Nickname: Tar Heel State
Area: 48 843 sq.mi. (126 502.8 km2)
Highest point: Mount Mitchell 6 684 ft. (2 037.3 m)
Population: 7 600 900
Capital: Raleigh
Largest city: Charlotte

As a member of the South-Eastern region, North Carolina is one of the most densely populated states of the country. It has several middle-sized cities, but it lacks of larger ones. Its geography features a duality, for its Western part is a highland territory, bordered by the Appalachian- and the Great Smoky Mountains, while its Eastern part is a flatland, bordered by the Atlantic-Ocean.

Photo: Country, North-Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by Martin LaBar

Its capital is Raleigh, situated in the middle of the state. The city is the administrative and educational center of the state. It is the home of the North Carolina State University and the Shaw University. It has a lot of museums with valuable collections to show to the visitors. It is worth to visit the North Carolina Museum of Art, the State History Museum and the State National Science Museum. Vivid musical and theatrical life is flowing in the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre.

Photo: Raleigh, North-Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by icadrews

If you come to North Carolina, definitely check out the city of Ashville. It is situated near the Appalachian- and the Great Smoky Mountains. Its downtown has a special atmosphere reminding you of the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The Biltmore Estate is located near Ashville, which is the largest mansion of the United States of America. However it is not only the castle that is an awe-inspiring sight, but also the beautiful park around it is magnificent too. If you happen to have a little extra time, you could visit the Cherokee Indian Reservation next to the legs of the Great Smoky Mountains. One may become familiar with the history of the native Indians, or, he might enjoy himself in the casinos operated by the Indians.

Photo: Biltmore Estate, Ashville, North-Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by Martin LaBar

We might also visit the twin city of Winston-Salem, which is the center of the tobacco industry in the state. It’s worth to visit the so called Old Salem Village, which is meant to introduce its Scottish traditions.

Photo: St. Pauls Church, Winston-Salem, North-Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by NCBrian

If you like to be on the beach, or go boating or wind-surfing go to Outer Banks. Outer Banks is the collective name of those islands, which fall in line along the coast of North Carolina, just like a dam would. The small islands have sandy beaches and amuse every visitor.

Photo: Outer Banks, North-Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by m t miller

We also recommend the city of Beaufort to everyone, which is a small resort on the sea-shore. It is the home of the Carolina Maritime Museum, which talks about the history of shipping and the history of the pirates as well.

Photo: Beaufort, North-Carolina, USA, flickr.com, by contraceptacon