North Carolina is a southeastern state offering extraordinary geographic diversity — from the misty peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Great Smoky Mountains in the west, to the rolling Piedmont Plateau in the center, to the iconic Outer Banks barrier islands and warm Atlantic beaches in the east. Home to nearly 11 million residents, the state blends Southern hospitality, world-class barbecue, vibrant college-town culture, outdoor adventure, and a deep historical heritage stretching from the Wright Brothers' first flight to Civil War battlefields.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
NC craft pottery (Seagrove area — world-class pottery town 60 miles SW of Raleigh)
Cheerwine — NC's beloved cherry-flavored soda, widely sold in grocery stores
Asheville River Arts District paintings and handmade jewelry from working studios
Outer Banks lighthouse prints and maritime art
High Point furniture at factory-discount prices
NC craft beer six-packs from Asheville or Charlotte breweries
French Broad Chocolate bars — bean-to-bar chocolate made in Asheville
NC muscadine wine and sourwood honey
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
NC State Farmers Market, Raleigh
Fresh NC produce, Christmas trees, crafts, honey
Hours: Mon-Sat 5am-6pm, Sun 8am-6pm
Asheville City Market
Local artisan food, crafts, seasonal produce
Hours: Saturdays 8am-12pm (April-December)
Carrboro Farmers Market
Old-guard NC farmers market; pottery, plants, specialty meats
Hours: Sat 7am-12pm, Wed 3pm-6pm
Charlotte Regional Farmers Market
Produce, plants, NC crafts and honey
Hours: Tue-Sat 8am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm