International visitors to the U.S. are often enchanted by the diversity of landscapes and natural beauty that embody the country - in virtually every state. From breathtaking mountains to glorious beaches, serene woodlands to wetlands teeming with life, many American states afford visitors the chance to fully experience Mother Nature's rich complexity and creativity.

North Carolina vacations, in particular, offer travelers the chance to take in the kind of natural splendor sung about in the nation's unofficial anthem, "God Bless America." From the southern end of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the state's western half, to the miles of beaches on the eastern barrier islands of the Outer Banks, North Carolina's landscapes hold much appeal - especially for city-weary travelers looking to escape concrete jungles.

Situated mid-point on the country's eastern seaboard, North Carolina is a doable drive from virtually any state on the east coast, and many neighboring states to the west. A well-developed highway system facilitates easy movement from one end of the state to the other. And gorgeous blooms - planted by the state's highway department - adorn many of the medians and roadsides on some of the state's biggest highways.

The Outer Banks and the Carolina High Country are two popular areas for North Carolina vacations. Here's a sampling of the sights you'll find in these two very diverse landscapes on opposite borders of the tarheel state.

The Outer Banks

The barrier islands that compose North Carolina's Outer Banks are famous not only for their miles of pristine beaches, but also as the birth place of human flight. Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first human flight on Dec. 17, 1903 at Kitty Hawk. Today, an educational center and inspirational monument mark the location where the Wright brothers made their first flight.

History and nature flawlessly combine in the Outer Banks, where you'll find iconic lighthouses, a Civil War trail, museums and cultural centers, and abundant wildlife, water sports and beautiful beaches. Visit www.outerbanks.org to learn more.

High Country

Majestic vistas, fascinating rock formations, lush forests, ample wildlife, spectacular waterfalls, and winding rivers and streams - all the things that speak "mountains" to the human spirit can be found in North Carolina's High Country. The Blue Ridge Parkway enters the state in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains and winds its way for 252 miles (nearly half the scenic byway's total length) through some of the state's most beautiful scenery.

Fishing, water sports, hiking, camping, cavern exploring, antiquing, nature photography, skiing, immersion in living history and even wine tasting are all attractions for visitors to the region. Not-to-be-missed stops include the village of Blowing Rock, where Native American legend has it that the Great Spirit, at the behest of an Indian maiden, used the power of the wind to save the life of her beloved, who had attempted to leap to his death from the Blowing Rock. Log on to www.visitnc.com to learn more about the area.

Whether you're craving a beach getaway with plenty of sun and fun, or a cool mountain escape into lush wilderness, you'll find plenty of North Carolina vacation packages to suit your tastes. You may even find yourself humming a few bars of "God Bless America" as you cruise the scenic highways of the tarheel state.

Courtesy of ARAcontent