Nestled between Gulf Stream waters and craggy peaks—between the North Carolina coast and the southern Appalachians—lie the rolling hills of the Heartland. Here you can enjoy the comforts, culture, and history of the Tar Heel State's most urbanized area (including Raleigh, the state capital), as well as quick access to the natural beauty of the Piedmont.

Spend the day fishing for bass on Falls Lake, take a dinner break for some world-famous barbecue in Creedmoor, and then kick back to the sounds of Durham's Piedmont blues. Hunt for treasures in the pottery studios and shops of Seagrove. Visit a wide variety of animals in their natural habitat—from rhinos to river otters—in Asheboro's North Carolina Zoological Park. Or test your golfing mettle on the championship course at Tanglewood. With great opportunities for biking, hiking, water sports, and more just minutes away, your biggest problem may be how to fit everything in on one trip.