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10 Fun Car Ride Trips You Can Take in North Carolina

By Alexis Zarycki
For me, a scenic drive is always a good idea. There is no doubt that it is one of the most popular and beautiful parkways in America. There are 252 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and it travels through mountain towns, historic sites, and tunnels through 26 hills and mountains. The park is the second-most visited among all National Park Services and is regarded as a must-see during autumn. In addition to the two-plus-hour drive west, it's another two hours to the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee region.

The longest car rides with my family are some of my fondest memories. The snacks, the laughter, the arguments in the backseat with my sibling. They were definitely memorable.

The car is a wonderful invention. With it, you can discover new destinations and feel like you’ve escaped. You can see a lot of picturesque and fun things in North Carolina just by taking a short drive.

Maybe you travel to see the animals at the zoo or take a wild ride on a roller coaster. You can see mountain views that won’t disappoint if you prefer the simple things in life. Whatever you choose, the possibilities are endless. Below you will find a list of 10 fun car ride trips you can take in North Carolina.

  • 1. Old Salem North Carolina

    Old Salem Museums & Gardens promotes food security and explores the stories of people in the American South, including Moravians, Blacks, and Indigenous peoples. Old Winston Salem is one of the most comprehensive history attractions in America. Visitors to the Historic Town of Salem, the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA), and the Gardens at Old Salem have the opportunity to experience a historic experience that is both educational and memorable. The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts (MESDA) houses the nation’s most complete collection of early Southern decorative arts, including architecture, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, needlework, paintings, and prints. The best part is this is just a short car ride away from Charlotte to visit. You see more on Old Winston-Salem here.

  • 2. Carowinds Amusement Park

    Enjoy a family trip to Carowinds and feel the wind in your hair on a rollercoaster! If you are looking for a fun-filled day trip from Charlotte, then Carowinds is right for you. Carowinds is located just off Interstate 77 on the border of North and South Carolina. There are 13 roller coasters at this family-friendly amusement park, each more thrilling than the last. You can see more on this theme park and tickets here.

  • 3. The North Carolina Zoo

    We get to see animals on such a wonderful day. In Randolph County, the North Carolina Zoo is nestled on 2,600 wooded acres in the heart of North Carolina, just south of Asheboro. One of two state-supported zoos, it boasts 500 acres of developed land, making it the largest natural habitat zoo in the world. This is a great place to enjoy the day with family and friends. You can see more on tickets and days the zoo is open here.

  • 4. Blue Ridge Parkway

    For me, a scenic drive is always a good idea. There is no doubt that it is one of the most popular and beautiful parkways in America. There are 252 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina, and it travels through mountain towns, historic sites, and tunnels through 26 hills and mountains. The park is the second-most visited among all National Park Services and is regarded as a must-see during autumn. In addition to the two-plus-hour drive west, it’s another two hours to the Smoky Mountains and Cherokee region. My advice, make sure to stop by Clingmans Dome if you decide to go.

  • 5. The Battle Ship NC

    Experience the daily life of her crew and the fierce combat she experienced during the Pacific theater of World War II aboard the Battleship NC in Wilmington, North Carolina. The ship was built using the latest technology at the time and took part in every major naval offensive of the war. There are nine decks, gun turrets, living quarters, and a surgical clinic on the self-guided tour. You can see more about this awesome attraction here.

  • 6. The Tweetsie Railroad

    This place is so much fun for adults and kids. It is good old-fashioned fun to ride the Tweetsie Railroad for both travelers and locals. Tweetsie Railroad is a Wild West theme park located between Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina. The railroad runs for 3 miles through the park and surrounding areas, and it is the main attraction at Tweetsie Railroad. Visitors can try their hand at panning for gold, taking a trip to the petting zoo, or riding any of the park’s amusement rides in addition to riding the locomotive at Tweetsie Railroad. You can see more on The Tweetsie Railroad here.

  • 7. Lake Lure

    Fan of the movie Dirty Dancing? Then you MUST know about Lake Lure. I still haven’t been (it’s on my bucket list) but this is only a short car drive that you can kick your heels up to! There are water activities, great food, shopping and more. If you want to stay in the area, the historic Lake Lure Inn (1927) is quite charming.

     

  • 8. Greensboro Water Park | Wet'n Wild

    I love the waterpark. Enjoy a day in the sun and wave pool with your family and friends. This waterpark is one of the best in North Carolina and the biggest too. You can see more info on the park here.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CYUT-HHuz_t/

  • 9. Cherokee Casino

    Casino time anyone? The Cherokee area has a lot to explore, but you might want to take a gamble at this spot. This is the only full-scale casino currently operating in North Carolina. It is a three-hour drive from Charlotte but worth the drive.  After a night of slots, you may want to spend the day fly-fishing or seeing the historic Oconaluftee Indian Village if you need a breath of fresh air. See more on the casino and hotel options here.

  • 10. The Biltmore

    It is a North Carolina must-see to visit the Biltmore Estate. A beautiful place to visit, it’s a very majestic and historic location. Located in Asheville, the estate spans 8,000 acres and dates back to the 1890s. The Biltmore has 43 bathrooms, 35 bedrooms, and 65 fireplaces, just to name a few features of its 180,000 square feet. You can see more here.

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