The notion of castles often conjures up images of Europe or scenes from our favorite fairytales. Yet few people realize there are plenty of these regal landmarks located throughout the Tar Heel State. In fact, we’ve put together a custom road trip that will take you to some of the very best castles in North Carolina. From the first seat of government to “America’s Castle” to an abandoned castle hiding in the woods, this trip will make you feel like you’re part of a whimsical storybook. So let’s get started!

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What are your thoughts on this road trip to the best castles in North Carolina? How many of these have you visited? Be sure to share your experiences with us in the comments below!

For more information on castles listed, read our article about all the castles of NC here.

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More to Explore

Best Castles in North Carolina

Can I spend the night in a castle in North Carolina?

As you might have guessed from our road trip to the best castles in North Carolina, there are plenty of fascinating castle-like landmarks hiding throughout the state. Have you ever dreamed of spending the night inside a castle? Well, then, you're in luck! The Castle of Joy, which is on our road trip itinerary, is a beautiful castle-like lodge tucked away in the mountains. The landmark is situated on 11 private acres near Murphy, North Carolina, and boasts all of your classic castle features, such as a moat and drawbridge. It's not difficult to let your imagination run wild and pretend like you're living inside a fairytale kingdom!

What are some of the best little known attractions in North Carolina?

Our road trip to the best castles in North Carolina definitely highlights some of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. However, if you're looking for some little-known attractions, there are plenty of places that belong on your shortlist. These places include the abandoned Henry River Mill Village in Hildebran, the Land of Oz Theme Park in Beech Mountain, Judaculla Rock in Sylva, Devil's Tramping Ground in Bear Creek, the Paranormal Museum in Littleton, the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge in Claremont, and the Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden in Wilmington.

Where can I go in North Carolina that only the locals know about?

If you're exploring the great state of North Carolina and you want to experience places that only the locals know about, we've got just the list for you. The following destinations are some of the best-kept secrets in North Carolina: the Fountain of Youth in Crumpler, the Swinging Bridge near Fayetteville, Graveyard Fields in Brevard, the American Museum of the House Cat in Sylva, Jordan Lake in Apex, the Pisgah Inn and Restaurant, Carova Beach on the Outer Banks, the Tunnel of Trees in Lewisville, and the Fresco Churches in West Jefferson. Happy exploring!

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