Things to do in NC
Things to do Near Hendersonville
Alexander’s Ford
Rutherfordton, NC – Part of the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail system where Patriot militiamen made camp on October 5, 1780- two days before the Battle of Kings Mountain. Learn More
Bechtler Mint Site Historic Park
Rutherfordton, NC – Historic park on the site of what may have been Christopher Bechtler’s gold mine and near where in 1832, he minted the fist $1 gold coin in the United States – 17 years before the US Mint would do the same. Learn More
Carl Sandburg Home Historic Site
Flat Rock, NC – Pulitzer Prize winning poet and author Carl Sandburg and his family moved to Flat Rock in 1945. While living at “Connemara” Sandburg would continue to write, producing a third of his written works while living at Connemara and would go on to win his third Pulitzer. Upon his death, his wife Lillian donated the home and farm so it could become a memorial to her late husband. Learn More
Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock, NC – Chimney Rock State park includes over 8,000 acres and offers breathtaking views, unique rock formations, abundant wildlife, and waterfalls. The signature feature is the 315 foot granite monolith that offers a 75 mile panoramic view of the surrounding area including Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Access the top via a well maintained trail system or a one of a kind elevator through the middle of a mountain. Learn More
Connemara Dairy
Flat Rock, NC – While her husband was busy writing, Lilian Sandburg was hard at work building a successful dairy and raising award winning goats. Credited with helping to normalize goat milk and cheese in the United States, decedents of her champion herd live on today at the site of her dairy at the Carl Sandburg Historic Site. Learn More
Cradle of Forestry in America
Pisgah Forest, NC – The site of the first school of forestry in America, The Cradle of Forestry deep in the heart of Pisgah Forest tells the story of America’s first foray into scientific forestry and conservation. Learn More
DuPont State Recreational Forest
Cedar Mountain, NC – A favorite of locals, this 10,000 acre forest has been the location for hit movies like The Hunger Games and Last of the Mahicans and offers miles of hiking trails and some of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area. Learn More
High Falls
Cedar Mountain, NC – 120 foot waterfall that’s one of the most impressive waterfalls in North Carolina and part of a trio of falls along the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Learn More
Historic Carson House
Marion, NC– One of the oldest homes in McDowell County that’s open to the public. Historic artifacts tell the story of WNC through the filter of one of the areas founding families. Learn More
Historic Johnson Farm
Hendersonville, NC – Owned by the Hendersonville School System, the farm is a place where school kids and adults alike can learn about farm life in the 19th and early 20th centuries as the local economy shifted from agrarian to tourist focused. Learn More
Lake Lure
Lake Lure, NC – Nestled in the lowlands of Hickory Nut Gorge, Lake Lure has been a popular tourist attraction and get away for generations. The twin villages of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock offer an abundance of activities for all ages.
North Carolina Arboretum
Asheville, NC – Part of the University of North Carolina system, the North Carolina Arboretum features acres of cultivated gardens, 10 miles of hiking trails, and art installations. Educational programs are available throughout the year. Learn More
Pearson’s Falls
Saluda, NC – 90 foot tall waterfall is the star attraction of a 275 acre park along Colt Creek that includes over 200 native plants, wildflowers, and trees of every description. Owned and operated by the Tryon Garden Club. Learn More
Triple Falls
Cedar Mountain, NC – One of six waterfalls in DuPont State Forest and one of three within a 2 mile area along the Little River. The three smaller falls of Triple Falls add up to a spectacular 120 foot waterfall with individual pools between each section. A short walk to a viewing platform will get you up close to to the middle section of the fall. Learn More
Things to do Near Blowing Rock
Grandfather Mountain
Linville, NC – Both a privately owned attraction and a state park, Grandfather Mountain offers something for everybody. Hikers looking for a challenge will enjoy the state park while folks interested in a more leisurely experience will enjoy the attraction with its scenic views, animal experiences, and a fudge shop that’s become the highlight of everyone’s visit. Learn More
Grandfather Mountain Highland Games
Linville, NC – Annual event featuring athletics, music, dance, and all things Scottish that draws tens of thousands of people every year to this sleepy mountain town. Learn More
Things to do Near Charlotte
Crowders Mountain State Park
Kings Mountain, NC – Twin rocky peaks located just 30 miles from Charlotte and right off of I-85. This busy state park offers challenging hiking, primitive camping, rock climbing, fishing, and picnicking. Learn More
President James Polk Birthplace
Pineville, NC – Birthplace of America’s 11th President. Protege of Andrew Jackson and strong proponent of Manifest Destiny. In his one term as President he saw the continental United States grow into its current size. Reaching all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
North Carolina is known for its spectacular scenery. Some of the best mountain views in the country can be found right here, with high peaks looking out over densely forested valleys below. Of course mountains mean waterfalls. You can visit over 250 waterfalls in the Brevard area alone. Hikers, backpackers, and photographers are sure to find something to love in one of the 41 areas of North Carolina’s state park system. Or you might just enjoy a day out driving along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
But North Carolina is more than just mountains. With a Pre-Columbian history dating back over 10,000 years, NC already had a long history before the first Europeans arrived. Today you can visit sites associated with native peoples like the Chowanoke, Roanoke, Machapunga, Coree in the coastal region of the sate to the Cherokee, Meherrin, and Tuscarora in the interior of the state.
From the first attempted English settlement at Roanoke through westward expansion and the American Revolution and beyond, North Carolina offers a wealth of historic places and sites from the Atlantic Coast to the Appalachian Mountains. You’re sure to discover a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
North Carolina offers the visitor a wealth of opportunities for exploration and adventure. Join us in our odyssey as we explore the sights, history, folklore, and places that make North Carolina special.