North Carolina Vacation Rentals

North Carolina (NC), a popular vacation destination, offers a variety of outdoor activities, from sandy beaches to winding mountain trails. The state is also a culinary destination, renowned for its barbecue style, and it's also home to some awesome theme parks. Whether near the beach, in the mountains, or the center of a city, North Carolina vacation rentals are a great way for travelers to experience all the state has to offer.

Getting to Your North Carolina Vacation Rental

North Carolina has a few airports on hand. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located just 14 miles from the center of Raleigh, and there is also Charlotte Douglas International Airport. From either of these, simply rent a car or jump on a bus to get to your North Carolina accommodation.

North Carolina’s Cuisine: Barbecue and Beyond

North Carolina is known for barbecue, and there's no shortage of places where you can find it throughout the state. Aficionados know there are two styles of barbecue in the state: Eastern and Lexington. While both are pork-based, Lexington style uses a tomato-based red sauce, and Eastern style uses a simpler vinegar and pepper-based sauce. Visitors can choose from an overwhelming number of barbecue joints, all with their own cooking methods, or time their visit so that they can attend the Lexington Barbecue Festival.

Asheville, another food hub in the state, offers up an eclectic array of food styles – from French comfort food to Caribbean cuisine. It's also a bustling hub for food trucks, such as Gypsy Queen Cuisine, which serves Lebanese dishes, and El Kimchi, a Mexican-Korean fusion food truck.

North Carolina's Climate: Breezy Beaches and Snowy Mountains

The climate in North Carolina is incredibly varied due to the wide variations in elevation and the state’s proximity to the ocean. In general, visitors can expect warm summers and cool winters with little snowfall. However, coastlines, such as the Outer Banks, are prone to high winds, while mountainous regions such as Pisgah National Forest often see heavy snow.

Snowfall and ski resorts make North Carolina's quaint mountain towns perfect for a cozy cabin in the winter, while summer breezes are inviting at beach rentals. Although outdoor theme parks are usually only open in warmer seasons, many of North Carolina's best attractions can be visited year round.

Signature Sights of North Carolina

Some of the best family activities here are enjoying relaxing picnics, hiking the many mountain ranges, or embarking on a cross-state cycling tour. Try horseback riding if you haven’t yet and experience a classic American adventure!

Don’t leave North Carolina without a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located between North Carolina and Tennessee, visitors to this US National Park will experience beautiful, lush rainforests, wildlife, and flora.

In Asheville, the great Appalachian mountains will enthrall. You’ll be blown away by the grandeur of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, which are true giants of nature. Those who want to hit the beach can head for North Carolina’s Outer Banks, famous for surf breaks and shipwreck diving.

If you’ve seen the film Nights in Rodanthe and want to enjoy some romance, visit the Hatteras Island village of Rodanthe. The same island is also known for its pristine beaches and fishing spots.

Art and Culture in North Carolina

There are many historical sites and landmarks within reach of most North Carolina vacation rentals. For some historical fun, visit Biltmore, America’s largest private estate. Inside, you’ll be awed by the 250 bedrooms, plus lush gardens planted centuries ago. Literary hero Carl Sandburg had his original home here, now a national historic site visited by many throughout the year.

Enjoy galleries and art museums all over the state, from the impressive collection of successful artist Jonas Gerard in Asheville to an exploration of African-American culture and colonial influence at the Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte.

Family Activities: Amusement Parks and Outdoor Wonders

Charlotte is home to Discovery Place, an interactive science museum that features a variety of interactive science exhibits for kids. The museum also houses the World Alive exhibit, which celebrates the unique biodiversity of earth, from oceans to rainforests. Not far away, families can experience thrill rides and water-filled fun at Carowinds amusement park, which sits on the border of North and South Carolina.

Around the state, you'll find an abundance of family attractions. The North Carolina Zoo in Asheboro is filled with exotic animals, while Pine Knoll Shores is home to North Carolina Aquarium's diverse array of marine creatures. Visit Wrightsville Beach, where the whole family can try a surfing lesson, or travel along the coast to Nag's Head for dolphin tours. In Brevard, you'll find Sliding Rock, where you can slide down a 60-foot waterfall – the perfect destination to cool off in the summer.

Evenings in North Carolina

North Carolina vacation rentals are great for family bonding nights, relaxing with the kids under a canopy of stars in the garden, or listening to the waves lapping just outside your window. North Carolina has some of the best food in this part of the United States. Restaurants serve great American classics like giant burgers and tasty steaks. Try the Mash House for local craft beer and juicy ribs, or the Salt and Lime Cabo Grill for Tex-Mex cuisine. Another standout restaurant is Good Food in Charlotte.

Outdoor Adventures for the Whole Family

Spring is a beautiful season to visit North Carolina and explore an overwhelming 55 public parks. You won’t want to miss out the gorgeous blooms coloring the Airlie Gardens – walk along sculpted hedges among historic structures and take in the pleasant views. Lakes add to the peaceful scenery here, and over 100,000 azaleas are in blossom in spring.

Another beautiful spot is the Tryon Palace Gardens, a sweeping 16 acres of lush greenery. Designed in the 1950s by architect Morley Jeffers Williams, they recall the aristocratic gardens of Great Britain in the 18th century.

Summer is, of course, the best time to hit the beaches of North Carolina. More than 300 miles of barrier island beach await.

Famous for its sun, sand, and surf, Southport has been called "America's Happiest Seaside Town". Come here to soak up the lovely sunny vibe and you’ll soon find out why. You can also enjoy hiking with the kids around the nature parks, with activities led by park rangers.

After spending some time relaxing, drive towards the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains and check out other historical sites in the area. There you can also spend the whole day hiking, biking, horseback riding, or fishing.

Lots to see and do in North Carolina

Wheels Through Time Transportation Museum

Wheels Through Time in Maggie Valley is a superb collection of rare American motorcycles, cars, and motoring memorabilia. Learn all about the history of American vehicles in a garage-feel setting.

B001039-1: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Located in Buxton, Cape Hatteras is the tallest brick lighthouse in the USA and home to a museum and visitor center where you can learn about the history and heritage of the area.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham are famous for landscape design and plant quality. Open year-round, they allow visitors to experience the changing seasons.

Battleship North Carolina

Now moored in Wilmington, the Battleship North Carolina takes you back in history to WW2. You'll hear crew stories and learn about combat and daily life in the Pacific.

Biltmore Estate

Built by George Vanderbilt, the huge estate offers the visitor both a beautiful château style house and hectares of gardens to explore.

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