North Carolina has so many beautiful places that it’s hard to decide where to start. When you’re ready to explore the natural beauty of the Tar Heel State, take a look at this list of 10 places that we’ve recently featured. Click on each link to read our full article and get more details.

  1. Lake James State Park: The Most Beautiful Campground In North Carolina

glack7/TripAdvisor Lake James State Park, near Nebo, is located right on the banks of the 6,812-acre Lake James. You’ll love the three campgrounds, and you can spend an entire weekend hiking, fishing and kayaking. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Ryan’s Restaurant: A Beautiful Restaurant Tucked Away In A North Carolina Forest

Ryan’s Restaurant/Facebook Ryan’s Restaurant is tucked away in the trees, providing a quiet, romantic spot for a delicious meal. This restaurant has won both local and national awards, so you know the food is as amazing as the scenery. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Carvers Creek State Park: North Carolina’s Newest State Park

Sara C./Yelp You won’t believe the beautiful surroundings you’ll find at Carvers Creek State Park. It’s located at Spring Lake and includes a stunning farm that once belonged to the Rockefeller family. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Wolf Laurel Stables: The Stable Offering A Magical Horseback Ride

Dawn K./TripAdvisor Exploring North Carolina’s natural beauty is even more magical on horseback. Visit Wolf Laurel Stables seven days a week to enjoy a two-hour guided ride through some gorgeous scenery. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Shackleford Banks: The Place That Makes You Feel Like You’ve Stepped Through A Magical Wardrobe

Doug Butchy/flickr At Shackleford Banks, you’ll feel like you’re in a fictional place as incredible as Narnia. Take a look at the emerald waters, search for seashells and watch the wild horses who call this place home. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Elizabethan Gardens: The Secret Garden You’re Guaranteed To Love

Eric N./Yelp Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. From the sculptures and fountains to the rose garden and orangery, this charming little garden will delight you. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Carrigan Farms: The Sapphire Quarry That’s Devastatingly Gorgeous

Heidi Y./Yelp Not many people know about the 25-foot-deep quarry in Mooresville at Carrigan Farms. You’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from these sapphire waters, especially on a hot, summer day. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Craggy Gardens: The Enchanting Place That Must Go On Your Bucket List Immediately

Emory Rakestraw Visit Craggy Gardens in May to see the rhododendron blooms that cover these gardens in blooms of pink and purple. Take some time to hike the easy trail here - it’s perfect for the whole family. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge: A Secluded Restaurant With The Most Magical Surroundings

Management/TripAdvisor The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is a stunning restaurant at Blowing Rock. You’ll love the views from the back deck, and you’ll enjoy some really incredible food here as well. For more information, read our full article here.

  1. Southport: The Tiny Town That’s Surrounded By Natural Beauty

Photo Credit You’ll find Southport right where Cape Fear River meets the ocean. Everywhere you look, you’ll see stunning beauty, from the ocean to the sunset. Sit on the dock and watch the waves or stroll along the downtown Riverwalk. For more information, read our full article here.

Which of these is your favorite place?

glack7/TripAdvisor

Lake James State Park, near Nebo, is located right on the banks of the 6,812-acre Lake James. You’ll love the three campgrounds, and you can spend an entire weekend hiking, fishing and kayaking. For more information, read our full article here.

Ryan’s Restaurant/Facebook

Ryan’s Restaurant is tucked away in the trees, providing a quiet, romantic spot for a delicious meal. This restaurant has won both local and national awards, so you know the food is as amazing as the scenery. For more information, read our full article here.

Sara C./Yelp

You won’t believe the beautiful surroundings you’ll find at Carvers Creek State Park. It’s located at Spring Lake and includes a stunning farm that once belonged to the Rockefeller family. For more information, read our full article here.

Dawn K./TripAdvisor

Exploring North Carolina’s natural beauty is even more magical on horseback. Visit Wolf Laurel Stables seven days a week to enjoy a two-hour guided ride through some gorgeous scenery. For more information, read our full article here.

Doug Butchy/flickr

At Shackleford Banks, you’ll feel like you’re in a fictional place as incredible as Narnia. Take a look at the emerald waters, search for seashells and watch the wild horses who call this place home. For more information, read our full article here.

Eric N./Yelp

Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. From the sculptures and fountains to the rose garden and orangery, this charming little garden will delight you. For more information, read our full article here.

Heidi Y./Yelp

Not many people know about the 25-foot-deep quarry in Mooresville at Carrigan Farms. You’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from these sapphire waters, especially on a hot, summer day. For more information, read our full article here.

Emory Rakestraw

Visit Craggy Gardens in May to see the rhododendron blooms that cover these gardens in blooms of pink and purple. Take some time to hike the easy trail here - it’s perfect for the whole family. For more information, read our full article here.

Management/TripAdvisor

The Restaurant at Gideon Ridge is a stunning restaurant at Blowing Rock. You’ll love the views from the back deck, and you’ll enjoy some really incredible food here as well. For more information, read our full article here.

Photo Credit

You’ll find Southport right where Cape Fear River meets the ocean. Everywhere you look, you’ll see stunning beauty, from the ocean to the sunset. Sit on the dock and watch the waves or stroll along the downtown Riverwalk. For more information, read our full article here.

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