It is the unique goal of travel adventurers to visit all fifty states in America. To boost this objective, each week we shall explore one state. Alphabetically, the 33rd to visit is none other than North Carolina, abbreviated NC. Regardless of the order in which you explore them, the Tar Heel State is quite enchanting!
Visit state # 33 – NC
| State Motto | Esse quam videri “To be rather than to seem” |
| State Flower | Flowering dogwood |
| State Bird | Cardinal |
| State Gem | The emerald |
| State Capital | Raleigh |
| Famous Foods | North Carolina-style barbecue, Texas Pete, Carolina-style hot dogs and hamburgers, Krispy Kreme, fried chicken, livermush, Mt. Olive Pickles, fried green tomatoes, Calabash seafood, sweet potatoes, collard greens, pimento cheese, deviled eggs, mac & cheese, and more. |
North Carolina is in the Southeastern region of the U.S. Of the 50 states, it is the ninth most populous. It is bordered by South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the West, Virginia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Following the American Revolution, North Carolina became the twelfth state of the Union. In 1861, NC seceded from the Union to join the Confederacy during the Civil War. In 1865, the troops surrendered, and the state was brought back into the Union in 1868.
North Carolina has some very special historical sites. It is home of the Wright Brothers National Memorial, located near some large sand dunes in an area known as Kill Devil Hills. There, after four years of scientific experimentation, Wilbur and Orville Wright achieved the first successful airplane flights on December 17, 1903. Nearby is another must-see historical attraction. History lovers will enjoy visiting Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, located on Roanoke Island. Explore the site of England’s unsuccessful first attempt to colonize the North American continent and absorb information on the Lost Colony.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore, comprised of 30,351 acres, is a wonderful outdoor main attraction. Visitors will enjoy islands of sandy beaches ideal for surfing, fishing, hiking, observing wildlife, collecting shells, kite flying, sunbathing, and more. Swimming may also be enjoyed in lifeguarded areas. Because dangerous riptides may be produced in the Atlantic Ocean, visitors are encouraged to understand ocean conditions which can change hour-by-hour. While in the area, visit several maritime museums to learn the history of shipwrecks in the region. The area is known for its treacherous waters off the coast of the Outer Banks, gaining the morbid title Graveyard of the Atlantic. The quaint towns of the Outer Banks offer an abundance of beach house rentals where one may easily access the ocean and sound to observe stunning sunrises and sunsets or kick back and relax. A trip to the Outer Banks region is not complete without a visit to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Dare County. While the lighthouse has been temporarily closed for climbing, it is quite picturesque from outdoor viewing areas and is worth seeing.
North Carolina is also the home of Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home, built by George Vanderbilt. The 8,000-acre estate sits in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville. Attractions include stunning gardens amongst beautiful mountain backdrop, special exhibits, a winery, dining and lodging options, shopping, outdoor activities and more. Currently, guests may enjoy a thrilling interactive exhibit entitled 500 Years of Genius and featuring the brilliant achievements of artist Leonardo da Vinci. A tour of Biltmore House is a one-of-a-kind experience that transports you to 1895 when the house officially opened to the family at Christmastime. Learn of the contributions of 1,000 craftsman who took six years to build the home in stunning Chậteauesque style.
North Carolina has the reputation for generally pleasant weather, especially in May, September, and October. It’s a great time to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a top-rated natural attraction with over 14.1 million visitors annually – making it the most visited national park in the USA for 2021 per National Park Service. The park features over 500,000 acres across NC and Tennessee and features backcountry trails, mountains, streams, waterfalls, wildlife and much, much more. Plan your trip today!
I’ve lived in NC for almost 10 years, and moved to this small town last year. I absolutely love it! People are so kind and friendly, property taxes are low (<$600 for this old house and an acre), and I can watch sunrises and sunsets from the front porch. Stars are incredible, the air is clean, and the Blue Ridge Parkway is half an hour away. Gorgeous scenery and natural wonders in every part of the state.