North Carolina has much to offer its citizens and visitors alike, from its bustling, modern cities to its rural areas, whose undeveloped woodlands still cover the majority of the state. In the eastern region of the state are the beautiful, tan sand outer banks, a chain of over 100 natural barrier islands that protect its mainland’s coastline from the great Atlantic. In the center of the state is the piedmont region, home to “the Triangle”, an area comprised of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Here you’ll find NC State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina all within short drives of one another. These accredited universities and the many growing businesses that call the area home bring with them academic, artistic, and cultural diversity, as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife. Raleigh is the spot to be to catch the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes in action. A bit farther to the west is the state’s largest city, Charlotte, where NASCAR fans rally at the track, NFL fans flock to the Carolina Panthers’ stadium, and thrill seekers take the rides of their lives at nearby Paramount’s Carowinds amusement park. In the western part of the state lie the majestic, rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, where campers, hikers, and sightseers can take in the breathtaking views along one of the nation’s most scenic roads, the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, as one of the original 13 colonies, the Old North State, as it’s sometimes called, is rich in historical landmarks throughout the state.

Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Mountains, Outer Banks, Atlantic Ocean, Raliegh, Durham, Chapel Hill, UNC, NC State, Duke University, Carowinds, Civil War

Raleigh-Durham International Airport, Carolina Hurricanes, Carolina Mudcats, Blue Ridge Mountains, Tar Heels, Duke Blue Devils, NC State Wolfpack, RBC Center, Wake County, City of Oaks, North Carolina State University, Shaw University, Alltel Pavilion at Walnut Creek, Juniper Level Botanic Gardens, North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences,