Top 5 Cities in North Carolina
Hi, I’m Emily Johnson and I have had the pleasure of visiting many cities in North Carolina. From the mountains to the coast, North Carolina has so much to offer. In this article, I’m going to share with you the top 5 cities that I have personally visited and loved.
Curiosities, Statistics, Facts, and Interesting Information
- North Carolina’s state bird is the cardinal
- The Wright brothers made their first successful powered flight in Kitty Hawk, NC
- North Carolina is home to the largest privately-owned home in the United States, the Biltmore Estate
- The state is known for its barbecue, with two different styles – eastern and western
- North Carolina is the 9th most populous state in the US
Raleigh
Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, is a vibrant city with a lot to offer. I spent a weekend here and had a great time exploring the city. One of my favorite things to do was to walk around the North Carolina Museum of Art. Admission is free and the museum has an impressive collection of art from around the world.
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Raleigh Beer Garden. With over 350 beers on tap, it’s the largest beer garden in the world.
Asheville
Asheville is a charming city located in the western part of North Carolina. I visited during the fall and the foliage was absolutely stunning. One of my favorite things to do in Asheville was to visit the Biltmore Estate. The mansion is absolutely massive and the gardens are beautiful.
If you’re a fan of hiking, then you’ll definitely want to check out the Blue Ridge Parkway. The views are breathtaking and there are plenty of hiking trails to choose from.
Wilmington
Wilmington is a coastal city located in southeastern North Carolina. I spent a weekend here and loved exploring the historic downtown area. The Riverwalk is a must-visit and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out.
If you’re a fan of the beach, then you’ll definitely want to check out Wrightsville Beach. The water is crystal clear and the beach is absolutely beautiful.
Charlotte
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and is located in the central part of the state. I visited Charlotte for a work conference and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the city. If you’re a fan of sports, then you’ll definitely want to check out Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers.
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then you’ll definitely want to check out NoDa Brewing Company. They have a great selection of beers and the atmosphere is very welcoming.
Durham
Durham is a city located in the northeastern part of North Carolina. I visited Durham to attend a concert at the Durham Performing Arts Center and was blown away by the venue. It’s a beautiful theater with great acoustics.
If you’re a fan of history, then you’ll definitely want to check out the American Tobacco Historic District. The district has been beautifully restored and there are plenty of restaurants and shops to check out.
FAQs
What is the best time of year to visit North Carolina?
North Carolina has a mild climate and can be visited year-round. The fall is a popular time to visit due to the foliage, but the summer is a great time to visit the beaches.
What is the eastern style of North Carolina barbecue?
The eastern style of North Carolina barbecue uses a vinegar-based sauce and is typically served with coleslaw.
What is the western style of North Carolina barbecue?
The western style of North Carolina barbecue uses a tomato-based sauce and is typically served with hushpuppies.
What is the Biltmore Estate?
The Biltmore Estate is a massive mansion located in Asheville, North Carolina. It was built by George Vanderbilt in the late 1800s and is the largest privately-owned home in the United States.
What is the Blue Ridge Parkway?
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic drive that runs through the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia and North Carolina. It’s known for its breathtaking views and hiking trails.