9 Unique Experiences That Should Be On Everyone’s North Carolina Bucket List
By Carolyn Harmon|Published February 27, 2024
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Carolyn Harmon
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Under Brown Mountain Lights the Beast of Blandenboro wanders this magical land where lighthouses shine on kingdoms only accessible by ferries. A Lost Colony of legends and pirates revealed in historical sites and majestic mountains with views that make us weep. The home of handmade sculptures and scrumptious cuisine. North Carolina leaves this long-time writer and artist breathless with endless surprises, including the unlikely warmth a winter walk on the beach can bring.
With so many unique experiences in North Carolina, it is no wonder that this lovely place hosted approximately 43 million visitors in 2022, earning the prize as the sixth most-visited state in the nation, according to VisitNC. And even as residents, it’s difficult to make it around to every exciting opportunity. Viator.com, a global tours and attractions business, has done some homework on sourcing fun trips in the Tar Heel State and beyond. Here are some you’ll want to take.
1. SEA LIFE Aquarium
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord, 8111 Concord Mills Boulevard, Concord, NC 28027, USA
This water journey takes us down into the deepest parts of the rivers and oceans where more than 5,000 marine mammals, fish, and other sea creatures live. We love to watch the sharks through a 180-degree tunnel. Tickets for the excursion are $25.24. Discover more on the
Viator website.
2. Carolina Panthers Football Game
Bank of America Stadium, 800 S Mint St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
For all of the sports fans out there, here's a ticket to a Carolina Panthers NFL Game at Bank of America Stadium. This exciting experience puts you in the 75,000-seat stadium cheering along with everyone else. The cost for this trip is $41.77. Read more about the experience on the Viator website.
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3. Copper Barrel's Premium Distillery Tour & Tasting
Copper Barrel Distillery & Speakeasy, 508 Main St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659, USA
Taste the spirits during a visit to this state-of-the-art distillery. After the tour, enjoy the craft spirit samples with some yummy moonshine-infused snacks. The $10 ticket is worthwhile. Discover more on the Viator website.
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4. Horse-and-Carriage Ride through Moses H. Cone Park
1 Bass Lake Dr 1 Bass Lake Dr, Blowing Rock, NC 28605
See Blowing Rock like never before on a leisurely horse-and-carriage ride through the beautiful Moses H. Cone Park. This journey goes past the historical manor with plenty of views of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This ride is $125 per seat with a maximum of seven travelers per ride. Find out more on the Viator website.
Not only do we get to watch the Hurricanes on this adventure, but visiting PNC Arena is a thrilling experience while cheering on an amazing hockey team. Tickets are $28.92 for this exciting competition on the ice. Read more about the fun trip on the Viator website.
6. Gem Mining and Goat Farm Walking Tour
Elijah Mountain Gem Mine And Crystal Store, 2120 Brevard Rd, Hendersonville, NC 28791, USA
This well-deserved trip out to the country offers time with some fuzzy goats, a visit to the aviary, and a chance to mine for gems and fossils. Take this excursion for $25.99 a person.
Read more details on the Viator website.
7. Kayak Tour at Lake Lure
Asheville Visitor Center, 36 Montford Ave, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
We're in good hands with a certified naturalist on this kayak tour around the sparkling Lake Lure, tucked inside the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains. Learn about the local history, and in the warmer months, you are welcome to swim. The tour is operated by Hike Bike Kayak Asheville for $125. For more information, visit the
Viator website.
8. Private Wine Tasting for Two
Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery, 170 Heritage Vines Way, Elkin, NC 28621, USA
This journey takes us to the pretty Carolina Heritage Vineyard and Winery where wines are produced from organic grapes below the tasting room. A
$24 gets you a spot on this trip. Discover more on the Viator website.
Take a trip to Wrightsville Beach with the experienced Capt. Jennings Rose of North State Guide Service. Fishing is the most fun when someone else is driving the boat. Plus, you won't believe the wildlife that follows along on this scenic ride. Find out more on the Viator website.
We hope you take advantage of some of these unique experiences in North Carolina. If you’ve already gone on some of these exciting journeys, please tell us about it in the comments below.
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