North Carolina

North Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state with a landscape ranging from Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains.

A quintessential southern state in the United States, North Carolina has a lot more to offer than its majestic mountains, intriguing hiking trails, charming piedmonts, and picturesque coastline.

The ninth most populous state in America, North Carolina shares its borders with South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, and most prominently the Atlantic Ocean. The state is divided into a hundred counties and the capital, Raleigh, along with Durham, houses the largest park in the States.

Cape Hatteras, commonly known as the ‘Graveyard of the Atlantic’, has a history of over 1,000 lost ships since 1526.

With a fascinating history and rich heritage, North Carolina is home to some of the best-kept secrets in the world.

Let us explore some of the most mysterious spots in the state.

1. Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky, Raleigh

Cloud Chamber For The Trees And Sky

Distinctly similar to a hobbit house, the Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky, an outdoor exhibit by British artist Chris Drury, is located in North Carolina Museum of Art – the largest of its kind in the United States.

The unique architecture is a round-shaped chamber constructed of wood, stone, and turf that derives strange inspiration from ‘fairy-tale’ design combined with medieval technology.

A wooden door acts as the sole point of entry and exit to the chamber, which when closed, restricts any source of light into the room, except for a tiny hole on the roof that acts as camera obscura or a dark room. This primitive optimal trick allows you to walk among virtual treetops, clouds, and the blue sky, all created with nothing but a technology involving sunshine.

2. Abandoned Henry River Mill Village, Hildebran

Abandoned Henry River Mill Village

Once a major mill town, the Henry River Mill opened in 1905 in a village that once featured as ‘District 12’ in the famous movie, ‘The Hunger Games’. As industrial technology evolved, the once-thriving mill gradually started losing its charm and was shut down in 1973. After that, people started moving away and finally left the village completely abandoned in 1987.

Today, the ghost town of Henry River Mill is single-handed owned by Wade Shepherd, an 83-year-old man who lives nearby.

After the filming of ‘The Hunger Games’, the village saw a brief period of action as visitors started exploring the surroundings, however, ever since the town was first abandoned, several rumors of paranormal activities were reported.

Though nothing has been proven yet, people have often claimed that things such as rocks and sticks were thrown at them when they passed the largest building in the village which is known to be the first one to have been built here.

Some visitors have reported hearing noises of several men chatting and if you approached them, you could see three of the original workers at the mill talking to one another.

Brave enough to wait and spy? Beware as they do pause to stare back at you with a cold, eerie grin.

3. Land of Oz Theme Park, Beech Mountain

Land Of Oz Theme Park

Opened in 1970 in honor of L. Frank Baum’s original book, the Land of Oz Theme Park was initially established to keep attracting visitors to the adjoining Beech Mountain Ski Resort.

The interiors of the park house actors in costumes depicting characters from the book. Visitors could take a stroll down the Yellow Brick Road and experience the cyclone that brought Dorothy to Oz, meet Tin Woodsman, and even come face to face with the wizard himself.

However, the park lost its charm when it started diverting towards the film, and a fire that destroyed Judy Garland’s dress from the film sealed the fate of Land of Oz Theme Park.

The park shut down in 1980, but, after a partial restoration, it only opens once a year for the Autumn of Oz event that sees several thousand tourists. But, aside from the event, the park stands dilapidated and abandoned.

Take advance permission from the owners of the land if you intend to visit the park outside of the event and have the whole Land of Oz to yourself (a great idea by the way).

4. Castle Mont Rouge, Rougemont

Castle Mont Rouge

Built by local artist Robert Mihaly to serve as his part-time studio and home, Castle Mont Rouge is tucked away at the end of a long stretch of mountain road. Constructed out of marble and cinder blocks in a combination of European and Middle-East architectural style.

While the exteriors were almost complete, construction on the interiors was stopped midway after Mihaly’s wife passed away.

The abandoned castle, with rotting wood floors and an unstable structure, is now a popular turf among graffiti artists.

It is rumored that Mihaly still uses the Castle as his part-time studio.

A ‘no trespassing’ sign has been posted outside the property, but Castle Mont Rouge is still a great photo-op for lovers of architecture and lost stories.

5. Judaculla Rock, Sylva

Judaculla Rock

An ancient boulder with apparently a mysterious past, the Judaculla Rock was a sacred site before the colonization of North America. The Cherokee Indians who worshipped it believed that the strange looking seven-fingered hand imprint was left by Judaculla, an ancient creature, who, while jumping from one mountain to another, accidentally landed on the rock.

Several urban legends about supernatural sounds around the rock have been reported but nothing substantial has been found so far.

An excavation around the area led archaeologists to believe that the engravings on the soapstone could be from around 2,000 BC! Source: ontheroadwithdec.blogspot.com

6. Devil’s Tramping Ground, Bear Creek

Devil’s Tramping Ground, Bear Creek

Do you have what it takes to stand right in the middle of the Devil’s dancing ground and challenge him for a freestyle?

According to fables that date back to 1882, the Devil’s Tramping Ground, a barren patch in the centre of an otherwise lush path of dirt road, is known for a strange phenomenon – it is said that no matter what you throw in the middle of this patch, even the heaviest of the things, you would find it thrown back out when you visit the next morning!

People say that the Devil uses this place to dance at night, and some have even claimed to encounter a pair of glowing red eyes at night.

A few years ago, a journalist along with his two dogs, camped right on the Tramping Ground. Though he didn’t experience anything unusual and wasn’t mysteriously tossed out, there were sounds of footsteps encircling the camp at night.

7. Blue Ghost Fireflies, Hendersonville

Blue Ghost Fireflies

What can be unusual about a bunch of fireflies, right? Wrong.

The Blue Ghost Fireflies of Hendersonville are not your usual tiny, delightfully twinkling bugs. In fact, these fireflies, scientifically known as phausis reticulata, pride themselves in being different from the whole lot.

Appearing only for a month every summer, the Blue Ghost Fireflies, unlike their similar counterparts, emit a bluish-greenish color, and they don’t flash, they GLOW! Though it may not seem much of a difference, you need to truly experience the phenomena to know what makes it so dissimilar and ethereal. Also, their color makes them extremely difficult to be captured by a camera.

Of course, like any other surreal event, the Blue Ghost Fireflies also have a legend to them – apparently, they are the ghosts of Confederate soldiers!

Mid-May to Mid-June is the best time to spot this occurrence. Wait till after sunset and the magic will appear like clockwork. Source: cfaia.org

8. Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum, Littleton

Cryptozoology And Paranormal Museum, Littleton

Why do we always find the creepiest, most incomprehensible occurrences in countryside America? Well, we suppose you wouldn’t want them next to your front yard either.

Littleton, North Carolina is home to one of the spookiest museums in the United States – the Cryptozoology and Paranormal Museum, an exhibit dedicated to strange characters and events that are spotted around the town.

Local cryptologist Stephen Barcelo, the founder of the Museum and the first point of contact every time a citizen of the town experiences something unnatural, collects and showcases unusual artifacts and items of paranormal nature here.

Casts of Bigfoot prints, photographic testimonials of UFO sightings, and Mrs. Beasley, the haunted doll, are some of the inhabitants at this museum which is dedicated to the eeriness. Source: facebook.com

9. The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station, Winston- Salem

The Last Shell Oil Clamshell Station

Heard of the multinational oil and gas company, Shell? Winston- Salem, in North Carolina is home to the final survivor of the skilfully crafted Shell Oil station which was built to represent the company’s logo, and attract customers as a part of its advertising strategy.

A tricky construction back then, the Clamshell Station remained operational as a gas station until the 1950s. It is the first of its kind in the United States to have been included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The ex-gas station is now memorabilia of the past – a clamshell station calendar hung on the wall, old black and white photos on the shelves, antique cans, a coffee mug, a coffee table book, and an antique Shell-labelled red container decorates the interiors.

10. The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Claremont

The Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, Claremont

Would you dare to enter a ‘covered’, dark bridge built in 1894 not knowing what’s on the other side?

Though covered, dark, and ancient, the Bunker Hill Bridge isn’t spooky at all (or maybe just a little). Presumably the last of its kind in the United States of America, the bridge was created in 1894 as a means to cross Lyla Creek.

One of the only lasting lattice truss suspensions across the state and the country, the Bunker Hill Bridge is quite an amusement for inquisitive engineering historians as well as modern-day enthusiasts.

Restored in 1994 by the Catawba County Historical Association, the Bridge was owned by a family until 1985 and continues to be a National Civil Engineering Landmark.

11. Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden, Wilmington

Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden

Imagine – A person whose life is dedicated to the cultivation of endless ‘flesh-eating’ plants? A garden that only gives residence to plants with TEETH? And, above all, a heist of $20,000 worth of Venus flytraps?

The sole site of all the above-mentioned atrocities, Stanley Rehder Carnivorous Plant Garden is Wilmington’s dedication to its ‘flytrap man’, Stanley Rehder, the horticulturist behind this unusual cultivation.

Located behind Alderman Elementary School, the insectivorous plant garden is home to several scavenging plant species such as sundews, Venus flytraps, and pitcher plants.

Visit anytime during the day, on Saturdays if you are interested in free hikes, but don’t forget to put on your boots – you wouldn’t want to miss a toe, would you?

12. Shangri-La Stone Village, Prospect Hill

Shangri-La Stone Village

You possibly couldn’t fit into these miniature homes, but it’s worth trying!

Shangri-La Stone Village, the brainchild of Henry L. Warren, who dedicated the last few years of his constructing the gnome-sized city out of rocks from his own land, is an interesting architectural wonder that consists of 27 elaborate buildings.

From 1968 to 1977, Warren designed the city to have all the contemporary amenities such as a hotel, a theatre, a gymnasium, and even a water tower. The solid stone used in the construction has prevented the village from weathering.

Paradoxically, the creator of this fantasy world passed away while he was completing the city’s hospital.

13. The House of Mugs, Collettsville

The House Of Mugs

Also known as the Collettsville Cup House, the House of Mugs is a product of true love and dedication, put together one nail and cup at a time.

Owned by Avery and Doris Sisk, the cup-covered home lays at the extreme end of an unpaved country road in the town. An accidental creation, the collage of coffee mugs began when the couple brought home a set of 15 random mugs and hung them around as a decoration.

After several years and 20,000 mugs later, the couple has created a masterpiece, a legacy that is absolutely worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood. The Sisks are known as highly friendly and welcoming people who love inviting visitors into their cozy world of coffee mugs.

You are welcome to hang your mug if you can find an empty nail! Source: jmorton01.wordpress.com

14. Helen’s Bridge, Asheville

Helen’s Bridge, Asheville

Mentioned in Thomas Wolfe’s Look Homeward, Angel, Helen’s Bridge is an arched conduit which was erected in 1909 as an access to Zealandia Mansion.

Legends have it that the mansion was once home to Helen, a woman who lived here with her daughter. A tragic fire claimed the daughter’s life and when Helen couldn’t bear the misfortune, she committed suicide by hanging herself from the bridge. Till date, the bridge is known to be haunted by her spirit.

Some claim that Helen’s distressed soul appears whenever someone calls upon her name but a few visitors, who tried to do so, complained that they could not start their car when they tried to depart.

15. The Road to Nowhere, Bryson City

The Road To Nowhere, Bryson City

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains in Bryson City, NC, lays the Fontana Dam – the largest of its kind in the eastern United States.

In 1941, the Dam was built by Tennessee Valley Authority on land that was donated by ALCOA who saw it as an immense opportunity to generate hydroelectricity. Due to the construction, the communities who lived around the dam were displaced, and instead, Fontana Lake flowed.

The deal also comprised a road from the city to Deals Gap to make it convenient for the displaced people to move to and from the city and to visit their ancestral land.

By 1970s, only a seven-mile stretch of the road was constructed with an abrupt ending inside a small tunnel within the park. As a relief, Swain County was supposed to receive a $58 million consolation of which only $12 million has been paid till date.

The new sign to the road says ‘Welcome to The Road to Nowhere – A broken promise! 1943 -? →’

16. Cameron Barnstormer Murals, Cameron

Cameron Barnstormer Murals

Unlike the usual Mail Pouch Tobacco murals, Cameron Barnstormer Murals in Cameron, North Carolina, a town that is entirely built upon tobacco farming given its barns an entirely uncommon look.

Thanks to David Ellis and his group of artists from New York and Tokyo, dearly known as ‘The Barnstormers’ to the locals of the town, the barns at Cameron depict murals on aging tobacco as an homage to his childhood town.

The craftsmanship of Ellis and his team weren’t limited to the barns though. Tractor trailers and farming equipment have also been covered in the group’s signature Graffiti style art along with an eclectic hint of modern art.

The project that began in 1999 still adorns the town and stands as a pride to the residents of Cameron, who flaunt their possession to anybody and everybody who likes to pay a visit to this interesting depiction of art.

17. The Museum of the Alphabet, Waxhaw

The Museum Of The Alphabet

Love languages? How about spending an entire day (or four) amidst endless galleries that are dedicated to some of the most intriguing languages in the world – some you may not even know existed?

The Museum of the Alphabet in Waxhaw, NC, was founded in 1991 with a purpose to bring together a platform to exhibit and research a culmination of minority languages from around the globe. Established by William Cameron Townsend in 1991, the operation of the museum is overseen by the Jungle Aviation and Radio Services.

With over 12 exhibits, each devoted to a specific language or a language category such as Hebrew, Arabic, Greek, and the African Languages. Visitors can also learn about several minority languages as well as find out how their names look in various real as well as imaginary language.

So, want to know what your name looks like in Klingon? Source: facebook.com

18. Kindred Spirit Mailbox, Bird Island

Kindred Spirit Mailbox, Bird Island

For over 30 years, a negligible mailbox, ‘Kindred Spirit’, stand on the shore of Bird Island. Though nothing is known of the original Kindred Spirit who owned the mailbox, it is believed that it was erected by him because of a mirage he saw which looked like the mailbox.

The Mailbox holds a communal notebook to account the messages and signatures of visitors who have been here. Not only that, the notes and messages left on the notebook saved Bird Island from being urbanized as a commercial resort.

The savior of Bird Island and the secrets of hundreds of visitors who have written their heartfelt thoughts on the notebook holds a dear place among the nearby residents. Many of the messages and thoughts expressed in the notebook now appear on the ‘Kindred Spirit’ website.

Have something to say but no one to listen to you? How about the ‘Kindred Spirit’!

19. Old Carbonton Dam, Sanford

Old Carbonton Dam

Built originally in 1921, the Carbonton Dam stood tall by the Deep River until 2004, when, due to reported contamination flowing out of the dam which damaged the surrounding habitats resulted in the shutdown. Although the dam itself was demolished by 2006, the tall, ghostly powerhouse still stands like a souvenir of the dam’s glorious past.

The tower, though open to the public, is rusty and crumbling here and there, but, the overall structure remains solid.

Once inside the tower, your only companion is the graffiti art and the wonderful views. There are a couple of nests by the fuse box on the top floor but you may have to make an effort to spot them.

Nonetheless, the haunting charm of the tower and the history makes your visit worthwhile.

20. Myers House, Hillsborough

Myers House, Hillsborough

What if you could have an invite-only visit to the infamous Michael Myers House from the horror classic on 1978, Halloween?

A replica of the original Myers House in California which was built in 1888 as the set for the movie, Kenny Caperton’s version established him as the biggest fan of the movie. Though not exactly as the original set, Caperton built his masterpiece as similar as he could to the set without access to the blueprints.

With the interiors upgraded to slightly liveable conditions (as the artist lives there with his wife), Caperton designed the corridors as creepy and claustrophobic as in the movie. An entire bookshelf has been devoted to collectibles from the movie, including the masks from the third series of the movie.

To get the best experience, visit in October but don’t come unannounced. Source: johnkennethmuir.wordpress.com

21. The Grave of Chang and Eng Bunker, Mount Airy

The Grave Of Chang And Eng Bunker

The final resting place of Chang and Eng Bunker, the world’s most famous Siamese twins who were born in Thailand in 1811, the site in North Carolina Grave is an interesting site to spend the day.

During their world travels, the twins happened to stumble upon North Carolina and likes the state to an extent of settling here for good. They bought and lived on a small plantation in Traphill and worked as farmers. A while later, the brothers married Adelaide and Sarah Anne Yates, and fathered 21 children!

When Chang, who suffered from heavy drinking and deteriorated health, died in his sleep in 1874, his brother couldn’t bear the heartbreak and passed away three hours later.

Visit during the annual celebration of the twins’ birthday, when hundreds of their descendants come together to pay their respect.

22. Homeless Jesus, Davidson

Homeless Jesus, Davidson

Crafted by Timothy P. Schmalz, the life-like statue of Homeless Jesus sleeping on a public chair completely wrapped in a blanket is the first of its kind to have appeared in the country.

Spotted outside St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Davidson, the figurine has ever since confused its spectators – while some believe it to be a depiction of Christ’s humble lifestyle, others think of it as a disrespect to Jesus along with an image of the town that suggested the existence of poor people.

There is room for visitors to sit by the statue on the same bench and study the creation up, close, and personal.

23. Unto These Hills Cherokee Theatre, Cherokee

Unto These Hills Cherokee Theatre

The little town of Cherokee has been inhabited by the natives of Cherokee tribe since the 1950s. A stroll around the town reveals signposts written in the tribal language. Among the various kitschy attractions lays the Mountainside theatre, where, every year, Unto These Hills is performed from June until August.

The theatrical performance narrates the dreadful story of over 16,000 eastern Native Americans who were forced to relocate to the west of Mississippi River.

Aside from the play, other musical and dance performances are also hosted at the theatre.

It is also worthwhile to check the nearby Museum of the Cherokee Indian and the Oconaluftee Indian Village.

24. Paraclete XP Skyventure, Raeford

Paraclete XP Skyventure, Raeford

Want to feel like Peter Pan for a day?

The Paraclete XP Skyventure, located alongside Fort Bragg in Raeford, NC, is the largest and the most powerful Vertical Whirlwind in the world!

Used as a training ground by Military and Civilian skydivers, the Windtunnel is located inside a 100-ft. high building which is late out in the shape of number 8.

Though much of the business at the sports center involves free-fall training to soldiers at the ‘Special Warfare School’, tourists can try a session with a flying instructor (for a hefty fee). Source: facebook.com

25. Musical Parking Garage, Charlotte

Musical Parking Garage

What is your biggest concern at a parking garage – finding an empty slot or remembering where you parked? Not at this unusual 7th Street Parking Garage!

Designed by architect and sound artist Christopher Janney, Musical Parking Garage, or “Touch My Building” was designed to motivate pedestrians to disconnect from their usual life and connect with their surroundings.

The massive creation shells most of the nine-story garage building and is covered in transparent blue and purple rectangles, connected to several 30-foot-tall red fins. The fins light up and play music when they’re touched.

There is also a rumored ‘ghost’, who triggers random musical performances. The most rewarding way to communicate with Janney is to solve a puzzle and experience quite a show.

North Carolina is a southeastern U.S. state with a landscape ranging from Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains. Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is home to the NFL’s Carolina Panthers and museums such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

With a population of slightly more than 10 million, North Carolina is the 9th largest state in the U.S. by population. This is the birthplace of Pepsi, Krispy Kreme and Cheerwine, and as far as living goes, it is as good a state as it gets.

The weather is mild and the residents enjoy all four distinct seasons in their full splendour. The state has a diverse range of geographical features that make it a feast for the outdoor lover. To the west lies its spectacular mountains, with the Piedmont occupying the middle, and the east covered by the coastal plains.

NC is incredibly diverse, ethnically and economically speaking, which makes it a great place to call home. And that’s before you consider the high quality of life prevalent across the state, with job opportunities aplenty.

The famous Research Triangle Park, an area traversing Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill, is a big contributor of many jobs. More than 200 companies are based here, including the likes of RTI International, IBM, Cisco, Johnson & Johnson, Syngenta and GlaxoSmithKline.

The Old North State also has some of the best colleges in America, with Duke ranking among the top five schools in the country. Other notable options include the University of North Carolina (the oldest university in the United States) and Elon University.

Throw in a booming art and culture scene, an incredibly pleasant people, and a warm and hospitable southern charm, and it’s easy to see why North Carolina lives up to its motto which means “to be rather than to seem”.

If you are looking for a nice place to settle down, here are the best places to live in North Carolina you definitely need to think about.

1. Morrisville

Morrisville

The Niche 2017 Best Places to Live in North Carolina named Morrisville the best place to live in the Tar Heel State, and fifth best in the country.

The town of almost 22,000 residents ranked favourably in the areas of public schools, job availability and ethnic and economic diversity, all of which were given an A+ score.

You might be curious to know the local income levels given such a strong rating in the jobs category.

Median household income stands at $91,206, and it is not surprising the residents are so well catered for in terms of restaurant and shopping options. The high spending power has seen everyone from McDonalds to Walmart pitch tent in this Raleigh suburb based in Wake County.

2. Cary

Cary

Cary is another suburb of Raleigh located just outside the capital and the Research Triangle. It regularly features on many best places to live in America lists, among them best place to raise a family and the best place to retire.

In 2017, the town of 151,200 residents was named the second best place to live in North Carolina by Niche.

The favourable ranking was as a result of high scores in categories such as public schools, jobs, diversity, commute time, outdoor activities and nightlife, all ranked A and above.

Cary maintains a small-town vibe with all the amenities of a large city. Its economy is as healthy as it can get, with families taking home an average $91,579.

What will strike you about Cary is that it is a town that places high value in cleanliness and green living. There are 36 greenway trails in the area, ideal for all kinds of recreation activities.

3. Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill is a town located in Orange County near Raleigh. The town of 58,800 residents is also part of the famed Research Triangle, and if education is one of your priorities when choosing a place to settle in North Carolina, this should be one of the top places to consider.

The public education system is stellar, scoring A+ on Niche which ranked Chapel Hill the third best place to live in the Tar Heel State. It is here that you will also find the oldest university in America, the University of North Carolina, home of the Carolina Tar Heels.

Chapel Hill has it all going for it, but with homes averaging $385,100, this is an indicator that the cost of living is higher compared to other nice places – Morrisville and Cary, for example.

Outdoor recreation activities comprising multiple beaches and the renowned Blue Ridge Mountains are some of Chapel Hill’s attractions, with others including performing arts and a great music scene.

4. Wake Forest

Wake Forest

Wake Forest is a suburb in Wake County located just north of the state capital. The town of 34,786 residents was the original home of Wake Forest University prior to the university’s relocation to Winston-Salem.

As with most places on this list, the median annual income for a family in Wake Forest is considerably high, amounting to $80,978.

The average price of a single-family home is $267,300, which falls on the high end of the spectrum in a state where the going price for a four-bedroom mansion is $273,000, according to figures from Zillow.

That’s right, Wake Forest is even more expensive than the capital itself.

Nonetheless, most are happy to trade the cost for the perks, and more so families looking for excellent schools, a safe and beautifully diverse neighbourhood and friendly people known for their Southern charm.

5. Raleigh

Raleigh

The City of Oaks is a good place to stay for anyone who can’t thrive without the endless bustle of a big city.

The capital of North Carolina is generally considered a nice place to live, and families and young professionals will particularly take to it.

The big city is part of the Research Triangle, a trio of cities that also include Chapel Hill and Durham, where you will find some of the best universities in the country. A good number of the locals ply their trade in the local school system and nearby colleges due to the presence of many nice schools around these parts.

The 432,500 residents of the capital enjoy a low cost of living, going by big city standards, as the median home value of $208,800 can get you a nice three- or four-bedroom single-family home depending on the neighbourhood.

Entertainment options will have you spoilt for choice, with a thriving nightlife and plenty of outdoor attractions to keep the diverse peoples of this very welcoming town happy.

6. Waxhaw

Waxhaw

Waxhaw is a suburb of Charlotte and one of the fastest growing places in the state. With a population of 11,600 people, the little town located in Union County is just a few miles from the state’s border with South Carolina.

Waxhaw ranks highly when it comes to education and family friendliness, although cost of living is a tad high compared to the rest of the state, with median home value sitting at $259,500.

Then again, you cannot have your cake and eat it at the same time. There is always a price to pay for living in an area widely considered among the best places to stay in the state. On the flipside, households earn quite a lot, taking home an impressive $84,294 on average.

Waxhaw has a historic downtown featuring an assortment of restored brick buildings, some of which have been standing in the area since the late 1800s. The old district is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

7. Apex

Apex

Named No.4 best place to live in NC by Niche, you will often find Apex jostling for the Number 1 spot.

Indeed, TIME’s Money Magazine named it the best place to live in America in 2015, and the Raleigh suburb has everything you would expect from a town of such esteemed ranking.

The young families making up part of the 42,200 population are served by top-notch schools in the area, a charming downtown and enjoy a fantastic community spirit.

Apex has a quality of life that is second to none, and this is largely due to the high-paying jobs in the tech industry. Median household income is $90,654, and this is one of those places where unemployment isn’t much of an issue.

The cost of living in Apex is a bit high compared to the state average, and a three-bedroom home will cost you $265,000 on average. But that is nothing when you consider a similar house in Silicon Valley would set you back more than $1 million.

Admirably, Apex has managed to maintain a close-knit vibe even with many of its residents being out-of-towners. The community always comes together for events such as a weekly farmers market and an annual jazz festival.

8. Harrisburg

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is a community in Charlotte situated on the I-485 Outer Loop. 14,000 people call it home, 34% of whom moved here between 2000 and 2015, technically making it one of the fastest growing areas in the Tar Heel State.

Like all suburbs on this list, Harrisburg ranks highly on education, crime rate, income prosperity and family friendliness – a perfect mix that easily makes it one of the most desirable areas in North Carolina.

The cost of living is extremely sustainable on the high income levels of $82,628 per household per annum, with rent prices averaging $1,274. Median home value sits at $228,400.

As far as entertainment goes, the nightlife is just about okay, although it is in the outdoor activities category that this beautiful town in Cabarrus County really shines.

9. Stallings

Stallings

Stallings is a town located just outside of Charlotte, with an old-school Southern charm despite the fact that it’s close enough to big city attractions.

There is a lot to do here, including performing arts centres, museums and a pulsating food scene, with numerous other options in the nearby towns.

This makes the town of 15,000 people the perfect spot for those who want to be close to the action while also maintaining their own space.

Stallings is the kind of place you can expect outdoor movies on summer weekend nights, and the annual Stallings Fest has something for both the young and old to enjoy. For free.

Homes average $215,700, and the area boasts some quality schools and low unemployment rate.

A strong contender for one of the safest towns in the state, it is not surprising that Stallings was ranked position 46 on the 2015 best places to live in America by TIME.

10. Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem is the fourth biggest city in the Old North State, with 236,642 people calling the city home.

Located in Forsyth County, Winston-Salem is a town with a rich history that stretches back to the 1750s. It has strong ties with two industries in particular: furniture making and the tobacco industry.

But Winston-Salem also remains a favourite destination for wine lovers, given the abundance of wineries in the town and its surrounding areas, which number more than 35.

But perhaps what will impress you most about Winston-Salem as a potential dweller is its low cost of living. Homes fetch at an average $141,100 (that’s enough to get you a three-bedroom single-family home) while rent prices are at an affordable $724.

The crime rate in Winston-Salem is wanting, but overall, it is a nice neighbourhood for families, with 12 golf courses and 75 parks that guarantee recreation options.

11. Asheville

Asheville

Asheville is one of the most breathtaking places in the state of North Carolina. With a population of 86,800, the Buncombe County town is a hotspot for nature lovers who flock here for its scenic vistas.

It sits in the middle of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and if a Bohemian vibe sounds like your kind of thing, you can’t do better than Asheville.

This one-of-a-kind city is famous for its breweries and beer (it won the Beer City, USA title for four years running, from 2009), and the mountain waters are credited for the excellent beers.

Asheville also boasts the enviable title of only city to repay the federal debt from the Great Depression. This stability has seen its focus shift not on putting up new, glamorous constructions, but rather on preserving its historic downtown area.

It really is a beautiful place, Asheville, and a home here will cost you $199,800 on average.

12. Marvin

Marvin

Marvin is a small suburb of Charlotte located in Union County. It has a population of only 6,000 people, a small clique of people who put up with the highest cost of living in the entire state.

To put this another way, Marvin is the least affordable town in North Carolina.

The median home value is $571,000, and rent prices would give New York City a run for its money, sitting at $3,029 on average. On the upside, though, that’s not the price of an apartment but a three-bedroom single-family home.

The small town may sound costly, but given households bring in a whopping $181,452 annually on average (more than triple the national average), that’s nothing.

If you can afford it, you might as well revel in the knowledge that you cannot find a better place to raise a family in North Carolina.

13. Holly Springs

Holly Springs

Crossing back to Wake County in Raleigh, Holly Springs makes an entry into our list of best places to live in North Carolina for several reasons.

The town of 28,640 residents has burgeoned in recent years, with the population tripling between the years 2000 and 2015.

Holly Springs is part of the Triangle which explains the massive growth, as many flock to the area in search of high-paying jobs. Well-paying indeed – the median household income is pretty high ($94,452), one of the highest for a municipality in the state.

But what makes the deal sweeter is that the cost of living in Holly Springs remains desirably low. What’s also noticeably low is the rate of crime, so low it’s almost non-existent.

It is just the perfect place to call home, with a small town feel that doesn’t sacrifice the city.

14. Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel

Wesley Chapel is located in Union County, less than 10 miles from Waxhaw.

It is a fairly new neighbourhood that was incorporated as recently as 1998, fuelled by the rapid growth happening in what was originally a rural area.

Today, 8,000 people call Wesley Chapel home, and this small community is one of those places you know a good deal of the faces by name. But don’t let that fool you into thinking Wesley Chapel is some slow, rural community, because it is anything but.

The area has everything you could find in a big city, not so much as the nightlife options, but the restaurant and shopping scenes.

Starbucks, Harris Teeter, Hickory Tavern and Target have all set up camp here, just to mention but a few examples. This is a straight giveaway that there are some well-heeled folks around this neck of the woods.

There are.

Families take home fat pay checks around the range of $106,406 per annum, high salaries which help cover the high cost of living in the area. But that high cost of living comes with a guarantee of some excellent public schools and a crime that is almost unheard of.  Source: www.carolinasmalltownliving.com

15. Mills River

Mills River

Rounding off our list of best places to live in North Carolina is Mills River, a small community of 7,000 people located in Henderson County.

This is a quintessential rural community, about 20 minutes from downtown Asheville. Mills River is a long established farming community, a productive one at that, which has led to the area being christened the “fertile crescent”.

It has since grown from the small rural community it once was, but the picturesque area has managed to remain affordable while maintaining a strong sense of community.

Rent averages $688 and the median home value is $216,200. The area is served by a strong education system and crime rate is as low as you could ever wish it to be: there are barely any reported incidences.

It’s a great place to call home. Source: www.beverly-hanks.com

Greensboro is a sleepy place in North Carolina, with a real small city feel to it that will make you want to stay much longer than you had ever anticipated. This is a historic place to visit: a city that in its early years as a settler community played an integral role in the American Revolutionary Wars. The nearby Guilford Courthouse became the site of an important battle between American troops and British Redcoats, leading to the city to be renamed after the commander – Nathaniel Greene – who fought a battle that, although he lost, would still have a huge outcome on the war as a whole.

Guilford Courthouse makes for a great day trip from Greensboro, but even if you aren’t so interested in history, the city’s central location in the state makes it the perfect place from which to explore the surrounding countryside to travel further afield to the larger cities of Charlotte or Raleigh or even along to the coast to Wilmington and the many beaches.

Here are the best day trips from Greensboro, North Carolina.

1. Guilford Courthouse

Guilford Courthouse

Guilford Courthouse is located on the outskirts of Greensboro and makes for a full day trip from the city that will be packed with history.

This is the site of a famous battle between American Revolutionary forces and British troops under General Cornwallis.

The British won, but due to heavy losses, were forced to retreat, ultimately leading to their surrender at Yorktown and the loss of the American colonies.

Today, the site is a protected area because of this important battle, and there are even reenactments that are put on by local enthusiasts.

The courthouse is full of historical markers and interpretive signs that take you through the events of the day.

2. Greensboro Science Centre

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Greensboro Science Centre

The Greensboro Science Centre is located right next to the Guilford Courthouse and makes for an interesting place to visit when out of town.

The Science Centre takes you through the local history of wildlife and geology and will give you an appreciation of the natural beauty that is awaiting you when you make even more day trips further afield into the surrounding state.

There’s also an adventurous tree top walk to make here, for those looking for a bit of an adrenaline boost.

3. Winston-Salem

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Winston-Salem

Found just a few miles down the road from Greensboro, Winston-Salem is a nearby city that has a unique history dating back to the early days of European colonization in North Carolina.

The city was founded by Moravian settlers from Germany and this heritage is still very much apparent.

Old Salem even offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in these early pioneer days.

This historic part of town contains many of the original buildings built by the first settlers, and visitors can learn about the humble beginnings of what is now a large city.

4. Lake Brandt

Lake Brandt

Lake Brandt is located outside Greensboro and makes for an excellent day trip if you are looking to escape the city but don’t want to travel too far afield.

This artificial lake is a tranquil place to enjoy the natural scenery and the calm waters.

There are hiking and biking trails that lead around the edge, while many locals prefer to take to the water itself, exploring by canoe, kayak or even stand up paddleboard.

5. Bur Mil Park

Bur Mil Park is another great outdoor recreation area that’s found on the edge of Lake Brandt, not too far from Greensboro.

Here, you can find many walking trails through the serene outdoor setting.

It’s peaceful, quiet, and extremely leafy.

There’s an outdoor swimming pool here too, which in the humid, tropical heat of summer is very much a welcome relief to find.

6. Seagrove

Seagrove

Seagrove is found an hour south of Greensboro, in the North Carolina countryside.

This quaint little town offers visitors an interesting look at the local pottery makers and their exceptional talents.

Locals have turned the simple act of pottery making into an art and are well known for their handmade methods that produce highly desired pottery.

Seagrove and the surrounding communities are home to a huge number of pottery shops and workshops, where you can enjoy demonstrations from the locals themselves, and, of course, purchase a unique souvenir to take back to Greensboro with you.

7. Hagan Stone Park

Hagan Stone Park

Just past the southern suburbs of Greensboro is Hagan Stone Park – a small but beautiful area that is designated as a wildlife refuge, providing a safe area for local animals to flourish, while also providing local people with a quiet and relaxing outdoor space to enjoy.

It’s close to Greensboro but it’s still a world away, and visitors can enjoy this refuge and the walking trails and camping spots throughout the year.

8. Burlington

Burlington

Burlington is a small city to the east of Greensboro where you can enjoy a piece of small-town American life.

There are a few small museums telling the tale of Burlington and the surrounding county’s early history; in particular, the pivotal role played by the region in the early settler days and during the Revolutionary Wars.

Visit the Alamance Battleground to learn more, and then pay a visit to Cedarock Park, where you can see some of the beautiful nature of the county, as well a historic pioneering homestead that dates to the 19th century.

9. Haw River State Park

Haw River State Park

The Haw River State Park is an excellent place to spend the day if you are looking to undertake some outdoor activities and get out of the city.

Just a short journey away from Greensboro, the Haw River State Park encompasses a wild area of natural beauty that is one of the newest protected areas in North Carolina.

It was designed to be a place that not only offers great hiking trails and recreation opportunities, but also functions as an educational area, particularly for children.

There are many opportunities to learn more about the wildlife and flora of the park at the education center, and it’s well worth a trip for anyone interested in conservation.

10. Hanging Rock State Park

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Hanging Rock State Park

Hanging Rock State Park is found to the northwest of Greensboro, in the mountainous region that’s close to the state border.

It’s a real wilderness, known for its distinctive rock formations – including the namesake, Hanging Rock, which juts out dramatically from the mountains to offer not only a great photo opportunity, but expansive views out across the surrounding forests and range.

There are some great hiking trails here, with several miles of marked routes that will give you a great look at the nature and landscapes that are waiting to be discovered here.

11. Pisgah National Forest

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Pisgah National Forest

Although it may seem like a bit of a long journey to make from Greensboro – and it is quite far – a trip to Pisgah National Forest is a trip to one of the most scenic areas in North Carolina.

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains in the far east of the state, this is a place of tall mountain peaks and stunning landscapes.

It’s green and rocky, with hidden creeks and towering waterfalls waiting to be discovered.

The best way to experience the forest is by hiking, but there are plenty of biking and kayaking opportunities as well if you are feeling more adventurous.

12. Biltmore Estate

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The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate is found in the same eastern region of the state as Pisgah National Forest, and again, it makes for a long day trip from Greensboro.

The Biltmore Estate, though, is one of the most famous tourist attractions in North Carolina, and a must visit for anyone with an interest in history.

Built by the famous Vanderbilt family – one of the richest families in the US – this estate dates back to the late 19th century.

The house itself is a mansion – one of the largest homes anywhere in the world – and it’s possible to tour certain areas of this lavish building and the extensive grounds surrounding it.

13. Raleigh

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Raleigh

Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina.

Being just an hour and a half drive away from Greensboro, it makes for a great day trip.

It’s a big place – although not, in fact, the largest city in the state – and it offers a lot for visitors to enjoy.

This is the home of many of the best museums in the state, including the fantastic Museum of History and the equally great Museum of Natural Sciences, where you can easily spend the day walking through an interesting array of exhibits that tell the tale of North Carolina.

14. Charlotte

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Charlotte

Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and it’s found around two hours to the southwest of Greensboro.

This ever-busy city is a hub of southern culture, history, and cuisine, and there are many great sights to see.

Tour around the NASCAR Hall of Fame for a look at this very American sport, before visiting the many local bars and restaurants for a taste of North Carolina’s best food.

15. Wilmington

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Wilmington

Wilmington is a long drive from Greensboro, but its location on the coast makes it a great place to experience another side of North Carolina.

This is one of the state’s best surfing locations due to the strong waves that are always present offshore, while the sandy beaches make for a great opportunity to enjoy the sun and the sea breeze.