North Carolina is a beautiful state packed full of diverse summer opportunities. From the Blue Ridge mountains to the coast of the Outer Banks, N.C. has something everyone can enjoy. There's also something for every price range, so whether you've got to budget or you're willing to splurge, North Carolina has a hidden gem attraction for you.

1. Float The New River, Alleghany & Ashe County

The New River is the second oldest river in the world, right behind the Nile, and also flows north instead of south! It is home to local marine and wildlife of North Carolina, and camp grounds as far as the eye can see. You can tube, kayak, canoe or just swim the New free of charge if you own your boat, or pay a small fee with Zaloo's Canoes of Ashe county or New River Campground right on the North Carolina Virgina boarder.

2. Drive The Blue Ridge Parkway, Western NC

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 mile road going through 29 counties in western North Carolina and southern Virginia. The Parkway employed many young men during the Great Depression and was formed out of Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. Today the Parkway is a staple to locals surrounding it and a major economy booster during tourist season. One can stop off of the Parkway at places such as Blowing Rock, visit the swinging bridge at Grandfather Mountain or simply drive the entire way to admire the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

3. Old Salem, Winston-Salem

Home to a sweet Moravian village established in 1766, Old Salem is the perfect family day trip. In the heart of Winston Salem, Old Salem has beautiful gardens, museums and a working Moravian bakery stuffed to the rim with authentic Moravian goodies. The signature Moravian candle and star are available year round, and you can even watch Old Salem community members make the candles and additional metal works. Across the lawn sits the Salem Spirits of Salem College, the first and oldest women's college ever established in the United States, which was founded in 1772 by members of the Salem community.

4. Visit The Outer Banks Lighthouses

For more than 200 years the lighthouses of the Outer Banks (OBX) have protected sailors and sea voyagers from the OBX coast, being some of the tallest in America. The lighthouses are not only beautiful but have also become symbols of hope. Five lighthouses sit perfectly on the coast of the beautiful Outer Banks: Bodie Island Lighthouse, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse (pictured above), Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Okracoke lighthouse.

5. The Wright Brothers National Memorial, Kill Devil Hills

Everyone knows North Carolina was 'first in flight' thanks to our awesome license plates, but have you ever seen the strip of Kill Devil Hills where the brothers actually had sucessful flight? Right off of the Croatan highways sits the Wright Brothers National Memorial and Museum, fun for all ages.The monument is stationed upon the actual hill and encircled to symbolize the area where Wilbur and Orville Wright had their first successful flight.

6. Hike The Appalachian Trail, Western N.C./ Tennessee Border

It's no secret that the Appalachian Trail, or AT for short, is a very long and challenging trail for any hiker. But, if even the most basic of hikers has a hiking itch only the AT can scratch, portions of the trail float through Western North Carolina. Perfect for a wilderness getaway, the AT is an awesome hike for anyone wanting to explore the Appalachian Mountains.

7. Biltmore Estate, Asheville

The Biltmore Estate was originally built by George Vanderbilt in 1889 and underwent construction until 1895, with Biltmore house being the main home. The Biltmore is still owned by a descendent of George Vanderbilt and sits on 8,000 acres of wonderful Asheville beauty, including the estate, an inn, gardens and even a restaurant. A wonderful museum and garden complex for anyone interested in historic beauty.

8. Carowinds Amusement Park, Charlotte, N.C/ South Carolina

Carowinds is a North Carolina staple, home to the fastest coaster, The Intimidator, and the tallest and fastest gigacoaster, Fury 325. Carowinds straddles the North Carolina-South Carolina line gracefully, and you can literally be in two places at once within the park. With the Carolina Harbor waterpark now being open, coasters for all sizes and of course amusement park food, Carowinds is the perfect day trip for the entire family despite the loss of the wooden coaster Thunder Road (I'll always love you).

9. Uwharrie National Forest, Troy

Do you live dreaming of using that 4x4 in your Jeep, truck or car? Or maybe of spending an entire week camping? Uwharrie National Forest is for you. For years Jeep enthusiasts have been traveling to Uwharrie to test out their 4x4 in even the roughest and toughest of elements, but there are also hiking trails, camp grounds and even lake access within the forest for those who aren't quite so interested in rock climbing.

10. Visit Lake Norman in Cornelius, Davidson or Huntersville

If jet skiing, paddle boarding or motor boating is a dream you've always had, then visiting Lake Norman should be your go to trip. The 'inland sea' of North Carolina, Lake Norman is home to Duke Energy Power plant, vacation homes, delicious food and of course plenty of things to do. Lake Norman is the perfect trip for someone seeking relaxation and good ole sunshine.

11. DuPont State Forest, Cedar Mountian

The DuPont State Forest is home to various rivers, streams and waterfalls (Hooker Falls pictured above) perfect for swimming and relaxing beside. Complete with hiking trails and North Carolina wildlife living in peace and harmony, DuPont State Forest is a hidden gem nestled within NC.

12. Lazy 5 Ranch, Mooresville

Lazy 5 Ranch is an exotic animal park dedicated to the education of the animals it houses. Children can walk around and view various local and exotic wildlife and also take wagon rides through the safari. Lazy 5 Ranch is privately owned and operated by Henry Hampton with no federal funding and home to over 750 well taken care of animals from six different continents.

Go forth and travel the great state of North Carolina! From mountains to coast, our beautiful state has something for everyone.