
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

Best North Carolina Hiking Trails in the Spring 2025
If you’re looking for the best North Carolina hiking trails in the spring, you’re in the right place. Spring in North Carolina is pure magic—wildflowers burst into bloom, waterfalls flow at their fullest, and the crisp air makes every trail feel like an adventure. From cascading waterfalls in the Smokies to cherry blossom-lined paths in…

Places to Stay Near the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, Bryson City, NC
If you’re planning a trip to Bryson City, first of all—excellent choice! If you’re planning a trip to ride the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, you’re in for an unforgettable adventur! It doesn’t matter if it’s sipping hot cocoa in your pajamas on the Polar Express (been there, loved it) or sampling local spirits on the…

Bryson City, GSMR Group Excursion to the Nantahala Gorge 2025
Date & Time: March 8, 2025 12PM Departure Length: 4.5 hours Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion Nantahala Gorge Excursion – Bryson City, NC Join North Carolina Traveler for a scenic train ride through the stunning Great Smoky Mountains on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion! This 4.5-hour roundtrip journey takes you 44 miles through breathtaking landscapes, including…

11 Things You Need to Know Before You Go From RDU to Cancun 2025
Flying from RDU to Cancun is easier than you think—but knowing what to expect can make all the difference. Planning a trip from RDU to Cancun, Mexico, and wondering what you need to know before takeoff? You’re in the right spot! Based on my own travel experience, as well as advice and tips I’ve collected…

Carolina Beach Oceanfront Hotels with Balcony/ Courtyard Marriott
Hotel Overview Are you dreaming of a beach getaway where you’re right in the heart of the action with a balcony view of the ocean? Yes? The Courtyard by Marriott in Carolina Beach might just be what you’re looking for. Nestled right on the oceanfront, this hotel offers more than just a place to rest…

6 Best Restaurants in Carolina Beach 2025
Top Picks from an NC Local! Are you looking for the best restaurants in Carolina Beach? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re planning a visit or already soaking up the coastal vibes, I’m here to share my favorite dining spots in Carolina Beach. From mouthwatering breakfasts to rooftop lunches and unforgettable seafood tacos, these…
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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