North Carolina Attractions

Biltmore Estate; Asheville, NC

Located in Asheville, North Carolina, Biltmore Estate includes America's largest home, Gardens, Winery and Farm Village, and the Inn on Biltmore Estate. Built in 1895 by George W. Vanderbilt, 250-room Biltmore House was inspired by European châteaux. Magnificent gardens, designed by Central Park landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, range from formal to more natural settings. One of the country's finest native azalea collections, an award-winning rose garden, and the outstanding conservatory attract visitors to the gardens.

America's most-visited winery demonstrates how Biltmore's fine wines are made and offers complimentary wine tasting for guests aged 21 and older. Our newly restored Farm Village brings Biltmore's agricultural legacy to life with interpretive exhibits, antique equipment, farmyard animals, and a kitchen garden. Outdoor activities showcase the estate's natural beauty, while the Inn on Biltmore Estate offers the ultimate getaway with Vanderbilt-inspired hospitality.

Biltmore Estate is privately owned, accepting no government or outside funding. Annual events include Festival of Flowers, Summer Evenings Concerts, Harvest Home Celebration, Christmas at Biltmore Estate, and Candlelight Christmas Evenings.

Chimney Rock Park; Chimney Rock, NC

Chimney Rock Park is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and spend time with family and friends. The Park, located 25 miles southeast of Asheville, North Carolina, offers the best of the mountains in one place – spectacular 75-mile views, hiking trails for all ages, a 404-foot waterfall, a 32-foot climbing tower, a variety of special events such as guided hikes and workshops, and of course, Chimney Rock. If you've seen the 1992 movie "The Last of the Mohicans," you've got an idea of what the views from the trails are like, but it's even more beautiful in person!

Grandfather Mountain; Linville, NC

Grandfather Mountain; Linville, NC Known for its spectacular views and the famous "Mile High Swinging Bridge", Grandfather Mountain is also home to seven different natural habitats that allow visitors to see and photograph native species such as black bears, otters and cougars "up close and personal!" When combined with some of the best walking and hiking trails in the South, Grandfather Mountain offers adventure and excitement for the whole family.

Whether you're seeking a challenging trek through the mountains, an educational experience in a natural setting or just an incredible place to picnic, be sure to include your "Grandfather" in your vacation plans.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

All aboard for family fun in the mountains of Western North Carolina! From the scenic Tuckasegee River or Nantahala Gorge Excursion Trips to the sophisticated elegance of the Gourmet Dinner Train outing, enjoy old-time train travel that takes you through some of the most beautiful country imaginable.

For those who want to extend their adventures, combine daytime excursion trips or even add a whitewater rafting package-from rails to river, you'll make unforgettable memories with the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. Even "Thomas the Tank Engine" loves the GSMR; he arrives every year for a nine-day event that delights the young-and the young at heart! Be sure to call ahead for reservations and details about our special events, such as "The Polar Express", "The Little Engine That Could", and Charlie Brown's "The Great Pumpkin Patch Express", with Lucy and the Gang.

Museum of the Cherokee Indian; Cherokee, NC

From its extensive collection of artifacts to the high-tech displays that help bring them to life, this museum is dedicated to "perpetuate the history, culture, and stories of the Cherokee people". Totally renovated in 1998, the museum maintains permanent exhibits, archives and promotes educational programming and artists' series as well as publishing The Journal of Cherokee Studies. This non-profit center relies on admission revenues and gift shop sales and provides an invaluable resource to scholars and historians. Whether you're interested in past history or modern happenings, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian will give you a new perspective on an ancient people.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

The original whitewater outfitter, Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) offers whitewater rafting on six southeastern rivers: the Nantahala, Pigeon, French Broad, Ocoee, Chattooga, and Nolichucky. Rafting is a great vacation activity for families, friends, couples, and groups. We offer kid-friendly and novice rafting, as well as action-packed trips with a little more adventure.

Our riverside campus on the Nantahala also offers kayak and canoe instruction, kayak lake tours, restaurants, lodging, group programs, hiking and walking trails, an outfitter's store, mountain bike rentals, races and festivals, and more. Founded in 1972, NOC has earned an international reputation for the quality of our staff and programs.

Old Salem; Winston-Salem, NC

You'll step back in time more than 200 years during your visit to this Moravian congregational country trading town. Old Salem is considered one of the most authentic living history sites in the nation; well documented history is brought to life through costumes and demonstrations of traditional, everyday activities such as shop-keeping, trading and commerce.

First founded in 1766, Old Salem has remained an important link with the past and continues to delight visitors to its charming houses and streets. Stroll through a colonial-era business district that seems as vital today as it must have two centuries ago and get a glimpse of a less hectic pace of life. Don't miss such delights as the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts, the Toy Museum, the Children's Museum, Winkler's Bakery and other shops, restaurants and gardens that offer a unique perspective on this period of American life.

Tweetsie Railroad; Blowing Rock, NC

Ride all the the amusement rides and the chairlift to Miner's Mountain -- it's sure to thrill all ages. Live shows and entertainment, shopping and the Deer Park Zoo round out a fabulous experience for the whole family. You'll never forget the sound of Tweetsie's whistle, comin' round the mountain to welcome you home to the heart of the highlands.