Other Destinations and Attractions in North Carolina

Whitewater Falls Scenic Area is located in Nantahala National Forest and best known for Upper Whitewater Falls. This is the highest falls in the eastern United States dropping some 411 feet. There are two overlooks offering good views of the falls, both of which are just a short walk from the parking area.

There are also hiking trails in the area as well as picnic sites and public facilities.

The Aurora Fossil Museum allows visitors to better understand the plants and animals that used to exist in the local area. A fun place to take the family, the Aurora Fossil Museum features the "Pit of Pungo" which allows visitors to get right into the soil and find fossils from the Miocene Age that you get to take home with you. The museum has expansive grounds that are perfect for a picnic after a day of finding buried treasures.

Bald Head Island, accessed only by boat, is a favorite recreational spot for the people of North Carolina. Bald Head Island has over 22km / 14mi of beautiful beaches and a large maritime forest preserve. Cars are prohibited on the island and the community has instituted a 28km / 18mph speed limit for the electric golf carts. A variety of accommodation is available on the island ranging from cottages for rent to luxurious bed and breakfasts.

If history is what you are looking for, travel no further than Bath. The town of Bath is North Carolina's oldest town, checking in at over 300 years old. Located in the beautiful Inner Banks region, the town has a small population (250 residents) but is big on history, especially when it comes to Blackbeard the pirate. A pleasant couple of hours can be had in Bath wandering the streets and soaking up the atmosphere.

The Bonner House located in Historic Bath is a wonderful example of early 19th Century Carolina architecture. Of particular note are the original small blown glass windowpanes and the wide plank flooring. Visitors with a keen eye will be able to see the names of the Bonner children etched in the glass windowpanes. The Bonner House is surrounded by majestic old elm, walnut, cedar and dogwood trees making the grounds a pleasant place to linger.

Historic Bath State Historical Site, located in the town of Bath, is considered to be North Carolina's first town. Bath was settled in 1690 along the banks of the Pamlico River and was officially recognized as a town in 1705. There are four historic structures on the site that can be toured by visitors and they are: Palmer-Marsh House, Bonner House, Van Der Veer House, and St Thomas Church. Also on site is a visitor's center and gift shop selling unique items.

The colonial style Palmer-March House is the oldest residence in Bath. The house has been fully restored and is worth a walk past while visiting Bath. Palmer-March House is located in the Historic Bath State Historical Site.

St Thomas church in Bath was built in 1734. The church is known for having 2 feet think walls. Apart from this, some of the highlights of St Thomas church are Queen Anne's Bell, originally cast in 1750, an 1870s silver candelabra which is thought to have been a gift from King George II, and a silver chalice, apparently given to Reverend Garzia by the Bishop of London in the same year the church was constructed.

The Van Der Veer House in Bath was built in the late 18th Century but moved to its current location and renovated in the early 1970s. The house is named for Jacob Van Der Veer, who acquired the property in 1824. The house today features displays related to the history of Bath and the surrounding area.

Hiking enthusiasts will want to head straight for Chimney Rock Park located near the town of Chimney Rock. The park boast of a variety of hikes, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, a 135m / 404ft high waterfall, rock climbing and an active event calendar. One hike in particular goes out to a promontory that the park claims has views of things over 120km / 75mi away.

Moores Creek National Battlefield near Currie was the site of a fierce battle in 1776 which saw the end of British rule in America. Each year on April 12, 1776 the park commemorates the battle and independence that was achieved here at Moores Creek.

Moores Creek National Battlefield is also home to the Heroic Women's Monument, paying tribute to women of the American Revolution.

When in Dillsboro, jump aboard for the railroad tour of a lifetime. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes passengers on a memorable ride through the valleys and mountains that make this area so special. The tour is a 85 km / 53 mi trip that includes 25 bridges and two dark tunnels. The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad also runs themed trips including a Murder Mystery excursion.

Edenton, in a slightly boastful manner, claims to be "America's Prettiest Small Town". Located on the banks of the Mattercommack Creek, Edenton is a pleasant place to visit. The town was established in 1778 and is named after Governor Charles Eden. The town boasts of over 25 homes built in the 18th and 19th Century that are still in use today.

The historic Chowan County Courthouse in Edenton was built in 1767 and looks today much as it did then. This imposing building is considered to be one of the finest examples of Georgian public architecture in the United States. It is stout and rectangular with a eye pleasing bell tower on the top. The Chowan County Courthouse has been in continuous use since the day it was built.

Located in the very pleasant town of Edenton, the Cupola House is a fine sight to see. The wood frame home was built in 1758 and was designed in the Jacobean style, quite rare in the South. The home has been wonderfully restored to its original appearance and looks much the same today as it did in the mid 18th Century.

The town of Edenton is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon or even a couple of days. The Historic Edenton State Historic Site features a large number of buildings from the 18th to early 20th Century and a walking tour provides the history of each one. The home of James Iredell of the original Supreme Court is located in Edenton and his home can be toured.

While strolling through Edenton, you will most likely come across James Iredell House. The home appears today much as it did in 1810 when Iredell's widow made some structural changes to the original 1759 home. The home can be toured and inside visitors will find it furnished in period pieces and decorated in the styles of the 18th & 19th Century.

St Paul's Church in Edenton is one of the oldest churches in South Carolina. St Paul's was built between the 1730s and the mid 1770s. It is an unmistakable landmark in the community for the large tower and steeple.

It may seem strange to be visiting Franklin and see the Scottish Tartans Museum. The reason for its existence is a dedicated group of historians devoted to Scottish Tartans. Inside this unique attraction visitors will find out everything they could possibly want to know about the history and culture of Scotland. The Scottish Tartans Museum will also conduct research into your family tartan if you so desire.

The Carl Sandburg Home National Historical Site near Flat Rock is a must see for fans of this poet, biographer, folk singer, and lecturer. Visitors to the site will find much of interest in the home, dairy goat barn, and the 8 km / 5mi of trails that criss cross the property. The Carl Sandburg Home National Historical Site is operated by the National Park service who occasionally hosts special events at the site.

Located near the Great Smoky Mountains, Fontana Village Resort, is nestled in the Nantahala Forest. Fontana Village has comfortable accommodations that include lodge, cabins, campground and houseboats on beautiful Fontana Lake, outdoor pools, and fine dining. Other accommodation choices include houseboats, cabins, and RV/tent camping. There are a wide variety of activities available to the visitor including hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, and horseback riding.

Just off highway 74 intrepid travelers will find the Rutherford County Farm Museum. The museum has a vast collection of agricultural memorabilia and vintage farming equipment. Also of note are the two murals that depict the growing of cotton and the early textile mills of the county. Part of the museum experience is the friendly guides; Mr. Jim Burgin or Mr. Jim Womack who are always ready to answer any question you may have.

For those interested in the history of North Carolina's Native Indians, the Frisco Native American Museum & Natural History Center is a must-see. Here visitors will find a detailed overview of Native American Indian life in the 18th Century and earlier. Also on display are all manner of artifacts ranging from pottery, arrow tips, and woven baskets. One display of particular note is the dug out canoe.

The Cherokee Indian Reservation contains the town of Cherokee and sits at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Cherokee Indian Reservation manages the town and the surrounding areas as a self-governing operation. Visitors are allowed unfettered access to most areas of the reservation and tourism is strongly encouraged.

Art lovers should make sure they visit the Greenville Museum of Art when in town. Here visitors will find a diverse collection of art with a special focus on paintings by Andrew Wyeth. Also on display are works by Jasper Johns, Andy Warhol, Romere Bearden, Jacob Lawrence, Eric Fischl, and Leon Golub. The Greenville Museum of Art also hosts traveling national and international exhibits.

The fascinating Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located in Hatteras, is the place to go to find information of shipwrecks in the Outer Banks of the North Carolina coastline. The museum has three main galleries: the first is Exploration, Transportation, Commerce, the second is Piracy and Warfare, and the third is Discovery, Research, and Interpretation. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is located on highway 12 near the NC DOT ferry terminal.

For a wonderful view out over the Blue Mountains visit Jump Off Rock. Located 8 km / 5mi from Hendersonville, this free attraction is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing. An Indian legend says that a Cherokee maiden was so distraught that her young Indian Chief had been killed in battle; she jumped off this very rock and he ghost appears on the rock on moonlit nights.

The Newbold-White House is considered a fine example of a Colonial Quaker homestead. Abraham Sanders who ran a successful farming and timber operation for many years purchased the property in 1726. Of particular note is the original home that was built in 1730 and has been restored to its former state and it is the oldest brick home in North Carolina. The Newbold-White House is a part of the Historic Albemarle Tour that visitors can follow when sightseeing in the area.

Visitors to the CSS Neuse State Historic Site and Governor Caswell Memorial get two attractions for the price of one. Of the two attractions, the CSS Neuse will be of interest to those who follow the history of the US Civil War. The CSS Neuse was an ironclad fighting ship that never saw active service and was scuttled by her crew. The Governor Caswell Memorial pays tribute to North Carolina's first governor.

A significant part of the North Carolina defense during the US Civil War, Fort Fisher State Historic Site presents a fascinating insight into the activities that once took place at this location. The beautiful visitor center has comprehensive displays and dioramas explaining the archeological work that has been undertaken at the site over the years. There is a 200m / .25 mile walking trail and a gift shop sells items related to the US Civil war. Note that there are no picnic facilities at Fort Fisher State Historic Site.

Those interested in the local history of Lake Waccamaw will find the Lake Waccamaw Depot Museum of particular interest. Inside the museum features a variety of displays including a 300-year old canoe, articles from European settlers, and a caboose. Of particular interest is the marine fossil exhibit. These fossils were gathered from the bottom of Lake Waccamaw. The museum has been in operation since 1977.

If you are up touring on the Blue Ridge Parkway, a stop in at the Emerald Village in Little Switzerland makes a pleasant diversion. Here visitors can mine for gemstones, visit the Bon Ami mine, tour the music museum, stop in at the homestead museum, and check out the Gallery of Minerals among many other interesting attractions.

Ghost Town of the Sky in Maggie Valley is a fun place for the whole family to visit. There are a variety of things to keep everyone busy here including a mile high roller coaster, staged gunfights in the main street, and Wild West shows. The main street is done up like the old days of the Wild West complete with wooden sidewalks and places to tie up your horse if you happen to have one with you.

The Old Burke County Courthouse is an architectural gem. Stunningly white with a tall clock tower on top, this building is one of Morgantown's finest. The building is open to the public and houses the visitor's center for the city along with the Historic Burke Foundation and the Heritage Museum. The building was built in 1837 and has been immaculately restored to its present condition.

The Brady Jefcoat Museum in Murfreesboro is a unique attraction. If Americana interests you, this is the place to visit. Inside the museum is an overwhelming collection of items dating from 1850 to 1950. The Brady Jefcoat Museum is housed in the former Murfreesboro High School built around 1922. The collection includes everything you could imagine, from air rifles to laundry equipment.

The Fields of the Wood attraction, located near Murphy, is a very unique place. Billing itself as "the #1 family attraction in the entire Smokies area", Fields of the Wood is renown for having the world's largest 10 Commandments. Also of note is the All Nations Cross, the Mountain Prayer Chapel, and the Psalms of Praise among many other religion focused attractions.

Jockey's Ridge State Park contains the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States. Located near the town of Nag's Head, Jockey's Ridge State Park is on North Carolina's famed Outer Banks. A highlight of the park is the 128-m/384ft walkway that provides expansive views of the dunes. A visitor center, picnic facilities, and a museum are also located onsite.

This is a day use only park.

The Nantahala National Forest is a beautiful natural area that encompasses a portion of the Appalachian Mountains. The region consists of peaks and valleys, waterfalls and streams, and old growth forest. This is a popular spot in the summer with hiking trails, horseback riding areas, mountain biking trails, and rafting opportunities.

Nantahala National Forest also offers camping with most campgrounds located on lakes or rivers.

Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge is located near New Holland. A favorite haunt of birders and anglers, the Wildlife Refuge is a North Carolinian treasure. It was established in 1934 and covers over 50,000 acres. The US Fish and Wildlife Service manage the Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge.

Located offshore on Ocean Isle Beach, the Museum of Coastal Carolina is a treasure trove of interesting information related to the seashore. Wonderful dioramas highlight the animal and plant life native to the region and the Museum of Coastal Carolina also boasts of an 85-seat Planetarium. For a take home gift, be sure to visit the Natural Treasures Gift Shop. The museum also has an active event calendar, be sure to check to see what's happening when you are in town.

The David Williams House Museum, located in the town of Ocracoke, provides a glimpse into life as it used to be in this area. The home has been carefully restored to its former glory and is decorated in the styles of the 19th Century. Of particular note are the Maritime Room and the Brogue room chock full of interesting period pieces. A gift shop is on site if you wish to take home a memento of your visit.

The Port O' Plymouth Museum in Plymouth is located in the old Atlantic Coastline Railroad station, built in the 1920s. Visitors can learn about the pre-Civil War era in Plymouth and specifically about the Battle of Plymouth in 1864. This was a major battle in North Carolina and victory for the Confederate forces. The museum displays collections of weapons and other war memorabilia.

Pearson's Falls are located in Saluda, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can pay a small fee to hike into Pearson's Falls. The falls are approximately 27 m / 90 ft high and cascade down a rock wall. This is a popular spot for photographers.

The North Carolina Estuarium in Washington is a great place to learn about the Pamlico and Tar River estuary, along with other coastal rivers in the state. The center displays aquariums and artifacts in a waterfront, modern warehouse looking building. There is a film that offers insight into the Pamlico region which visitors are encouraged to view.

The Hope Plantation has expansive grounds and two restored homes, one built in the late 1800's and the other, in the very early 19th Century. The homes have been restored to their former glory and outfitted in the fashions of the day. Also contained within the homes are period pieces and other interesting items from the 1800's. Both homes are on the National Register of Historic Places.