Visiting North Carolina has opportunities for adventure and relaxation from one end of the state to the other. In the eastern region you’ll find the beautiful, tan sand outer banks, a chain of over 100 natural barrier islands that protect its mainland’s beaches from the great Atlantic. The centrally located piedmont region is home to “the Triangle”, an area comprised of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Here you’ll find NC State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina all within short drives of one another. These accredited universities and the many growing businesses that call the area home bring with them academic, artistic, and cultural diversity, as well as shopping, dining, and nightlife. No matter whose side their on, visitors love to catch a Wolfpack, Blue Devils, or Tarheels game. Or, for professional league action, the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes are sure to score a hit. A bit farther to the west is the state’s largest city, Charlotte, where NASCAR fans rally at the track, NFL fans flock to the Carolina Panthers’ stadium, and thrill seekers take the rides of their lives at nearby Paramount’s Carowinds amusement park. In the western part of the state lie the majestic, rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, where campers, hikers, and sightseers can take in the breathtaking views along one of the nation’s most scenic roads, the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. Also, as one of the original 13 colonies, the Old North State, as it’s sometimes called, is rich in historical landmarks throughout the state. These include famous ships, battlefields, fortifications, and a large number of historic homes.