The Definitive Guide To Uncovering North Carolina’s Best Attractions — Small Towns, Gorgeous Parks, Museums, And More!
Thanks to so many amazing attractions, you never have to look far if you’re in the mood for an adventure in North Carolina! From small towns to big cities, from state parks to playgrounds, from train rides to bridge walks to boat tours to museums and zoos and wineries, from thrift stores and book stores to antique shops and farmers markets, there’s always something to do or to see here. Visit a safari park like Safari Nation, ride the Great Raleigh Trolley, or splash your way through Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe, or any of North Carolina’s other waterparks. This is only the start of all the fun things you can do in the Tar Heel State. Here are some of North Carolina’s best attractions.
The Must Visit General Store In North Carolina
The busy suburbs of Charlotte have grown up around the Davis General Mercantile store located just off I-485. Step inside, and you'll be instantly transported to another era: the turn of the 20th century. Opened in 1890, Davis General Mercantile maintains much of its original ambiance today. And still today, the store sells a little bit of everything, including many items reminiscent of the days when general stores like this one were common pillars of their communities. What nostalgic treasure will you find stocked on Davis General's shelves?
The Unique Park In North Carolina
You don't have to head out west for an authentic Old West experience. Instead, just head over to Deadwood, a unique theme park right here in Williamston. Complete with saloons, a smokehouse grill, a roller coaster, a teepee village, and many other reminders of the Old West, this park truly does offer a one-of-a-kind North Carolina experience. Have you been?
The One Of A Kind Boat Ride In North Carolina
Tiki Tours in Topsail offers all sorts of unique boat rides, including sunset tours, history tours, nature tours, shelling tours (to a private, uninhabited island), and more. Suitable for all ages and ability levels and reasonably priced, these unique North Carolina cruises should be on everyone's agenda. Is a boat tour from Tiki Tours on your bucket list?
The Most Charming Flea Market In North Carolina
Believe it or not, there's a 100,000-square foot flea market in Smithfield. Brightleaf Flea Market boasts millions of items; you'll need days to peruse them all. As you do, you're guaranteed to find all sorts of bargains. What a modern-day treasure hunt!
The Magical Train Ride In North Carolina
Over the river and through the woods to Nantahala Gorge this train goes! Except the river that the train tracks parallel for much of the journey turns to Fontana Lake here at the point of crossing, on the famed Fontana Tressle. For unmatched views of the Smoky Mountains, North Carolina's scenic Nantahala Gorge Excursion, which runs nearly year-round, is the way to go. In fact, it's been called one of the top activities for families in the whole state. Have you toured Fontana Lake and the Nantahala Gorge by train before?
The Best Small Towns In North Carolina
From beautiful mountain towns to quaint seaside villages, from history to adventure, from quiet to bustling, North Carolina has a small town for every taste. In fact, there are so many amazing communities that it's impossible to pick a favorite - but here are a few of the best. Did your go-to small town make the list?
The Longest Bridge In North Carolina
The Virginia Dare Memorial Bridge in the Outer Banks stretches 5.2 miles across the Croatan Sound, making it North Carolina's longest bridge. It carries US 64 from Manns Harbor to Roanoke Island, the birthplace of the first European baby born to the settlers of the infamous Lost Colony. Her name? Virginia Dare, the bridge's namesake. Have you crossed this epic bridge that offers more than five miles of beautiful water views?
One Of The Most Unique Museums In North Carolina
North Carolina's American Museum Of The House Cat has got to be one of the most unique museums in the state. Tucked away in Sylva, this museum blends cuddly cat-themed items with their more bizarre counterparts. From cat toys to cat mummies and everything in between, this cat-themed museum is one of the most unusual attractions you can explore in North Carolina. Don't you think?
