North Carolina has a range of attractions which make many different types of weekend getaways for couples possible. From mountains to beaches, cities to wilderness, relaxation to adventure -- North Carolina offers it all!
Asheville
Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in the southwest corner of the state, Asheville is home to a thriving arts community with a vibrant downtown area that features upscale shopping, dining and antiquing. The town's mountain location makes it appealing to weekend visitors year round. The areas in and around Asheville offer a variety of winter sports, gem mining, cavern exploration and year-round hiking. Visitors flock to the area between mid-October and early November to view the stunning foliage, and come back again in March to witness the pink and white dogwood blossoms that dot the landscape. The area is also a pit stop for monarch butterflies during September. The best chance for butterfly viewing can be had in the mountains near Asheville and in nearby Wagon Road Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The butterflies cluster here as part of their annual migration to South America. The Historic Biltmore Estate is a must-see for most who visit Asheville. An estate constructed by the Vanderbilt family in 1895, Biltmore today is a National Historic Landmark featuring impressive gardens, a winery and an elegant inn. Those who don't mind crowds may want to visit during the Christmas holidays to capture the magic of the season; the home is decorated with dozens of Christmas trees, hundreds of bows, wreathes and poinsettias. Asheville holiday visitors may also want to drop by the Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, home to the annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Viewing (and smelling!) the entries is free whether or not you are staying at the resort.
Wilmington
Wilmington became vital during the Civil War when it served as a port of entry for blockade runners. Located between the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern North Carolina, the city has retained its historical charm while offering weekend activities for visitors with more modern tastes. Wilmington's Riverwalk, along with its historic district, offers travelers a chance to learn about the city's historic past. Antebellum homes, churches and other buildings on 230 city blocks have been transformed into inns, bed and breakfasts, antique shops and restaurants. The area comes alive at night thanks to a plethora of nightclubs, bars and theaters. Wilmington highlights include the Bellamy Mansion Museum, a lavish historic mansion that details Wilmington's past. The Cameron Art Museum, just a few minutes from downtown, is the only art museum in southeastern North Carolina. Film buffs will enjoy a visit to the EUE Screen Gems Studios. And a trip to Wilmington would not be complete without a visit to the USS Carolina, a World War II battleship easily spotted from the downtown waterfront. The two-hour self-guided tour will take you deep into the bowels of the ship, which is rumored to be haunted. When its time to relax, head to Kure or Carolina beach, each no more than 20 minutes from downtown. The beaches are beautiful year round, and people enjoy the water from May through October.
Charlotte
Tourists flock to Charlotte each year to visit the US National Whitewater Rafting Center, which features hiking and rock climbing in addition to whitewater rafting just east of town. The world-class Charlotte Motor Speedway brings NASCAR to Charlotte each year (NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race, Coca-Cola 600), and racing enthusiasts can learn all about NASCAR history at the NASCAR Hall of Fame just north of town. The Great Wolf Lodge, a resort with an indoor water park, is in Concord, approximately 15 minutes from downtown Charlotte. The Carowinds theme park, open weekends from April through October, lies just south of town and features an outdoor water park for kids of all ages. Carowinds surprises visitors each year with a new high-tech ride that is sure to be exhilarating for some and petrifying for others. Just north and south of the city lie two large man-made lakes -- Lake Norman to the north and Lake Wylie to the south. Each is well-known for boating, water and jet skiing, as well as fishing.
Come to North Carolina and Experience a North Carolina Getaway to remember!