10 Things You Must Do Underneath The Summer Sun In North Carolina

Can you believe it's almost July? I'm seriously in shock. With the first portion of summer coming to a close, we now have July and August to make the most of hot days and long nights. While we're not lucky to have an 'endless summer' we can still make the absolute most of the two months until Labor Day with these activities.

1. Visit North Carolina's newest waterpark

H20BX has only been open a bit over a week, but it's already making some serious (manmade) waves. The epic waterpark in lower Currituck County features 30 rides, slides and attractions. Plan your visit and read about it here.

2. Or...pay a visit to Mother Nature's awesome waterparks

Natural swimming holes - especially ones right next to waterfalls - are a beloved North Carolina pastime. Between taking a dip in the river or hiking for the freshest mountain water...in North Carolina nature seems to throw the best pool parties. If you're wondering where to start or where to go, read about these 10 must-visit swimming holes here.

3. Travel by water

Between kayaking, floating down a natural lazy river, renting a canoe or even taking a boat out on the lake or ocean, North Carolina is a water-centric state with adventures hiding every which way. If you're wanting to do a little less work and a little more relaxing, these six lazy rivers

are the perfect place to do so.

4. Go chasin' waterfalls

TLC might've advised against chasing waterfalls, but in North Carolina you just can't help yourself. With over 200 waterfalls in Transylvania County alone, it might get a bit overwhelming on where to start and what to see. No worries, we've already planned the perfect two day day trip in North Carolina's land of waterfalls. For more information, directions and plans, click here.

5. Transport yourself to another world

The rhododendron blooms might've come and gone, but there's still plenty of beauty to be found on Roan Mountain. This small chain of mountains on the NC/TN border is home to hiking trails winding through dense forests leading to large, open fields at the mountaintop. You'll feel very Sound of Music when reaching the top, but very Middle Earth while making the hike. It's no surprise we've included Roan Mountain on several lists. For more information and directions on hiking Roan Mountain, click here.

6. Bypass the Blue Ridge Parkway and take this drive instead

While many take the Blue Ridge Parkway for coveted views, there's another drive just as amazing. The Cherohala Skyway spans 18 miles through North Carolina and 22 through Tennessee. You'll ascend through the Nantahala National Forest and pass scenic vistas like Huckleberry Knob, Hooper’s Bald, Laurel Top and John’s Knob. Other points of interest include the epic Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. This is a drive every North Carolinian should try once! For more information and directions click here.

7. Or experience the day trip of a lifetime on the opposite side of the state

Just like everyone must drive the Blue Ridge (and Cherohala) the Outer Banks Scenic Byway is a North Carolina right of passage. Taking drivers on an epic journey through the Outer Banks, the drive traverses you through small, sleepy beach towns, one of a kind scenery featuring the Atlantic on one side and Pamlico on the other, and of course - bragging rights for completing the journey. We suggest you span the trip over the course of a weekend to make the most of all sights. For a full itinerary and directions, click here.

8. Dine with a view

With so much adventure and activity, we've forgotten one crucial aspect - food! From dining outdoors to lounging on a rooftop patio with a craft cocktail, North Carolina has a bit of everything when it comes to dinner with a view. Pier over the ocean? Covered. Rooftop bar in the heart of Uptown Charlotte? Obviously. Even just a quaint patio that feels like the best-kept secret? We have that too! Read out list of the ten best outdoor patios here.

9. Spend a cool weekend in the highest town on the east coast

Y'all can have your crowded beaches and sunburned shoulders -- I'll take a cool, crisp weekend a mile high in the sky. Beech Mountain offers plenty of fun and relaxation - like taking the ski lift to the 5506 Sky Bar and even braving a mountain biking lesson. For the curious, Land of Oz also has sporadic openings allowing you to play Dorothy and skip down the Yellow Brick Road. Plan your trip to Beech with our guide here.

10. Hit the OTHER beach

From the more popular Wrightsville or Carolina Beach, to the hard to access and hidden Carova; North Carolina is filled with unique beaches each possessing their own unique charm. If you're looking for one of the most hidden beaches in the state, you'll find it here.

Sounds like a truly epic North Carolina summer! Which ones have you done? Which ones will you do first?