Hands-on museums, animal encounters, hikes and beach days. North Carolina is a playground built for all ages.
Kick cabin fever with a range of winter activities in the North Carolina mountains like hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even ice climbing. A convenient base camp for launching a winter assault is Black Mountain, located just off Interstate 40 east of Asheville.
Make the most of the chill in the air and wind your way from one of the highest points in North Carolina — with 360-degree views made all the more beautiful with blankets of snow during winter months — to staring across the seemingly endless expanse of peaceful shoreline, where more than a hundred wild horses scamper across the sand year-round.
Maybe grandma’s house just isn’t big enough to host a holiday gathering for the whole gang anymore. Or perhaps it’s time to bring the entire clan together for an old-time family reunion. Regardless of the need — but especially during Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve and long winter weekends — there are plenty of sizable lodging options ranging from charming B&Bs to welcoming resorts that cater to large groups with fun plans that only North Carolina can provide.
Each year, families travel to our choose-and-cut Christmas tree farms in search of the perfect evergreen and overnight adventures.
From Seagrove pottery and Moravian treats to whitewater rafting and other adventures, we have local gift ideas for everyone on your list.
There are several things that make Thanksgiving a much-anticipated and memorable holiday. But if you're visiting North Carolina for Thanksgiving, you're likely staying a few days, and eventually you'll want a break from the turkey to get out and about.
Nothing captures the spirit of the holidays quite like going to see arrays of sparkling lights and ornaments. Experience the magic of seasonal light displays in gardens, at museums and resorts, and in small towns and downtowns across North Carolina. For a complete list of holiday light displays throughout the state, visit our events calendar.
There are several reasons the Christmas season is a wonderful time of year. Not only are you likely looking forward to holiday vacation and spending time with loved ones, but for several weeks leading up to Christmas Day (and after), many attractions across North Carolina become holiday destinations and winter wonderlands.
Take your pick of North Carolina's six ski resorts and destinations: Appalachian, Beech Mountain, Cataloochee, Hatley Pointe, Sapphire Valley and Sugar Mountain.