Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

North Carolina, the seasons change but the adventures never end. From Kill Devil Hills on North Carolina’s outer banks south to Wilmington, coastal North Carolina makes a great getaway destination any time of year. With 300 miles of beaches, seven lighthouses and historic towns in between it is time to hit North Carolina’s roadways. With arguably one of the most unique city names, Kill Devil Hills is famous as home of the first powered air-flight by the Wright Brothers. 2011 Marks the centennial celebration of the Wright's glider flight – mark October 21st through the 24th for Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head for the festivities honoring America's role in aviation history.

September brings the Outer Banks Triathlon to the North Carolina coast region. The triathlon is a full weekend of fun and events, including Half Distance and Sprint Distance races along with the Olympic distance race. Enjoy the sight of swimmers filling Croatan Sound, bicycles racing across Mann’s Harbor Bridge and runners finishing the challenge in Manteo.

Fall in coastal North Carolina brings November’s Outer Banks Marathon and Half Marathon. Join racers and fans in Nags Head south of Kill Devil Hills for the start on November 13th. Events also include the Outer Banks Fun Run, Buccaneer 5K and Outer Banks 8K – a challenge for all ages and abilities, enjoy fall in the beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

Wilmington on the southern North Carolina Coast is a historic port city. Located on the Cape Fear River inland from the Cape Fear Coast, Wilmington offers visitors year round excitement. The Battleship North Carolina is a must see destination in Wilmington. The USS North Carolina is moored across from downtown Wilmington as a memorial to North Carolinians who died in World War II. Visit the final weekends of the season for Ghost Ship – the haunted battleship. This is a tour not soon forgotten, experience Ghost Ship during weekends in October. In December, don’t miss the sight of USS North Carolina dressed up in lights for the holiday season from Thanksgiving weekend through December.

Raleigh, North Carolina’s capital city is alive as students return to classes and activities. Campuses at North Carolina State University, Shaw College, Saint Augustine College, as well as Peace College and Meredith College, North Carolina’s women’s colleges, are in full gear. Let’s not forget Durham, with Duke University and North Carolina Central University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Say no more, athletic events alone fill the calendar. Raleigh’s Wolfpack Athletics, Duke’s Blue Devils and the Tarheels of Chapel Hill keep excitement in the air through the year.

Western North Carolina

The mountain region of North Carolina revolves around Asheville, a gateway to the Appalachian Mountains, the Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway. A delightful diversity of outdoors, arts and urbane offerings, a visit to Asheville is a highlight for any North Carolina traveler. North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad region is home to Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point – three of the state’s dynamic cities. Re-decorating? High Point is the “Home Furnishing Capital of the World” – don’t miss the shopping. Winston-Salem is North Carolina’s City of Arts and Innovation, and Greensboro’s galleries, museums and restaurants keep visitors entertained, engaged and happy.

New in 2011, The ACC Hall of Champions is open in Greensboro. The city is the founding home to the Atlantic Coast Conference and now celebrates with the Hall of Champions. Located at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex in the western portion of the Special Events Center, visitors are captivated by a 360 degree video globe displaying a state-of-the-art multimedia show of ACC highlights. In season you can catch ACC Basketball action at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Fall, in and around Greensboro, is full of fun events. The Central Carolina Fair is held mid-September at the Greensboro Coliseum Grounds and parking lot. 2011 is the 113th anniversary for the fair, now ten days of exhibitions, rides, attractions and entertainment. October brings a favorite local event – The Super 32 Challenge. Held at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, this High School wrestling tournament is one of the toughest in the US drawing top-notch wrestlers to the competition. December in downtown Greensboro is always a treat with the Festival of Lights and Greensboro Ballet Theatre performing “The Nutcracker”.

Asheville is home to the Biltmore, America’s largest home built by George Vanderbilt on 8,000 acres in the Asheville Mountains. Through October 23rd, visitors to the estate have the opportunity to see the Tiffany at Biltmore exhibit featuring 45 of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s magnificent stained glass lamps. December is a wonderful time to visit the Biltmore and celebrate the holiday season. From November 4th through the New Year, visitors to the estate enjoy the sight of dozens of Christmas trees and hundreds of decorations throughout the home. Candlelight Christmas Evenings are another delightful tour to enjoy with the holiday decor, the light of fireplaces and candlelight.

Banner Elk, northeast of Asheville, celebrates the 100th anniversary of Avery County at the Woolly Worm Festival. The 34th annual festival is October 15th and 16th, and is one of North Carolina’s most unique events. Amidst the food, fun and friendly folk, wooly worm races are held to determine a winner and the winter’s weather forecast.