Southern Living named these NC cities among the best places to spend Memorial Day

Memorial Day is coming up and two North Carolina cities were identified among the best destinations to spend the holiday.

Southern Living magazine released its top 20 Memorial Day weekend destinations for the unofficial kickoff to summer.

Out of the region’s bustling cities, relaxing beaches and adventurous mountain towns, Asheville and Wilmington both made the list.

“No trip to Asheville would be complete without three things: a visit to the Biltmore, a drive on Blue Ridge Parkway, and a craft beer at a local brewery,” Southern Living says. “Consisting of more than 460 miles of views that include mountains, rivers, and waterfalls, you won’t pick a bad place to start your journey, and when you’re ready to stretch your legs, hikes (from easy strolls to challenging treks) abound.”

Downtown Asheville, NC
Downtown Asheville, NC

The mountain town, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, is about 130 miles away from Charlotte.

The views from the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Asheville can be spectacular.
The views from the Blue Ridge Parkway outside Asheville can be spectacular.

But if you’re looking for a coastal getaway for Memorial Day, Wilmington was ranked 13th for its beaches, gardens and museums.

“When you’re ready to go from fresh to saltwater, visit one of three beaches within driving distance of Wilmington: Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, and Wrightsville Beach,” the magazine states.

Wrightsville Beach is around a three and a half hour drive from Charlotte.
Wrightsville Beach is around a three and a half hour drive from Charlotte.

The popular town, which has been the backdrop for several television series and movies, is 492 miles away from Charlotte.

Guests can stroll the Riverwalk while visiting the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington.
Guests can stroll the Riverwalk while visiting the Battleship North Carolina in Wilmington.

Here’s Southern Living’s full list of popular Memorial Day weekend destinations to check out

  1. Ocean City, Maryland

  2. Arlington, Virginia

  3. Saint Augustine, Florida

  4. Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

  5. Galveston, Texas

  6. Asheville, North Carolina

  7. Savannah, Georgia

  8. Jacksonville, Florida

  9. Corpus Christi, Texas

  10. Panama City, Florida

  11. Columbus, Georgia

  12. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

  13. Wilmington, North Carolina

  14. Naples, Florida

  15. Biloxi, Mississippi

  16. New Braunfels, Texas

  17. Annapolis, Maryland

  18. Charleston, South Carolina

  19. New Orleans, Louisiana

  20. Charlottesville, Virginia