North Carolina

North Carolina is a wonderful juxtaposition of all that's good in the world. It's a state full of life, where top research scientists ride bikes alongside hippies, where old money meets new ideas and where nature explodes in so many unforgettable sights. From the dynamic breathtaking coast of the Outer Banks to the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, from the gardens and tobacco plantations of the Piedmont to the glorious Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina has so much to offer. You can scuba dive among shipwrecks, horseback ride through wildflower meadows, sip wine in a château or whitewater raft down a dozen gorgeous ...

North Carolina is a wonderful juxtaposition of all that's good in the world. It's a state full of life, where top research scientists ride bikes alongside hippies, where old money meets new ideas and where nature explodes in so many unforgettable sights. From the dynamic breathtaking coast of the Outer Banks to the magnificent Blue Ridge Parkway, from the gardens and tobacco plantations of the Piedmont to the glorious Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina has so much to offer. You can scuba dive among shipwrecks, horseback ride through wildflower meadows, sip wine in a château or whitewater raft down a dozen gorgeous rivers. With a surprising embrace of performance and visual arts, North Carolina's cities have thriving cultural attractions, from funky art houses to elaborate symphony halls. And everyone loves a good show, right The state's enthusiastic spectators have a lot to cheer about, from NASCAR racing in Charlotte to college basketball, pro football, even Durham Bulls baseball. North Carolina is all about lighthearted, adventurous fun.

About the Expert

Debra Landau has written eight Lonely Planet guidebooks, including books on the USA, Caribbean, and the South.