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Whether you prefer hazy mountain peaks looming large in the distance, the lively buzz of a cityscape or the tranquility that comes with sitting on the waterfront sipping a festive cocktail, North Carolina has all of these spectacular views in spades.
BRIGHT CITY LIGHTS DOT THE PIEDMONT
1 Fahrenheit
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1 Fahrenheit
CharlotteSee on map
In the central region of our state, city lovers will enjoy the spectacular skyline views from atop Fahrenheit. A great date night or friends night out spot, take in the twinkling Uptown lights of this bustling metropolis while sipping on a specialty cocktail.
2 Top of the Hill
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2 Top of the Hill
Chapel HillSee on mapIn the quintessential college town of Chapel Hill, TOPO attracts locals and visitors alike for its lovely covered outdoor patio that provides long-range views of the charming downtown below. TOPO also doubles as a brewery, so enjoy a beer flight with a side of fresh air as you nibble on its locally sourced, Southern-inspired menu.
3 Shelton Vineyards
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3 Shelton Vineyards
DobsonSee on mapMore of a wine lover? Head to Yadkin Valley’s Shelton Vineyards and snag a table in its enclosed patio at Harvest Grill, named a top five “Best Winery Restaurant” by USA Today. Your experience starts with cruising through its fine gates and can end with a stroll around the property’s walking paths and ponds. In between soaking up the views, dine on seasonally inspired dishes like soup of the harvest, pork schnitzel or seared duck breast.
4 Raleigh Beer Garden
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4 Raleigh Beer Garden
RaleighSee on mapAnother feather in North Carolina’s cap is Raleigh Beer Garden, which has been a Guinness World Record holder for offering “The Most Different Varieties of Beer On Tap” with more than 350 brews. But you’ll want to grab a roofless seat in the funky outdoor space chock full of interesting details that help create the fun, bring-the-outdoors-in atmosphere. Its sister location, Charlotte Beer Garden, offers the same vibe, another stellar rooftop and (somehow) even more beers.
Living the High Life in the Mountains
5 5506' Skybar
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5 5506' Skybar
Beech MountainSee on mapIn the highest town on the East Coast, the circular 5506’ Skybar provides a 360-degree view of not one, not two, but three states on clear days. Best enjoyed during the winter months as a ski-in, ski-out bar and taproom, Skybar also becomes a key focal point during fun-loving events like its annual ‘80s-inspired Retro Weekend. Summer months provide views of the area’s lovely golf courses, famous for rarely recording temperatures above 80 degrees.
6 Around Bryson City
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6 Around Bryson City
Western NCSee on mapWith beautiful mountain scenery and waterways aplenty, Bryson City and the surrounding areas are the perfect places to relax outside and soak in stunning views. Begin your day sampling local beers at Mountain Layers Brewing Company (patio and mountain-facing rooftop) or Bryson City Outdoors (12 rotating taps, dozens of bottles and cans, plus a front porch overlooking Main Street). They’re a short walk away from each other, giving you the opportunity to easily explore the peaceful mountain town. And for your grand finale, grab dinner at Big Wesser (open late April through October) at Nantahala Outdoor Center for river sounds, cold beers, and mouth-watering burgers and barbecue.
7 Capella on 9
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7 Capella on 9
AshevilleSee on mapLooking for a chic night out? Hit the ultra-modern Capella on 9 at sunset and allow your evening to spill into the night as you sip high-end cocktails in its swanky lounge. And the tapas menu, developed in part with the owner of Posana, another popular local restaurant, pairs wonderfully with both the sweeping views and posh vibe.
8 Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn
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8 Sunset Terrace at The Omni Grove Park Inn
AshevilleSee on mapThe Omni Grove Park Inn boasts luxurious rooms and multiple restaurants and is consistently recognized as one of the top resort spas in the world. Part of its international acclaim stems from the magnificent, wide-angle view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, best seen from the Sunset Terrace. This tiered, stone, outdoor haven paves the way for a sunset view that rivals Craggy Gardens and other famous sunset spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Plus, the Omni Grove doesn’t skimp on quality – anywhere – so expect premium cocktails, gourmet food and impeccable service.
Take in Coastal Sights Above the Atlantic
9 Fish Heads Bar & Grill
9 Fish Heads Bar & Grill
Nags HeadSee on mapNothing screams ideal beachfront dining quite like a pier-located restaurant, and Fish Heads Bar & Grill delivers the goods. This laidback Outer Banks locale serves up lunch and dinner with family-friendly options like all-beef hot dogs, conch fritters, and breaded seafood baskets paired with slaw and fries or potato salad. Watch fishermen cast their lines all day long, or check out the music calendar for a fun night out dangling over the Atlantic Ocean.
10 Reel Cafe
10 Reel Cafe
WilmingtonSee on mapFun-loving Reel Cafe features three levels, including a rooftop bar overlooking Cape Fear River and a courtyard oyster bar that features live music in the heart of downtown Wilmington every Friday and Saturday. A happening nightlife spot with a dedicated late-night menu, Reel Cafe also offers brunch and daily drink specials.
11 Saltwater Grill
11 Saltwater Grill
SwansboroSee on mapThis massive beach house-style dinery in Swansboro showcases not one, but two waterways from its outdoor deck: the Intracoastal waterway and the Bogue Sound. If the outdoor tables are all taken, never fear – every single indoor table also provides waterfront views.
12 Frying Pan
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12 Frying Pan
SouthportSee on mapFor another unique dining option, check out the Calabash-style seafood plated at Frying Pan, named after the famous Frying Pan Tower, a former Coast Guard light station that’s considered one of the most dangerous hotels in the world. Be sure to snag a sweet potato biscuit; the restaurant says they might just be the best thing on the menu. Note: They close for the winter from mid-December to March.
13 The Blue Point
13 The Blue Point
DuckSee on mapThis high-end spot carries inventive choices such as stealhead trout, cornmeal-crusted catfish and jumbo lump crabcakes. Grab a drink at The backBAR while you wait for your table and relax in one of the Adirondack chairs overlooking the Currituck Sound. If you time it correctly, you can even catch a beautiful sunset that will start your night off right.
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