North Carolina Car Rental

Guide to North Carolina

Geography

There are three major regions in the state of North Carolina: the Appalachian Mountains (which include Mt Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi), the Piedmont Plateau, and the Atlantic Coastal Plain.

Climate

North Carolina has two major climates. The Appalachian Mountains experience a continental climate and tend to be the coolest part of the state. On the other hand, the Atlantic Coastal Plain has a subtropical climate, where even the winters are relatively warm. Rainfall occurs mainly in the months of July and August.

Culture

Most North Carolinians are Christians from the Southern Baptist Convention, and the state was an important center of the folk music revival of the 1960s. This state is also home to the largest Native American (First Nations) population east of the Mississippi.

Things to Do in North Carolina

Drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway

The Blue Ridge Pathway is a long stretch of road that passes through North Carolina and Virginia, connecting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. The former boasts scenic waterfalls, valleys and campsites. While you’re on the Blue Ridge Pathway, do also stop at Linville Gorge, the ‘Grand Canyon of the East,’ to take some pictures.

Tour the Museum of Natural Sciences

North Carolina has a handful of very well-maintained museums. One of the best is the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh. Here, you’ll find hundreds of static and interactive exhibits ranging from an Acrocanthosaurus skeleton to a history of the state’s gemstones.

Sail to the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is a set of barrier islands resplendent with both natural beauty and pretty little towns. One of them, Roanoke Island, was England’s first settlement in the Americas!

Eating Out in North Carolina

You may be in America, but who says you can’t find some Czech food here? Head over to Dewey’s Bakery in Winston-Salem for some delightful Moravian cookies – treats made of ginger, blue cheese and walnuts. For some of the state’s own special food, head to Hursey’s Barbecues and order some pork BBQs. If seafood and steaks sound good to you, dine at Colington Cafe, situated in a Victorian-style building in Kill Devil Hills. The crab bisque is a must-eat! North Carolina also has a number of breweries, so if you’re looking to wash down a good meal, try the New Belgium Brewing Company in Asheville.

North Carolina Transport

Airports

The Charles-Douglas International Airport (DOM) is the state’s biggest hub for both domestic as well as international flights.

Transport within North Carolina

There are about six major train lines in the state, all operated by Amtrak. If you’re in Charlotte, the main public transit system is operated by Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and includes buses, trolleys, shuttles, and a light rail line. Raleigh is served by GoRaleigh, while Fayetteville has the Fayetteville Area System of Transit (FAST).

Driving in North Carolina

Most people have their own cars or rent one from reputable car rental agencies like Enterprise, Hertz and Budget. Driving in North Carolina is an easy option to get from A-Z and explore the state’s scenery.