50 State Lines

Adventure in the City & Serenity in the Mountains

Our neighbor to the north and our easiest escape from the summer heat and fall hurricanes, North Carolina is a state full of contrasts — and we have taken advantage of many of them. From the energy of Charlotte’s bustling attractions to the peaceful waterfalls tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, North Carolina has something for every occasion.

Charlotte

Charlotte is more than banking towers and Southern charm — it’s an adventure hub. Here are a few things my kids have loved:

Whitewater Rafting at the U.S. National Whitewater Center: Home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river, this outdoor playground is perfect for rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, and mountain biking.

Carowinds Amusement Park: Straddling the North and South Carolina border, Carowinds delivers heart-pounding roller coasters, a massive waterpark, and family-friendly fun.

Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Charlotte: Kids of all ages can experience the thrill of freefall in a safe, indoor wind tunnel.

Western North Carolina: Healing, Beauty & Exploration

We have long been partial to Western North Carolina, due to its similarities to West Virginia where we grew up, and because we have very close friends from the area that have taken us to visit many times over the past 20 years. When it became clear that hurricanes were going to be an annual event in Charleston, we started evacuating to Western North Carolina. We loved it so much that eventually we bought a house in Pisgah Forest, which we rent out most of the year.

The areas around Asheville and Brevard were decimated by Hurricane Helene in 2024. The recovery is ongoing, and you can help by visiting! These communities are still in the process of rebuilding stronger while keeping the roots of what made them great prior to the unpredictable natural disaster. When you visit, you’re not only experiencing breathtaking beauty, you’re also helping local businesses recover.

Asheville: Arts, Breweries & Free-Spirited Vibes

Asheville has a unique heartbeat all its own. Known for its eclectic art scene, you’ll find everything from glassblowing studios to street murals. The River Arts District is packed with galleries where you can watch artists at work.

The city is also a craft beer capital, with more breweries per capita than almost anywhere in the U.S. Sip your way through favorites like Wicked Weed, Highland Brewing, or Burial Beer Co.

And of course, Asheville embraces its hippie culture — drum circles in Pack Square, farm-to-table cafés, and a laid-back vibe that makes everyone feel welcome.

The Biltmore Estate

Just minutes from downtown Asheville sits the stunning Biltmore Estate. Built by George Vanderbilt in1895, this 250-room château offers a glimpse into Gilded Age luxury. Tour the mansion, wander the flower-filled gardens, and finish your day with a glass of wine at the on-site vineyard.

Pro Tip: The Estate is especially delightful at Christmas time but book your tickets early!

North Carolina Arboretum

Also near Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is a haven for nature lovers. With beautiful gardens, hiking and biking trails, bonsai displays, and seasonal exhibits, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the outdoors without leaving civilization behind. It’s also ideal for families or anyone looking for a slower-paced day immersed in natural beauty.

Stay at Ecusta Escape

Looking for a cozy, mountain retreat? My Airbnb, Ecusta Escape, offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Nestled near Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest, it’s the ideal base for your mountain adventures especially if you love mountain biking. The Ecusta Trail will be completed soon and is just steps from our front door. We’d love to host you and your family.

Local Flavor: Corky’s Dawg House

Our kids can’t go to the mountains without begging for a stop at their favorite spot: Corky’s Dawg House. Known for its milkshakes, creative hot dogs, burgers, and hand-scooped ice cream, it’s the kind of casual, family-friendly stop that makes small-town dining so special. Whether you’re coming back from a waterfall hike or gearing up for a day in the forest, Corky’s hits the spot.

Chase Waterfalls in Transylvania County

Known as the “Land of Waterfalls,” Transylvania County in western NC is home to over 250 waterfalls. From the iconic Looking Glass Falls (a roadside gem) to the cinematic Triple Falls in DuPont State Forest (featured in The Hunger Games), there’s no shortage of natural wonders to explore.

Try Your Luck at Gem Mines

Another hidden gem (see what I did there?!?) in Western NC is the chance to pan for rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and quartz at local gem mines. Families especially love the hands-on experience of sifting through buckets of soil in search of sparkling treasures. Not only is it fun, but you also get to take home a unique souvenir from the mountains — one that you discovered yourself!

Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

No visit to Western North Carolina is complete without a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” the parkway offers breathtaking mountain vistas, overlooks perfect for photos, and access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and historic sites. Whether you’re chasing fall foliage, wildflowers, or just the serenity of winding mountain roads, this drive is an unforgettable part of your NC adventure.

Supporting tourism in western NC right now means helping communities rebuild, while also treating yourself to unforgettable beauty and adventure.

Ready to plan your mountain getaway? Book your stay at Ecusta Escape today!