As one of the original 13 colonies, North Carolina is one of the oldest states in the Union. This month, we’re celebrating the Tar Heel State’s 224th birthday with these seven reasons to visit.
1. Cruise America’s Favorite Drive. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway is hands-down America’s Favorite Drive, thanks to its winding path along rolling hills, scenic vistas and breathtaking hiking trails. The best time for a drive along Blue Ridge Parkway is autumn, when the hills burst with brilliant fall colors.
2. Pan for gold in Midland. The Reed Gold Mine was the first documented site of found gold in the U.S., churning out an estimated million dollars in gold a year during its peak. Today, visitors can still pan for gold for just $3.
3. Visit the beautiful Outer Banks. North Carolina’s Outer Banks is one of the best beachside stretches on the East Coast. Book yourself a beach rental, fly a kite where the Wright brothers first flew in Kitty Hawk or strike up a small bonfire on the sand.
4. Get spooked. North Carolina has plenty of spooky sites for would-be ghost hunters, including the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the Devil’s Tramping Ground in Chatham County and the mysterious Brown Mountain Lights.
5. Visit lighthouses. All along North Carolina’s coast, you’ll find beautiful lighthouses still shining their beacons. Some of the most popular lighthouses to visit include the Bodie Island Lighthouse and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse.
6. Hollywood East. North Carolina has earned a reputation as Hollywood East, thanks to being the filming site for blockbusters like “Iron Man 3” and “The Hunger Games.” Film-themed tours are available, including a “Hunger Games” fan tour that includes filming sites, archery and a game simulation.
7. It was good enough for Blackbeard. Even the world’s most notorious pirate had to make a home for himself somewhere, and of all the places he sailed, Blackbeard chose Beaufort, N.C. Today, you can see artifacts from Blackbeard’s ship at the North Carolina Maritime Museum or join an argh-worthy pirate tour.
(Main image: Mountain Photo Gallery)
