Fun things to do in North Carolina

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This large park encloses 50 miles of the North Carolina barrier islands, known commonly as the Outer Banks. It has beaches, lighthouses, tidal marshes and some of Americas most famous historical sights such as Kitty Hawk and Roanoke Island Colony.

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This is probably the most famous lighthouse in North America, if not the world. It was constructed in 1870. It recently had to be moved 2900 feet inland to prevent it from being engulfed in the ocean due to an eroding beachline. You can climb to the top of the lighthouse during the summer months.

Mount Mitchell is the highest point east of the Mississippi river. It is part of the Black Mountain chain of the Blue ridge mountains. It can be approached by driving to a parking lot a few hundred feet from the peak or via a 2 mile trail from the old park office

From the beaches of the Outer Banks to the rolling hills of the Piedmont to the highest mountains in the eastern United States, North Carolina's State Parks are naturally wonderful. And for the most part, admission is free. Some of the State Recreation Areas have an entrance fee during the active season and there are fees for camping, boat rentals, and other activities. But unlike state parks in other states, admission is generally free. So wherever you are in the state, there is a state park nearby for free or low-cost outdoor fun.

The following is a list of NC State Parks that I have written tips for. If the park itself doesn't have an individual page, I have listed the nearest town where the tip is located.

Crowders Mountain State Park

Eno River State Park

Fort Fisher State Recreation Area (in Kure Beach)

Hammocks Beach State Park

Hanging Rock State Park

Medoc Mountain State Park

Mount Jefferson State Natural Area

Mount Mitchell State Park

Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area (in Hillsborough)

Pilot Mountain State Park

Raven Rock State Park

Stone Mountain State Park

William B. Umstead State Park

Starting at the end of April and running through August, the Midtown Music Concert Series takes place every Thursday evening in the North Hills outdoor shopping mall. It is beach themed with food, beer and live music. There isn't much in the ways of seating but it is still a nice way to hang out outside and enjoy an evening.

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This was a very pleasant spot in which to break our drive between Charlotte and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s a man-made lake, which National Geographic has called one of the most beautiful in the world. Set at the foot of Chimney Rock in Hickory Nut Gorge the lake is long and not very wide. Many people appeared to have lovely homes on the shores, complete with boathouses, and it’s very much a recreational stretch of water – fishing, boating etc. We simply stopped to stretch our legs with a short walk and take some photos, though it would also make a great picnic place. You can also do boat tours (see website below), swim or simply relax on the beach.

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This is by far one of the best aquariums I have been to. I used to go here constantly when I was growing up and the admission was free. Since then, times have changed. The aquarium is now BIGGER and BETTER than it was years ago!

This place has alligators, an octopus, several species of fish, sharks, and jellyfish. There is also a hurricane storm surge exhibit, and a bird watching area.

I highly recommend a stop here...it is well worth it!!

Admission is $8 for adults, Seniors: $7, Children: Ages 6-17: $6, 5 and under: FREE

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The USS North Carolina was a battleship that was in service during World War II. Upon decomissioning (retirement), the US Government threatened to scrap the battleship and use the metal acquired to make other things. However, a big push by the locals and thousands of pennies donated by local schoolchildren saved this historic ship.

Onboard, you will find actual items used by the sailors during the 1940's, you will hear music from that time ("Cherry Blossom Pink and Apple Blossom White" and "In The Mood" were playing when I was there). There are also numerous photographs and other documentations showing how the sailors lived while serving. There is also the infirmary and the kitchen preserved to it's original entirety.

And, if you are lucky to find either one or both, actual authentic chapel Army-Navy hymnals and original pieces of the wood deck are on sale in the gift shop. All proceeds go to restoring and preserving the battleship.

Admission is Adult - 12 and over $9.00; Seniors (65 and older) $8.00; Military
(active duty or retired with military ID card) $8.00; Child - 6 through 11 $4.50;
Child - 5 and under Free.