Adrian Berlutti
Southern Living (the magazine) doesn’t toss around compliments lightly. So when North Carolina keeps landing in their pages, you know something special’s going on. Whatever the reason is, these ten towns and escapes have them hooked. If you haven’t added them to your weekend list yet, this is your sign.
Biltmore Estate, Asheville
This massive estate includes the largest privately owned home in the U.S., surrounded by 8,000 acres of gardens and forest. It was built by George Vanderbilt in the 1890s, and today, you can visit the winery or walk through gardens designed by the one and only Frederick Law Olmsted.
Linville Gorge And Falls
Carved into North Carolina’s Pisgah National Forest, Linville Gorge plunges nearly 2,000 feet deep. Linville Falls, its crown jewel, has trails with dramatic overlooks. Hikers and climbers are drawn to the rugged terrain, making this one of the Southeast’s wildest and most scenic spots.
Old Salem, Winston-Salem
Old Salem is a historic district that preserves the 18th-century Moravian settlement. It features restored buildings, working bakeries, traditional tradespeople, and museums. Visitors can walk the cobblestone streets and learn about colonial life through hands-on exhibits and demonstrations.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The North Carolina side of the Smokies includes areas like Cataloochee Valley and Clingmans Dome. Wildlife, such as elk and black bears, are commonly spotted here. The park also offers camping and scenic drives through old-growth forests and mountain ridges during fall.
Roan Highlands
Straddling the North Carolina-Tennessee line, this section of the Appalachian Trail is famous for its wide-open mountain balds. In June, rhododendrons bloom across the ridgelines. Hikers and photographers are drawn to this area, looking for high-elevation views and cooler temperatures.
Lake Lure
Lake Lure is a man-made lake at the base of the Hickory Nut Gorge. It gained attention from the movie “Dirty Dancing”. Today, it’s known for boat tours and scenic views from nearby Chimney Rock. You’ll love this town for its relaxed lake-town vibe and its festivals.
Blowing Rock
A small town located on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Blowing Rock mixes mountain scenery with shopping and dining. The actual Blowing Rock is a cliffside viewpoint known for wind patterns that send light objects upward. It’s a popular stop for parkway travelers and weekend visitors.
Chimney Rock State Park
This park features a 315-foot rock formation with a view of the surrounding gorge and Lake Lure. An elevator takes visitors near the top, but trails are also available. The park includes Hickory Nut Falls, a 404-foot waterfall featured in “The Last of the Mohicans”.
Bald Head Island
Reached only by ferry from Southport, Bald Head Island is a quiet coastal getaway. Cars aren’t allowed, so most travel is by bike or golf cart. The island features maritime forests and historic sites like Old Baldy Lighthouse, which is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse.
Craggy Gardens
Part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Gardens sits above 5,000 feet and is known for its twisted trees and rhododendron blooms. Short trails lead to scenic lookouts and picnic spots. It’s especially popular in early summer when the flowers peak and temperatures stay cool.
