North Carolina - a Military State

The perfect state for Military individuals and families!

 

If you are stationed in North Carolona, consider yourself lucky!  NC is such a beautiful and diverse state offering the Blue Ridge Mountains, Outer Banks, the Crystal Coast, and fantastic cities like Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and Wilmingtiom to visit.  Along with the big cities, North Carolina is home to a slew of picturesque small towns that represent classic southern charm.  

We also are a Military state, home to Cherry Point, New River, and Camp Lejune Marine Corps base, Fort Bragg and Camp MackallArmy base, Air Station and National Strike Force Coast Guard, and Military Ocean Terminal Naval base.  All these bases are located pretty centrally to some of the best attractions in the state. 

For example:

Camp Lejune, Cherry Point, and New River are just a hop, skip, and jump away from Wilmingtion and the Crystal Coast.  Those stationed here have access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country!! Not only that, restaurants, shopping, parks, and aquariums can keep you entertained for days.  The North Carolina Aquarium Society created three different aquariums along our coast. One in Pine Knolls Shores (Atlantic Beach), Fort Fisher (Carolina Beach), and Manteo (Roanoke Island).  Check them out here!  My favorite one is in Atlantic Beach because it is largest, most interactive which is great for kids, and the tanks are larger.  No matter what you choose to do in Eastern North Carolina, you will for sure fall in love with our coast.  

Camp MackallArmy and Fort Bragg are centrally located and have complete access to the mountains, the Triangle Area, and the coast.  It would literally take you only 3 or 4 hours to get to Morehead City (coastal) or Asheville (mnts) and and hour or so for a city.  Central NC has breweries popping up all over like Natty Greene's and Carolina Brewery but for a complete listing go here.  And honestly, no matter where you are stationed in NC, breweries are everywhere but most convienently accessed from the Piedmont region. 

  

If breweries aren't your thing, check out the Biltmore Estate and all of our world class museums.  Both are great for the wee ones!  Also, United military Travel can finance your trip to the Biltmore which is a great way to treat your special someone for Valentines, birthday or Christmas.  

Enjoy live music? Raleigh has official become an East Coast Mecca for main stream and up and coming artist.  There are hundreds of festivals throughout the year that the extremely talented and eclectic vendors showcase their work at.  Check one out for exceptional music, food and art. View the cities schedule here!

And last but certainly not least, the Coast Guard and Naval Bases.  They are both located in Elizabeth City (E City to the locals) so you can basically smell the salt air from the Outer Banks it is that close.  Elizabeth City itself does not have many attractions but its location is what makes it a cool city.  Virginia is only an hour north so if you want to shop, go to Va Beach, or just tour around you def can! 

With summer right around the corner, get out to the barrier islands or hike the mountains...your possibilities are endless!