Welcome to our selection of holiday rentals in North Carolina.
Did you know North Carolina was the first state in the US to declare independence from England? And that Pepsi was first invented and served here? Besides celebration of these firsts, a visitor here can choose from a whole lot of things to do to make a trip here memorable.
You can start with a visit to The Outdoor Music in North Hills, which starts at the end of April and goes on till August. This beach themed event has loads of food, beer and live music. It is a great way to just hang out and enjoy the music. From here, you can head to the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher to enjoy a great aquarium. It has on display alligators, shark, and jellyfish beside several other species of fish. You can then visit the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial to take a look at how the sailors lived while serving. As the name suggests, it is a decommissioned battleship that has been converted to a Museum.
The Smoky Mountains is among the largest tourist draws in North Carolina. It also has a national park adjoining it where you can spot wildlife. The train on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad takes one back in time with a scenic train journey across plains, gorges and tunnels. Talking of time, Frisco Native American Museum displays artifacts, exhibits and a display of natural history of the Native Americans from a by-gone era.
The First Flight Centennial Pavilion has exhibits including reproductions of their wind tunnel, a monument, and an airstrip along with regular ranger talks on the advances that the Wright brothers made.
Oak Island Lighouthouse is one of the last lighthouses built in the United States and is also among the most powerful. It was built to withstand strong winds and sways up to three feet in gale force winds!
If all this puts a strain on your taste buds, head to the Carolina Mountain Riverfest to see chefs from all over the country in competing to make some mouth watering BBQ Ribs, Chicken and Pork.
Discovery Place is one of the leading hands-on science centers giving visitors a chance to get a deeper understanding of science in an informal setting. There are many interactive displays and exhibits to keep one occupied.
There is also a four-day Festival in the Park, which celebrates the old custom of all the residents of an area meeting in parks. Well worth a visit if you are around here at that time. The St. Patrick’s Parade is another event that should not be missed in March. Expect Irish dancing, food and drink along with great activities for the children. North Carolina promises a true holiday for all!
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in North Carolina? Then below is a selection of condos in North Carolina and holiday homes in North Carolina that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
Things to do
Cape Fear Botanical Garden
Located in Fayetteville, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden offers tours and events throughout the year. The gardens have over 2000 species of plans and 77 acres of forests to enjoy.
Carolina Raptor Centre
The Carolina Raptor Centre has a variety of birds of pray to see and enjoy with flight shows and educational programs. The centre is primarily a conservation, rehabilitation and research centre, rehabilitating close to 1000 birds each year. The Carolina Raptor Centre can be enjoyed by all the family.
Emerald Village
The Emerald Village was once a busy mine searching for gems. Today the mine has closed, but the gems can still be found. This provides a unique opportunity for the whole family to search for precious stones together. Other activities include panning for gold an after dark; tours of the underground mines are provided with black lights causing the walls of the mine to glow in shades of blue and green.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Offering scenic tours through the mountainous region in the western region of North Carolina. There are several tours available through the Mantahala Gorge and another along the Tuckasegee River with various other activities to choose from. Some excursions also offer white water rafting activities to enjoy.
Battleship USS North Carolina
The USS North Carolina was the lead ship of her class and one of the most formidable ships afloat when she was commissioned in 1941. During the Second World War she participated in and survived all of the major naval offences of the pacific theatre, this despite being attacked repeatedly by Japanese aircraft and being struck by a torpedo. Today the ship serves as a museum ship with various events and activities including the firepower program, which shows visitors (over 16 only) how the guns where operated including an in-depth look at the fire control systems. The power plant program, Easter Egg Carnival and the Ghost Ship Halloween events are just a few of the activities available throughout the year.
Useful Information
Airports
North Carolinas primary international airports are the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, the states busiest airport and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The state has various other international and regional airports throughout the state.
Major Cities
The state capital of North Carolina is Raleigh though the largest city is Charlotte. Other large and notable cities include; Greensboro, Durham and Fayetteville.
Climate
The climate in North Carolina is varied depending on the proximity to the coast. The Atlantic Ocean keeps the region in the east of the state quite mild, with moderate summer temperatures and mild winters. The inland areas of the state have much warmer summers and colder winters.
Summer highs average below 30 C often near the coast whereas inland summer highs can average close to 40 C. In winter the coastal temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Temperatures for inland areas during winter often fall below freezing, particularly in the more mountainous areas.
