North Carolina - Former state in the Nordic region - usa-reisetraum.de (2023)

Beautiful nature and sandy beaches

The state of North Carolina is located on the east coast of the United States, between South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west, Virginia to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state impresses above all for its diversity, a mix of natural beauty, picturesque small towns, lively metropolises and a colonial past.

The state is almost 900 km long from east to west and just over 300 km from north to south. The highest peaks in the eastern United States are in the western part of the state. The highest elevation is Mount Mitchell at 2,037 m.

North Carolina scores with itsoriginal nature: From the mist-shrouded mountains of the Appalachians to the rolling hills of Piedmont ("the foothills") to the wide, lush fields of the coastal plain. The eastern border has almost 500 km of sunny beaches, mostly white, on the Atlantic coast.

North Carolina is one of the most famous geographically and historicallysouthern stateswhose charm is still present everywhere. Beautiful old mansions and estates can be found all over the state.Colonial style plantations: whitewashed with the typical tall columns and porch in front of the main entrance and the lush parklands reminiscent of classics like "E o Vento Levou" or "Tochas na Tempestade".

To dieNorth Carolinas historiedates back to the first attempts at colonization by the British in the 16th century. Carolina Province (1663–1712), named by Charles II of England after his father Charles I, was divided into North Carolina and South Carolina in the early 18th century. The North declared its independence from the colonial powers in 1775 and became the twelfth of the thirteen founding fathers of the United States on November 21, 1789.

the Latinstate mottois: esse quam videri – loosely translated: "Being rather than appearance". The state has twosurnames: Formerly Northern State and Tar Heel State. The exact origin of the term "Tar Heel" is unclear, but it probably has something to do with the fact that North Carolina was once a major supplier of tar (tar) and pitch, which was used to seal wooden ships.

Number 1

North Carolina has a numberfirst significant achievements. It is well known thatwright brothersnear the town of Kitty Hawk made the first autonomous flight of a heavier-than-air aircraft in 1903, but other feats and achievements became less famous. The first English child was born on American soil, in what is now North Carolina, on August 18, 1587:Virginia Dare. Nothing is known about her other than her name, as the colony where she was born has mysteriously disappeared from the scene.

In 1795 it wasUniversity of North Carolinaat Chapel Hill, America's first public university. During 1799 insiv minethe first nugget of gold in the USA was found in Cabarrus County, the first silver mine in the USA was opened near Lexington in 1838. But North Carolina has always been a role model when it comes to environmental protection: the first forestry school in the USA opened its doors near Mount Pisgah as early as 1898, and in 1937 the state was the first to create a soil and water protection system. area.

The three major regions of North Carolina

From the sunny Atlantic coast to the mist-shrouded mountains, North Carolina is full of variety—and full of surprises: beautiful scenery, a vibrant history, a diverse culture, and friendly people with legendary Southern hospitality.

The offer in North Carolina is almost endless, because from outdoor fun in the mountains, to golf and tasting delicious wines in the Piedmont region, to a stunning coast with many adventures and beautiful moments, it is difficult to decide.

The three main regions of North Carolina, thethe coastal region, opromontory(Piedmont region) and thatmountain country, offers great diversity, a mix of natural beauty, cozy small towns, bustling metropolises, colonial past, diverse culture and friendly southern hospitality.

the mountain country

In the western part of the state there is a paradise for nature lovers: the Appalachians. Nature lovers, hikers and adventurers are in perfect hands here. In addition to great hiking trails on the stunning Grandfather Mountain and rafting opportunities, visitors will also find romantic Linville Falls and quaint small towns with local art exhibits like the West Jefferson Arts District.

They are also particularly interestingGreat Smoky Mountains, which borders Tennessee. The national park is the largest jungle in the United States, but it also serves as a recreational area and invites you to hike, ride or bike. also starts hereEstrada Blue Ridge, a stunning scenic drive along the main Appalachian mountain range with amazing destinations. In late summer, enjoy the fascinating play of Indian summer colors on this route.

Travelers who focus more on the delights of the palate and ears should definitely not miss the region around Asheville, home of the largest private home - the Biltmore Estate. Countless restaurants, bars with live music and shows at the Biltmore guarantee lots of fun!

The coastal region

North Carolina also has something for sun, sand and beach lovers. In terms of landscape, the region is characterized by the long Atlantic coastline with the fascinating chain of islandsExternal banksfit - with its unique beaches and lighthouses. The island chain is probably one of the most beautiful places on the planet. Here you will find peace, untouched coastal nature and fishing grounds.

Beautiful sand dunes, wild horses in their natural habitat, lighthouses, surfing, fishing, Cape Lookout National Seashore and the Crystal Coast are attractions no traveler will soon forget.

North Carolina's fine sandy beaches with small hidden coves leave nothing to be desired when looking for the perfect beach vacation. The North Carolina coast is also known as an excellent area for diving. With its 2,000 shipwrecks, the area is particularly interesting for treasure and wreck divers.

A visit to Wilmington, or affectionately known as "Wilmyhood", promises a little more action, as films such as Iron Man, We Are the Millers and series such as Dawson's Creek have all been filmed here - no film lover should miss this.

Forbjerget (Piedmont)

At the heart of the state is the Piedmont region, a quiet idyll popular with tourists and locals alike.

Known for its excellent golf courses, anyone looking to practice a club while on holiday is in the right place here. But connoisseurs also make money here, because in addition to the well-known Lexington Style BBQ, there are also inviting wineries and countless breweries and pubs.

More than half of North Carolina's vineyards are located in this peaceful, rolling landscape, and well-known wines originate there. Various tours and tastings are of course a must. The area is also known as the former tobacco center of North Carolina. But the numerous tobacco plantations are now mainly used as vineyards.

Those more interested in history should stop in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point. Here, travelers can follow in the footsteps of the "Moravian" settlers in 1766 and experience not only many historical aspects, but also a fantastic atmosphere.

North Carolina's capital, Raleigh, is also in the Piedmont, as is Durham with its well-known stadium for the famous Durham Bulls baseball team.

Highlights

North Carolina is rich in attractions - from its diverse natural landscape to testaments to its eventful history and historic and contemporary cultural achievements.

• Big cities likeCharlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro og Winston-Salemor picturesque places like Wilmington, Asheville or New Bern invite you to stroll and shop and offer a diverse cultural program, first-class accommodation and excellent restaurants. The culture, cuisine and music are characterized by Indian, African and above all southern European influences.
• North Carolina has a special appeal for all film and TV fans because well-known films and series such as Dirty Dancing, The Last of the Mohicans, One Tree Hill or the hit film "The Hunger Games" have been created here. Many of the local film studios offer tours and a look behind the scenes.

If you're short on time or just visiting the state on the go, the ten attractions below are definitely not to be missed.

• Biltmore Estate:The conservation estate in the mountains near Asheville features historic buildings and centuries-old gardens that are lovely in all seasons.
• Cape Hatteras National Seaboard:The federal sanctuary, which includes visitor centers in Buxton, Bodie Island and Ocracoke Island, includes a 120 km stretch of Outer Banks barrier islands and the area around the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
• Avenida Blue Ridge:"America's Favorite Highway" is a 755-mile scenic drive that connects the Great Smoky Mountains and Shenandoah National Parks. About 400 kilometers of this road crosses North Carolina.
• Pinehurst Resort e Country Club:The venue for the US Open in 1999 and 2005 owes its reputation as a golf mecca primarily to Donald Ross' No. 2”, one of a total of eight world-class courses.
• Wright Brothers National Memorial:A 60-foot granite monument atop a 90-foot hill in Kill Devil Hills on the Outer Banks, North Carolina, commemorates the spot where brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright took off in 1903 on the first powered flight in human history in an airplane that heavier than air. .
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park:The park is the largest protected area east of the Rocky Mountains and the most visited national park in the United States. Although the park spans two states, most of it is in North Carolina.
• North Carolina Museum of Life and Science:Durham Museum is an important center for science and technology. Covering topics such as space travel, meteorology and geology, the interactive exhibits combine fun and education.
• North Carolina Zoo:Home to 1,100 animals from 250 species, Asheboro Zoo is one of the largest zoos housing animals in outdoor enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitat, from the steppes of Africa to the arctic shores of North America.
• Charlotte Speedway:The Concord racetrack is a true motorsport mecca. Not only are several NASCAR races held here each year, but a variety of other racing and automotive events are also held here. The NASCAR Hall of Fame opened nearby in 2010.

The many museums are also worth a visit: you can spend an entire educational vacation in North Carolina. The American state is home to manyMuseums, memorials and galleries, many of which enjoy global recognition. History has been written here since colonial times, even world history in the 20th century – political and technical.

Traveling on country roads

North Carolina has over 50 designated landsscenic roadsin all three major regions of the state, four of which have been designated as "National Scenic Byways" - a very special recognition of their national importance. They are the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Cherohala Skyway, the Forest Heritage National Scenic Byway and the Outer Banks Scenic Byway.

"National Scenic Byways" is of course only the top of the line of beautiful routes. While other scenic drives in North Carolina don't have the same level of national recognition, they're worth a little—or even a big—detour. In some you can follow historical traces of the colonial era (colonial heritage) or the civil war (blue-grey) or the legacy of the Indians (Indian heritage) or certain settlers (Scottish-Welsh heritage) - most of them pass through extremely beautiful areas. Some are only a few kilometers long, others hundreds. Some are designed as a "loop" (circular route) and lead back to the starting point. Many run parallel to the main thoroughfares or branch off from a main road and are therefore particularly suitable as a pleasant alternative to the fast, but usually quite boring, expressway driving. They can easily be incorporated into the route if you are planning a major "road trip".

Civil War Trail

The American Civil War, also known as the Civil War, is deeply rooted in American history and laid the foundation for a slave-free America. Then-president and anti-slavery opponent Abraham Lincoln also played an important role. 150 years after the surrender of the southern states, a "Civil War Trail" was opened in 2011 to keep the history and memory of this Civil War alive. There is also much to discover in North Carolina!

Several sites such as the Civil War Interpretive Center in Kinston, the Albemarle Museum in Elizabeth City, and the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site in Four Oaks allow visitors to delve into American history.

The Civil War Trail Guide contains 239 highlights in 78 regions. This allows visitors to delve into history and discover impressive sites. North Carolina plays a special role here, as the Civil War officially ended here in 1865. (www.civilwartrails.org)

Music in North Carolina

From the mountains to the coast, music is everywhere in North Carolina—and not just in the family style.blue grass, which originated here, but also blues, country, jazz etc. At numerous venues and festivals, visitors can also enjoy great music on the holidays, no matter where they are in the southern part of the state. It's worth risking an "ear" and immersing yourself in the state's musical diversity.

activities and sports

With a myriad of natural landscapes ranging from endlessly wide beaches to towering mountains, North Carolina invites you to get outdoors - with activities ranging from hiking or golfing to biking, fishing or horseback riding, there's something for everyone. . Due to the many lakes and rivers and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, North Carolina is also considered a water sports paradise. But you can also look forward to adventures such as rafting or ziplining. NASCAR, America's most popular motorsport, also offers plenty of action. North Carolina is considered the birthplace of touring car racing, which is why many of NASCAR's top teams are based in Charlotte.

On North Carolina's best hiking trails

North Carolina is a top destination for hikers and climbers from all over the world: 35 designated nature reserves (so-called state parks) in the low mountain ranges and coastal plains of the US east coast state offer active tourists a variety of opportunities for discovery and amateur photographers the most unusual subjects.

Deep canyons, waterfalls, wildlife and fascinating flora quickly give visitors the feeling of being in the middle of a nature documentary. In addition, artificial landscapes can be admired, such asMile High swing bridge– the highest suspension bridge in America.

North Carolina attractions

North Carolina grill

And sandNorth Carolina grillwill especially please meat and barbecue lovers. Barbecue has a long tradition in North Carolina and is serious business—after all, the southeastern US state is considered the "birthplace of barbecue." But only traditional slow-cooked pork over a charcoal or fresh wood stove is "real" North Carolina barbecue. Now you just have to decide on one of two competing marinades in the state – the heavy on chili vinegar.Oriental styleor the one seasoned with tomatoEstilo Lexington. It is best to try both and then choose your favorite.

What goes better with a barbecue than a delicious, cold beer? And here, too, you're guaranteed to find what you're looking for in North Carolina – with more than 150 breweries and microbreweries, so-called "brewpubs". Depending on the season, the ingredients or the mood of the brewmaster, the range of beers is almost unlimited - pale or dark, fruity or dry, strong or mild - there is the right beer for everyone - and for beer drinkers who like to experiment. it will certainly have nothing to oppose a beer flavored with coffee and chocolate.

flag

North Carolina's 3:2 aspect ratio flag has existed in its current form since 1885. It consists of a square wing with a red (top) and white (bottom) bar and a blue leech with a white five-pointed star and the letters gold N and C .This field also holds two important dates in the state's history: On May 20, 1775, the "Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence" was adopted, and on April 12, 1776, the "Halifax Resolution." With these two documents, the state declared its independence from Great Britain. North Carolina's official colors are blue and red – they appear on both the state flag and the United States flag.

Climate

North Carolina is characterized by asubtropical climatewith four distinct seasons - warm and hot summers, mild and short winters and very pleasant transitional periods spring and autumn. In January, the average temperatures, depending on the region and altitude, are between -2 and +11 °C, in July between 19 and 31 °C. Between 1,100 and 1,200 liters of rainfall per square meters decreases annually in the Piedmont region, up to 1,420 ℓ/m² at the coast. Snow depths vary from over 125 cm on Mount Mitchell to almost zero at sea. During hurricane season, North Carolina is occasionally affected by hurricane tails. Otherwise, high pressure areas over the Atlantic largely determine the summer weather, bringing in predominantly warm, moist air from the southwest, which cools again in late summer with cold air from Canada.

Whether you come to the coast for water sports in the summer or to the mountains for winter sports in the colder season, whether you want to play golf or watch an auto race, North Carolina is the ideal destination for a successful vacation. .

Sager:
• Asheville
• Estrada Blue Ridge
• Charlotte
• Cherokee indianerreservat
• the mountain country
• Forbjerget (Piedmont)
• The coastal region
• Grandpa Mountain State Park
• Hanging Rock State Park
• Mountain-Sea Trail
• External banks
• Piedmont-triad
• Pisgah National Forest
• Research triangle
• Wilmington og Cape Fear Coast
• North Carolina News