Appalachian Mountain range forms the western part of North Carolina topography. If you compare with the other regions, these mountains form the smallest portion. As a result of difference in the altitudes, variation in the climate, weather and temperature is also observed. Average temperature varies from 25° F to 35° F, depending on the altitude. The Appalachian Mountains that are located in the state are the Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains, the Black Mountains and Great Balsam Mountains. Backpacking across these mountains ranges is definitely a treat. Moreover, Asheville and Boone are one of the many cities located in this region which offer phenomenal experience to travelers. Things to Do Adventure This city offers a long list of hiking opportunities. Blue Ridge Parkway is one such location nestled among the mountains, providing a splendid drive along the valleys and favorable hiking spots for mountaineers. Trekking and wildlife enthusiasts should definitely try the Mountain-to-Sea Trail which covers a distance of 900 miles. Another popular access point to this trail includes a path that has a distance of about 20 miles. It starts from Folk Art Center milepost, passes Craven Gap and Craggy Gardens, and terminates at Balsam Gap on Blue Ridge Parkway. Looking Glass Rock is a significant geological formation of foliated granodiorite intrusion, having a large dome. Located in Pisgah National Forest, Looking Glass Rock is a part of Blue Ridge Parkway. It is also a hot spot for rock climbing, especially during spring. Historical Sites The major tourist attraction is the Biltmore Estate; a mansion constructed in 1800s with Châteauesque style of architecture. This huge estate, spreading out over 8,000 acres, spellbinds the visitors with its well-maintained gardens and a 250 room, 175,000 square feet mansion. It's owned by the government, and there are different type of tours arranged for the visitors. Usually, it takes an entire day to take the tour of this intricately designed estate. Folk Art Center is also a widely recognized place for its traditional Southern Appalachian crafts, with daily live demonstration of arts and crafts. It is also a specialty museum, hosting a variety of exhibits dating as old as 100 years. Nightlife Asheville has a vibrant nightlife, comprising local brewpubs, wine bars and even sidewalk cafes and bistros. The Orange Peel is a frequently visited club for its wide range of beer selection. Tressa's Downtown Jazz and Blues is the best place to unwind and relax after a tiring week. On the dance front, Broadway's and Club Metropolis are the places to be, even for those having two left feet! Theater fanatics will adore The Montford Park Players for the quirky performances it has in store for them. When it comes to cuisine, Asheville has something for everyone, however, it is Cúrate that captivates you with its authentic Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine, particularly its tapas. With its warm atmosphere and delicious palette of food, Cúrate is one place you don't want to leave. For all the vegans out there, Plant Vegan Restaurant is definitely a pit stop for having a peaceful breakfast and brunch. Things to Do Adventure Wahoo's Adventures and River and Earth Adventures, Inc provide a perfect adrenaline rush with their rafting and kayaking adventure tours on the New River and Watauga river rapids. If amusement parks is in your wish list, do pay a visit to Foggy Mountain Gem Mine for an exhilarating experience where you get to go on a gem-hunting spree and can make jewelry out of your find. Historical Sites Visitors flock Moses Cone Manor each year for its grandeur and scenic beauty. Built in 1901, Moses Cone Manor, also known as Flat Top or Parkway Craft Center, has a living space of 13,000 square feet. It is open to public from spring to fall. Apart from the architecture, it is also famous for its designs and authentic artifacts. Nightlife Boone Saloon offers one-of-a-kind experience for visitors who admire live music, and also for those who prefer music out of a jukebox. Apart from this, Char and Portafinos are also recommended. Caribbean cuisine being its specialty, Coyote's Kitchen fails to disappoint gourmets with its great mix of flavors and simplicity. Vidalia is another option for American Cuisine lovers. Casa Rustica, Joy Bistro and Mellow Mushroom are the places to be for an Italian gastronomist.

Forming the central portion of the state, Piedmont plateau comprises one-third of total area of North Carolina. It has hills of gentle elevation, however it is not as cool as the mountain region. Majority of the North Carolina population resides in the Piedmont plateau. Here, the summer is considerably hot with average temperatures going up to 90° F and during the winters, it ranges around 40° F, thus making it the hottest region of the state. In spite of this, some of the major tourist attractions are cities like Charlotte, Raleigh and Winston-Salem, to name a few. Things to Do Adventure Charlotte houses one of the most visited adventurous spots called U. S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). This adventure arena has a plethora of choices for adventure lovers, right from whitewater rafting and kayaking to mountain bike ride and eco trekking. Located next to the Catawba River, USNWC provides different types of passes, such as a day pass or season pass. For all the NASCAR fans, Charlotte is the place to be. So if you want to pump up your adrenaline, do take out some time for Charlotte Motor Speedway. Historical Sites Mint museum is one such venue that you shouldn't miss. It is called Mint Museum because it used to be a United States mint production building, before getting converted into a museum. The museum has everything from traditional designs and crafts to European art, contemporary prints and photography. Nightlife For theater enthusiasts, Blumenthal Performing Arts Center should top the list. Started in 1992, this center manages six theaters. Out of which, 3 theaters - Belk Theater, Booth Playhouse and Stage Door Theater are a part of Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. It features Broadway productions and some other musical attractions. Apart from this, pubs and clubs such as Howl At The Moon, Ri Ra Irish Pub, Suite, Mez Charlotte and the likes are the perfect places to kick up your heels. Charlotte sizzles with a potpourri of cuisines from Chinese, French and Italian cuisine. Dishes such as sushi, tapas, satay along with local specialties like steak, barbecue, seafood and pizza are also part of the menu. Del Frisco's is one such popular joint known for its ambiance, prompt service and scrumptious steaks. Things to Do More than the adrenaline rush, Winston-Salem is known for its rich history and heritage. Historical Sites If you want to go back in time and see the past riches of this city, then head to Old Salem Museum and relive the 18th and 19th century Moravian life. The Children's Museum is also a major attraction, hosting children's books. Nature Nature lovers would love to visit the Bethabara Historic District of Winston-Salem which boasts of breathtaking nature trails, having lush green trees and variety of birds. It also offers suitable hiking conditions. Nightlife The nightlife in Winston-Salem isn't as energetic as Charlotte, nonetheless, it does have a large number of trendy nightclubs and pubs. For a perfect lounge and bar experience, you can visit Ziggy's and Tate's Craft Cocktails. Continental cuisine is best served at Fabian's whereas a trip to The Basil Leaf Thai & Sushi Restaurant is recommended for Thai cuisine. Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Camino Bakery are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Coastal plains occupy almost half of the total area of North Carolina and is sub-divided into the immediate coastal part, the area occupied by tidal water and the section connecting to the Piedmont plateau. The average temperature recorded in this region is about 40° F in January and around 60° F in August. Here are a few of the many must-visit places of this region where you can spend your vacation and rejuvenate. Known for its sandy beaches and calm, blue water, Outer Banks is a long chain of islands just off the coast of North Carolina, stretching for about 200 miles. Abuzz with tourists throughout the year, it is famous for its temperate climate and a string of pristine beaches. Emerald Isle and the Atlantic Beach are the populated vacation spots. If you're looking for comparatively less commercialized ones, the most preferred towns and villages in the Outer Banks are Duck, Kill Devil Hills and Buxton. Things to Do Adventure Apart from the marine riches, Duck is also known for adventurous sports such as kayaking, jet skiing and many more. Nightlife Duck is home to the well-known national musical event called the Duck Jazz Festival which attracts hundreds of visitors every year. This small town's nightlife is marked by restaurants such as Aqua Restaurant, Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Mini Bar and Sunset Grille. This island has a variety of cuisines. The French cuisine lovers should try Left Bank, whereas Duck Donuts, famous for their fresh, soft, homemade delicious donuts, are a huge favorites amongst kids and adults alike. Things to Do Adventure Professor Hacker's Lost Treasure Golf and Raceway is a perfect family spot for all the adventure, race cart and golf lovers. Spanning over seven different locales, this park offers an excellent opportunity to do a little bit of expedition, and experience the joys of a mining car ride through ancient caves and waterfalls. With the addition of mini-golf courses, this destination promises a day full of fun and laughter for the entire family. Nature An excellent break from the ocean, Nags Head Woods Preserve is the place to be for nature lovers and people who are seeking an enthralling hiking experience. The best time to visit this ecological preserve is during spring and summer. It is recommended to carry a bug spray. Historical Sites Wright Brothers' National Memorial is a place where visitors can figuratively go back in time and garner information about the iconic flight. Wilbur and Orville Wright took their first successful flight here in a machine-powered plane heavier than air, which gave this place a historic significance. Nightlife Outer Banks Brewing Station, the first wind-powered brewing station in USA, is one of the most visited bars in Kill Devil Hills. Other bars and dance clubs such as Port O' Call Restaurant and Awful Arthur's Oyster Bar also draw a lot of crowd. Apart from the history, this small city, home to about 6000 residents does not disappoint the foodies out there. Right from fast food to seafood, and from Mexican to French, all sorts of cuisines are available with their local touch. While Colington Cafe is known for its French cuisine, The Avalon Fishing Pier is quite famous for its authentic seafood. Things to Do Adventure If you love surf fishing, then this is the perfect vacation spot for you as Cape Point has a large sandbar, taking you closer to the deeper part of the ocean, and thus also the marine life. Camping stations are also available if you want to spend the night underneath the stars. Historical Sites This island is known for being home to the country's tallest lighthouse, made from bricks (210 ft) called Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Apart from exquisite seafood, Buxton is also known for a variety of cuisines it offers. Cafe Pamlico is one of the most beautiful cafes in Buxton, with sprawling lawns and a variety of flowers at its entrance. This cafe is not only famous for its decor, but also for the flawless International, Contemporary and Continental cuisine it offers. Things to Do Adventure New Bern is just an hour away from the popular tourist destination Crystal Coast, comprising towns such as Emerald Isle, Indian Beach and Salter Path. A wide range of activities like surfing, kayaking along with other ecological tours are the main attractions of this hot spot. Historical Sites History lovers will admire Tryon Palace which is a modern reconstruction of the original building which burned down in 1798. Tryon Palace, home to the first motion picture theater in North Carolina, impresses all the visitors with its rich past, and thus making it to the list of every vacationer. Nature Island Creek Trail in the Croatan National Forest of New Bern is a spot frequented by hikers. The hike can be up to 2 miles, depending on the trail loops you take. This scenic nature trail, having a variety of flora and fauna, provides a rejuvenating experience in the lap of nature. American cuisine dominates this town, but you do get restaurants serving Mediterranean, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines. The Chelsea, popular for its New American Cuisine, is one of the highest rated restaurants in New Bern. Visit this joint for its culinary excellence and fine dining. For exclusive seafood with a hint of local flavor and history, Morgan's Tavern & Grill is a place not to be missed. Renovating a 100-year-old building into a restaurant, Morgan's Tavern & Grill still retains the old warehouse look where you get the feel of stepping back in time.

Best Time to Visit North Carolina

• Coastal Plains

• Piedmont Region

• The Mountains