NORTH CAROLINA

Scenically diverse and full of Southern charm, North Carolina is home to towering mountains, a spectacular coastline with a network of unspoilt barrier islands, and modern cities bursting with cultural and educational institutions. Get a fast quote from Air Charter Service to charter a private jet to North Carolina.

Sandwiched between the coastal plains to the east and the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountain Ranges to the west, North Carolina’s central Piedmont Region is the setting of the state’s most famous urban centres. Here you’ll find state capital Raleigh; the state’s largest metropolis, Charlotte; and the cities that make up the Research Triangle and Piedmont Triad. Each settlement has its own character – petrol heads will love contemporary Charlotte, the home of NASCAR; while Raleigh is a favourite with beer connoisseurs thanks to the Guinness World Record holding Raleigh Beer Garden, which boasts 366 varieties. But it’s not all about cities in this region of the state; there are also vast forests, lakes and sprawling golf courses.

If you need a nature fix, head east or west from the Piedmont of North Carolina. The far western portion of the state is home to a number of Appalachian subranges boasting the highest mountains in the eastern United States, including 2,037-metre Mount Mitchell. One of the best places to witness the beautiful ridges of forested peaks is in Great Smoky Mountain National Park; a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared with neighbouring Tennessee. Along with plenty of hiking trails, this is a fantastic place to explore on two or four wheels, with over 384 miles of road winding through old-growth forests. Popular routes include Cades Cove Loop Road and Newfound Gap Road.

Head northeast from the eastern end of Newfound Gap Road to follow the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. Featuring a spectacular backdrop, this 469-mile road takes you along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, through the northern reaches of North Carolina and into Virginia. This unmissable all-American drive is best done during the autumn months when leaves turn to varying shades of yellow, orange and red. Stop along the way in Ashville, a hip city boasting craft breweries, locally-owned shops and boutiques and the grand Biltmore Estate – America’s largest home, which was built by George Vanderbilt.

In contrast to the state’s striking mountain landscapes are the secluded beaches and beautiful barrier islands of its 300-mile coast. As well as popular family resorts and untouched stretches of white sand, the region boasts historic port cities and towns, landmark lighthouses and wrecked ships that are now popular dive sites. Sun-seekers can relax on some of the world’s best beaches at the Outer Banks, whose untouched islands are home to herds of wild horses that descend from Spanish mustangs brought to the area in the 1500s. Surfers should head to Cape Hatteras for some of the east coast’s best breaks, while aviation enthusiasts can visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, commemorating the local aviation pioneers who built the world’s first airplane and made the world’s first flight.

The state’s Crystal Coast, also known as Inner Banks, is a popular vacation spot. This 85-mile stretch of south-facing beaches (56 miles of which are protected) is beautifully sun-kissed and scattered with charming towns. Two of the best-known resorts along the region’s continuous 24-mile Bogue Banks are Atlantic Beach and family-friendly Emerald Isle.

From Charlotte’s 21st-century luxury hotels and Ashville’s historic properties to mountain resorts and vacation rentals, North Carolina’s accommodation choices are as varied as its landscapes. Stay within the borders of a sprawling historic estate or opt for a chic city hotel. In the Piedmont region, there are golf resorts with plentiful facilities, while in the mountains you’ll discover secluded gems.

North Carolina is served by a number of international airports as well as regional, executive and county airfields. Simply contact one of our team and we can arrange everything you need to charter a jet to North Carolina.