Manteo, North Carolina
The Lost Colony of Roanoke
Home to the first child born to English colonists in North America, this colony mysteriously disappeared while waiting for supplies.
The Atlas Obscura Guide to North Carolina
232 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in North Carolina
Sponsored By Visit North Carolina
Cities
Cities
Top Cities
All Cities
- Asheville
- Beaufort
- Brevard
- Bryson City
- Burnsville
- Charlotte
- Cherokee
- Corolla
- Durham
- Franklin
- Greensboro
- Hatteras
- Hendersonville
- High Point
- Hot Springs
- Maggie Valley
- Manteo
- Mooresville
- Morrisville
- Mount Airy
- New Bern
- Ocracoke
- Pisgah Forest
- Raeford
- Raleigh
- Robbinsville
- Rose Hill
- Sanford
- Supply
- Sylva
- Tryon
- Wilmington
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Do, See, and Listen
Curated for You
Sponsored By Visit North Carolina
art
Cloud Chamber for the Trees and Sky
This woodland architectural installation acts as a camera obscura for the heavens.
Story
10 Reasons to Visit Asheville During the Week
Savoring the city’s cultural and culinary offerings with more room to explore.
Podcast
Brown Mountain Lights
Mysterious 'exploding lights' that defy explanation.
geological oddities
Chimney Rock
A 315-foot spire jutting out from the Blue Ridge Mountains makes for breathtaking views.
Unusual Attractions in North Carolina
Off the Beaten Path
Asheville, North Carolina
North Carolina Arboretum
These tree-filled acres are also filled with history, hiking and a celebration of Appalachian crafts.
Dobson, North Carolina
Surry Sonker Trail
Visit one, or all six, of the stops on this tour of a North Carolina signature sweet.
Pisgah Forest, North Carolina
Cradle of Forestry
This forest school's long history lets today's visitors experience resource management learnings in a beautiful environment.
Mooresville, North Carolina
North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame
Delve into the world of auto racing at this museum with dozens of cars and racing memorabilia.
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock
Visit the natural wonder inspired by an indigenous legend and the quaint town that bears its name.
Littleton, North Carolina
Cryptozoology & Paranormal Museum
Bigfoot prints, Feejee mermaids, and haunted dolls on display in a tiny North Carolina town.
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Blue Ghost Fireflies
These eerie outliers of the lightning bug family glow a mysterious blue color.
Explore the Map
Hidden Wonders
What Do You Want to Do in North Carolina
North Carolina Stories
Articles and Podcasts
Snake-like 17th-century woodwinds, lessons in manufacturing, and how a bar fight made bank: All that and more at the V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
How long is a tour of tubas? Here, at least an hour and a half – and you’ll never be bored.
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The Mile High Swinging Bridge: Unexpectedly Accessible Adventuring?By Jay Braun , Community Contributor
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Two Churches, One Parish: The Hidden Frescoes of Southern AppalachiaBy Jay Braun , Community Contributor
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Podcast
The Black Surfmen Behind One of the Greatest Water Rescues EverSponsored By Outer Banks Visitor Bureau
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Podcast
Hell or High Water: How an Odd Amphibian Became a Symbol of Resilience in North CarolinaSponsored By Visit North Carolina
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mountains
The Tallest of the Great Smoky Mountains Is—Officially—KuwohiBy Seth T. Kannarr and Derek H. Alderman , Atlas Obscura
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aliens
Who Were the Mysterious Moon-Eyed People of Appalachia?By Hadley Meares , Atlas Obscura
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science
From Shark 'Rest Stops' to Living Reefs, Shipwrecks Teem With LifeBy Avery Paxton , Atlas Obscura
Rediscover the Unforgettable in NC
Plan Your Adventure
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Recent North Carolina Activity
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wants to go to Asheville Pinball Museum
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wants to go to American Museum of the House Cat
