Indoor/Outdoor Adventures
Whether you want to go wildlife watching in the Blue Ridge Mountains or embark on a tour of museums in Georgetown, North and South Carolina’s vibrant cities and landscapes invite travelers to choose their own adventures.
North Carolina
The epic activities and one-of-a-kind backdrops of the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains—situated in one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the country—make western North Carolina a must-visit for outdoor enthusiasts. Asheville and Boone are both prime jumping off points for hiking excursions of all difficulties in the Blue Ridge Mountains, from kid-friendly strolls through wildflower-frenzied fields to challenging treks to waterfalls. In the warm-weather months, other activities include climbing, mountain biking and horseback riding. There’s also skiing at Appalachian Ski Mountain and Beech Mountain and Sugar Mountain near Boone.
Situated on the North Carolina-Tennessee border, Great Smoky Mountains National Park has more than 19,000 species of plants, fungi, animals and other organisms, making it the most diverse national park in the United States. Make Asheville (about 38 miles away) your home base for exploring the “Smokies,” whose activities include hunting for wildflowers, chasing waterfalls, fishing for trout and hiking to historic sites.
In Charlotte, the NASCAR Hall of Fame—a 150,000-square-foot facility that interprets NASCAR’s 70-year history—has tons of fun, interactive activities such as high-tech racing simulators. During the winter season, be sure to check out the WBT Holiday on Ice rink, a cool addition to a day at the Hall. Or catch a race at the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, about 20 miles northeast of Charlotte. Don't miss the Speedway Christmas with its spectacular light show. Or bask in the city’s outdoor splendor at Freedom Park, a nearly 100-acre green space with loads of hiking and biking trails and a full-size train engine and two playgrounds for little explorers.
An impressive collection of museums draw culture lovers to Raleigh, the state’s capital and the “Smithsonian of the South.” Highlights include North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Contemporary Art Museum and City of Raleigh Museum. If you’re interested in civil rights history, hop on the NC Civil Rights Trail, which runs through Raleigh, Greensboro and Fayetteville, to see important landmarks associated with the movement. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Gardens and Shaw University's Estey Hall (the first building constructed for the higher education of African American women) are stops in Raleigh.
South Carolina
In Columbia—South Carolina’s capital city—those who want to camp, hike or stargaze will find plenty to do at Sesquicentennial State Park. Or mosey around Riverbanks Zoo and Garden to see hundreds of animals, including flamingos, zebras, and tortoises. Or learn about the region's cultural, technological and natural history from the prehistoric era to the present at the South Carolina State Museum.
Established in 1732 and located on the eastern coast, Georgetown is the third-oldest city in South Carolina (following Charleston and Beaufort). Journey through the past by viewing exhibits at The Rice Museum, which highlights the importance of the humble grain to the area, or The South Carolina Maritime Museum, an ode to the seafaring way of life. Also stop by the Gullah Museum of Georgetown, a small yet meaningful collection of artifacts and tools used by the Gullah people (descendants of West and Central Africans who were enslaved and brought to lower Atlantic states such as the Carolinas).
In northern South Carolina, Cleveland is a small town about 12 miles from Caesars Head State Park—the largest in the state. The biggest attraction at the lush park is the overlook atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, which gives onlookers an awe-inspiring view that stretches into North Carolina and Georgia. Go there in the fall to see the forests dressed in shades of red and orange and look for migrating hawks, who spread their wings along the Appalachian Flyway.
Where to Stay in the Carolinas
Best Western Hotels & Resorts in North and South Carolina are perfect home bases for any adventures on your agenda, from hiking and biking to delving into local history. The properties are centrally located near attractions and activities and are equipped with the comforts of home.