North Carolina is a lush, forested gem of the South. You’ll find plenty of places to visit like amazing beaches, great hiking, and fun city sights all within a few hours of one another. It’s easy to rent a car in Charlotte and cruise all over the state for a diverse travel experience. So how should you spend your time? Check out our guide to learn about the best road trip destinations from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
Lake Lure, North Carolina
The movie Dirty Dancing is sure to give you a good taste of what Lake Lure is all about. The movie was set there more than 30 years ago, and the dreamy summer camp-like setting is just as good today as it was then. Enjoy the laid-back beach, head to Chimney Rock, and stay at the historic Lake Lure Inn for a charming getaway.
Asheville, North Carolina
Just a two-hour drive from Charlotte is Ashville, another famous outdoorsy getaway town. This hippie town is a far cry from the typical Southern culture, with its healthy restaurants, artsy scene, and progressive politics. You’ll find breathtaking forests and hiking, great biking, and beautiful wildflower meadows-perfect for enjoying a picturesque picnic.
Boone, North Carolina
This outdoor adventure zone is North Carolina’s best town for bouldering, tubing, hiking, and zip lines in the summer. You’ll find a quaint, remote downtown with plenty to eat and fun shopping to be had. In the winter, Boone is home to the state’s best snowboarding. The town also has many high-end restaurants popping up that will tantalize even the most serious foodie.
Lexington, North Carolina
This town is a Southern barbecue dream, where the annual Barbecue Festival takes place every October. In the off-season, you can visit Lexington Barbecue restaurant, or enjoy the wine and vineyards nearby.
This list just scratches the surface of all that Charlotte and its surrounding areas have to offer. You’ll surely enjoy your trip to North Carolina, and a great rental car from Charlotte will make the trip even better. Find the car to meet your needs with Avis and their Best Rate Guarantee. Avis has convenient fuel plans and even offers 12-passenger van rentals for those hauling a crowd. When you fly into Charlotte Douglas International (CLT) stop by our CLT car rental location then check out these awesome places to visit.