Top 20: The Carolinas

The Carolinas are green year round - from shadowy cypress in low country swamps to high elevation, rhododendron tunnels or the endless loblolly pines of the piedmont - they exhibit some form of verdant foliage at nearly all times of year. There is the Appalachian Trail and Tobacco Road; the Outer Banks and outlying islands; Cherokee Nation and the Confederacy. Many cultures recognize their roots within the fertile farmland and biodiversity that encompass the Carolinas. The Great Smoky Mountains are known as the ”Salamander Capital of the World” (there’s over 30 species just inside the national park alone) and black bears are a familiar symbol of remnant montane forest. Historic battle sites and plantation homes dot the landscape, as well as old capitals like Charleston. Many of these places are still impeccably maintained, from live oak drives to antique interiors. But they are also reminders of centuries of horrific oppression associated with slavery. The American Civil War and Civil Rights Movement were imperative to the outcome of southern life today. Creole and African American cultures also play a significant role in shaping life, food, and history of the Carolinas.

Low country boils and seafood are common on the Atlantic coastline. Carolina barbecue is nationally famous (know your preference for eastern or western sauce), and southern comfort food is as delicious as it sounds - biscuits, gravy, grits, fried okra, hush puppies, (cole)slaw, and so much more. There are many things to do, places to explore - stories as old as the Appalachians themselves.

Great Smoky Mountain National Park

Go to America's most visited National Park (more than 12.5 million visited in 2019). Drive to Newfound Gap or Cade's Cove or seek out wilderness solitude on over 800 miles of trail. They are my hiking destination in the Carolinas.

Asheville

The city is an innovator of craft breweries and farm to table restaurants. Asheville is home to the world famous Funkatorium Wicked Weed brewery, as well as dozens more delicious locations. My favorite activity is rafting the French Broad River and visiting the float up breweries. Get out of town and visit the Biltmore, Pisgah National Forest, or the Smokies.

Castle Rock

As its name suggests, the cliff looks like a stone castle. A massive American flag flies proudly from its central turrets. Visitors can walk hundreds of wooden steps up to the top.

The Outer Banks

These world famous barrier islands officially stretch from Corolla to Ocracoke, but might also include the Emerald Isle and other coastal locations on the sound side. Go surfing, swimming, relaxing, or stuff yourself on fresh seafood catch. Visit Cape Hatteras or numerous other lighthouses or visit historical sights like Roanoke settlement or the Wright Brother's Flight Memorial.

The Triangle: Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill

It was the heart of Tobacco Road, so you can find plenty of history here. But, these cities are now especially popular to a young workforce. There is a burgeoning scene of restaurants and activities. Some of the best barbeque restaurants in the state are located here and there are three exceptional universities between The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke University, and North Carolina State University. Duke and UNC have especially beautiful campuses. Visit the Sara P. Duke gardens in the warmer months.

Charlotte

It is another exploding young professional area with its lucrative financial district. There is a vibrant nightlife and plenty of great restaurants. Sports enthusiasts can also seek out the NASCAR Hall of Fame, NFL's Carolina's Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets.

Charleston

One of the cultural and historic capitals of the American South, including nearby Fort Sumter which was an unofficial beginning of the Civil War. This port town was developed from the Carolinas lucrative slave produced agriculture. There are numerous historic buildings and plantations, but take the time to understand the nature of slavery in the Americas. At one point in South Carolina history, the state possessed more slaves than freed people.

Myrtle Beach

It is one of the most famous beach locales on the Carolina Coast. Find your luxury resorts and high rises. Seek out the many family friendly activities. I'm a proponent of the inordinate amount of miniature golf courses.

Congaree National Park

South Carolina's only National Park. The park contains the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. There is plenty of biodiversity throughout the park.

Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds its way north from Cherokee, North Carolina to Waynesboro, Virginia. It is one of the best ways to traverse Appalachia. Stop off for a hike, a picnic, or at many cultural and historical markers.

Pisgah National Forest

This massive national forest has multiple districts, north and south of Asheville. Some favorites include Mount Mitchell (highest mountain East of the Mississippi at 6,684 feet high), Looking Glass Rock, Looking Glass Falls, Sliding Rock, and more!

• Linville Gorge Wilderness Area: The Linville River drops 2,000 feet into the valley below to form high canyon walls and spectacular views. Much of the gorge is a wilderness area and provides excellent opportunities for camping and hiking.

Beaufort

Beaufort, SC (BEW-fert)

Beaufort, NC (Boh-fort)

Though the same word is pronounced differently between states, both locations are worth visiting. Beaufort, SC has more beautiful homes and mansions on the National Historic Register. Beaufort, NC is home to Blackbeard's home, Hammock House.

Greenville, SC

This is another young, up and coming town with a beautiful river walk. It is also the gateway to South Carolina's high country. At all times of the year, you can visit some local farms and breweries.

Boone

Home to the Appalachian State Mountaineers. The town is nestled in an Appalachian mountain valley. There is hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter, and good food all year round. Visit Appalachian Mountain Brewery.

Wilmington

One of North Carolina's best beach towns. It is more of a local hangout than its southern cousin of Myrtle Beach. It has some of the best Carolina barbeque in either state.

Grandfather Mountain State Park

This state park offers both wilderness camping and front country hiking. At one mile in elevation, there is a bridge crosses a gap between summits on the ridge line.

High Country, South Carolina

In South Carolina, you will often find yourselves in the Low Country or High Country. The High Country is the Appalachian foot hills that span the mountainous borders with Georgia and North Carolina. Go for a hike, a paddle, or a visit a college town like Clemson, cross the border into North Carolina to visit artsy cities like Brevard, or world class rafting in the Nantahala National Forest.

Low Country, South Carolina

South Carolina's swampy coastal forest is known as the low country. Get yourself a low country boil of corn-on-the-cob, broiled crawdads, potatoes, and sausage. All coated with Cajun seafood seasoning.

Civil War Memorial Sites

There were numerous battles fought throughout the Carolinas. These narratives are commemorated throughout the region by sign posts, historic parks, or museums. Check with your local towns to witness battle reenactments. There are often many locals and outsiders in attendance, you'll likely find people cheering for both sides.

Cherokee Nation

There is a strong indigenous presence in the Carolinas. While many Tribes have been removed from their traditional homelands, some cultures still survive and flourish. The Cherokee have a reservation just south of the Smokies (their traditional homeland). Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC.

Great Dismal Swamp

The Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge protects a majority of remaining swamp land in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. The swamp was once over a million acres that stretched between the James River and Albemarle Sound. The wildlife refuge is one of the largest remaining tracts of lowland swamp left in the Carolinas and provides a haven to many species of birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

The Appalachian Trail

North Carolina contains 320.4 miles of the Appalachian Trail. There are seemingly endless miles of river valleys, green rhododendron tunnels, and rock scramble summits.

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