Best General North Carolina Travel Guides of 2026

The Great Book of North Carolina is an excellent guide for those who want to learn more about the Tar Heel State. Packed with fascinating trivia, readers will discover the state's history, pop culture, sports, and unsolved mysteries. From the Lost Colony to haunted spots, this book covers it all. It's perfect for trivia enthusiasts, whether they're amateurs or pros. The book is independently published, making it a unique addition to any collection of children's American local history books. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge of North Carolina.

100 Things to Do in Asheville Before You Die is a comprehensive travel guide that covers all the highlights and lesser-known adventures of Asheville, a charming town in Western North Carolina. The book provides insider tips and itineraries for enjoying outdoor adventures, restaurants, shopping, and a thriving arts and music community, making it a perfect companion for every type of traveler. The author, Kristy Tolley, is an award-winning travel journalist and Asheville devotee who has worked as a travel writer and editor for more than 23 years. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone planning to visit Asheville and looking to make the most of their trip.

This book showcases the rich architectural heritage of North Carolina, from colonial times to the beginning of World War II. In addition to public and private buildings, it also covers farmhouses, barns, urban dwellings, mills, factories, and churches. The book features 436 black and white and 18 color photographs by Tim Buchman, depicting the subtle and utilitarian beauty of North Carolina's buildings. The author, Catherine Bishir, provides insightful discussions on construction and design, locating structures in their cultural, political, and historical contexts. Overall, North Carolina Architecture is a comprehensive look at the state's architectural heritage, ensuring that the modest buildings of the past will not be lost for the next generation.

The Great American Trivia Tour - North Carolina: The Ultimate Book of Fun Facts and Trivia from History to Sports You Never Knew About the Tar Heel State! is a must-read for history buffs and trivia lovers. The book covers North Carolina's history, natural wonders, sports, music, movies, and television, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the state. The author's writing style is engaging, making it an enjoyable read. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to impress their family and friends with their knowledge of North Carolina. Overall, this book is a great addition to any trivia book collection.

The Great Dismal: A Carolinian's Swamp Memoir is an engaging and lyrical tribute to the mysterious wilderness that is the Great Dismal Swamp, located on the North Carolina-Virginia line. Bland Simpson blends personal experience, travel narrative, oral history, and natural history to create an intriguing portrait of the swamp and its people. Annie Proulx describes Simpson's writing as "beautiful," and this sentiment is echoed throughout the memoir. Simpson's addition of an epilogue discussing developments in the region since 1990 adds to the book's value. Overall, The Great Dismal is a unique and captivating memoir that is not to be missed.

This family travel guidebook titled "North Carolina Mountain Towns--Family Weekend Adventures: Asheville, Brevard, and Bryson City" is the perfect tool to plan a quick family getaway in the great outdoors. The book provides detailed day-by-day plans that include lodging options, local restaurants and craft brewery recommendations, fun activities for both kids and adults, and helpful tips to make the trip enjoyable. The book focuses on the North Carolina mountain towns of Asheville, Brevard, and Bryson City, which offer a perfect combination of outdoor fun, great local restaurants and breweries, and charming downtowns. Overall, this book is a great resource for families looking for an easy-to-follow guide to plan a weekend getaway in the beautiful North Carolina mountains.

This guidebook is a must-have for birders exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. The author, Simpson, provides detailed information on over 300 sites, including recreation areas, hiking trails, and picnic areas, listing the most common species and rare birds that can be spotted. The book also includes notes on the plant life and geography of each site, highway access, accommodations, and accessibility for the handicapped. Published by The University of North Carolina Press, it's a valuable resource for bird enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Hard Aground with Eddie Jones: An Incomplete Idiot's Guide to Doing Stupid Stuff With Boats is a humorous and relatable book about one man's journey into the world of boating. The author shares his experiences, both good and bad, with a lighthearted and self-deprecating tone that will make readers laugh and nod their heads in understanding. From buying his first boat without telling his pregnant wife to sailing the coastal waters of North Carolina, the Bahamas, and the Keys, Eddie Jones takes readers on a wild ride. Overall, this book is a fun and entertaining read for anyone interested in boating or just looking for a good laugh.

The Cruising Guide to Coastal North Carolina is a must-read for boaters looking to explore the state's waterways. The book offers detailed information on every body of water along the coast, including marinas and shoreside attractions. Author Claiborne S. Young's expertise on the Southeast's coastal waters is evident throughout the guide, and his inclusion of historical summaries and coastal folklore adds a unique touch. Overall, this guide is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to cruise the beautiful coast of North Carolina.

"Assigned to Ghost: A Pike Evans Trucking Adventure" is a military thriller book that follows the story of Pike Evans, a 30-year-old man stuck in a dead-end routine. After encountering a tractor-trailer with highly classified and dangerous cargo, Pike's life takes a sudden turn as he becomes responsible for securing the cargo and delivering it to its destination. However, things take a dangerous turn when he realizes the true nature of the cargo and the risks involved. This book is a gripping read that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat from start to finish."