Despite the “North” in the name, this beautiful southern state has something in store for every taste and is therefore ideal for holidays with the whole family or with friends. Not only the climatic zones and the landforms leave nothing to be desired. Culture freaks and shoppaholics also get their money’s worth in North Carolina. Here you can enjoy life in the here and now – but you can also take a look back at history. With over 670,000 residents, Charlotte is the largest city in the US state of North Carolina.
Location and landscapes
Abbreviated as NC on abbreviationfinder.org, North Carolina is located in the southeast of the United States and borders Virginia to the north. The neighboring state in the west is Tennessee, in the south North Carolina is framed by Georgia and South Carolina. The natural border to the east is the Atlantic Ocean. There on the coast there is a temperate climate that gradually cools down over the Piedmont plateau to the Appalachian mountain range. The country is one of the founding states of the USA, which explains its nickname “The North State”. In 1776 North Carolina renounced its motherland along with twelve other countries. From then on it was no longer an English colony, but part of the young United States of America.
Excursion into history
Despite the fact that North Carolina was among the early states to sign the Declaration of Independence, its English roots can still be felt to this day. It starts with the naming. “Carolina” pays homage to Karl (Latin: Carolus) I, the father of Karl II. He sat on the English throne when he discovered the south-east coast of America and granted ownership rights to the new territories. The explorer himself is named after the capital Raleigh appreciated. It got its name, of course, from the great navigator and seaman Sir Walter Raleigh. But the history of the country’s indigenous people can also boast big names. Because the tribe of Indians who lived in the Appalachian Mountains over the centuries are none other than the Cherokee. Like many other Native Americans, they were brutal and violent. The path they covered is now known around the world as the “Path of Tears”.
Fortunately, life went on for the Cherokee at some point. Anyone who would like to meet them and are interested in their history, their suffering, but also their handicrafts and their culture, will head to “Qualla Boundary”. There is not only a living museum village there, the open-air musical “Unto these hills” is performed there every summer, which traces the history of the Cherokee in a vivid and emotionally moving way.
Back to the present and off to nature
The landscapes of North Carolina are of breathtaking beauty. One of the best ways to get to know them is by driving the Blue Ridge Highway. This route is often referred to as “America’s Most Popular Route”. The Blue Ridge Highway connects the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with the Shenandoah National Park over an impressive 750 kilometers. The trip is worthwhile at any time of the year, but it is particularly impressive in autumn. Then the color of the leaves is so impressive that it matches the “ Indian Summer “Competes easily in the northern states of the east coast. Tip: Make sure to stop every now and then on the way to enjoy the view, to go on a hike or to stop off at one of the rustic inns. It is worth planning a few days for the route! Of course, visitors to North Carolina are spoiled for choice. A trip along the coast with its extremely interesting lighthouses, its wild beaches and the many former pirate nests is a special experience. Don’t miss: the lighthouse in Cape Hatteras. It is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States. The visitor center in Buxton is also worth seeing.
North Carolina very sporty
Golfers will likely want to spend the rest of their lives there after their first golf vacation in North Carolina. In each of its three landscapes, the country offers golf courses and courses that are unparalleled internationally. Whether in the mountains, on the coast or somewhere in between: Passionate golf fans seek out the courses designed by architect Donald Ross. He designed three systems. The US Open Championships have already been held several times on “Pinehurst No 2”. For those who prefer to watch instead of being active themselves, the touring car races for which North Carolina is famous are recommended.
A bit of culture to say goodbye
A visit to North Carolina is simply not complete if you haven’t seen Biltmore House. The property in a 30-square-meter park is considered the largest privately owned residential building in the United States. George Vanderbilt had it built in the style of a French Renaissance chateau at the end of the 19th century. At that time the building had 250 rooms. Today it houses a hotel as well as various shops, restaurants and a renowned winery. You can whet your appetite during a hike through the extensive park around the house. So that your hiking gear is complete, we have created a checklist for a hiking vacation in the USA.
Raleigh
According to countryaah.com, Raleigh is a city of the USA (392,552 in 2008), capital of North Carolina, in the central part of the state, 32 km SE of Durham. It is a commercial center (agricultural products: tobacco, cotton), with electronic, agri-food, textile and chemical industries. University seat and numerous research centers.
