A state of many contrasts, North Carolina is home to beaches, forests and mountains with conservative towns and liberal-leaning cities tucked away amidst them. With epic outdoor activities and communities to explore and, of course, old-time Southern charm; the Tar Heel State is a fascinating place to visit. While its shoreline is home to lots of barrier islands, the Piedmont region is made up of rolling hills and fertile farms. In the west are the beautiful Blue Ridge Moutains which boast the highest peaks east of the Mississippi. Hereโs a look at the best places to visit in North Carolina: