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Looking for a family getaway that's both tranquil, exhilarating, and affordable? Look no further than North Carolina in March! With gorgeous weather, vibrant wildflowers, and fewer crowds, it's the perfect time to explore all this beautiful state offers. It's essential to plan early so you can get the best rates for hotels and tours. Here's a laid-back itinerary to help you make the most of your trip to the mountains.
Five-Day Itinerary for Visiting North Carolina for Spring Break
Day 1: Asheville & Biltmore Estate
Morning: Start your day in Asheville, a vibrant city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Early Bird Biscuit, a local favorite known for its fluffy biscuits and homemade jams.
Afternoon: Immerse yourselves in the grandeur of Biltmore Estate, America's largest home. Explore the opulent interiors, stroll through the expansive gardens, and learn about the Vanderbilt family's fascinating history. You only need to visit the house once to take it all in, so if you're staying on the estate, I don't recommend the Length of Stay ticket.
Evening: Catch a live performance at The Orange Peel, a renowned music venue that showcases diverse genres. Or you can savor a casual dinner at Tupelo Honey, which offers Southern comfort food with a modern twist.
Day 2: Blue Ridge Parkway & Grandfather Mountain
Morning: If you're staying overnight at Biltmore Estates, partake in breakfast at the Village Social. They're open between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. for breakfast, so there's no need to get up at the crack of dawn. Then, you can embark on a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile route offering breathtaking mountain vistas. Stop at overlooks like Water Rock Knob and Hickory Knob for panoramic views.
Afternoon: Visit Grandfather Mountain, a nature lover's paradise. Hike to the mountain's top for stunning views, spot wildlife like elk and bears, and cross the iconic swinging bridge.
Evening: Head to dinner at Hemingway's Cuba. They have amazing rooftop views, and the food is top-notch. I loved the tostones and the arroz con pollo on my visit.
Biltmore Estate Tour | The Village Hotel
Day 3: Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras, or The Animal Farm
Morning: After breakfast at the Village Social, drive east to the Outer Banks, a string of barrier islands known for pristine beaches and charming coastal towns. Stop at Hatteras Island and visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, a historic landmark offering panoramic ocean views.
Afternoon: Explore the farm on the estate and visit the chickens and sheep. If you have young children, there's also a playground they can enjoy. If you want to soak in the local culture, you can also visit the River Arts District to purchase items from local artists and shops or to find something to eat. If you're vegetarian, you can try the Laughing Seed Cafe.
Evening: Head back to your hotel to relax. If you visit the Laughing Seed Cafe, you probably will have enough food for dinner. You can also schedule a Red Wine and Chocolate Tasting back at the Estate. Estate tastings are daily at 1, 3, and 5 p.m.
Day 4: Corolla & Chimney Rock State Park
Morning: Head north to Corolla, known for its wild Spanish horses. Take a guided tour through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund sanctuary to observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
Afternoon: Visit Chimney Rock State Park, which has spectacular views and incredible mountain hiking trails. If you don't want to walk the trail, you can take an elevator to the top. Keep in mind that the roads are narrow, and there are a lot of twists and turns, so if you're afraid of heights or steep hills and declines, you may want to pick a more calm adventure like wine tasting.
Evening: Enjoy a wine tasting back at the Village Hotel. Complimentary wine tastings are daily from 12 pm to 7 pm, and you get to try five different wines. We ended up taking home a case for us and a case of Christmas wine for gifts for our family and friends.
Day 5: Relax & Return Home
Morning: Savor a leisurely breakfast at the Village Social or a waterfront restaurant and soak up the final views of the ocean.
Afternoon: Return home, reminiscing about your fun-filled family adventure in North Carolina.
See my feature in HavenLife How parents are planning Spring Break this year
Tips for Avoiding Crowds:
March is still considered shoulder season in North Carolina, so crowds will be smaller than peak summer months.
Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Consider staying in smaller towns or villages outside of major tourist destinations.
Book your accommodations and activities in advance, especially if you're traveling during spring break.
Get up early to beat the crowds at popular attractions.
This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it to your family's interests and preferences. Remember to relax, have fun, and create lasting memories on your spring break getaway to North Carolina!