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An aerial view of Blue Ridge Mountain National Heritage Area in the fall at sunrise.

Explore North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountain Area

With breathtaking mountains, valleys, forests, rivers, and streams, it's not surprising that the Blue Ridge Mountains attract nature lovers from around the globe. For North Carolinians, the mountain range offers much more than natural beauty. Officially recognized by Congress, North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountain National Heritage Area offers a rich legacy in the music, art, and traditions of Native Americans...

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The back of the George Washington statue is seen surrounded by a wrought iron fence with the downtown cityscape in the background during sunset in Raleigh, North Carolina

Epicurean Adventures: Best Bites in Downtown Raleigh, North Carolina

Known for its southern charm and refinement, Raleigh, North Carolina, is part of the Research Triangle, the largest and most prestigious research park in the U.S., which includes North Carolina State University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Duke University. Not surprisingly, the city is a common destination of business travelers and high-tech entrepreneurs. In recent years, Raleigh...

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View of mountains and downtown Asheville in North Carolina

Top Family Vacation Getaways in North Carolina

Escape to Southern charms and sunny skies with the kids any season of the year in North Carolina, where a pleasant subtropical climate means an adventure always waits around the corner. From golden sand beaches along the state's scenic coast to the verdant crags of the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains in the interior, North Carolina is a wild wonderland...

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Signs in park in uptown Charlotte North Carolina

Your Can’t-Miss Museum and Gallery Guide to Charlotte, North Carolina

Ranked among the top 25 largest metro areas in the U.S., Charlotte, North Carolina, has long been a thriving business hub, but the city also deserves recognition for its diverse range of culture, art, and history offerings. If you find yourself with some free time on your next business trip to Charlotte, plan to add a few of these interesting...

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Overlook at Blue Ridge Mountains under blue sky

Small Town, Big Fun: A Weekender’s Guide to Abingdon, Virginia

When you need a fun weekend getaway, small towns can offer big enjoyment. Tucked in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Abingdon, Virginia, is known for its historic theater, beautiful mountain hiking and biking trails, and a quaint, tranquil downtown area. Located about a two-hour drive west of Roanoke, Virginia, and two hours north of Asheville, North Carolina, it's a bustling...

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Colorful Charleston Townscape at dusk

Exploring the History and Southern Charm of Downtown Charleston, SC

Schema With its Spanish moss-laden trees, gorgeous fountains, and waterfront views, Charleston, South Carolina, is a city with postcard-worthy scenery, a skyline filled with steeples, and vibrant backdrops perfect for vacation photos. As you tour historic plantations and meander the cobblestoned streets with the clopping sound of horse-drawn carriages in the background, you can't miss the historic charm that is...

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Three children laughing as they enjoy a carnival ride at the Alabama National Fair on a sunny fall afternoon.

Enjoy A Southern Tradition by Heading to A State Fair

Fairs and carnivals are a traditional part of summer life in most parts of the South. There's nothing quite like riding a Ferris wheel and cheering on your favorite cowboy at the rodeo. Whether you want to share the fun with your kids or just feel like a kid again yourself, these top state fairs show you what old fashioned...

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Back of Native Indian American woman walking in evening

Explore the Trail of Tears: Historic Destinations Along the Route

American history in the 1830s includes a time when more than 100,000 Native Americans were removed from their indigenous lands and sent on a journey westward. The hardships the Cherokee, Chickasaw, Seminole, Creek, Choctaw, and other nations experienced along the way led to the name "Trail of Tears" for the primary route. The Trail of Tears spans more than 5,000...

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The skyline of Charlotte, North Carolina at dusk reflected by a pond surrounded by trees

24 Hours in Charlotte: Top Attractions in the Queen City

Home to companies like Bank of America, Lowes, and Duke Energy, Charlotte, North Carolina buzzes with a business and commerce vibe. Corporate professionals from around the world visit Charlotte, and many manage to find a little time for leisure. Vibrant, modern, and welcoming, the Queen City does not disappoint. You can enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including museums, outdoor...

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A black and white striped lighthouse stands out on a sandy beach with grass in Cape Hatteras, North Carolina

Must-See Beaches in America’s Southeast Region

The southeast region of the U.S. includes the states of Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Virginia. Eight of these 10 states have beautiful coastlines that attract visitors in droves every year. Some beaches are better known than others, but according to Lynn Hobeck Bates, communications manager of Visit Sarasota, each one is worthy...

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