School is almost out, which means enjoying a three-month-long summer vacation! While some people might be traveling out of the state or even the country, there are many fun things to explore within North Carolina. 

There are many hidden gems and beautiful sights to see in this state. One of those is the city of New Bern. It is a small town in Craven County with a quaint downtown area. There you can find the Tryon Palace, a museum of the historic home built in the 1770’s. Downtown New Bern also boasts the Birthplace of Pepsi Cola, a small store and historical landmark that outlines where and how the first Pepsi drink was created. There are many historic museums that you can visit to better understand both New Bern and North Carolina’s rich history, along with cute shops and restaurants. Additionally, New Bern is not far from Beaufort and Wilmington, two towns that have amazing beaches that you can visit.

Also on the coast of North Carolina is the Outer Banks. It is a three- to five-hour drive from Raleigh, depending on what island you go to. The Outer Banks is home to some stunning beaches and landscapes. While they are not far from the coast, the islands feel remote, which provides a sense of serenity like no other. The towns and villages all over the island are very charming. If the gorgeous beaches are not enough, they also offer many interesting attractions like historic sites, museums, and lighthouses. The Outer Banks is a huge tourist attraction within North Carolina; one that is definitely worth visiting. 

On the other side of North Carolina is Asheville, a town in the mountains. There are nature preserves here too, where you can hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains and observe all the nature and wildlife as well as some beautiful waterfalls. In the downtown area, there is plenty of entertainment as well. There are art museums and galleries displaying some famous artworks, as well as beautiful restaurants. Asheville has an active nightlife scene, so it is fun to continue exploring at night. Many festivals also take place in the summer, like the Hola Asheville Festival and the Sourwood Festival. If the mountains are more appealing to you, Asheville is the perfect place to go.

While traveling abroad is always fun, there is joy in discovering the many sights and attractions that North Carolina has to offer. Whether you are a beach or mountains person, or anything in between, you are sure to find something that will keep you entertained this summer in North Carolina.