Posted in North Carolina July 02, 2016 by Emory Rakestraw

15 Marvels In North Carolina That Must Be Seen To Be Believed

North Carolina isn’t shy to fairytale locations, places that seem too gorgeous to be real. Luckily, growing up here, many of us have gotten to experience the magic and beauty of the Tar Heel state firsthand. But, there’s plenty of places we can read about and hope to explore one day, but it’s not until you see them in person that you truly experience the magnificence of these locations. Like these 15.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/

1. While removed from its former location, the Serendipity House from Nights in Rodanthe still has a jaw-dropping effect.

2. Jockey's Ridge, the tallest active sand dune on the east coast, will have you convinced you've stepped into a desert oasis.

3. A mile high swinging bridge that allows you to walk through the clouds? Yes, North Carolina has that at Grandfather Mountain.

4. The Road To Nowhere is a six-mile journey deep within the Smokies that dead ends at a mysterious and eerie tunnel.

5. Craggy Gardens is a fairytale hike that leads to absolute fairytale scenery at the overlook.

6. Beach roamin' wild horses? Yes, North Carolina is home to that magic at Shackleford Banks, Corolla and along the Outer Banks.

7. Formed 390 million years ago, Looking Glass Rock lives up to its name each winter and is a breathtaking sight all year round.

8. Mary's Gone Wild Folk Art and Doll Baby Museum is perhaps the most eccentric museum not only in North Carolina but in the Southeastern United States.

9. A guiding light on a dark night, Cape Hatteras is gorgeous at day but magical by night.

10. Breathtaking scenes of Linville Gorge from Wiseman's View.

11. It doesn't get more fairytale than America's Castle AKA Biltmore Estate.

13. A mailbox awaiting your penned out hopes and dreams? Kindred Spirit is North Carolina magic at its finest.

14. Henry River Mill Village was made famous by the Hunger Games, but this is the one eerie ghost town in North Carolina you can walk through.

15. Good witch, bad witch? It doesn't matter, you can meet them BOTH at Land of Oz Theme Park on Beech Mountain.

North Carolina is home to both natural wonders and manmade wonders that still challenge, bend, and perplex the mind. These places are all incredible and must be experienced. Have you been to any before?