Whether you are planning an extended vacation in North Carolina (and we think that's a GREAT idea!) or just looking for things to do over the weekend, here is a list of area attractions that we think are worth viewing. I have broken them up into "Local Attractions" (within an hour of Henderson, NC) and "Regional Attractions", for those who have more time to travel.
Local Attractions
Durham, NC
- The home of Chris and Laura! Just about 45 minutes from Henderson, downtown Durham actually has a lot to offer, including: The American Tobacco Campus (a converted Lucky Strike tobacco plant that offers great shopping and restaurants), Durham Bulls Stadium, Duke University, The Sarah P. Duke Gardens, Bennett Place State Historic Site (where the Civil War was effectively ended), and just a few miles to UNC Chapel Hill and World-Famous Franklin Street!
Raleigh, NC
- About an hour from Henderson, Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and a great place to visit. Raleigh offers plenty of historic places and museums, such as the State Capital Building and the NC Museums of History and Natural Sciences (both free!), as well as excellent dining and nightlife.
Regional Attractions
Charlotte, NC
- The biggest city in North Carolina, includes great Golfing locations, Bank of America Stadium (Carolina Panthers), Nascar Hall of Fame, and great dining and nightlife
The Biltmore Estate
- Located in Asheville, NC, this is the largest private residence in the United States and a historic landmark of the South.
Grandfather Mountain
- One of many beautiful mountain ranges in North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is well known due its size, splendor and infamous "mile high swinging bridge".
NC Historical Sites and Battlegrounds
- This is the central site for information on the numerous civil war battlegrounds and historical sites that can be found throughout North Carolina.
North Carolina Beaches!
- North Carolina has some amazing beaches, with the most popular being the Outer Banks. Traveling a little further will get you to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, one of the most popular beaches on all of the East Coast. Additionally, Virginia Beach is not far from Henderson and another popular destination!
Charleston, SC
- Charleston is an absolutely gorgeous town on the coast of South Carolina, and while this would be quite a trip (about five hours from Henderson), Charleston is well worth it. Perhaps the most famous city in the entire South, Charleston is brimming with history and truly a vacationer's dream. You will not want for things to do in Charleston, as you have historical sites, beaches, golfing, dining, and nightlife to enjoy. If you can make it to Charleston, I promise you won't regret the trip!
