"Carolina in my mind" Top 5 Page for this destination North Carolina by b1bob

North Carolina Travel Guide: 5,434 reviews and 9,246 photos

Fernando & b1bob at the border: Virgilina

Because the North Carolina border abuts my Grandma's property in Virgilina, VA, I am very familiar with the state of North Carolina. No, I didn't just cross into North Carolina to walk in the woods with Grandma to pick blackberries in the summer or look for running cedar in the autumn, I have visited the coastal areas, small towns, and some major cities.

North Carolina is a very diverse state both geographically and in terms of its people. Western North Carolina has the highest mountain in the USA east of the Mississippi River, Mount Mitchell 6684 feet (2038 m.). The largest city is Asheville. Its major tourist attraction is the Biltmore Estate, but it has a vibrant downtown and postcard-like scenery. The Piedmont of the state was, at one time, bristling with textile mills until ill-advised U.S. trade practices put forth by both parties caused the lion's share mills to shut down. Major cities in this region include Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte. Banking is Charlotte's premier industry and the city has more potential for tourism than is evident from the first glance.

The Research Triangle is bordered by Duke University in Durham, the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and North Carolina State University in Raleigh. It is called the research triangle because all three universities have done great investigations in terms of pharmaceuticals, medicines, chemistry, physics, biology, etc. From the Hollywood stereotypes of North Carolina, it might surprise many to know that there are more Ph.D.'s per square mile in Orange, Durham, and Wake county than anywhere else in the USA. Eastern North Carolina's main industries are tourism, defence, and tobacco. North Carolina's Outer Banks aren't only a good beach resort, but they played a part in two historical events. Roanoke Island was the first English colony in the Americas, settled in 1584. Virginia Dare was the first English citizen born on American shores. The county containing Roanoke Island and a goodly part of the Outer Banks was named for her. The first successful heavier-than-air flight took place on 17 December 1903 on a windy day on a sand dune in Kitty Hawk. There are quite a lot of military bases in the eastern third of North Carolina including Camp Lejeune, Pope Air Force Base, Cherry Point, and Seymour Johnston. In the more rural counties, tobacco is still the cash crop despite declining smoking rates in America.

For much of North Carolina's history, there have only been blacks and whites. However, in recent years there has been an explosion in the Latino population. In larger cities, there is a notable Asian population as well. North Carolina has always had a small-town, religious, and conservative set of values. The PhD's and the come-heres from other states have not moderated that as much as some have hoped. The nice thing about North Carolina is you have to come back several times in order to be able to understand its people, its culture, and see all it has to offer.

Pros and Cons

Pros:North Carolina is a state of natural beauty and increasing cultural diversity.
Cons:I can't think of anything (related to travel) right off the top of my head.
In a nutshell:There is something for everybody in North Carolina.

Last visit to North Carolina: May 2007
Intro Updated Sep 1, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (38)

Waffle and Pancake House - North Carolina

breakfast anyone? Restaurants (6)

This restaurant could not have been more convenient to our hotel, then a Comfort Inn. It was also perfect for what we... more travel advice

Where Krispy Kreme got its start Local Customs (11)

Many Americans and even foreign travelers are familiar with the chain of doughnut stores called Krispy Kreme. However,... more travel advice

North Carolina barbecue - North Carolina

North Carolina barbecue Local Customs (11)

You often hear of North Carolina barbecue. Well, there is no single kind of North Carolina barbecue. What is generally... more travel advice

Calabash seafood Local Customs (11)

Calabash, North Carolina is home to a style of dining. This small southeastern North Carolina town has become synonymous... more travel advice

Shopping (6)
See All Good stuff, lower price
Favorites (3)
See All Wrightsville Beach, 1973
Things to Do (5)
See All Biltmore Estate: Asheville
Sports & Outdoors (1)
American football

Travelogues (1)

Written Feb 15, 2004

5 photos

Hurricane Isabel

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (39)

BruceDunning Feb 7, 2009 at 2:50 PM Report Abuse

I have eaten here times in the past-30 years ago. I helped manage CArolina Shores plantation up there. Still a pretty place today-but maybe more tourists.
volopolo Jun 9, 2008 at 4:55 AM Report Abuse

Another page of you with a lot of information!
richiecdisc Jan 28, 2008 at 9:52 AM Report Abuse

Didn't know there were so many varieties of NC bbq, Nat but can tell you I am having a hankering for some after reading this! And a follow-up with Krispy Kreme would do just fine too.
TheTravelSlut Jul 23, 2007 at 6:29 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for all the NC tips. I travel there frequently also and many I had never either seen or heard of so now I have some new things to check out in my Nov. trip! Thanks again, Ann, The Travel Slut
LuzC Jul 10, 2007 at 9:21 AM Report Abuse

Interestingly, it says Sanctity Way and that all (people) are welcome. Interesting to see a Spanish speaking Pentacostal church in North Carolina...
eslim_81 Aug 16, 2006 at 10:58 PM Report Abuse

Hehe.... I love this kind of lower price outlets....:)
lmc2626 Mar 31, 2006 at 8:40 AM Report Abuse

wow im talking to top contributor of this carolina page, but what is acemj?
TRINITY5 Feb 10, 2006 at 10:29 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for all your great info on NC... It was nice to know some of the history and old down home tips on food, people and culture....
deecat Jul 8, 2005 at 12:14 PM Report Abuse

Yes, you do know a good deal about North Carolina. I especially liked the food and custom tips such as the BBQ, Tar Heel Pie, and that Biscuitville chain restaurant. I also think the idea of volunteers on the trains is really great.
dr.firas Feb 11, 2005 at 6:35 AM Report Abuse

Great tips Nat! I like your photo too when you were a kid :-) Cool shopping new tip Nat! ;-)) I liked the sport trip, both the place and your photo ;-) those X-Mass cookies looks so yummi ;-Dwhat an inviting name ;-D