Welcome North Carolina Traveler!
Hey Y’all!
I’m your North Carolina travel expert and guide, but you can call me Christy. A NC resident since 1998, I’m the owner of Happily 4 Evers After Vacations and creator of the Happily 4 Evers After YouTube Channel. I’m also a proud mother of three, Travel Agent Mentor, avid hiker, intrepid explorer, waterfall and sunset chaser and a passionate enthusiast for all things travel related.
I’m here to share my expertise as a fellow traveler, travel agent and NC resident as I take you on an adventure through a state brimming with waterfalls, a vast ocean, lighthouses, majestic mountains, rich history, vibrant modern culture, and so much more! This site is designed to help you plan your perfect North Carolina vacation or day trip.
Are you searching for ideas for your next day trip of vacation getaway to
North Carolina?
You’ve come to the right place!
Click on the boxes below to find the information that you’re looking for.
Plan your North Carolina trip with a local’s insights and resources of a travel professional! Discover what to do & see and where to stay eat and play. This is your one stop shop for your North Carolina travel planning!
2025 Activity Challenge is Here!
With more even more fun than before!
Join the North Carolina Activity Challenge for 2025! See how many things you can check off of your bucket list this year, or on your vacation. It’s as fun way to see our beautiful state and make memories!
Popular Blog Posts
11 Best Gifts for Travel Lovers 2025
Are you looking for the best gift for the travel lover in your life—or maybe for yourself (because, hey, you deserve it too)? Top Picks from a Travel Professional! Well, you’re in the right place! I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite travel gadgets and must-haves that make travel smoother, safer, and a whole lot more…
Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC/ Things to Know Before You Go 2024
Are you thinking about going to the Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary, NC? If so, I’m here to give you tips to make the most of this magical event! For almost a decade, I’ve been that person who drives past Symphony Lake every November, catching glimpses of enormous dragons, glowing pandas, and lanterns so tall…
Nicest Hotels in North Carolina 2025
Ever feel like Goldilocks while picking a hotel? Too pricey, too blah, or just not what you had in mind? Let me save you the drama with my 2024 rundown of the best—and not-so-best—places I called “home” across North Carolina this year. In 2024, I set out with one goal: to uncover new corners of…
Best Fall Hiking Near Raleigh, NC, 2024
Top picks from a local! Are you looking for the best fall hiking, trails or walks near Raleigh, NC? Yes? You’re in luck! As a Raleigh local who’s constantly on the lookout for a scenic place to walk or hike, I’ve rounded up my favorite spots for fall in and near Raleigh. I mean, I…
From Crisis to Recovery: How to Help Western NC After Hurricane Helene
As I watch the news and scroll through social media, I see the heartbreaking destruction in the mountains of Western North Carolina. My mind drifts back to my own memories of Asheville, Black Mountain, Lake Lure, Marshall and Old Fort (and so so many more). I think of the quiet mornings spent wandering through Asheville’s…
Trip Ideas in NC: Marshall, A Small Town in NC, Big on Art & Live Music
Are You Looking for a Quaint, Small Town in NC That’s Big on Art & Live Music? Yes? Then you’re in luck! Oct. 2024 Update Two days before hurricane Helene hit, I posted this article to show my love for Marshall in this guide, showcasing its artsy vibe, lively music scene, and the kind of…
Must Read Articles
- Best Travel Gifts for Travel Lovers, 2025
- Insiders Guide on Where & When to See The BEST NC Fall Colors
- Spooky Ghost Tours in North Carolina that You Never Knew Existed!
- How To Spend a Day at the Dix Park Sunflower Fields
- How to Spend a Day in Old Fort, NC + a 1 Day Itinerary
- North Carolina Retreats in 2024
- Catawba Falls Set To Reopen May 31st, 2024! 5 Things to Know Before You Go!
- The Admiral’s Quarters Review in Kure Beach, NC
- The Ultimate Guide to Kure Beach, NC Plus a 1-Day Itinerary & 24 Best Things to Do!
- 2024 North Carolina Activties Bucket List Challenge
- A Guide to First Day Hikes in North Carolina
- Is a Biltmore Annual Pass Worth it? What I Love & Hate About my Annual Pass
- Biltmore Estate Christmas/ Your Ultimate Guide 2023
- Carowinds Winterfest 2023
- The River Arts District, Asheville, NC
- 10 Things to Do in Asheville NC
- Cambria Downtown Asheville Hotel Review
- 10 Tips for Planning the Perfect Trip to Biltmore
- 10 Tips for Riding the Polar Express in Bryson City
- 24 Hours at Biltmore Park in Asheville, NC
- Catawba Falls, A MUST See Waterfall with a Short Hike in Old Fort, NC
Check out My North Carolina Video Playlist Here!
North Carolina, a state rich in diversity, where the landscape is as varied as its people.
Divided into three distinctive sections, each offers its own unique charm and attractions.
Click on the boxes below to explore the allure of each region, discovering the wonders that make North Carolina a destination like no other.
In the Eastern region, sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with iconic lighthouses that stand as beacons of maritime history.
Moving to Central North Carolina, bustling cities pulse with energy, hosting thrilling sports events, electrifying concerts, and enticing amusement parks.
Yet, it’s in the serene Western expanse where nature truly takes center stage, with its majestic mountains and hidden waterfalls weaving tales of timeless beauty.
Are you planning a trip to Biltmore Estate in Asheville? Download our FREE Biltmore Travel Planner with sample itineraries by clicking on the image below.
North Carolina Traveler was named a local expert on ApartmentGuide. Read the full article here: Unique Things To Do in Raleigh, NC
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