A North Carolina vacation rental makes the perfect home away from home for exploring the natural beauty, history and cultural attractions of North Carolina.

North Carolina is a paradise for outdoor lovers, with 1.2 million acres of national forest, 37,000 miles of fresh water streams, 300 waterfalls and 1,500 lakes. Miles of pristine North Carolina beaches can be found along the Atlantic coast and the Outer Banks, a series of barrier islands off the coast.

North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains are the ultimate year-round playground. Wintertime guests of North Carolina vacation rentals can hit the slopes at eight ski resorts. Sugar Mountain, the largest North Carolina ski resorts, has a 1,200-foot vertical drop, 20 trails and eight lifts. This is a good spot for beginner and intermediate skiers. The Hawksnest Golf and Ski Resort has 12 lighted slopes for all skill levels and a scenic golf course. Appalachian Ski Mountain has nine slopes and five lifts and also offers ice skating.

The Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s most spectacular scenic drives, winds 250 miles through western North Carolina. An Asheville cabin or vacation rental makes the ideal home base for enjoying this area and the Great Smokey Mountains. The charming mountain town of Asheville is filled with arts and crafts shops, galleries, museums and restaurants. Guests of Asheville vacation rentals will find great fishing on nearby Lake Julian and Lake Lure.

When you’re in Asheville, don’t miss a tour of the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest home. This mega-mansion, built by George W. Vanderbilt in 1895, has 255 rooms filled with thousands of original antiques, furnishings and artworks.

More than 600 North Carolina golf courses await guests of North Carolina vacation rentals. Top-rated course include Pinehurst and Southern Pines.