A giant concrete churn carries the legacy of American resilience, unity, and greed.

This sweet Southern elixir comes from what may be the oldest grape vine in North America.

A Nessie-like monster supposedly lurks in this lake.

This too-low North Carolina railroad trestle is still a notorious big rig executioner.

Down the road from where the Wright brothers lifted off is another flight tribute practically hidden from sight in the woods.

This giant iron playfully pays tribute to an early 20th-century architectural trend.

In a pedestrian tunnel on North Carolina State’s campus resides an expressive and artistic free-for-all.

A 315-foot spire jutting out from the Blue Ridge Mountains makes for breathtaking views.

Every week, a festive public jam session breaks out in downtown Asheville.

Practice your Dirty Dancing lifts in the manmade lake where Johnny Castle himself did.

This 5-by-6-foot wooden hut is the smallest historic post office in the U.S.

This winding road of 318 curves is a must-visit for (careful) motorcycle and sports car enthusiasts.

This shifting North Carolina sand dune is an odd little desert surrounded by oceanic forest life.

An annual celebration of the region's successful elk reintroduction program.

A forgotten sea village stands silent after hurricanes deemed it obsolete.

Beautiful Gothic-inspired lighthouse stands out among the run-of-the-mill striped fare on Bodies Island.

Andy Griffith's hometown has made itself up to look like the fictional town of Mayberry.

This granite rock face is named for the magnificent reflection that occurs when the sun hits it just right.

This Transylvania County city is home to a rare white squirrel population that is descended from an escaped carnival animal.

This rare basilica nestled right in downtown Asheville is an architectural marvel, inside and out.

The U.S. Supreme Court's secret Cold War relocation facility in the mountains of North Carolina.

This research center for rare prosimians is studying how they sleep to help prolong human life.

This vast kitty-themed collection illustrates the history of human-cat interaction.

One of the best places to see wild Colonial Spanish Mustangs in the United States.