Join me as I head out to North Carolina on an outdoor adventure road trip across the state over a week.
North Carolina is full of road trip opportunities, from exploring the East to checking out the Outer Banks. Or like I did, heading West and exploring the National Forest area and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
My road trip route takes me to Morganton, Asheville, Bouvard and driving across the Blue Ridge Parkway.
I will be writing another blog post about North Carolina, covering the outdoor adventure aspect of the state, visiting many hiking trails, River paddles and waterfalls along the way. Be sure to give that a read as well.
Let’s explore North Carolina on an outdoor road trip adventure!
Book your North Carolina road trip with America As You Like It
I booked my road trip itinerary with America As You Like It, and you can also book the same itinerary if you wish.
It was such a lovely experience having America As You Like It take care of the flights, travel arrangements and itinerary for you.
All you have to do is show up and have fun on the trip!
Perfect for those who prefer the luxury of having everything taken care of for you, such as the planning.
The America As You Like It team are travel experts who focus specifically on organising trips to the US.
With years of experience, you will be in great hands, and my North Carolina trip was amazing! Be sure to check them out.
Fly from London Heathrow directly to Charlotte with American Airlines
Did you know that it’s never been easier to reach the state of North Carolina from the United Kingdom?
Usually, you would have to connect in Atlanta, but now it’s never been easier with American Airlines offering direct flights from London Heathrow to Charlotte, NC.
Making it easier to start your road trip adventure around North Carolina.
Start your road trip adventure in Morganton – Burke County
If you’re looking for a location to explore for a few days with an easy drive from Charlotte, then be sure to check out the town of Morganton, Burke County.
Wander through the Historic Downtown Morganton and admire the street art crafted by local artists. Thornwell Books is a highlight stop with a wonderful selection of books and coffee on offer.
Kick off your day with an authentic Guatemalan breakfast at Breakfast at Little Guatemala, a flavour-packed start! They even have an indoor soccer pitch, which is great fun, and all the coffee is roasted on site.
Sip on a local brew at Fonta Flora, where craft beer meets creativity. I went for a Double Darwin Forehead, which was a lovely imperial cask Porter.
Indulge in a delicious BBQ meal at JD’s Smokehouse, showcasing fresh, local BBQ flavours. Went for the rib and brisket combo, which was a great choice!
Another dining option in downtown Morganton is Root & Vine, dishing up local fresh flavours from the area.
The North Carolina Mountain Trout was superb. And be sure to not skip out on the dessert menu either! The chocolate brownie with ice cream was sensational. Come hungry!
In my outdoor adventure guide to North Carolina, I recommend hitting the trails with Overmountain Cycles on an epic Fonta Flora Trail biking adventure.
And explore Valdese Lakeside Park, trek to the suspension bridge, and marvel at the waterfall! You can read more about this over on that blog post.
Be sure to embrace the beauty, flavours, and adventure that Morganton, Burke County, North Carolina has to offer!
Blue Ridge Parkway for the ultimate road trip in North Carolina
Cruise down the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway on a scenic drive.
If you’re going on a road trip around North Carolina, you simply can’t miss out on the Blue Ridge Parkway, one of the most popular scenic drives in the United States.
Full of Hiking opportunities along the way, it’s not to be missed.
Head to the Folk Art Centre and Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Centre to pick up some information about the drive and find out from the park rangers what sections of the drive they recommend and what parts are accessible during your visit.
I will add more information about the hiking trails and waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway in my outdoor blog post guide.
The road trip continues: Escape to the heart of Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is more than just a stop on the map; it’s a soulful blend of mountain magic, craft brews, and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you’re chasing fireflies or sipping beers, this vibrant town offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Here are my highlights for making the most of your Asheville escape:
Stay in Style at the Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins.
Nestled along the French Broad River, the Wrong Way River Lodge & Cabins offer a cosy yet quiet escape.
These A-frame cabins blend rustic charm with modern comfort, making them the ideal basecamp for exploring Asheville’s natural beauty and urban buzz.
The in-room coffee station and vinyl record player were a lovely added touch to the cabins.
Treat yourself to Tex-Mex bliss at Taco Billy, a local favourite.
No Asheville trip is complete without a visit to Taco Billy.
This Tex-Mex gem is a local favourite, serving up bold flavours in a laid-back setting.
Try the “Billy Philly” or “Mama’s Favourite” tacos with an awesome casual vibe, with the bonus of outdoor seating.
You might get lucky with local music performances, sometimes happening on the outdoor decking.
(Photo credit: J Smilanic / WNC Photo Tours)
Capture the magic of Blue Ghost fireflies with WNC Photo Tours.
Step into a fairytale with WNC Photo Tours and witness the ethereal glow of Blue Ghost fireflies.
This seasonal phenomenon is one of the most enchanting experiences in the region.
Guided tours with expert photographer J Smilanic, who runs the tours.
Synchronous fireflies are a unique type of firefly that flash their lights in unison, creating a mesmerising light show in the forest, which can be found in Asheville, North Carolina.
This activity requires a combination of patience, time and a little bit of luck.
Best viewed in late spring to early summer. A must for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Asheville is a craft beer haven, and you’ll be spoiled for choice. Here are a few standout stops:
Enjoy local brews at Burial Beer Co. Forestry Camp Taproom.
You can also book a guided tour of the brewery with a brewmaster.
Around the corner, you will find Hillman beer, perfect for a cosy atmosphere, outdoor seating, great wings and burgers, perfect for a casual hangout.
And head into town to grab a beer at Urban Orchard Bar, the Czech-style beer was great.
Lively downtown vibe.
Loads of breweries to choose from across Asheville.
And don’t forget to hike and explore the stunning Graveyard Fields Loop Trail and waterfall for a dose of mountain serenity. More on these trails in my outdoor blog guide.
Head to Brevard for breathtaking waterfalls, charming vibes, and endless outdoor adventures.
Our last stop on our North Carolina adventure road trip takes us to Brevard, a destination known for its breathtaking waterfalls, charming vibes, and endless outdoor adventures.
Downtown Brevard is a delightful blend of small-town charm and vibrant culture nestled in the Appalachian hills of Western North Carolina.
Here’s my recommendations:
Stay at Sunset Motel Brevard, where the throwback retro atmosphere offers a cosy and unique stay.
For a meal that’s packed with flavour, head to Smoke on BBQ and enjoy their incredible brisket, a must-try for any barbecue lover.
Brevard is also known for White Squirrel Weekend, a local celebration that adds a fun and quirky touch to the community.
Great time to kick back and enjoy some local bluegrass music.
For those who love water adventures, a canoe trip with Headwaters Outfitters along the French Broad River is an excellent way to connect with nature while floating down one of the most picturesque waterways in the region.
End your trip to Brevard at Oskar Blues Brewery, which offers a fine selection of beers on tap. I can highly recommend the Dale Pale Ale, it’s a hit!
And of course, no visit to Brevard would be complete without hiking to Triple Falls and Hooker Falls, two breathtaking waterfall destinations that showcase the natural beauty of the area. More about these locations in my outdoor blog guide.
Thank you for reading my North Carolina road trip guide
Appreciate you taking the time to come to my blog and check out my road trip guide to North Carolina.
I had an amazing road trip exploring North Carolina, and I hope you’ve found the above information useful.
All the best and have an amazing adventure exploring North Carolina
This blog post was put together in collaboration with TTM World Pr & Communications on behalf of Visit North Carolina and Outdoor North Carolina.
Be sure to watch my North Carolina YouTube video
Thank you for watching my video. I hope you’re excited to explore North Carolina and the great outdoors it offers. A road trip is a great way to explore the state!
