North Carolina has attractions to satisfy just about any interest. Wine enthusiasts can descend on the state to visit the many wineries in operation. Nature lovers can explore the gardens, waterways and mountains to keep busy. History buffs can visit landmarks dating back to the Revolutionary War. For those who enjoy sports, North Carolina is home to many motor sports and professional sports teams. And, finally, the state has many museums to keep the art lover happy.
North Carolina is home to over 90 wineries that blanket the state from the Western mountains to the coast. The state features grape varieties familiar to wine regions across the world as well as a grape variety indigenous to the Carolina area.
North Carolina's take on some familiar wines can be found at the Banner Elk Winery on the Western side of the state. The winery is North Carolina High Country's first commercial winery. Banner Elk has produced an award winning Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a winning wine produced from local blueberries. Local grape varieties can be found near the hot and sandy coast.
The native muscadine grape has been growing along the North Carolina coast since long before the settler's arrived. The wine the colonists would derive from that grape is now replicated at the Bennett Vineyard. This vineyard offers daily tastings of this sweet, antioxidant wine as well as their other varieties.
Explore the wonders of nature and learn how people interact with the outdoors at the North Carolina Arboretum. Located in Asheville, this affiliate of the University of North Carolina is a leader in research and innovation in emerging agricultural practices, biotechnology, climate change solutions, landscape architecture, energy conservation and soil and water conservation. The lessons learned through these practices are available to the public through various adult and youth oriented educational programs. The Arboretum is spread over 434 acres where the cultivated garden offers more than just education and research. It is also a place for relaxation and exercise with its 10 miles of hiking and biking trails.
For a more wild experience, visit an outfitter to the Yadkin River. The river, surrounded by mountains, is home to wildlife and is open for fishing, canoeing, kayaking and overnight camping excursions. The Atlantic ocean is also open to exploration all along the world famous Outer Banks.
Partake in the genteel Southern life in the town of Warrenton, North Carolina. Founded during the American Revolution, the historic town is a reminder of the joys of civilized living. The town features eighteenth and nineteenth century architecture, public gardens, ancient trees and brick-lined sidewalks. It is a town that serves as a reminder of a way of life interrupted during the Civil War. Monuments to the war stand in Lenoir County where the Kinston Battlefield Park preserves the battlefields of the area. Tour the sites, review the artifacts from the battles on display and imagine the horrors of the war.
Motor racing is abundant in North Carolina with race tracks all over the state. The Charlotte Motor Speedway is one of the most popular attractions. The facility hosts races, car shows and hosts driving schools.
Visit the Bank of America Stadium where the Carolina Panthers play NFL football, and the Time Warner Cable Arena where the Charlotte Bobcats play NBA basketball. The RBC Center in Raleigh is home to the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes.
Travel to Raleigh for an immersion into the fine arts. The North Carolina Museum of Art features a permanent collation, special exhibits and a museum park. Included in the permanent collection is the southeast's largest repository of works by the sculptor Auguste Rodin. The bronze sculptures are on display throughout the museum and outside in the museum park.
The North Carolina Symphony is also located in Raleigh and housed in the Meymandi Concert Hall. Founded in 1932, the symphony puts on 175 performances annually. BBC Music Magazine has called their performances “exhilarating," "barnstorming" and "spine-tingling.”
