NORTH CAROLINA · How To Road Trip America

Jan 17 (edited) • Southeast Region - Ask locals

NORTH CAROLINA

The Tar Heel State

Official State Motto: Esse Quam Videri (“To Be, Rather Than to Seem”)

Tourism Slogan: First in Flight

North Carolina is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse states in the Southeast — a place where mountains, cities, farmland, and coastline all coexist within a single day’s drive. From the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains to the rolling Piedmont and the windswept Outer Banks, this state rewards travelers who take their time and explore its layers.

What makes North Carolina special is balance. Outdoor adventure meets creative cities. Old Southern traditions live alongside innovation, universities, and a growing arts scene. One moment you’re on a mountain overlook or hiking through dense forest, the next you’re in a food-forward city or quiet coastal town shaped by weather, water, and history.

The state’s identity is deeply tied to independence and authenticity — reflected in its motto, “To Be, Rather Than to Seem.” North Carolina doesn’t try to perform for visitors; it invites them to experience it honestly. Local pride runs strong, especially when it comes to food, sports, music, and place.

Food is a major part of North Carolina culture, and it varies by region. Barbecue debates are serious business (vinegar-based vs. Lexington-style), while seafood dominates along the coast. From roadside BBQ joints and shrimp shacks to farm-to-table kitchens and bakeries, meals here tell a regional story.

North Carolina is built for road trips. Scenic mountain highways, rolling back roads, coastal routes, and historic towns create journeys that feel as meaningful as the destinations themselves. It’s a state where detours often become highlights.

Now let’s hear from the people who know it best.

Locals & Travelers — jump in: