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North Carolina: Mountains and Mayberry

On our winding roadtrip from Pennsylvania to South Carolina to Kentucky to Arkansas, North Carolina was one of the 5 final states left on my journey to all 50. One of the first stops after we entered in the state was Mt. Airy, NC. Mt. Airy served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Mayberry in "The Andy Griffith Show." Andy Griffith, who hailed from Mt. Airy, drew upon his memories and experiences growing up in the town to create the idyllic setting for the show. This is one of my mom's favorite shows, so we had to visit it. It was such a quaint little town.

 
Lake with trees surrounding it
Jetton Park, Lake Norman NC

The next day we were driving down to South Carolina to go visit Congaree National Park. Before we did that we stopped at The Cook Out and got some food to-go and took it to a nearby park. Jetton Park on Lake Norman is such a beautiful spot. There are bunch of trails to walk around the area and lots of picnic tables. This was something I randomly picked because I was looking at nearby spots to picnic. It was such gem, I wish we could've stayed there longer. It was a very calm place to be. We were looking upon the glistening water and then we witnessed a duck kill a frog and my mom deemed it was time to go.


After visiting South Carolina we came back into North Carolina, where we were going to quickly see the Biltmore Estate but we realized it was too grand for the amount of time we had. We will have to go back there another time. We stopped at Tupelo Honey in downtown Asheville and got some amazing food. Then we headed to our stay for the night which was a treehouse. I've always wanted to stay in a treehouse. The next morning we went to Great Smokey National Park and then entered into Tennessee.


 
If you want to visit North Carolina, here's a list of possible things to see and do:

  1. Blue Ridge Parkway: Take a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America's most iconic roadways, offering stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, lush forests, and vibrant fall foliage.

  2. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic drives. Don't miss Clingmans Dome, the highest peak in the park, and Cades Cove, a historic valley surrounded by mountains.

  3. Biltmore Estate: Visit the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the largest privately-owned home in the United States. Tour the opulent mansion, explore the gardens and grounds, and sample wines at the Biltmore Winery.

  4. Outer Banks: Relax on the pristine beaches of the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands along North Carolina's coast. Visit historic lighthouses, go surfing or kiteboarding, and explore charming seaside towns like Nags Head and Duck.

  5. Wilmington: Explore the historic port city of Wilmington, known for its picturesque riverfront, historic district, and vibrant arts scene. Visit the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, stroll along the Riverwalk, and tour the historic Bellamy Mansion.

  6. Charlotte: Discover the vibrant city of Charlotte, home to cultural attractions like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, the Mint Museum, and the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Explore the trendy neighborhoods of South End and NoDa, and catch a game at the Bank of America Stadium or Spectrum Center.

  7. Durham: Experience the dynamic city of Durham, known for its rich history, thriving food scene, and world-class universities. Visit the historic American Tobacco Campus, tour the Duke University campus, and explore the shops and restaurants of downtown Durham.

  8. Asheville: Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere of Asheville, a mountain town known for its vibrant arts community, craft breweries, and outdoor recreation. Explore the shops and galleries of the River Arts District, hike to waterfalls in the surrounding mountains, and indulge in farm-to-table cuisine.

  9. Chimney Rock State Park: Hike to the top of Chimney Rock for breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Lure. Explore the park's network of hiking trails, visit Hickory Nut Falls, and tour the underground passages of the nearby Lake Lure Flowering Bridge.

  10. North Carolina Zoo: Spend a day at the North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro, one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world. See animals from around the globe, including elephants, giraffes, and polar bears, and explore the zoo's immersive exhibits and educational programs.


If you want more suggestions on what to do in North Carolina, I suggest you check out their tourism website.

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