The Carolinas’ Best Cities to Visit

PHOTO: The beautiful beach views on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. (photo by Eric Bowman) Have you gone to Carolina in your mind? (Perhaps a time or two, right?)Well, if you’ve never been in person, you’re missing out some fantastic cities.The Carolinas have you covered whether you’re looking for the beach, the mountains, a big city or just some good ol’ southern charm and hospitality.Check out any of these five cities the next time you make your way through the Carolinas:Asheville, North Carolina With the most breweries per capita, Asheville is the brewery capital of America. So, it’s the perfect city for you to visit if you love beer. Check out the downtown brewery triangle area where there are over 10 breweries all within easy walking distance.It’s also a town with sensational mountain scenery. So even if you’re not a beer enthusiast, you can hike nature trails, go rafting, kayaking, fishing, etc. and be one with nature. Charleston, South Carolina Southern charm abounds in the “No. 1 city in the world.”There are some spectacular food and drink spots throughout the city, as well as many "bang for your buck" eateries. You can feel the history as you walk along the cobblestone streets and see historic homes and buildings on nearly every corner.Visit Market Street, a popular tourist area with little stands to buy all sorts of things. And if you want to get your toes wet since you’re so close to the coastline, Folly Beach is a simple drive from the heart of the city.Charlotte, North Carolina The Queen City, she is beautiful. And she's also loaded with numerous craft breweries and delicious restaurants—both budget friendly and upscale—along with plenty of outdoor activities and sporting events.And if you really want to get your adventure on, hit up Carowinds amusement park for the world’s tallest and fastest Giga coaster: the 325-foot-tall Fury 325.READ MORE Charlotte is Home to the Ultimate 'exBEERience'   Greenville, South Carolina Another city full of southern charm, Greenville is one of the fastest growing destinations in the Southeast.The allure of downtown pulls you in and with 120 plus locally owned restaurants and boutiques, tons of annual festivals and events. There’s always something to keep you entertained.Additionally, you'll find stunning views everywhere you turn. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina Arguably the best beach in all the Carolinas, Hilton Head is an ideal spot for families and couples. It’s the best island in America and a wonderful place to visit year-round. The summer months will, of course, be more crowded, but that’s expected for any city with such clean beaches.With over 250 restaurants, 24 championship level golf courses and seemingly endless activities, Hilton Head Island is a superb getaway destination for all ages (and my personal favorite place to visit in the Carolinas).Follow @EricBowman_