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North Carolina

North Carolina is a quintessentially Southern state in the United States of America offering visitors endless variety with three distinct regions. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities from hiking, mountain climbing, and skiing, along with a taste of Appalachian music and culture in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains. Increasingly diverse and fast-growing cities dot the Piedmont – from Charlotte's skyscrapers to Raleigh's museums and historic neighborhoods and Chapel Hill's college nightlife. Kite-surfing, fishing, sun, and sand await visitors to the state's coastal region, with secluded barrier islands in the Outer Banks and the bustling beach-side city of Wilmington.

The state's temperate climate has four distinct seasons and is highly acclaimed for its year-round living comforts. Rainfall is adequate and dispersed over the entire year. More than 56 million visitors traveled to North Carolina in 2008, ranking the state sixth behind California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania. Eighty-nine percent of all travelers traveled to North Carolina by auto, truck or camper/RV.

As North Carolina lies in the center of the eastern seaboard of the United States, nearly half of the country's population lives within a 500-mile (800-km) radius of the state. Murphy is the westernmost town of significance and Manteo is the easternmost town of significance; "From Murphy to Manteo" is a popular saying.

"The Carolinas" consist of North Carolina and South Carolina immediately to the south.

Cities

 * - North Carolina's capital city and the location of many of the state's cultural institutions.
 * - Scenic and very fun mountain city, with extensive cultural establishments, microbreweries and liberal culture.
 * - One of the country's best college towns, with college basketball, live music venues, vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants and the beautiful magnolia-lined campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
 * - North Carolina's largest city, known for its financial sector, the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets, NASCAR, and other professional sports.
 * - Home of Duke University - consistently ranked the South's top university - and its famous basketball program, Duke Gardens, plenty of notable restaurants and breweries, and a revitalized downtown tobacco district.
 * - Home to six colleges and universities, historic neighborhoods, civil rights history, and seasonal sports venues.
 * - Their motto is "North Carolina begins here", original capital and second oldest town in North Carolina. North Carolina Historical Museum, Tryon Place, Fireman's Museum, birthplace of Pepsi Cola. One of the most beautiful cities on the East Coast.
 * - Colonial Port City, home of EUE Screen Gem studios. The main coastal city, a great destination for the beach lover.
 * - Mid-sized city, home of a famous Moravian settlement (Old Salem), RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company, Wake Forest University and Krispy Kreme.

Other destinations

 * - The most visited National Park in the entire country.
 * - One of the most visited units of the National Park System.
 * - Known for its famous lighthouses and wild horses.
 * Cape Hatteras National Seashore
 * Cape Hatteras National Seashore

Understand
North Carolina, in many ways, represents the very best of both the New South and old Dixie. Booming, diverse cities lie just "down the road" from quiet Southern towns where not much has changed since the Civil War. The state's metro areas, and especially the Charlotte and Raleigh-Durham metros, have seen a rapid influx of migrants since the 1980s, with a significant number coming from the Northeast and Midwest, and the state's internationally-born population has skyrocketed. These newcomers have added layers of culture and dynamism to the down-home Southern way of life that has defined the state since colonial days. Because of this, visitors will find no shortage of cultural and culinary wonders throughout the state-- whether in experiencing the native Southern culture, which is very much alive and well, or the multitude of ethnic restaurants, off-Broadway shows, art galleries, and fine dining that have blossomed.

Despite the ever-evolving metro areas of the state, small towns throughout North Carolina remain deeply rooted in a past that goes back to America's colonial foundings. From the shipwrecks of 17th century pirates off the Carolina coast, to dramatic Civil War battlefields, North Carolinians are deeply proud of their heritage and place in American history.

Even with this shared heritage, visitors will notice a dramatic difference in food, culture and lifestyle as they travel from east to west in the state. Travelers spending a leisurely afternoon beneath a Spanish-moss draped live-oak tree along a waterway in Wilmington will feel worlds away from a hiker exploring the most hidden corners of the Great Smokey Mountains.

That said, throughout the state, even in the heart of downtown Charlotte or Raleigh, the ubiquitous easy-going and well-mannered way-of-life will always remind visitors that they are very much in the heart of the South.

Climate
Summers can be warm, especially during July and August, but in general the climate of North Carolina is mild compared to its neighbors in the southeast. For example, the average July high in Charlotte, and most central NC cities, is 90°F (32°C). In the mountains of Asheville, the average July high is only 84°F (29°C), and highs below 90°F are also found on the coast. For travelers coming from warmer climates, summers in North Carolina are quite nice, especially in the mountains.

However, during the summer, high humidity combined with summer temperatures above 90°F (32°C) can feel quite oppressive may be hazardous for senior citizens and those of ill health. Between the months of June and August, heat advisories are not uncommon. The good news about the heat is the air and ocean water temperatures, particularly for the Southeast NC beaches, remain comfortable for swimming and beach-going well into September, if not October.

In general, for travelers coming from cooler climates, the heat and humidity of southern summers can be a shock, making spring and fall much more attractive. During the fall season, the Blue Ridge Mountains are a popular destination due to the beauty of the foliage.

In the winter, the mountains of northwestern North Carolina offer skiing and other winter sports. Northwestern North Carolina has a distinct climate even for North Carolina. The area termed "The High Country" due to its elevation, has a climate more related to areas of New England and parts of the Upper Midwest, as compared to other areas of the South. This is particularly true in the winter, where the area gets considerably more snow and wintry precipitation than the rest of the state. In addition, this area stays, on average, much cooler year round than other parts of the state.

Tourist information

 * Visit North Carolina website

Talk
The Southern dialect is commonly found in North Carolina and is usually easily understood by most people. Being in the Northern South, or "Upper South," the dialect of North Carolina is somewhat different than the stereotypical southern accent, which is often more of the dialect found in the "Deep South". The standard dialect in most parts of the state, especially in the Piedmont and eastern parts of the state borrows from the Virginia Piedmont accent, which is derived from the Virginia Tobacco Planters of the colonial era. The difference may be trivial to the untrained ear, but in some people with thicker accents, it may sound a bit strange at first with some words sounding more British than in other parts of the South. The Southern dialect varies within the state, though, with the mountainous western portions having a dialect shared with most areas of the Appalachian Mountains in the South. Due to years of isolation, some residents of parts of the Outer Banks speak in a distinct "brogue" that in many cases sounds more like British English and Irish than any American dialect. This brogue can be difficult to understand at first, but not impossible to comprehend.

Spanish is spoken by a sizable minority population in some areas, and as a second-language throughout the state.

Cherokee is spoken by 15,000 to 20,000 people in western North Carolina, along with other Native American languages.

In the cities of Charlotte and Raleigh you will also find a wide variety of languages spoken due to these cities' high immigrant populations.

By car
North Carolina borders Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. North Carolina has the largest state-maintained highway system in the nation, incorporating over 78,600 miles of highways. It provides same-day access to major eastern US markets. I-40 connects North Carolina with California, while I-95 can take you to anywhere on the East Coast. NC also contains part or all of I-26, I-73, I-74, I-77, and I-85.

By plane
North Carolina has four international airports:

 * Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte
 * Piedmont Triad International Airport in Greensboro
 * Raleigh-Durham International Airport between Raleigh and Durham
 * Wilmington International Airport in Wilmington

North Carolina also has other passenger airports such as:

 * Asheville Regional Airport in Asheville
 * Fayetteville Regional Airport in Fayetteville
 * Coastal Carolina Regional Airport in New Bern

By train
Twelve daily Amtrak passenger trains serve 17 North Carolina cities on six routes, including the northbound and southbound Carolinian, Piedmont, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Crescent and Palmetto. The Carolinian and Piedmont are operated jointly by the State of North Carolina and Amtrak to provide daily, round-trip passenger rail service between Charlotte and Raleigh. The Carolinian continues service to the Northeast.

By car
Given North Carolina's central location on the East Coast, most visitors arrive to the state in their own personal vehicles. Roads are generally well kept and traffic, outside rush-hour in the major cities, is safe and uncrowded. However, visitors arriving by plane would be well advised to rent a vehicle, or arrange for other private transportation because, except in parts of Charlotte and the Triangle, public transportation is limited. Mountain roads in the state's western areas can sometimes be unpaved and, in winter months, extra caution is advised. Parts of the Outer Banks are inaccessible by car and can only be accessed either by the North Carolina ferry system or by private boat. Be aware that speeding over 70 MPH in 55 MPH zones can have your license suspended, even with a clean driver's record. (The toughest traffic speed law in the U.S.)

By boat
North Carolina’s ferry system on the Outer Banks/Coast, the second-largest in the nation and largest on the East Coast, operates 24 ferries. The ferry system annually transports nearly 2.5 million passengers and 1.3 million vehicles. For ferry information and reservations

By bus
North Carolina is well served by Greyhound. Information on transit can be found here.

See

 * Charlotte, home to several sports teams and historic sites. Charlotte is a good base for the Carolina traveler as it is in the heart of the Carolinas; 2 main interstates (I-77 and I-85) run through Charlotte. Charlotte is a very green city (in terms of grass and trees), it claims to be America's greenest city, and it may very well be. The state's first metro area, Metrolina, encompasses Gastonia, Concord, Monroe, and Rock Hill, South Carolina.
 * Asheville and the NC Appalachian Mountains, the most picturesque area of the state, Asheville is the main city. Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the range, is also in the extreme west of the state.
 * North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher and adjacent Fort Fisher museum and recreation area, 20 minutes south of Wilmington in Kure Beach.
 * USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, a museum featuring the USS North Carolina. The main deck, many internal compartments, and gun turrets can be viewed. There are several other attractions on the site also. There is an admission fee.
 * Tryon Palace The centerpiece of the restored historic district in New Bern is the restored home of British Governor William Tryon, who had his magnificent showplace built in 1770. The elegant Georgian style mansion served as both home of the governor and the capitol of the Colony of North Carolina. After the Revolutionary War, Tryon Palace became the capitol of the independent State of North Carolina.
 * Old Salem, a colonial-era style settlement featuring some of the virtues and qualities of colonial life.
 * Kitty Hawk, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered flight.
 * USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, a museum featuring the USS North Carolina. The main deck, many internal compartments, and gun turrets can be viewed. There are several other attractions on the site also. There is an admission fee.
 * Tryon Palace The centerpiece of the restored historic district in New Bern is the restored home of British Governor William Tryon, who had his magnificent showplace built in 1770. The elegant Georgian style mansion served as both home of the governor and the capitol of the Colony of North Carolina. After the Revolutionary War, Tryon Palace became the capitol of the independent State of North Carolina.
 * Old Salem, a colonial-era style settlement featuring some of the virtues and qualities of colonial life.
 * Kitty Hawk, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered flight.
 * Old Salem, a colonial-era style settlement featuring some of the virtues and qualities of colonial life.
 * Kitty Hawk, the site of the Wright brothers' first powered flight.

Do
Hiking and Camping: The Appalachian Mountains in the western part of the state provide extensive trails for hiking and many places allow for overnight camping. Go see Grandfather Mountain, a popular tourist spot with a fantastic view, or climb Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi River.

College Sports and College Towns Four top universities (Duke, University of North Carolina, North Carolina State and Wake Forest) are in the Piedmont. These schools have a tradition of college basketball excellence, and many North Carolinians are very devoted to following the sport. This statewide passion has helped make the Duke-UNC rivalry the most famous in college basketball. Carolina, NC State and Duke all have historic basketball arenas: Carmichael Auditorium (UNC) and Reynolds Coliseum (NC State) both host women's basketball games and other athletic events. UNC men's basketball is played at the Dean E. Smith Center and NC State men's basketball is played at the PNC Arena. Both Duke's men's and women's teams play at Cameron Indoor Stadium, named by Sports Illustrated (7 June 1999) as one of the top sporting venues in the world. Wake Forest plays at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem. While North Carolinians love the drama of the NCAA Tournament, they are also devoted to the annual Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament held in early March. The Tournament does not affect businesses and schools in the way that it once did (many North Carolinians have fond memories of long work "breaks" and lunches or games being shown in classrooms), but do not expect much serious work to get done in a typical North Carolina office or school on ACC Friday! Attending the ACC Tournament when it is held in either Charlotte or (especially) Greensboro will allow you to experience a North Carolina institution.

For those who are not interested in basketball or are unable to travel to North Carolina during basketball season the four universities offer art museums, library exhibits, lectures from leading intellectuals, arts/culture events and attractions ranging from the Morehead Planetarium to the Duke Gardens. Chapel Hill, the home of the University of North Carolina, is also notable for its downtown district (especially Franklin Street) and its music scene. Cat's Cradle in next-door Carrboro regularly hosts major "indie" acts such as Super Furry Animals, Neko Case, and Wolf Parade as well as local and regional acts.

Professional Sports: North Carolina has a number of successful professional teams. In Charlotte, the National Football League's Carolina Panthers play at Bank of America stadium from August through December (though, as with most NFL teams, single tickets may be hard to come by and should be purchased well in advance of game day). Also in Charlotte, the Charlotte Hornets represent the National Basketball Association (NBA), playing at Spectrum Center (formerly Time Warner Cable Arena). In Raleigh, the Carolina Hurricanes, winners of the 2006 Stanley Cup, tear up the ice as one of the few National Hockey League (NHL) teams in the South. Finally, for baseball action, check out the incredibly popular Durham Bulls, a minor league baseball team made famous by Kevin Costner's 1988 film, "Bull Durham."

Gambling: Visit Harrah's Cherokee Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation.

Adventure: North Carolina has a lot to offer for those seeking adventure. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting and kayaking on one of North Carolina's many rivers that offer category 1 (easy) through category 5 (difficult) rapids. In the mountains, visitors can find many guided adventures including rock climbing and mountain bike tours. On the coast, visitors can enjoy parasailing, jet ski rentals and deep-sea fishing tours. The annual week-long Mountains to Coast bike ride lets you see North Carolina's range of scenery on two wheels. There are also outdoor zipline courses and a NASCAR Driving Experience for those looking for a fast-paced adventure.

Scuba Dive: See Diving in North Carolina

Buy
For authentic, non-kitschy North Carolina souvenirs, look for local pottery or Cackalacky spice sauce.

Eat
Hog farms are North Carolina's number-one commodity. The pig plays an important role in state cuisine. As in the rest of the South, pork meat (particularly ham, bacon, smoked ham hocks and salt pork) and pork fat (fatback and lard) are highly popular flavoring ingredients. Perhaps unsurprisingly, no part of the pig is wasted. Livermush, a delicacy that includes pig liver, parts of the head, and cornmeal is a favorite delicacy. The town of Shelby, NC has an annual festival celebrating the tradition of livermush and barbecue. A great local delicacy — albeit one that most people won't touch, if they weren't raised eating it — is chitterlings (most often abbreviated to chitlings or chitlins), aka pig intestines, which are thoroughly cleaned, boiled and fried. Small local companies like Neese's manufacture souse (also called headcheese), liver pudding, pickled pigs' feet and C-loaf (made from chitterlings). For the less adventurous, North Carolina offers plenty of mainstream ways to enjoy the humble pig:

 * The pig pickin' is a longstanding North Carolina tradition, usually to be found at large gatherings like a church supper or family reunion. An entire pig is split and slow-roasted all day over the fire, then pulled apart and served to the hungry crowd along with a wide variety of accompanying side dishes and desserts.
 * Barbecue tends to stir up strong emotions anywhere there's a prized local variation, and North Carolina is no different. Here the main split is between the east and the west. Western NC barbecue (or Lexington Style) favors only the pork shoulders, and the sauce (or dip) is vinegar- and tomato-based. Eastern NC barbecue roasts the entire pig, and uses a sauce made primarily from vinegar and hot red pepper. In North Carolina, the pork meat is pulled, or shredded (by hand or with forks) in the eastern part of the state, and chopped in the western part. Barbecue can be served all by itself on a plate (but usually with a generous serving of hushpuppies), but more commonly is piled atop a hamburger bun along with chopped coleslaw and eaten as a sandwich. A point about the slaw; in the eastern part of the state, the slaw is the familiar shredded cabbage and mayonnaise mixture you can buy in any grocery store, but the further west of the Triangle you get, the more likely you are to be served slaw of a different nature, BBQ slaw. BBQ slaw is made from the same, albeit more finely shredded, cabbage; but instead of mayonnaise and other spices, the same vinegar and tomato mixture (minus the hot sauce) that is used on the pork is added, along with sugar to give it a slightly sweet taste. One of the best barbecue restaurants is Parker's, in Wilson, NC.
 * Country ham is thinly-sliced and heavily salted. It's usually pan-fried and eaten on a biscuit as a kind of breakfast sandwich. The drippings are mixed with black coffee to create red-eye gravy, which is served over the country ham or the other breakfast foods.

Chicken is also a highly popular food; while it may not be as ubiquitous as pork, it's much beloved. Fried chicken is commonly served as part of a traditional Sunday dinner (although a roast ham is an equally popular alternative). There's also the classic comfort-food of chicken and dumplings, and roast chicken is often served at a pig pickin' for those rare few who choose not to gorge on pork.

Thanks in large part to the African influences on the entire South, traditional Southern meals — particularly barbecues and buffets — are incomplete without a spread of vegetable side dishes, usually slow-cooked or deep-fried. These include greens (collard, turnip, mustard or kale, slow-cooked in a large pot with ham, and sometimes served with cider vinegar; the leftover liquid, or pot liquor, makes a side dish in itself), cabbage (boiled, or fried in bacon grease), green beans (slow-cooked with ham), okra (most often sliced thickly, dipped in cornmeal batter and deep-fried), tomatoes (sliced fresh if ripe, or deep-fried in cornmeal if green), potatoes (boiled if new, or made into potato salad with mayonnaise and seasonings), field peas (boiled with ham) and black-eyed peas (simmered with salt pork and hot pepper). Sweet potatoes are also a major North Carolina crop; although they don't figure hugely into local cuisine, you'll find them baked, served in casseroles, occasionally raw on salads, or as a delectable pumpkin-like pie filling.

One of the most prominent vegetables in North Carolina cuisine, and Southern cuisine in general, is corn. Aside from boiled or grilled corn-on-the-cob, cornmeal is frequently used to make local favorites:

 * Grits is made of coarsely-ground corn kernels. It's almost invariably boiled slowly like porridge, and served with salt, black pepper and butter as part of a Southern breakfast. Some people like to make cheese grits by mixing in Cheddar cheese, and in the coastal region, cheese grits are often garnished with fresh shrimp.
 * Cornbread is a crumbly bread made of stone-ground cornmeal and buttermilk, baked in a cast-iron skillet. It's usually eaten hot with butter, or crumbled into something soupy, like more buttermilk, pot liquor from cooked greens, or pinto beans.
 * Hush puppies are deep-fried cornmeal dumplings, either round or elongated, sometimes flavored with chopped onion and served alongside barbecue or fried seafood. Restaurants usually serve them with butter, as if you need to make them any oilier. They can be quite addictive, as well as heavy, so don't overdo it! Legend has it that they were named when a cook tossed some to a barking dog who was begging for food.

Also in the bread category are biscuits, which are round leavened breads usually made from buttermilk, and are often used as the litmus test for any good Southern cook. They're usually split down the middle and spread with butter and possibly some kind of jam, or used for making breakfast sandwiches.

Because of its large coastal area, seafood is also a popular item on North Carolina menus: fresh fish, shrimp, scallops, clams, oysters and crabs can be found across the state, particularly in the eastern half. Preparation tends to be simple rather than elaborate, emphasizing the fresh taste of the ingredients. Calabash-style seafood, named for the town it originated in, is popular throughout the state; this is dipped in evaporated milk, then a dry breading mixture, and deep-fried. There's also catfish, found in rivers throughout the state, usually served dredged in cornmeal and deep-fried.

Around the Winston-Salem area, there's a large Moravian settlement which specializes in local delicacies that aren't found elsewhere in the state. Moravian sugar cookies are paper-thin and extremely labor-intensive to make (recipes can be found online, for those of curious natures and muscular arms), and available in a wide variety of flavors including ginger, spice, lemon, Key lime, butterscotch, chocolate and black walnut, as well as regular sugar. Moravian sugar cake is a leavened cake topped with melted butter and cinnamon sugar. Lovefeast buns are tasty potato rolls flavored with mace and citrus peel, a favorite during the holiday season.

A snack which may have originated in North Carolina, and is certainly popular throughout the state, is cheese straws, crispy baked strips of extruded dough flavored with copious amounts of Cheddar cheese and hot sauce.

Popular throughout the South is pimiento cheese (often spelled "pimento") — at its simplest, a spreadable mixture of grated sharp cheddar cheese, pimiento strips and mayonnaise. It's usually made into sandwiches, often toasted so that it melts, and topped with lettuce and tomato; but you may also find it as a spread for crackers or celery sticks. It can be found in tubs at the grocery store or in convenience-store sandwiches, but the flavor tends to pale in comparison to homemade.

Perhaps North Carolina's most celebrated food is the addictive yeast-raised Krispy Kreme doughnut, a tradition in Winston-Salem since 1937. These light, fluffy, heavenly-tasting fried confections are now available all over the US and internationally; connoisseurs claim that they're the best doughnuts on the planet. If you're lucky enough to visit a town that has a Krispy Kreme store, you can stop by when the red light is on to watch the fresh, hot doughnuts go through the glazing machine, and buy one or a whole dozen of them before the glaze has even fully set.

Drink
Many areas of North Carolina are increasingly known for their microbreweries. Asheville has more microbreweries per capita than any other city in the nation, with 11 in total. Major Colorado breweries New Belgium and Oskar Blues have chosen Western North Carolina as their second locations. In addition to the Western part of the state, the Triangle area of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill is home to several craft breweries.

North Carolina is an up-and-coming area for winemaking. The Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area is a relatively new wine-growing region in the northwestern part of the state. One particular specialty of the state is wine made from Scuppernong grapes, a fragrant variety of Muscadine, which gives it a remarkable flavor.

Not a wine, but named as if it were (owing to its burgundy color), is local cherry-flavored soft drink Cheerwine. It's been a North Carolina favorite since 1917, originating in the town of Salisbury. Originally a local product, its popularity has caught on and it's beginning to expand throughout the US.

Another drink native to North Carolina is Pepsi Cola. It was made by a pharmacist in New Bern named Caleb Bradham who sold it in his pharmacy in the early 1890s. It was first called Brad's Drink but was changed to Pepsi in 1903.

And, of course, there's always the ubiquitous Southern sweet iced tea. As in practically all of the South, sweet tea is the beverage of choice for a lot of people; the stronger and sweeter, the better. "Iced" is always assumed (ask for "hot tea" if you want it steaming) and "sweet" is the default, although people still tend to specify "sweet tea" when ordering. Most places do offer "unsweet" tea, but remember to ask for it if you want it.

The alcohol laws of North Carolina prohibit the sale of alcohol after 2AM Monday through Saturday, and from 2AM until noon on Sundays. Beer and wine are available for purchase at most markets, grocery stores and gas stations, but liquors are only sold at state-run ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) stores, rather than at a traditional liquor store.

Stay safe
North Carolina isn't known for violence and most areas of the state have relatively low crime rates. As with any state, it is best to use common sense whenever visiting an unfamiliar place. In most areas, the greatest safety threats are bad drivers on the highway. Surprisingly, most major cities in North Carolina are very safe compared to other Southern cities and other parts of the country. The only city with a noticeable crime rate is Charlotte, but it remains much lower than places like Atlanta or Washington, DC.

Outside of the major metro areas, North Carolina is generally rural and undeveloped. This makes for dangerous wildlife and plants. If hiking, avoid straying from the marked trail. There are many venomous animals in North Carolina. Also, during the summer months, thunderstorms increase and the potential for dangerous lightning should be acknowledged.

Most snakes in North Carolina are harmless, but the state does have a few species of venomous snakes: copperheads, rattlesnakes, and (in the east) cottonmouths. They're not generally aggressive, but keep an eye out for them when hiking. Give snakes a wide berth, and if you're bitten seek medical attention.

Near the ocean, shark attacks have been on the rise. Always take precautions while enjoying the beautiful Atlantic ocean.

Respect
The Southern drawl in language is generally charming to most outsiders. In most cases, mutual respect is expected and southern hospitality is a staple of the area. This is expressed in a number of ways: holding doors open for strangers, not honking a car horn unless necessary, and keeping one's voice down when in a crowded room. It is typical to reply to questions with "Yes, ma'am" or "No, sir", and people will not think anything is strange if you adopt this style of respectful reply.

It is offensive to stereotype North Carolinians as "hicks" or "rednecks".

African Americans make up nearly a quarter of North Carolina's population. The state has a long and painful history of race-based slavery and institutional racism. Legal discrimination was ended decades ago, but informal racism – such as drivers locking their car doors when a black man walks past, or assuming that a black woman is a maid instead of a hotel guest – is an ongoing problem.

LGBT visitors may feel discouraged by North Carolina's reputation for intolerance, with the 2016 "bathroom law" controversy and a low Spartacus Index. But it's important to understand that tolerance varies tremendously by where in the state you are. Liberal cities like Asheville, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, and Durham are very welcoming of LGBT travelers. In rural areas, though, even just an hour's drive outside of one of these cities, you may want to keep your identity to yourself.

Go next

 * Virginia - North Carolina's neighbor to the north is home to Shenandoah National Park, which offers great scenery along the top of the Appalachian Mountains. Nearby is Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, America's third president.
 * Tennessee - To the west, this state shares the Great Smoky Mountains with North Carolina. Shopping and attractions abound in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Chattanooga is the home of Lookout Mountain.
 * Georgia - Bordering North Carolina to the southwest, Georgia is famous for its peaches. It is also home to the popular Alpine village of Helen and the historic riverside city of Savannah, with its deep-South ambience. Atlanta, the capital, has Stone Mountain Park and Georgia Aquarium, the world's largest.
 * South Carolina - The state's southern neighbor is a haven for beach lovers. Myrtle Beach has a large number of hotels and restaurants. Charleston is rich in history, with historic homes and Fort Sumter, the site that dawned the Civil War.

title: North Carolina


text:
North Carolina Coastal Plain

The Coastal Plain is a region along and including the coast of North Carolina.

Cities

 * — Situated on the Bogue Banks, Atlantic Beach is within reach of a wealth of activities. From the clean sandy beach, golfing and world-class fishing to the maritime history, museums, shopping, nightlife and famous fresh seafood, the Crystal Coast offers fun and recreation for every member of the family.
 * — historic town located on the Pasquotank river, home to USCG Air Station Elizabeth City and Elizabeth City State University.  Aviation, agriculture, and medicine are important aspects of the economy.
 * — Winner of the All-America City Award at least three times, Fayetteville is one of North Carolina's larger cities and is right next to Fort Bragg--the most populated military installation in the world.
 * — filled with historic sites from its former status as a tobacco boomtown, Greenville is now home to the Pirates of East Carolina University.
 * — a popular beach town on Bodie Island, and the largest city in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Home to the Wright Brothers National Memorial, commemorating the first powered flight on December 17, 1903. Jumping off point for most destinations on the Outer Banks, including Jockey's ridge State Park in nearby Nags Head.
 * — Their motto is "North Carolina begins here", original capital and second oldest town in North Carolina. North Carolina Historical Museum, Tryon Place, Fireman's Museum, birthplace of Pepsi Cola. One of the most beautiful cities on the East Coast.
 * — town at the intersection of I-95 and future I-87, almost half-way between Miami, Florida and New York, New York. Original home of Phil Ford.
 * — Sunset Beach is a small barrier island located at the southeast corner of North Carolina. To reach the island you pass from the mainland over one of the last pontoon swing bridges operating in our state. Sunset Beach is truly a quiet family beach, with virtually all of the development on the island comprised of family cottages. It boasts one of the widest and cleanest beach strands on the East Coast.
 * — At the mouth of the Cape Fear River, at the southern end of the Crystal Coast. Wilmington is one of the oldest cities in North Carolina, and is the gateway to nearby beaches such as Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach. The city itself contains a large historical district and is famous for the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial.

Smaller towns

 * - North Carolina's oldest town
 * — seafood on the border with South Carolina

Other destinations

 * (Smith Island)
 * — Beach town home to the rare Venus flytrap.
 * — The North Carolina side extenuation of the large swamp, featuring the Great Dismal Swamp Canal, purported to be the oldest continually operating man-made canal in the United States. Good for kayaking.
 * — Whether you are lured by the world class fishing or the east coast's best beaches, Hatteras Island has plenty to offer.
 * — Recognized by National Geographic Traveler Magazine, Holden Beach was named one of the 38 Best American Beaches and rated 9th out of all United States beaches, in the Family Beach Category.
 * – Cypress swamp with canoeing and wetland wildlife.
 * — Cross over the bridge from Southport, North Carolina to an island that echoes southern traditions and is picturesque year-round. People are friendly and accommodating, the beaches uncrowded and clean, and the homes comfortable and affordable.
 * — a quiet, unspoiled beach known to thousands of family vacationers. Ocean Isle Beach is an island approximately seven miles long located in Southern North Carolina. It's a family oriented, kick back and relax beach with very little commercial activity. There are twelve golf courses and numerous restaurants within 10 miles.
 * — Topsail Island is a frequent destination of NC natives located in the beautiful Crystal Coast, and has very good fishing
 * — Topsail Island is a frequent destination of NC natives located in the beautiful Crystal Coast, and has very good fishing

Understand
In the coastal plains you can go surfing, boating, swimming, hang gliding, scuba diving, fishing, snorkeling, making sand castles, bungy jumping, volley ball, jet skiing or just relax.

By plane
Fayetteville, Greenville , Jacksonville , and New Bern each have a small regional airport with service to Charlotte and Atlanta only. Wilmington also has service to a few other major cities in the Eastern US.

By car

 * I-40 is the major highway for traffic towards Wilmington.
 * I-95 passes through Fayetteville and Rocky Mount.
 * US-64 is the main entry point for going to the Outer Banks.
 * US-70 is most useful for getting to the Crystal Coast.

Go next

 * Piedmont
 * Eastern Virginia
 * Grand Strand (South Carolina)

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: North Carolina Coastal Plain


text:
North Carolina Mountains

The North Carolina Mountains in western North Carolina are home to popular areas like Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The North Carolina Mountains offer scenic drives, majestic hikes and a variety of small country stores and hometown restaurants for leisure.

Regions
The far western portion of Western North Carolina includes the counties of Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Swain, Haywood, Jackson, and Macon. Much of this land is covered by National Forest.

Counties just to the east of this group (sometimes called Land-of-Sky) include Buncombe (home to Western North Carolina's largest city, Asheville), Henderson, Madison, and Transylvania.

The northern counties of Western North Carolina are commonly known as the state's High Country. Centered around Boone, the High Country boasts the area's most popular ski resorts and is known for its production of Fraser Fir Christmas Trees. High Country counties include Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey (home to Mount Mitchell, highest mountain on the East Coast).

On the eastern end of Western North Carolina lie the counties of Burke, Caldwell, McDowell, Polk - known as The First Peak of the Blue Ridge, and Rutherford.

Cities

 * — Scenic mountain city of roughly 85,000 people, known for its cultural establishments, Art-Deco architecture and liberal culture.
 * — A place of Appalachian art and hospitality.
 * — Beautiful village at the edge of the John's River Gorge.
 * — home of Appalachian State University.
 * – Highest concentration of waterfalls in the eastern United States.
 * - Nestled on a wooded mountainside in the southernmost part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, sits the city of Cashiers. This charming locale is surrounded by a lush green valley approximately 3,500 feet high surrounded by mountains rising up to 5,000 feet. It's not the foothills, but the southern crest of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.
 * – Native American culture, gambling, and a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park
 * — charming small town with a cute, artsy historic district
 * — quaint, rustic town with natural scenery and thriving businesses
 * — at the base of Mount Jefferson State Park.
 * — tourist resort with beautiful mountains
 * — this gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains has an attractive historic downtown.
 * — the westernmost town of significance
 * - mountain retreat in Graham County with leisurely drives, water recreation, hardy hikes, Appalachian crafts, history.
 * — home to many historical buildings
 * - Large art community. Home of the annual Weaverville Art Safari and Art in Autumn art festivals.
 * — this gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains has an attractive historic downtown.
 * — the westernmost town of significance
 * - mountain retreat in Graham County with leisurely drives, water recreation, hardy hikes, Appalachian crafts, history.
 * — home to many historical buildings
 * - Large art community. Home of the annual Weaverville Art Safari and Art in Autumn art festivals.
 * - Large art community. Home of the annual Weaverville Art Safari and Art in Autumn art festivals.

Other destinations

 * — enormous national park with stunning beauty in North Carolina and Tennessee
 * — A state park at the north-west corner of North Carolina. It supports camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the 600-foot granite face of the eponymous mountain. Also present within the park: Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century mountain farm.
 * — A state park at the north-west corner of North Carolina. It supports camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the 600-foot granite face of the eponymous mountain. Also present within the park: Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century mountain farm.
 * — A state park at the north-west corner of North Carolina. It supports camping, hiking, climbing, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding. Rock climbing is allowed by permit on the 600-foot granite face of the eponymous mountain. Also present within the park: Hutchinson Homestead, a restored mid-19th-century mountain farm.

Understand
The mountains of western North Carolina are among the oldest on Earth, and contain the highest mountain (Mount Mitchell), deepest gorge (Linville Gorge), and several of highest waterfalls (Whitewater Falls, Glassmine Falls, etc.) in the eastern United States, and is also home to the oldest river in North America (the New River) and the two most visited National Parks in the country (the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

The region also has a stunning diversity of plant and animal life, more, in fact, than the whole of Europe.

Talk
People living in the Appalachian dialect area pronounce the word "Appalachia" as App-a-latch-ah, while those who live outside of the Appalachian dialect area or at its outer edges tend to pronounce it App-a-lay-csh-ah. If you visit the Qualla Boundary (Cherokee Indian Reservation), you may hear the native language Cherokee spoken.

Get in
By plane, the closest airport to most of the region is the Asheville Regional Airport located fifteen miles southeast of Asheville. The nearest airports to Boone and the High Country are Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina and the Tri-Cities Regional Airport  located between Johnson City and Bristol, Tennessee. The next nearest airports are the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport in Greenville, South Carolina and McGhee Tyson Airport  in Knoxville, Tennessee.

By train, the closest Amtrak stations to the region are in Greenville, South Carolina, and Charlotte.

By car, two major Interstate highways cross the region: Interstate 40, which traverses east-west, and Interstate 26, which traverses north-south. In addition, US 321 is Interstate quality from just north of Interstate 85 at Gastonia to Hickory, and US 421 is Interstate quality from Interstate 77 to Wilkesboro and a multi-lane divided highway from Wilkesboro to Boone. The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway also runs through the region.

By bus, Greyhound has stops in Asheville and Waynesville.

See
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is a European-inspired chateau with a winery, restaurants, and horseback riding.

The Carl Sandburg Home near Hendersonville is where the famed poet and biographer spent his later years.

The Oconluftee Indian Village and Museum of the Cherokee Indian, in Cherokee, introduce you to the ancient Cherokee Native American heritage.

The North Carolina Arboretum in Bent Creek near Asheville, has a visitor education center, greenhouse complex, gardens and loop trail on 424 acres.

The Wheels Through Time Museum in Maggie Valley features 250 rare and vintage motorcycles and automobiles.

Itineraries

 * — scenic nature trail stretching from Maine to Georgia
 * — historic and nature-filled mountain parkway in North Carolina and Virginia

Do

 * Blue Ridge Parkway
 * Chimney Rock Park
 * Linville Gorge and South Mountains State Park
 * - located in Barnardsville

Drink
Clay, Graham, Mitchell, and Yancey counties are "dry", meaning no alcohol is sold within their borders. In most other counties in the region, if you want to buy liquor by the bottle you must do it at state-run ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Commission) stores rather than at a traditional liquor store. The exceptions to this are Yadkin and Madison counties, which though not "dry" do not have ABC stores. ABC store hours vary by county. The alcohol laws of North Carolina prohibit the sale of alcohol after 2AM Monday through Saturday, and from 2AM until noon on Sundays.

Stay safe
Asheville is well known for an over-active and overzealous police department and jail system.

Go next

 * Eastern Tennessee
 * North Georgia
 * Piedmont – central North Carolina, home to the major metro areas of Metrolina and the Research Triangle, which bring a mix of people and a faster-paced lifestyle than most places in the mountains
 * Southwest Virginia – mountainous and largely rural, like Western North Carolina
 * Upcountry South Carolina

title: North Carolina Mountains


text:
North Cascades

The North Cascades is a region of Washington.

Regions
The North Cascades can be divided into two distinct subregions due to the Cascade Mountains which run north to south across the middle of the region - Northwest Cascades and North Central Cascades

Cities

 * - gateway to the San Juan Islands
 * - a small artsy town, near Burlington
 * - county seat of Kittias County and home to Central Washington University
 * - home of the Tulip Festival
 * - Bavarian themed town in the mountains.
 * - county seat of Skagit County surrounded by tulip fields.
 * - last US city before Canada on I-5, and county seat of Whatcom County and home to Western Washington University
 * - county seat of Chelan County

Other destinations

 * - Ride the Lady of the Lake to the historic and unique town of Stehekin in the heart of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
 * ski resort, on a mountain of the same name
 * Nooksack Falls, on Highway 542, 7 miles east of the Glacier Ranger Station
 * - Jagged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls and over 300 glaciers adorn the North Cascades National Park
 * - Visit the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and stretch your legs at one of the stops along the scenic North Cascades Highway
 * Summit at Snoqualmie - ski resort at Snoqualmie Pass
 * - Visit the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and stretch your legs at one of the stops along the scenic North Cascades Highway
 * Summit at Snoqualmie - ski resort at Snoqualmie Pass

Understand
The Cascades are a mountain range that stretches some 700 miles (1100 km) from British Columbia through central Washington into Oregon. By causing moist Pacific air to drop rain and dry out as it blows into the continent, the Cascades divide Washington state into a wet west and an arid east. The Cascades are tall -- several are above 10,000' (3000m) high, including Mount Baker in this region. Because their valleys are low and the mountains quite steep, many mountains in the Cascades are visually quite striking.

To the west from the Cascades to the coast are lowlands. Interstate 5 (I-5) runs north from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia. In Snohomish county, cities like Everett and Snohomish are in the outer reaches of Seattle's influence. The Skagit Valley is fertile farmland, overflowing with tulips in the spring. Just off I-5, Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands. Further north, Bellingham is the last US city before the Canadian border.

The North Cascades region is made up of Chelan, Kittitas, Okanogan, Skagit, and Whatcom counties. The term "North Cascades" sometimes means the mountain chain as far south as Mount Rainier. The Cascades continue south in the Southwest Washington region, then into Oregon and northern California.

From British Columbia
Interstate 5 and the Peace Arch crossing is the main land port-of-entry to this region of Washington from Canada. However this is only one of five land crossing points between the Lower Mainland region of BC and the Northwest Cascades region of Washington. See the Get in — by car section of Northwest Cascades region article for details.

By train

 * Routes stopping in the region:
 * The Empire Builder starts in Seattle, goes to Edmonds and Everett then heads east towards Spokane through Leavenworth, Wenatchee and Ephrata. In Spokane the train is joined with the other branch coming up from Portland for the eastbound trip (split if going westbound) to Chicago.
 * Amtrak Cascades is a regional train service that goes north from Seattle to Vancouver 2x daily through Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mt Vernon and Bellingham.

By public transit

 * operates public transportation in and around Mount Vernon, Burlington, and Anacortes. Notable bus routes include:
 * 40X connects Mount Vernon with March's Point Park & Ride. At March's Point P&R, riders can connect with Island Transit bus route 411W from Whidbey Island and Skagit Transit bus route 410 from Anacortes (route 410 also travels to the ferry terminal to the San Juan Islands)
 * 80X connects Mount Vernon with Bellingham via Chuckanut P&R. Route operated by Skagit Transit and Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA)
 * 90X connects Chuckanut P&R, Mount Vernon and S Mt Vernon P&R, with Everett, where transfers are possible with Sound Transit buses enabling travel from Seattle.

By plane
The following are airports in or nearest to the North Cascades region of Washington state for commercial passenger flights:
 * has scheduled flights to Seattle, Las Vegas, andHonolulu, through Alaska Airlines. Allegiant Air has service to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Oakland, Palm Springs (seasonal), Phoenix, and San Diego. San Juan Airlines has commuter flights to the island towns of Eastsound, Friday Harbor, Lopez, and Roche Harbor, plus Vancouver, Canada. If traveling with Allegiant Airlines this is the only airport closest to Seattle and Vancouver they offer service to.
 * and, are the next nearest airports with more flights arriving from all parts of the U.S., Canada and other parts of the world.
 * and, are the next nearest airports with more flights arriving from all parts of the U.S., Canada and other parts of the world.
 * and, are the next nearest airports with more flights arriving from all parts of the U.S., Canada and other parts of the world.

By plane
Anacortes airport

Itineraries
The North Cascade Loop is a very scenic drive that loops around this area through pristine mountains, grand rivers, crystalline lakes and scenic islands. If you can't do the loop, at least go as far as Mazama (eastbound) or the visitor center near Newhalem (westbound) on State Hwy 20. Note the most spectacular parts of the drive are not where the highway is sandwiched between the two halves of the national park, but further east in the Okanogan National Forest. The highest point is Washington Pass at 5,477 feet. As the park has virtually no roads, non-hikers should stay on the main highway unless clearly marked signs are visible (such as the visitor center which is about a mile to the south).

Do
Hiking, fishing, white water rafting, skiing, snowshoeing, boating

Eat
Applets and Cotlets

Coffee
Coffee is hugely popular all across the Pacific Northwest including North Cascades. Look for small road side espresso stands even in small towns.

Beer
Like the rest of Washington State, microbreweries and beer in general is hugely popular, and the area has many to offer for beer enthusiasts. Some brews can only be found in local stores or bars (some notable brewers don't even bottle their product). Ask your servers for local beer recommendations and search out regional microbrews in stores.

Wine
Although the North Cascades is not known as wine country, many Washington State wines are still and plentiful in restaurants and stores.

Fuel
After you pass Marblemount on the North Cascades Highway (going eastbound), there is no gas for 70 miles until Mazama. There is also no cell phone coverage (no matter which carrier) from Ross Lake to Mazama. If you need assistance, you'll have to flag down someone with a two-way radio, or obtain a lift.

Avalanches
In the Cascade Mountains (which divide the state into halves) there can be significant snow accumulations during the late fall and winter months. This poses a danger for avalanches whenever these areas experience warm up periods, regardless of how brief they may be. Washington Pass is at an elevation of 5477 ft. (1669 m), and can have snowfall on any day of the year. and mountain passes are sometimes closed for avalanche control and may effect travel plans. Check the Washington State Department of Transportation website for information regarding Avalanche control.

If going into the mountains during winter and early spring months, refer to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website for information regarding the current avalanche dangers throughout the Cascade region of the state.

title: North Cascades


text:
North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park is a national park in the North Cascades region of Washington State.

Understand
Sitting on the border of the United States and Canada, the North Cascades National Park covers an area of over and ranges in height between  to over. Much of the park is designated as "wilderness," and there are few areas with developed facilities. It is quite close to Bellingham and Seattle, however, providing easy access from urban areas. The park is divided into two non-contiguous sections to the north and south of the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20).

Non-hikers are limited to the view from the highway, and a few side roads. See the itinerary for details.

Indigenous peoples
Archeological evidence from over 8000 years ago shows that the area contained large Native populations divided by the rugged topography of the North Cascades. The peoples of the Columbia River Basin to the east and those of the Pacific Northwest/Puget Lowlands to the west. A trade network connected and enabled them to share locally abundant resources. They traveled across mountain passes to trade. They followed ridge crests to avoid dense brush along avalanche shoots and stream bottoms. The difficulty of travel across these rugged mountains made intimate knowledge of them extremely important. Routes to the major mountain passes were vital to indigenous peoples.

Fur traders
Fur traders travelling on foot and by canoe were among the first Euro-Americans to venture into the North Cascades wilderness in the late 1700s. Seeking to follow the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, these explorers entered only the lower reaches of the North Cascades. The earliest recorded crossing of the North Cascades by a Euro-American occurred in 1814. Alexander Ross, a fur trader, crossed Twisp Pass, followed the Stehekin River eventually crossing Cascade Pass, he traced the Cascade River downstream to its confluence with the Skagit River. Maps of Washington Territory in 1860 show large areas still labeled "unexplored."

Miners
In the 1850s, prospectors began searching for gold along the banks of the Skagit River. After gold was discovered along Ruby Creek in the late 1870s, hundreds of miners swarmed over the upper Skagit valley. They found little gold, and the rush was over by 1880. Over the next few decades, miners turned their attention to other minerals, primarily silver and lead, located higher in the mountains. New claims were established in the high country around Cascade Pass, including Doubtful Lake, Boston and Horseshoe Basins and Bridge Creek. A rich silver deposit was found just below Boston Glacier near the headwaters of Thunder Creek in 1892, and another rush was on. Some silver was located, but the costs of getting the ore out were too high. By 1913 most of the Thunder Creek mining companies had folded. Mining continued along the Stehekin drainage through the 1910s until metal values dropped and it became too costly. Interest in mining in the area did not resume until World War I increased the demand for metal and then again during the 1940s to 1950s for the last time. Short working seasons, unpredictable weather conditions, difficult transportation, limited accessibility and lack of working capital were all factors that hampered the development of large-scale mining in the North Cascades.

Loggers
Due to inaccessibility, little of the park was commercially logged. Commercial timber cutting began on westside, low-elevation forests in the 1860s. Once the natural logjams that blocked the lower Skagit were cleared away in the 1870s, logging began to extend into the heart of the mountains. Logs were rafted down the river to be milled at settlements downstream. Logging also occurred in the Stehekin Valley. There were some mills in the valley that were used to mill lumber for local use. Most of the logs were rafted down Lake Chelan and used to make apple boxes. The lack of an adequate transportation system hindered early efforts to expand logging operations deep into the mountains.

Landscape

Steep mountains coupled with an amazing variety of rock and water features contribute to the region's tremendous biodiversity. Variation in elevation, soil types, rainfall and exposure combine to form eight distinctive life zones from the lowland forests and wetlands to the alpine peaks and glaciers.

Forests
Abundant rain and mild winters provide the perfect environment for trees in the Pacific Northwest to grow very large and old. Most of the old giants are gone from the Northwest, but in the wilds of the North Cascades you can still visit groves that have never been cut and still retain all of the characteristics of old-growth forest.

Geologic formations
The North Cascades are still rising, shifting and forming. Geologists believe that these mountains are a collage of terranes, distinct assemblages of rock separated by faults. Fossil and rock magnetism studies indicate that the North Cascades terranes were formed thousands of miles south in the Pacific Ocean. Attached to slowly moving plates of oceanic rock, they drifted northward merging about 90 million years ago. Colliding with the North American Continent, the drifting rock masses were thrust upwards and faulted laterally into a jumbled array of mountains. The collision broke or sliced the terranes into north or south trending faults that are still evident today.

Glaciers
Boasting over 300 glaciers and countless snowfields, the North Cascades National Park Service Complex is one of the snowiest places on earth and the most heavily glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska.

Lakes and ponds
The abundance and diversity of aquatic habitats in the North Cascades ecosystem is one of the characteristics that makes this area unique. In North Cascades National Park (NP), over 500 lakes and ponds are scattered throughout the mountain landscape. These natural environments are home to native aquatic life including plankton, aquatic insects, frogs and salamanders.

Rivers and streams
Major rivers continually shape the landscape on all sides of the Cascade Crest and provide key habitat for thousands of species of plants and animals. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the North Cascades. To the north, the Chilliwack River leaves the park to combine with the Fraser River in British Columbia (the largest watershed along the west coast of North America). The Nooksack River flows west beyond Mount Baker beginning its journey near Mt. Shuksan (the park's most photographed peak). Baker River drains the Picket Range and southeast slopes of Mount Baker joining the Skagit River, which flows from Canada, then westward across the middle of North Cascades National Park Complex. The Skagit is the largest watershed emptying into Puget Sound. In spite of the three dams along its length, the Skagit supports all five species of Pacific salmon and two anadromous (or sea-going) trout. The Stehekin River drains the southeast corner of the park to feed Lake Chelan – a glacier-carved trough which at is the third deepest natural lake in the nation. The waters of Lake Chelan eventually make their way to the mighty Columbia River, the largest river system in the western US.

Wetlands
Amidst the high peaks, deep forests and cold rivers for which the park is renowned wetlands, marshes and swamps may be the last thing people think of when they visit. Although they are not the most prominent aspects of the park ecosystem, they are one of the most important. They prepare the ground from which, in time, will spring forth an ancient forest. Wetlands also provide perfect habitat for many amphibians, invertebrates and aquatic plants.

Flora and fauna
The park is home to a wide variety of species, most notably the Grizzly Bear, the Gray Wolf, and the Canada Lynx. The extreme variation in elevation produce an incredible range of plant life as well, with the short flowering season of the alpine meadows being particularly spectacular.

Climate
The climate is typical of the Northwest. It is easy to stereotype the weather there as heavy, rainy winters and clear, mild summers. As with any outdoor recreation area, however, it is important to remember that inclement weather can occur at any time of the year. It is not unheard of to have snowstorms in July at higher elevations!

Perhaps the most astonishing climatological occurrence in the park is that it is home to the world record snowfall. In 1999, Mt. Baker received 1140 inches of snow. That's over ! As soon as you cross the Cascade crest, the climate becomes that of the eastern Washington high desert.

Visitor information

 * Park website

By car
Most people arrive at the park on State Route 20, though this is closed during most of the winter. One can also enter the park on the Mt. Baker highway. Keep in mind that these roads will lead you to trails, but not to a park 'entrance' as one might expect at Mount Rainier National Park.

By ferry
One can also take a plane or a ferry across Lake Chelan to Stehekin for a more adventurous route. These options will allow you to visit areas of the park that are not accessible by car. You still must travel some miles through the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area to get to the southern boundary of the park. Although there are roads leading out of the town of Stehekin, the ferry cannot accommodate vehicles (only bicycles).

By foot
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well-known trail that extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

Fees and permits
There are no fees to enter the North Cascades National Park. Spending the night in the back country does require a free permit obtained by registering at a ranger station. Campgrounds have variable fees, often dependent on the time of year and popularity of the campground.

Get around
Most locomotion through the park is human powered, whether it be hiking, skiing, kayaking, or climbing. The wilderness designation of most of the park means that vehicle access is extremely limited.

See
The North Cascades National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Once can see jagged peaks, alpine meadows, rain forest, and desert. Mount Baker, one of the Cascade volcanoes, is easy to access and also provides views of Mt. Shuksan, arguably the most photographed mountain in the United States.

Do

For the outdoor enthusiast, the park offers a nearly endless variety of activities. Mount Baker provides a world famous resort for the skiers and snowboarders. Canoeing and kayaking can be had on lakes Ross and Chelan. Trails abound for countless miles, through valleys and over passes.

The North Cascades are particularly noted for offering some of the most rugged alpine climbing in the lower 48. Many world class climbers have cut their teeth there and continue to climb in the area between trips. Challenges await all skill levels, from the well-prepared novice to the seasoned veteran.

Sleep
Staying in the park means sleeping in a campground or in the back country. For those who enjoy their amenities, however, there are more posh accommodations in the countless towns one drives through on the way to the park. One can find anything from hotel rooms to chateaus with hot tubs.

Lodging
See above.

Camping
There are a number of campgrounds throughout the park, administered by the National Park Service. Most offer potable water, dump stations, and firewood.

Backcountry
Most of the park would be classified as back country. There are relatively few facilities outside of the campground, baring a few composting toilets in more popular areas.

Stay safe
The park offers many activities, most of which can be considered dangerous in some way. Always carry maps, extra food and clothing, a compass, water, and other emergency gear. Do not engage in any activities you are not thoroughly prepared for as any sort of rescue is improbable. Even the most benign hike can be deadly under extreme circumstances. Be prepared!

title: North Cascades National Park


text:
North Caucasus

The North Caucasus is a region of the Caucasus in southwestern Russia, bordering Georgia and Azerbaijan to the south and Krasnodar Krai, Stavropol Krai, and Kalmykia to the north. This region ranks among the world's most exotic and thrilling destinations to visit, boasting of nearly 50 distinct ethnic and linguistic groups in a space roughly the size of Bulgaria. It is one of the few parts of Russia where ethnic Russians are a minority, and its people are known for being very conservative, even by Russian standards.

The North Caucasus republics have become safer and welcoming to visitors. Tourism infrastructure remains patchy, so inexperienced travelers should consider engaging a tour operator. However, those who are prepared to rough it out will be rewarded with some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

Other nearby regions, such as Northern Georgia, Northern Azerbaijan or in the south of Krasnodar Krai around Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana, primarily home to poor Muslim territories, provide a reasonable second place to the unique character of the North Caucasus.

Cities

 * — capital of Karachay Cherkessia
 * — this ~5,000 year-old UNESCO World Heritage site city, location of the mythical "Gates of Alexander", justly takes its place as one of Russia's, and the world's, top historical tourist destinations
 * — stunning light-studded capital city of Chechnya, boasting Europe's largest mosque, "The Heart of Chechnya"
 * — wild and wonderful capital of Dagestan and the Northern Caucasus' largest city
 * — quiet beachresort city boasting several diverse beach options and a relaxing atmosphere
 * — capital of Kabardino-Balkaria and cultural hub of music and arts
 * — North Ossetia's ancient capital with stunning mountain views and a regional transit hub

Other destinations

 * — beautiful mountain resort in Karachay-Cherkessia
 * — Europe's highest mountain, also a ski area
 * — Europe's second highest mountain
 * — Europe's third highest mountain

Understand
The Northern Caucasus is one of Russia's most beautiful regions and is most certainly its most mountainous. Its peaks are Europe's and Russia's highest. In the west, near the Black Sea, the climate is subtropical, while the eastern areas near the Caspian Sea are more arid. The most beautiful natural images of this region are of its rushing mountain rivers running through deep gorges. There are also man-made monuments left behind by the mountain people of the region, particularly their fortress-like stone "auls" (mountaintop villages), as well as by former kingdoms such as Alania, Albania, and most famously the Sassanid Empire's ancient fortress at Derbent.

While there are many autonomous-ethnic regions throughout Russia in which ethnic Russians outnumber the namesake ethnicity, the Northern Caucasus proves the exception: travelers to the republics of the Northern Caucasus visit wholly different nations, albeit ones strongly influenced by Russia.

In addition to being the only region of Russia in which non-Russian minorities constitute a majority, the Northern Caucasus has been Russia's most rebellious region since the beginning of the Russian conquest at the start of the 19th century. As result of this long conflict, the ethnic makeup of the region has changed dramatically. The western half of the region has largely been emptied of its former inhabitants, the Turkic people of the Crimean Khanate and the "Circassian" Adyghe, and is consequently more Russified. The eastern Caucasus nationalities were mostly deported en masse to Kazakhstan following World War II, when Stalin denounced them as Nazi collaborators. This massive deportation was brutal and large proportions of these ethnicities died from hunger and lack of shelter. Under Malenkov and Khrushchev, however, they were allowed to return to their ancestral lands and have lived side by side with their Slavic compatriots for many years.

The current conflict in the Northern Caucasus is complex and travelers should be aware of its fault lines. The conflict began near the fall of the Soviet Union when Chechnya, a region of the Russian ASSR, declared its independence from Russia. Russia responded with a military invasion, although it was unsuccessful. For the next few years, Chechnya became an independent nation under the name "Chechen Republic of Ichkeria", although it failed to achieve international recognition. During Chechnya's brief period of independence, human rights abuses were rife, and many ethnic Russians fled from Chechnya.

Following a sequence of several terrorist attacks that took place throughout Russia, culminating in the notorious hostage taking in a school in Beslan, North Ossetia in 2004, in which 333 were killed, 186 of them children, a second invasion soon followed, during which the more religiously moderate Chechens, including many who were allied with the Chechen independence movement during the first war, ended up switching sides and allying with the Russians against the Salafist Chechens. Chechens who are still loyal to the Ichkeria cause often denounce these people as "traitors".

Although the second war was successful, it was particularly brutal and the consequences of the conflict can still be felt. The Chechen independence movement soon splintered into several factions, with one faction forming the "Caucasus Emirate", a movement aimed to unite all of the North Caucasian republics under an Islamic state. Chechen rebels have often resorted to guerilla warfare and launching terrorist attacks across Russia.

Thanks to these conflicts, as well as the low-level insurgency that continued thereafter, many consider this region dangerous. However, since the 2010s, the situation has been getting better; large scale war has ended, and most high-ranking rebels, warlords and terrorists have been killed, although political instability and corruption continue to plague many areas. Nevertheless, many areas that were destroyed by the war are now being rebuilt, and Grozny, Chechnya's capital, once one of the most destroyed cities in the world, now sports beautiful tree-lined boulevards flanked by cafes. As part of the peace settlement, the Russian government has allowed Chechnya to implement Sharia law in exchange for giving up their struggle for independence.

The conflict has some very serious anti-Russian elements and overtones, and there is also an ethnic conflict between the Ossetians and Ingush. See Ingushetia for more information.

CaucasTalk is an English-language podcast about culture, history, and tourism in the North Caucasus mountains of Russia. It is produced by two Americans living in the North Caucasus. Begun in 2017, it is the only known publication devoted to exposing English-speakers to the positive aspects of life and travel in the North Caucasus.

Talk
The North Caucasus is the most linguistically diverse area in Russia — nearly 50 different languages (35 in Dagestan alone) are spoken here! This is one of the few parts of Russia where native Russian speakers are in the minority, and local languages dominate in everyday life.

Nevertheless, Russian remains the lingua franca, and nearly all locals are able to speak Russian regardless of what their native tongue is.

Little to no English is spoken here; therefore, getting around without any knowledge of Russian is impossible.

Get in
The main portal cities to the Northern Caucasus are Stavropol and closer Mineralnye Vody in Stavropol Krai, Sochi in Krasnodar Krai, Vladikavkaz in North Ossetia, and Makhachkala in Dagestan.

See

 * The Ingush Towers — mythical ancient towers in the Ingush border zone
 * Derbent - the oldest city in Russia
 * Gamsutl, Khahib and Goor - the Dagestani Machu-Picchu
 * Sulak canyon
 * Hunzah waterfall and fortress
 * Gunib
 * Salta waterfalls
 * Elbrus mountain
 * Dargavs
 * Grozny
 * Kezenoy-Am lake

Do

 * Skiing
 * Mountain climbing
 * Hiking
 * Biking
 * Relaxing at a Soviet resort in the high Caucasus
 * Attend a performance of traditional regional dances (they're raucous!)

Eat
Pelmeni, khachapuri, and blinis are really popular and are regarded as delicacies. You should try local cuisine in all the republics, it is great: try osetinian pies, khychiny, chudu, hinkaly, etc.

Stay safe
Heavy military activity, terrorist bombings, kidnappings, and unexploded mines and munitions exist in the region. Throughout the region, local criminal gangs routinely kidnap foreigners, including Americans, Canadians, and UK nationals, for ransom. Close contacts with the local population do not guarantee safety. The authorities may pose an even greater threat to travelers than rebels, bandits, and gangs. All of the region is part of the turf of the infamous terrorist group, the Caucasus Emirate.

In the event of emergencies embassies can do very little, and more likely, will not send any help. All governments assume they will not be able to do anything for their citizens except to deliver messages.

Foreign governments can do little if you get into trouble in the North Caucasus. So only travel in the eastern republics if you are experienced in travelling to active war zones and have Russian language skills.

Below is a list of what a traveler should do to stay vigilant when travelling to certain regions in the North Caucasus.

Chechnya
Many foreign governments, including the UK, Canadian and US governments, strongly warn their citizens not to travel to Chechnya under any circumstances. They report that there have been many incidents of their citizens and Russian citizens going missing or being killed or kidnapped for ransom in Chechnya.

As of 2022, the situation there is stable. Open warfare has ended with victory for the Russian government, which has in turn given the local Chechen government considerable autonomy, including the right to enact Sharia law. There is a strong military and police presence, but tourists can walk and take pictures freely with only the odd glance from locals wondering why a foreigner is visiting. The capital Grozny has been rebuilt since the end of the war, and these days it is as safe as to visit as any other city in Russia.

Ingushetia
Ingushetia used to be a very dangerous region, but is now safe to visit, like the other republics. Research the security situation before visiting. If you want to visit Ingushetia or any of the other North Caucasus republics, you should at least have basic Russian language skills unless you hire a guide.

Dagestan
Dagestan is for the most part safe for travel, although the price to pay for that safety is military patrols and security checkpoints. These are particularly common in the rural mountainous regions of Dagestan but rare along the more urbanised coast line. Terrorist attacks are now a rare occurrence in Dagestan, and if they occur they only target police or Russian military, never civilians or tourists. The inaccessible mountainous interior of the republic largely eclipse law enforcement. The border with Chechnya is best avoided when traveling solo, as a precaution. See the stay safe section in the Dagestan article for detailed and up-to-date travel advice.

Khasavyurt is an interesting city. Almost like walking onto a Star Wars movie set. Very desert-like conditions. Garbage is literally everywhere. Cows, dogs, and cats scramble around garbage piles for food because there is hardly any food to eat. Makhachkala is pretty nice. Decent hotels according to Russian standards, with a large movie theatre (great place to watch Russian movies), parks, and the Caspian sea front. Undercover secret police and military patrol the streets around the government buildings. If you take pictures there you may be interrogated for about 90 minutes and have every part of your life questioned by authorities. Derbent is a nice but small city. The only thing to see there is the fortress and the large market. One day is definitely sufficient for travel to this city. The people in this republic are very nice and welcoming. They are not used to seeing tourists at all and wonder what you are doing there.

North Ossetia
Although a frequent target of Islamist terrorist violence from the neighboring republics in the 2000s, the political situation has stabilized in the 2010s, and it is now safe to visit. People are Orthodox Christian here, not Muslim. The city of Beslan, 15 km north of Vladikavkaz is worth a visit to see the school that terrorists attacked in 2004. The gymnasium is now a shrine to the innocent dead. It is also free entry and a 5-minute walk west of the Beslan bus station.

Karachay-Cherkessia
Karachay-Cherkessia is safer than most regions; however, the region has continued to see minor attacks.

Kabardino-Balkaria
The republic's mainly Muslim population has become increasingly radicalised by the region's instability. The region is quite safe, though the security of the country may be occasionally shaken, due to frequent attacks by militants. Nalchik in particular has seen a very unstable situation. But as of 2012 this city seemed quite safe. Yes, people do get killed here but tourists will be fine. There are nice hotels and everything is within walking distance. There is not much to see and do in Nalchik but the people are very nice.

Respect
The North Caucasus are largely conservative Sunni Islamic societies, and so you need to behave and act accordingly and properly. In Chechnya and mountainous regions of all republics it is inappropriate to wear shorts, kiss in public and etc. The Ossetes predominantly Orthodox Christian, but even they tend to be more conservative than ethnic Russians.

Tourists from other parts of the world are a rare sight in the North Caucasus. The authorities and the locals might even wonder what someone like you is doing here.

Go next
The Northern Caucasus is pretty difficult to "get out" of. The borders of all the region's republics are also closely controlled by Russian authorities; expect to be interrogated and bothered at border crossings and frequent roadblocks as to your purpose in traveling in the region. Nevertheless, it is possible to leave for Azerbaijan through one of the two international border crossings in the south of Dagestan (both trains and buses cross the border). You can also enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas on the Georgian Military Road (the name is purely historical and does not imply any current military activity on this route) that runs from Vladikavkaz in North Ossetia to Tbilisi in Georgia and climbs to nearly 2400 m above sea level. Although frequently used nowadays, this road remains a very special experience. The section adjacent to the Russian-Georgian border is in poor condition and may be blocked by avalanches.

Another way of crossing the Greater Caucasus is the Transcaucasian Highway that connects North Ossetia to South Ossetia through the famous Roki Tunnel, one of the biggest tunnels constructed in USSR. This road will not bring you far, though, because the border between South Ossetia and Georgia is closed for political reasons, so you simply get stuck there and eventually return to North Ossetia.

Otherwise, your way lies back to northern Russian regions. Flights leave from many of the subregional capital cities to Moscow, otherwise, it is easiest to leave as you come in: via Sochi or Stavropol/Mineralnye Vody. From Sochi, you can also travel to Abkhazia along the sea coast. Crossing the Abkhazian border from Kabardino-Balkaria directly through the mountains is not possible and will be physically quite difficult anyway.

title: North Caucasus


text:
North Central Cascades

North Central Cascades is in the North Cascades region of Washington.

Cities

 * - where Northern Exposure was filmed
 * - county seat of Kittias County
 * - Bavarian oriented town
 * - county seat of Okanogan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - Bavarian oriented town
 * - county seat of Okanogan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - county seat of Okanogan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County
 * - county seat of Chelan County

Other destinations

 * - Ride the Lady of the Lake to the historic and unique town of Stehekin in the heart of Lake Chelan National Recreation Area
 * Nooksack Falls, on Highway 542, 7 miles east of the Glacier Ranger Station
 * - Visit the Ross Lake National Recreation Area and stretch your legs at one of the stops along the scenic North Cascades Highway
 * Split Rock B.L.M. Recreation Site, on the shores of Palmer Lake. 5 miles north of Loomis along the Loomis-Oroville Road.
 * Summit at Snoqualmie - ski resort at Snoqualmie Pass
 * Split Rock B.L.M. Recreation Site, on the shores of Palmer Lake. 5 miles north of Loomis along the Loomis-Oroville Road.
 * Summit at Snoqualmie - ski resort at Snoqualmie Pass

Understand
The North Central Cascades includes Kittias, Chelan and Okanogan counties in the north central part of the state.

Talk
The primary language is English.

By car
From the Seattle area, you can reach the North Central Cascades by I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass to Ellensburg or US-2 over Stevens Pass to Wenatchee. Either way it is about a 2-2.5 hour drive. From Spokane to the east, you can take either US-2 or I-90 to the region. There is a border crossing on US-97 that connects the region to the Okanogan Valley in British Columbia.

By train
The only train service to this area is on Amtrak's Empire Builder that stops at Wenatchee. The Empire Builder goes across the northern United States from Seattle to Chicago.

By air
Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee has commercial flights to Seattle only. It is probably easier just to take a flight to Seattle and then drive to this region.

Get around
Public transportation is limited, so driving is basically the only way to see this region. The major north-south route is US-97, which goes through the middle of the region connecting Ellensburg, Wenatchee and Omak. East-west highways include I-90 through Ellensburg, US-2 through Wenatchee and Leavenworth and WA-20 through Winthrop and Omak.

Itineraries
The North Cascade Loop

title: North Central Cascades


text:
North Central Florida

North Central Florida includes Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Columbia, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Lafayette, Madison, Marion, Putnam, Sumter, Suwannee, and Union counties.

Cities

Fanning Springs, on the boundary of the Big Bend Coast, is listed within that region.

Regional airports

 * Gainesville Regional Airport, N.E. 39th Ave., Gainesville, +1 352 373-0249.
 * Palatka Municipal Airport, Palatka.

Do
There's a fun, well-marked walking trail on the roadbed of an old railroad that parallels US-98 near Trenton.

Go next

 * Big Bend Coast
 * First Coast

title: North Central Florida


text:
North Central Idaho

North Central stretches across vast wilderness, pristine rivers, deep canyons, and rolling hills in Idaho.

Cities

 * — gateway to the Nez Perce National Historical Park
 * — a timber and logging town that is Idaho's only port city, and the furthest inland port in the western United States
 * — a hard-core college town dominated by the University of Idaho
 * — the main city on the Nez Perce Indian Reservation, attractively set amongst tumbly semi-arid hills and the Clearwater River

Other destinations

 * — many sacred sites celebrate the Nimiipuu, who have hunted, fished, and lived inntge region for thousands of years
 * — contains parts of several mountain ranges, including the Salmon River Mountains, the Clearwater Mountains, and the Bighorn Crags

title: North Central Idaho


text:
North Central Iowa

North Central Iowa is in the Midwest of the United States of America.

Understand
This largely rural region includes the counties of Kossuth, Winnebago, Worth, Mitchell, Hancock, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Humboldt, Wright, Franklin, Butler, Calhoun, Webster, Hamilton, Hardin, and Grundy. The most populated areas are Mason City in Cerro Gordo County and Fort Dodge in Webster County.

Get in
Although there are airports, most people get here by car. Interstate 35 runs through the center of this region, leading south to the state capital city of Des Moines in Central Iowa and north to Minnesota. US highway 20 runs along the lower edge of this region, connecting the region to Sioux City in the west and Waterloo and Dubuque in the east.

See

 * Nashua. The "Little Brown Church in the Vale" of 19th-century hymn fame is found in the ghost town of Bradford, along the highway across the Cedar River to the east of Nashua. It is attracts large numbers of weddings because of its quaint setting.

title: North Central Iowa


text:
North Central Nebraska

North Central Nebraska is a rural region of that American state.

Cities

 * , population 1

Understand
North Central Nebraska is the least populated area of the state. Less than 100,000 people live in area covering 19,000 sq mi (30,000 sq km). That's an average of 5 people per square mile (3 people per square kilometer).

This region of Nebraska is a lot of what visitors to the state expect. Open grasslands and treeless landscapes as far as the eye can see. Most of the farmland in this region is for livestock, specifically cattle. Towns are tight-knit and are willing to accommodate visitors.

The low population and small towns have created an area of sky considered ideal for stargazing, especially along NE-97 between Mullen and Valentine. Virtually no light pollution allows visitors a view of the night sky as it would have been hundreds of years ago. This is a double-edged sword, however. Roads outside of towns have no lights, so take care when driving after dark.

Get in and around
North Central Nebraska is about 100 miles from I-80 and I-90 and 200 miles from I-29 and I-25. State highways are going to be the only way of driving into this area. US-83, US-183, and US-281 are the main highways traveling north-south. US-20 and NE-2 are the main routes east-west. There are several municipal airports in the region, located at Valentine, Ainsworth, and Thedford. The nearest major airport would be located in Omaha. These small airports are primarily for cargo and emergency personnel, but civilians are allow to board flights when they are available.

Stay safe
Being the least populated region in Nebraska, crime is not a problem in the region. People are courteous and willing to help.

Environmental hazards pose the greatest threat. This area experiences extreme weather regularly. Severe thunderstorms, blizzards, and tornadoes are regular occurrences. Check your hotel or motel for information regarding severe weather shelters. Camping grounds have severe weather shelter locations marked on maps. Distances between towns can be over one hundred miles, meaning fuel stops are spaced far apart. Make sure your car is ready for long drives and has a full tank of gas before heading out. Roads outside of the cities do not have street lamps, and so night driving is often done in complete darkness and not recommended. Keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road. Cell phone coverage can be spotty so service might not be available when you need it.

A majority of Nebraska's severe weather is experienced in late May and early June, and again in January and February. Bad weather can strike any time so make sure you know the weather forecast before heading on an outdoor excursion.

Go next

 * Head north into South Dakota
 * Go south and visit Kearney
 * Head east towards the panhandle and visit Scottsbluff
 * Go east and visit the largest city in the state, Omaha, or the state capital, Lincoln

title: North Central Nebraska