Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Welcome back to Exploring America, state by state.
[00:00:04] After the country music and misty mountains of Tennessee today we're heading into North Carolina, a state that somehow stretches from Appalachian peaks all the way to a barrier island coastline unlike anywhere else in the country, North Carolina is known as the Tar Heel State, a nickname whose exact origin is debated, but whose spirit is undeniable.
[00:00:25] Tough, resilient and proud of it. This is where the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, where the Blue Ridge Mountains hold some of the richest biodiversity in North America and where barbecue rivalries between the eastern and western halves of the state run genuinely deep.
[00:00:43] North Carolina rewards travelers willing to cross that entire range from mountain overlook to open Atlantic horizon. The Blue Ridge Parkway runs its longest and arguably most scenic stretch right through western North Carolina, climbing past overlooks, waterfalls and rhododendron blooms for miles at a time. The Cherohalla Skyway winds through the Nantahala and Cherokee national forests, a genuinely remote, high elevation drive with sweeping mountain views in every direction. Route 12 along the outer Banks hugs the barrier islands with open ocean on one side and and the Sound on the other for nearly the entire drive. And the Tale of the Dragon, a legendary stretch near the Tennessee border packing over 300 curves into just 11 miles, draws motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts from across the country. Linville Gorge, one of the deepest and wildest canyons in the eastern United States, offers rugged hiking with almost none of the crowds found at more famous overlooks. Nearby.
[00:01:45] Grandfather Mountain's mile high swinging bridge lets you walk across a genuinely dizzying gap between two rocky peaks with views stretching across the entire Blue Ridge. Chimney Rock State park offers a dramatic granite spire with elevator access to the summit and waterfall views most visitors never expect.
[00:02:04] And Akracoke island, reachable only by ferry, preserves a genuinely quiet, old fashioned Outer Banks Village feel most of the busier beach towns have long since lost.
[00:02:15] The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, the largest privately owned home in America, offers a genuinely staggering look at Gilded Age wealth, complete with formal gardens and its own working winery. The Blue Ridge Parkway itself remains one of the most beloved scenic drives in the entire National Park System, connecting Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains. The Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kitty Hawk marks the exact spot where powered flight began, with a genuinely moving monument overlooking the dunes. And the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, the tallest brick lighthouse in the country, stands as a dramatic sentinel over some of the most treacherous waters on the entire Atlantic coast. A few things worth the mountain town of Cherokee, right at the edge of the Smokies has its share of tourist shops, charging premium prices for souvenirs you can often find cheaper just a short drive further into town.
[00:03:11] Outer bank summer rental prices spike dramatically during peak weeks, so booking well in advance or shifting your visit slightly earlier or later in the season saves real money. And downtown Asheville's busiest restaurants near the tourist core tend to run higher than equally good spots just a few blocks into the surrounding neighborhoods. North Carolina's major interstates, I40, I95 and I26 offer wide, well maintained routes connecting the mountains, the Piedmont and the coast comfortably. The Blue Ridge Parkway itself has several tunnels with clearances as low as 10ft 6 inches, so taller rigs must check exact tunnel heights before attempting that route or plan an alternate path around the lowest sections. Coastal Route 12 through the outer Banks is flat and easy driving, so ferry schedules should be checked ahead if you're crossing to any of the more remote islands for paid camping. Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers oceanfront and soundside campgrounds putting you steps from some of the best beaches on the entire East Coast. Mount Mitchell State park, home to the highest peak east of the Mississippi, provides a scenic high elevation campground with genuinely cool summer temperatures for free or low cost camping. The Pisgah and Nantahala national forests allow dispersed camping across large sections of public public land in the western mountains, a genuinely generous free camping option, though specific rules vary by district. The Biltmore Estate operates its own on property hotels, letting you extend your visit and enjoy the grounds after the day crowds have gone home. Outer Bank's beach cottages and rental homes offer a classic coastal vacation setup, often with private access straight onto the sand. Ann Asheville's boutique hotels and mountain resorts combine easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway with with the city's genuinely thriving arts and food scene. Amtrak's Piedmont and Carolinian lines connect Charlotte, Raleigh and several other Piedmont cities with regular rail service. Outer Banks ferries connect the more remote barrier islands, including Akracoke, for travelers without a direct road route beyond those specific corridors. North Carolina is largely a car dependent state, especially in the mountains and along the coast, so plan on driving between most of your stops. North Carolina's barbecue rivalry runs genuinely deep. Eastern style barbecue uses whole hog cooking with a vinegar based sauce, while Western Lexington style barbecue focuses on pork shoulder with a slightly sweeter tomato tinged vinegar sauce. And asking a local which is better is a genuinely spirited conversation starter. Cheerwine, a cherry flavored soda invented in Salisbury, remains a beloved regional soft drink found across the state. Krispy Kreme, founded right in Winston Salem still bakes doughnuts using close to its original recipe, and sweet tea poured strong and generously remains the default drink at nearly every meal across North Carolina. Tour the Biltmore Estates Working Winery and sample wines. Produce right on the historic property. Stand at the exact spot of the Wright Brothers first flight and imagine that short history changing. Hop off the dunes Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak fall color, when the entire ridgeline turns brilliant shades of orange and red, and spot the wild horses of Corolla roaming free on the northern Outer Banks beaches, a genuinely rare sight found almost nowhere else on the Atlantic coast. Summer brings peak beach season to the Outer Banks, with warm water and packed boardwalks in towns like Nag's Head and Kill Devil Hills. The Blue Ridge Parkway sees cooler, more comfortable temperatures in the mountains, a genuine relief from the heat found elsewhere in the state. And Asheville's outdoor festival and music scene runs strong all summer long, with events happening in the city's parks most weekends. Outer Bank's rentals and Asheville's downtown core run noticeably higher during peak summer season, especially for lodging near the water or the arts district.
[00:07:20] Rural mountain areas in the Pisgah and Nantahala national forests are dramatically more affordable, with camping often running 20 to 35 dollars a night. Balancing a coastal or mountain town stretch with a quieter rural stretch keeps your overall North Carolina trip very manageable. Cell coverage is strong along the interstates and throughout Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville, with reliable signal for navigation and streaming in most populated areas. Coverage drops noticeably along remote stretches of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the northern Outer Banks beaches, so download offline maps before heading into those quieter regions. That's North Carolina, a state holding mountain overlooks, aviation history and wild horse beaches all inside one genuinely varied set of borders. Next time we're heading into South Carolina, a state of charming historic port cities, low country cuisine, and a coastline that carries its own distinct Southern rhythm. Pack the cooler and I'll see you there.
