Nestled between the spectacular Appalachian Mountains in the west and the intriguing sand barrier islands of the Atlantic coast in the east, North Carolina is a beguiling combination of old colonial roots that have blossomed to create one of the most exciting high-tech areas in America.
The Triangle
The cities of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill form a long triangle in the middle of North Carolina that has become renowned for pioneering academic and scientific research. Three top research universities are based in The Triangle, as well as several high-tech companies and the 7,000-acre Research Triangle Park. You’ll find a high proportion of clever, affluent and hip young people and hundreds of stylish cafes, bars and restaurants catering to them.
Blossoming Raleigh and Diverse Durham
North Carolina’s state capital was named after early pioneering settler Sir Walter Raleigh and you’ll find it is still full of intriguing historical landmarks. Take a tour of the 19th-century State Capitol building to see where the political life of North Carolina has been based for almost 200 years. Nearby, the Museum of Natural Sciences is one of the biggest in south-east America and you can experience modern displays about everything natural from microbes to meteorites. Even older is Mordecai House, an 18th-century wooden mansion surrounded by preserved gardens - take a stroll around what was once the centre of a huge plantation..
In the academic centre of The Triangle you can visit Durham, the elegant Duke University and the University of North Carolina. Both have grand old buildings to explore amid leafy campuses. UNC’s ancient well is supposed to bestow good luck if you drink from it, while Duke’s 210ft chapel tower has amazing stained glass windows.
Exploring further afield
Within 150 miles of The Triangle you can be exploring North Carolina’s laid-back coast. There are miles of sandy barrier islands backed by charming small towns, lighthouses and golf courses to see. NC’s biggest visitor attraction, however, is about 150 miles to the west. Concord Mills outlet centre has around 200 shops and restaurants to enjoy. It’s one of the most popular places in the south-east to go bargain hunting.
