Explore North Carolina's hidden gems on this scenic road trip.
Your journey begins in
, the state's vibrant capital in the Research Triangle, where you can admire the gleaming government buildings and bustling universities. Just 25 miles northwest along the US-70 lies
, home to the Tobacco Museum at Duke Homestead, which has some fascinating stories to tell, as well as Duke University.
Heading west on the I-40/US-421 for 90 miles will take you to
, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and as the birthplace of the legendary sportscaster Howard Cosell. Another 50 miles northwest on the US-52 route will take you to
, the town that inspired the classic "The Andy Griffith Show". It's also the birthplace of country singer Donna Fargo - a destination steeped in nostalgia.
Next take the 120-mile southwestern route on the US-64 to
, a mountain town home to the quirky Aluminum Tree Museum, which features art that makes trees shine. Then, a 90-mile journey northeast on the I-85/I-485 takes you to
, the largest city in the state and nicknamed the "Queen City", where NBA stars dazzle and the skyscrapers light up the night.
A substantial 210-mile journey southeast on the I-77/I-40 reaches
, an Atlantic Coast port city home to the Museum of the Bizarre - full of oddities. Just 50 miles northwest on the US-74/US-76 awaits
, home to the world's largest frying pan - big enough for an elephant's breakfast!
Sixty miles north via the US-301 lies
, where baseball legend Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run. Just 45 miles further north on the US-70 route is
, the birthplace of Hollywood icon Ava Gardner, who lit up the silver screen. Seventy miles east on the US-70 route is
- do you know that Pepsi was invented there in 1898? Right here.
Finally, 25 miles north on the US-17, you arrive at
, North Carolina's oldest incorporated town - history breathes from every corner. A perfect loop through the best of the state.
