Plan your holiday travel: Discover 5 NC gems that are an easy drive from Charlotte
North Carolina is a rich travel destination, with national parks, vibrant cities and wellness retreats. Each article underscores a different gem that attracts visitors.
The first article highlights the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, celebrated for its natural beauty and status as one of the most visited parks in the United States.
It mentions several areas within the park like Big Creek and Cataloochee, enriching outdoor enthusiast experiences with hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
In another article, Asheville emerges as a city teeming with attractions for both nature lovers and city dwellers. Described as a cultural hotspot, Asheville offers a vibrant social scene, especially in food, entertainment, and nightlife.
This makes it an appealing place for singles and adventure seekers alike.
Finally, the Art of Living Retreat Center in Boone gains attention for providing a premier spa experience.
This sanctuary offers guests opportunities to rejuvenate through meditation, yoga, and outdoor activities, ranking it among the top destination spas in the country.
NO. 1: GET AWAY TO NC’S CATALOOCHEE RANCH WITH THESE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EATING, HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING
A mile high in the Maggie Valley area of the North Carolina mountains is a gem of a vacation spot that will leave you refreshed, renewed, and ever-grateful that you live less than three hours from a slice of how life used to be. | Published June 12, 2018 | Read Full Story by Caroline Portillo
NO. 2: THIS NC LANDMARK IS AMONG THE BEST NATIONAL PARKS IN THE US, TRAVEL + LEISURE SAYS
Travel + Leisure released the best national parks across the U.S. Here’s how the country’s most visited park ranks among the top 25. | Published July 11, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon
NO. 3: THIS NC CITY IS BURSTING WITH ‘FOOD AND FUN’ — AND RANKS AMONG BEST FOR SINGLES
A North Carolina city is bursting with “food and fun” — and ranks as one of the nation’s best places for singles. | Published October 21, 2025 | Read Full Story by Simone Jasper
NO. 4: THIS NC SPA WAS RANKED AMONG THE BEST IN THE US. WHY TRAVELERS LOVE IT.
Those in search of a premier spa experience can look no further than a Western North Carolina resort. | Published November 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
NO. 5: THIS NC CITY IS AMONG TOP 50 PLACES TO VISIT IN 2026, TRAVEL + LEISURE SAYS
The great outdoors, lush mountain views and a buzzing art scene are what make Asheville a top travel destination, according to Travel + Leisure. | Published November 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Tanasia Kenney
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.