Asheville, in western North Carolina, is one of the more notable vacation spots in the state, filled with fun and interesting attractions. It is located within the Appalachian mountain range in a picturesque setting and is surrounded by mountains with lush scenic foliage and wildlife. It is directly accessible to the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, a scenic highway that winds through the Blue Ridge mountains. Asheville also has the Biltmore Estate, a historic mansion built in 1889 that became a public museum in 1956. The city of Asheville offers guided trolley tours of the historic downtown. Don't forget to stop at the Asheville Art Museum. There are a variety of hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfast accommodations in Asheville.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visited by thousands of people every year, sits in both North Carolina and Tennessee. The North Carolina region of the park boasts natural wildlife surrounding hiking trails, waterfalls and wildflowers. The hiking trails in this area range from easy to moderate to difficult. A few are on easier paved or gravel trails, while others involve dirt trails, and in many cases, hikers must climb on the rocks. For those who wish to avoid the physical exertion, there are scenic drives throughout the park, with frequent stopping points for viewing and picture taking. Campgrounds and private cabin and chalet rentals can be found in the park.
The Outer Banks of North Carolina are a string of barrier islands off the Atlantic Coast. Voted one of the top five beaches in America, Cape Hatteras offers many miles of wilderness to enjoy. The area is popular with surfers as well as hang gliders and swimmers enjoying the pristine beauty. There are local festivals to enjoy throughout the year, and visitors will find a variety of eateries and accommodations.
