Best things to do in North Carolina

One of the country's longest scenic drives, Blue Ridge Parkway runs for 755 km (469 mi), cutting its way through two states and 29 counties. Constructed in the 1930s to connect two major national parks, the road runs mostly along the Blue Ridge, a mountain chain of the Appalachian Mountains. Most visitors choose to travel this road in the spring when the surrounding landscape blooms with native wildflowers. You can also pick a less crowded time of year, like autumn, when you can photograph the changing colors of the forest. Stop at any one of a dozen visitor centers scattered along the road to take a short rest, re-energize with a cup of coffee, or get a free map.

Learn how airplane travel got its start at Wright Brothers National Memorial. The site commemorates the first successful powered flight in 1903. Although Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, receives more attention, the site lies several miles south near the town of Kill Devil Hills. You can visit the memorial's granite monument, which pays tribute to Orville and Wilbur Wright and other pioneers of aviation, as it stands more than 18 m (60 ft) tall on a hill above town. Go to the visitors center to view a full-size replica of the first aircraft, as well as models, tools, and a recreation of the aircraft hangar used in the endeavor.

Explore the decks and hear stories about the most decorated U.S. Battleship of World War II. Battleship North Carolina was built using the latest shipbuilding technology of the time and participated in every major naval offensive of the Pacific Theater. A self-guided tour will take you to nine decks, gun turrets, living quarters, and a surgical clinic. Learn about individuals who served on the ship from oral histories, photographs, and mementoes. Read the Roll of Honor to see names of North Carolinians who died serving in World War II. The ship is not air-conditioned, and you will be walking a lot, so bring a bottle of water.

A living memorial, Sarah P. Duke Gardens showcases a collection of landscaped gardens. Over 100 flowerbeds with more than 40,000 irises blossomed in the gardens in 1935. These original gardens were washed away in 1936, but Ellen Biddle Shipman redesigned them into an area called the Terraces. The terraced greenery includes a variety of species that release heady scents into Duke University's campus air. This blossoming memorial is open to the public with 8 km (5 mi) of walkways that wrap around different plant life.

The North Carolina Arboretum is home to 26 hectares (65 acres) of cultivated gardens and 16 km (10 mi) of hiking and biking trails. Head to the stream to visit the National Native Azalea Collection, where you can see nearly every U.S. azalea species. Learn about traditional North Carolina crafts, such as basketry and broom-making, at the Heritage Garden. The bonsai collection features an array of traditional Asian trees alongside some American species. You can explore more gardens and discover stunning views of the Pisgah National Forest via one of the easy, moderate, or difficult hiking or biking trails.

A life-saving piece of engineering, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse protects sailors from what's been nicknamed "The Graveyard of the Atlantic." The lighthouse rises 64 m (210 ft), making it the tallest lighthouse in the world. Start exploring across from the lighthouse at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center and Museum of the Sea, where you'll discover the history and legend of the lighthouse. Here you'll also find information about Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

See the tallest sand dune on the Atlantic coast at Jockey's Ridge State Park, and look below the dune for a hiking trail through a maritime forest. Try picnicking, bird watching, kite-flying and even hang gliding at North Carolina's most-visited park. At an estuary just below the dune, head for a swim or go kayaking. The visitor center has an exhibit hall where you can learn about the park and its history. Remember to be cautious of hot sand.