts are advised to check out.

Mountain Biking vacations are perfect for athletic people who want to explore different regions at their own pace. They are much less expensive than many other trips, and can be the adventure of a lifetime.

Rocky Mountain Vacation provides detailed information on Mountain Vacation, Rocky Mountain Vacation, Colorado Mountain Vacation, North Carolina Mountain Vacation and more. Rocky Mountain Vacation is affiliated with New Zealand Vacation Packages.