North Carolina Travel

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In 1584 two explorers returning to England from the New World told Sir Walter Raleigh about a remarkable land: “the most plentiful, fruitful, and wholesome of all the world.” Such superlatives were more apt than these early visitors knew, for this land — known today as North Carolina — claims the loftiest mountain east of the Mississippi (6,684-foot Mount Mitchell), the longest chain of barrier islands (the Outer Banks), the highest sand dune (140-foot Jockey’s Ridge), and the greatest natural diversity in the East (in this one state are more kinds of trees than in all of Europe).

North Carolina is also a land of many firsts: the first three attempts to colonize America, the first birth of an English child on American soil, the first American gold rush, the country’s first school of forestry, and the first successful airplane flight. And, in 1776, North Carolina was the first colony to instruct its delegates to the Continental Congress to vote for independence from Great Britain.

Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina

Tucked amid the Great Smoky Mountains in western North Carolina, the remote Fontana Village Resort offers not just relaxation and recreation, but also an up-close look at an unusual "company town".

John C. Campbell Folk School, North Carolina

A trip to the John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, located in the southwestern corner of North Carolina, taught me a lot about Appalachian culture--even without enrolling!

Since 1925, this unique school has helped preserve traditional mountain crafts, music and dance. Its History Center describes the school's fascinating origins.

Oconaluftee Indian Village, North Carolina

During a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina, my wife, Grettis, and I found a fascinating attraction: Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee. What we experienced here you just can't get from a history book!

Horne Creek Living Historical Farm, North Carolina

My family and I enjoyed a unique glimpse of the South's rural past at Horne Creek Living Historical Farm near Pinnacle in northwestern North Carolina.

High Point Home Furnishings, North Carolina

If you're looking for new furniture, visit High Point, North Carolina, the "Home Furnishings Capital of the World".

There are more than 70 retail furniture stores here--we couldn't believe the quantity and variety of furniture. And because retailers can place special orders with nearby manufacturers, large discounts are available--plus no sales tax on orders shipped out of state.

Clay's Corner, North Carolina

Looking for a new place to ring in the New Year this December? Consider Clay's Corner, the "Opossum Capital of the World" in Brasstown, North Carolina.

Oconaluftee Indian Village in Cherokee, North Carolina

Looking Glass Falls, North Carolina

We first saw delightful Looking Glass Falls, located in western North Carolina's Pisgah National Forest, at midday with an overflow crowd of tourists.

Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina

When it comes to spectacular cascades, it's tough to top Upper Whitewater Falls in the Nantahala National Forest in western North Carolina, near the South Carolina state line.

At 411 feet high, it's the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. A paved walkway from a parking lot leads to a great view from an upper overlook. A lower overlook is accessible via 154 wooden stairs.

Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge in Western North Carolina

Motorcycle enthusiasts should check out the Iron Horse Motorcycle Lodge near Stecoah in scenic western North Carolina.

You won't meet nicer people than owners John and Charlene Powell, who are riders themselves. Their pretty 39-acre resort includes lodge rooms, cabins and a campground, plus covered storage for bikes.

Azalea Garden Inn, North Carolina

I found this charming log cabin on the lushly landscaped grounds of the Azalea Garden Inn in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southwestern North Carolina is a relaxing retreat: the Highland Lake Inn, near Flat Rock. This gorgeous 180-acre oasis offers a luxurious 16-room inn, the Woodward Houseâ€¦a historic 20-room mountain lodgeâ€¦and rustic cabins and cozy cottages.