The Blue Ridge Parkway is full of opportunities to see nature and learn about North Carolina. Traveling along the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers some of the loveliest scenery in the state. On the way you can stop at Black Mountain where you can climb Chimney Rock for an incredible view. The Oconaluftee Indian Village takes you 225 years into the past so you can learn about the Indian way of life at the time. If you enjoy fishing, try stopping at Stone Mountain State Park to cast your line. Craggy Gardens has three lovely walking trails to let you stretch your legs. At Linville Caverns you can try spelunking through the inside of Humpback Mountain, then step outside to enjoy the splendor of Linville Falls. Top off your trip with a train trip on the Tweetsie Railroad.

Some other interesting routes through the mountains include the Appalachian Medley, the Birkhead Wilderness Route, and the Black Mountain Rag. The Black Mountain Rag route was named from an old fiddle tune notable for the many twists and turns in the melody. Like the tune, the route is filled with twists and hairpin turns, taking you through the mountainous terrain along the way. Crowders Mountain Drive is home to Pinnacle Peak, a “monadnock” which resists erosion and towers high above the other peaks.

If you love deep forests and the beauty of nature, try driving along the Cherohala Skyway. In the fall the brilliant colors make a spectacular backdrop to your vacation photos. With dozens of walking trails, multiple campgrounds, and stunning waterfalls along the route, the Cherohala Skyway is a nature lover’s paradise. If you enjoy boating, take a ride down the Tellico River and explore the Lost Sea, one of the largest underground lakes in North America. The fishing is great on Tellico Lake too, so you can stop for a day and catch yourself a tasty dinner.

Bird fanciers might like to explore the Alligator River Route. With two wildlife refuges along the way, many migratory birds and endangered species frequent the area. You can also learn about the colonial and native heritage of the land in the many towns along the scenic route.

To learn more about North Carolina’s rich history, try following one of the region’s historical scenic routes. The Brunswick Town Road takes visitors into the historic ruins of Brunswick Town, which was destroyed in 1830. For a coastal trip try the Cape Fear Historic Byway which winds through old Wilmington. The Colonial Heritage Byway is filled with structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, many of which are still in use as public buildings. More history can be discovered along the Forest Heritage Scenic Byway. Starting in Brevard, named for a Revolutionary War colonel, you travel down to the Cradle of Forestry in America, an educational discovery center. The Allison-Deaver House is another attraction along the way, maintained by the Transylvania County Historical Society; it is the oldest frame house in western North Carolina that is open to the public.

Another interesting place to check out is Blowing Rock, located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a Native American legend about Blowing Rock that adds to the unique charm of the place. Osseo, a chieftain, had a daughter named Starlight who was engaged to be married to Kwasind. However, a jealous suitor told Starlight that Kwasind was already married to a woman from a far-distant tribe. Starlight was devastated and broke her engagement, telling Kwasind that she would rather see him dead than marry him. Kwasind said “I will prove to you how much I love you.” and jumped off the cliff. Starlight was terrified that she would lose Kwasind and called out “O strong West Wind, bring my lover back to me! O sweet South Wind, bear him in your gentle arms!” The winds blew and raised her lover back up into her arms, where she quickly forgave him and agreed to become his wife. To this day the winds at the top of Blowing Rock are said to be so strong that they will catch anything thrown from the cliff and return it to its owner.

Another plantation worth seeing is the Mordecai Plantation near Raleigh. Now called the Mordecai Historic Park, the old main house is open to visitors. Additionally you can take a trolley tour that takes you around the city of Raleigh, stopping at many historical sites. Legend has it that Mary Willis Mordecai Turk haunts the Mordecai house, walking down the staircase and throwing down her portrait if someone should make rude comments about her appearance.

For more recent sources of mystery, consider checking out the Battleship North Carolina. Located across the river from Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina offers a unique look into the lives of WWII navy crew. The museum focuses on the history of all of the vessels named “North Carolina” over the years including everything from the confederate ironclad ship to a nuclear attack submarine. Although only 10 people died on the Battleship North Carolina, it is apparently haunted by at least two ghosts who enjoy moving things around.

North Carolina was one of the 13 original colonies, although its history starts much earlier as the first English settlement in the new world. The mysterious “Lost Colony” on Roanoke Island was established by the Crown in 1585, composed mostly of men. By 1587, when an expedition had returned, the entire settlement was gone. There are many theories about whether they were assimilated into one of the many local tribes or if they had perished as the hands of natives or due to starvation; luckily, you can visit the archaeological site today and decide for yourself what might have been their fate. Roanoke Island also happens to be the birthplace of the first English child born in the New World, Virginia Dare.

Central North Carolina is a flat region known as Piedmont where all of North Carolina’s major cities are located. The Research Triangle, made up of Raleigh (the capital), Durham, and Chapel Hill, is where fast paced University life meets cosmopolitan charm and booming industry. Along with Charlotte, this region is North Carolina’s cultural center, hosting numerous arts and entertainment events and world class museums. Another key site is the state capitol building in Raleigh, built in 1840, which has survived the test of war and is still standing today. Panning further east, you will enter the Coastal Plain region of North Carolina. Make sure that Kitty Hawk, on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, is a stop on your travels. The Wright Brothers made this the birthplace of modern aviation. Travel North Carolina’s Outer Banks, just off the mainland, for wonderful seaside activities including fishing, boating and simple summer sun relaxation.

Bass fishing is a fun and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by everyone from the smallest child to the senior citizen. It’s a sport that is both relaxing and exciting at the same time. There are many wonderful places to go bass fishing but some of the best bass fishing in the United States can be found in the North Carolina lakes and rivers. During the spring the bass are plentiful and easy to catch as they are feeding in the shallows and near the banks. However, as the water heats up in the summer months they move on out into the deeper waters and may be a little harder to find. To help you out in this area below are some North Carolina bass fishing tips that can improve the success you have during each of your fishing trips.

Knowing where to look for the bass is half the challenge and there are a number of great lakes and rivers in North Carolina that are the home to all types of bass. For example, one of the most well-known places to bass fish is the Buggs Island Lake. This lake is most popular for its stripped bass but you can also find smallmouth and largemouth bass here as well. High Rock Lake is very similar to Buggs Island and full of all kinds of bass just waiting to be caught. Other lakes where bass can be found include Neuse Lake, Fontana Reservoir, Jordon Lake and Lake Norman. There are a number of smaller lakes where you can find different types of bass as well. Once you are out on the water you should fish for the bass in the grassy areas, around Lilly pads, boat docks and around ledges that run between ten to twenty feet underwater. It is always a good idea to have a GPS fish finder on hand to help you locate where the schools of fish are swimming around on any given day. The faster you find the bass the longer you will have to spend reeling them in. After all, catching as many bass as possible is what it’s really all about.

The North Carolina golf resorts are easily accessible from any location in the USA and the golfing experience that you will have here will be something to cherish for a long time. The main concern of the golf amateurs and professionals booking a golfing vacation is that whether or not the golf course stretches their abilities enough to help them improve and also at the same time not making it overwhelmingly challenging as well. The good news is that no matter how you play, the North Carolina golf resort has something to challenge everyone in its own unique way.

Owing to the distinguished experience that it offers, the Crow Creek Golf Club is a popular choice of many professional and amateur golfers. There are enough challenges for any level of golfer and one can even try ones hands at the championship tees to assess ones skills. Another good golf course worth checking out if you wish to head North Carolina is the Duplin Country Club. The experience here is made pleasing as well as challenging by the tall pine trees lined up on the fairways. Some of the advantages that this golf club has over others are that the rates are very competitive, there are no tee time limitations on the course, the walkers are welcome too and there are some recreational facilities available nearby where you can spend some useful time if you have had your share of golf in the day.

Saltwater fishing is practiced year round especially in North Carolina where you have a great deal to learn and discover from the locals but not only. North Carolina saltwater fishing is a sport enjoyed widely and many people travel from around the country to practice their expertise in these waters; here is how you too can plan and get to be part of the fun while learning through practice. Because North Carolina saltwater fishing area is vast you need to plan it carefully and before hand in order to get to all the right places and catch the fish of choice. Whether you are new or an experienced angler it is always advisable to hire a guide in order to break you in the secrets of the waters and what type of fish you may get in which parts. Locals will also prove to be very helpful but having someone by your side in the open water will prove far more advantageous in the end.

You can get your own gear or you can hire locally depending on how much time you want to spend in the North Carolina saltwater fishing area. There are also charters available, which you can book if your have a larger party and they usually come with a guide for the day; nothing like a fishing trip with your family and friends in the North Carolina water.

The Biltmore Estate consists of an immense mansion built by the Vanderbilt family in the late 1800s. It is the largest home that is privately owned in the United States and the descendents of the Vanderbilts still own the home. It is amazingly large at 175,000 square feet. The available tours of the home are simply incredible and it is unbelievable to tour the home and realize that more than 130 years ago architecture, design, and the like were so advanced.

The best time to visit if you want to save money is during the winter months. And, many times the North Carolina winter is fairly mild so you won’t be worried about freezing to death when visiting. Hotel prices are much cheaper during this off season and you can even get a winter pass for $35, which is considerable savings!

If you want to really enjoy the atmosphere of the Biltmore Estate then staying at the Inn is really the best route. The Biltmore Inn is beautiful and located on the Biltmore Estate and when you stay there you receive free entrance into the Biltmore Estate. This is a great way to combine the hotel with the tour and save money while really enjoying the atmosphere.

The Biltmore Estate is also a great place to host meetings, conferences, weddings, and even to shoot movies. The grounds are exquisite and the home is gorgeous and is the perfect place for any special event. While you are in Asheville, North Carolina you should also check out the Urban Trail. This is a walking trail that teaches individuals about Asheville’s history and architecture. Famous author Thomas Wolfe’s childhood home is in Asheville as well and a tour of his home place is interesting and inspiring.

When you head to Asheville, North Carolina you will have an amazing vacation. You can spend time at just the Biltmore Estate, or you can venture out and see more of the area. But, whatever you do, one thing is for certain and that is that you will love the experience.