North Carolina

Alberobello

Alberobello in southern Italy’s Puglia region captures the imagination with its distinctive trulli houses. These structures were built using a dry-stone technique passed down over centuries, without mortar or cement, and their unique form comes from layer upon layer of limestone nestled from nearby fields. Alberobello’s trulli are so remarkable that in 1996 the historic center was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where more than 1,600 of these buildings still stand.

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Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The city of Santa Cruz De Tenerife, located on the island of Tenerife, is a favorite stop for Transatlantic voyagers. Tenerife is both the largest and most populated of the seven Canary Islands and of Spain itself. As the island's main city, Santa Cruz De Tenerife is home to almost half of the island's population.

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Arles

Nestled between two nature parks and the Rhône River, picturesque Arles will absolutely delight any traveler to the south of France. Situated near Marseille in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, Arles boasts small town charm and its architectural treasures have been heavily influenced by the city’s role as an ancient Roman capital.

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Great Wall

The Great Wall of China stretches across mountains, deserts, and grasslands, forming one of the most striking man-made landmarks in the world. Rather than a single continuous wall, it is a network of sections built with stone, brick, and packed earth, each shaped by the landscape it crosses. In areas near Beijing, such as Mutianyu, the wall winds along forested ridges, offering sweeping views that change with the seasons.

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Niigata

Niigata sits along the Sea of Japan on Honshu’s west coast, a place where long winters and bright summers shape its traditions and flavors. For centuries this region has produced some of Japan’s finest rice, especially the Uonuma Koshihikari variety known for its rich taste and texture. That quality rice helps make Niigata sake famous across the country, and visitors can sample more than 90 local brews at tasting spots such as Ponshukan inside Niigata Station.

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Natchez

Natchez is a river city in southwestern Mississippi overlooking the Mississippi River bluffs near the Louisiana border. It is recognized for its large collection of preserved antebellum homes, brick streets, and long connection to river trade.

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Photo Credit: Photo by Parsa Mahmoudi on Unsplash

North Carolina is a state where natural beauty and cultural richness collide, offering visitors a wide variety of experiences. From the breathtaking peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the sun-drenched shores of the Outer Banks, North Carolina’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for adventure. The iconic Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, boasting over 800 miles of trails and incredible biodiversity. In contrast, the coast offers miles of pristine beaches, ideal for relaxation, water sports, and exploring the famous lighthouses that stand sentinel along the Atlantic.

The state is also home to vibrant cities rich in history and culture. Asheville, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, attracts visitors with its thriving arts scene, historic architecture, and the opulent Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up the Research Triangle, where you can explore world-class museums like the North Carolina Museum of Art and enjoy cutting-edge cuisine. Charlotte, the state’s largest city, offers a more urban experience with attractions such as the NASCAR Hall of Fame and the U.S. National Whitewater Center for adventure sports enthusiasts.

North Carolina’s rich history adds a fascinating layer to any visit. The Wright Brothers made their first flight in Kitty Hawk, marking the birth of modern aviation. Visitors can tour the Wright Brothers National Memorial and experience the place where history was made. For a glimpse into early American colonial life, a visit to Old Salem in Winston-Salem offers a deep dive into Moravian culture and history with restored buildings and living history interpreters bringing the past to life.

Fun fact: North Carolina is also known as the “Tar Heel State,” a nickname that dates back to the state’s early history in the naval stores industry, where tar, pitch, and turpentine were produced from the state’s vast pine forests. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history buff, or city explorer, North Carolina offers a little something for everyone.