The Best Cities In North Carolina To Catch A Gorgeous Sunset

One of the best things about the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer is the fact that it's now easier to catch the sunset. I'll often sit outside by the pool with a glass one wine to wind down the day, and stay out while I watch the sunset behind the trees. There's something so relaxing and calming about witnessing nature at its best. But speaking of best, there are some places that are just a little better to catch that colorful sunset than others. A west coast beach where the sun sets over the ocean- impeccable. Or over snow-covered mountain peaks? Breathtaking. But what about a little more local? The best place to catch a North Carolina sunset. Maybe not what you'd think.

Our good friends over at BetCarolina.com analyzed local light pollution levels in several North Carolina cities. They did this to find out which cities within the state make for the best sunrise and sunset-watching spots. The light pollution levels are based on the Bortle Dark Sky Scale. The Bortle Dark Sky Scale simply put is a way to measure how dark the sky is. Scores range from 1 to 9, with 1 being the darkest and 9 being the brightest. If you're in a place with a Bortle Dark Sky rating of 1, you'll be able to see the stars, sunset, and sunrises clearly. 

This list only contains cities, so for the best views you'll want to venture outside the city whether deep in the mountains, on a secluded beach, or in the middle of the state. But if you're in the city, these are the best ones in North Carolina to take in the most impressive sunset.

Do you love to spend your summers on the lake? If so you may be interested to know that Insider recently published a list of the most beautiful lakes in each state. Some are huge names like the Great Salt Lake in Utah (which I skipped out on visiting to go to a Super Target-in my defense there wasn't one in Charlotte at the time?). And many are some of the larger lakes in the states and the most well known. Some are near the coast, others nestled in the mountains, or close by to the city. But what about North Carolina? What is the most beautiful lake in North Carolina? My first guess would have been Lake Lure but that's not it.

I'm going to keep you in suspense for just a few more minutes. This list was culminated by the experts at Insider and is based on their opinions. You can view what they have to say here as well as the best lakes in each US state. Below you'll find the most beautiful lake in North Carolina as well as some of the surrounding states. While I grew up going to camp on a lake that was not mentioned in this list and it will always be my favorite. Though I know most people will agree that this is the most beautiful and I respect your opinion. Truthfully I'm not much of a lake fan anyway. I don't do water I can't see my feet in anymore.

Just 20 miles north of Charlotte you'll find Lake Norman, North Carolina's largest man-made lake. Lake Norman or if you're from this area "the lake" is surrounded by the towns of Huntersville, Davidson, and Cornelius. In these towns, you'll find many lakefront homes perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming. Get all the info on Lake Norman and plan your visit here.

South Carolina's most beautiful lake is the largest in the state covering 100,600 acres. Lake Marion is bordered by Clarendon, Calhoun, Berkeley, Orangeburg, and Sumter counties. It's one of two beautiful water bodies that comprise Santee Cooper Reservoir. 16 boat ramps surround the lake which is known for its fishing. Get more info here. 

 At its peak water capacity Lake Allatoona covers more than 12,000 acres and has 270 miles of shoreline. The lake and the majority of the surrounding land are managed by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. Though there are areas for public use and some that are leased to private entities. Visitors can camp or access the lake for one of the marinas. Get more info about Lake Allatoona here. 

Norris Lake covers 34,000 acres and is surrounded by 800 miles of shoreline. On the lake you'll find 22 marinas and resorts, 3 state parks, and  2 wildlife management areas. With so much to do you can plan an entire vacation around Norris Lake. Tt’s surrounded by the beautiful mountains of East Tennessee and is one of the state's cleanest lakes. Major bonus points for that one! 

Smith Mountain Lake or SML for short is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The surface area of the lake is 32 square miles across Franklin County, Bedford County, and Pittsylvania County. About 22,000 people live on the lake, which has been featured in several movies. Get more info on SML here.