Dr. Monteith And Staff Favorites: Activities Outside Of Raleigh
We have compiled a list of favorite places to visit which are located outside of the city of Raleigh. Places marked by an (*) have been specially endorsed by Dr. Monteith.
If you are planning on visiting these places before surgery plan travel times accordingly so you can arrive on time for your pre-operative consultation. Please use proper judgement because some of these activities are not suitable for patients after surgery.
We encourage patients to leave comments at the end of this page about their experiences at any of these recommended places.
North Carolina Mountains
Asheville, NC
Asheville is that type of unique, special place that lingers sweetly in your mind and memories for years to come.
The city’s rich architectural legacy with its mix of Art Deco, Beaux Arts and Neoclassical styles is the perfect retro-urban backdrop to the edgy energy that emanates from the locally owned-shops and art galleries, distinctive restaurants and exciting entertainment venues.
Known as an art colony, a healing resort and a home to notable luminaries, statesmen and bohemians.
A popular place to stay for many Asheville visitors is the Grove Park Inn* or at the Biltmore estate. Asheville is 4 hours away from Raleigh.
Biltmore Estate
No visit to Asheville is complete without a tour of the Biltmore Estate.
Completed in 1895, George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. Biltmore House is truly a wonder of architecture and hospitality. You are welcome to tour, stay over night or dine here.
This is an especially wonderful activity during the Christmas Holidays because of the extensive holiday decorations.
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is named ‘America’s Favorite Drive’ and offers many attractions for visitors. Outstanding scenery and recreational opportunities make the Blue Ridge Parkway one of the most visited sections of the National Park System.
Split-rail fences, old farmsteads, mountain meadows and scenic overlooks with endless vistas make the Blue Ridge Parkway a popular attraction. The parkway is 4 to 6 hours away from Raleigh.
Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are many activities to keep you busy during your stay here.
Cherokee
The town of Cherokee is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There are many activities to keep you entertained.
It is highly recommended you visit the Cherokee Indian Reservation and also try your luck at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Cherokee is 6 hours away from Raleigh.
North Carolina Beaches
Wilmington
The city of Wilmington and the surrounding beaches are extremely popular with many North Carolinians. Wilmington offers the shortest distance to the most beaches when traveling from Raleigh. Wilmington is 2 hours away from Raleigh. The Blockade Runner Beach Resort* is a popular hotel with many who stay in the city of Wilmington.
The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks is what most people think of when they think of beaches in North Carolina. 
The Outer Banks is composed of a 200 mile long string of barrier islands.
The Outer Banks begins just north of the city of Wilmington and stretches all the way to the state of Virginia. There are numerous beaches and 14 towns on The Outer Banks. The Outer Banks has been prominent in American history: the Wright Brother’s first flight (Kitty Hawk), the first English Colony (Roanoke Island), favorite roaming ground for Americas most famous pirate Blackbeard.
Depending on where you go, the Outer Banks is 3 to 6 hours away from Raleigh.
South Carolina Beaches
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach can be a great place to go when traveling to North Carolina.
There are many activities here to keep you busy. Great beaches, shopping, restaurants, and activities. You could stay busy for an entire summer.
This is a great place to go for families and a great destination for golfers. You can golf all year around with many different public courses to choose from. Hotels and restaurants to fit every different budget.
There are numerous places to stay in Myrtle Beach. For a good all around experience consider staying at the Marina Inn Grande Dunes.* Myrtle Beach is 3 hours away from Raleigh.
Charleston, South Carolina
The city of Charleston is an amazing destination. It offers history dating back to colonial times, historical tours, great restaurants and night life, and amazing shopping. Although the city of Charleston does not have any immediate beach access, there are several amazing beaches nearby: Folly Beach, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Edisto Beach.
Charleston is 4 hours away from Raleigh.
Hilton Head, South Carolina
Hilton Head Island in South Carolina is known as the most family-friendly destination in the world. Offering an assortment of outdoor excursions and also named as one of the top 10 family beaches in the country, the Island is the best family destination for a beach vacation or getaway. Experience Hilton Head Island’s infinite opportunities and make your Island vacation an unforgettable one. Also known as a Golfer’s Paradise! Hilton Head Island is 5 hours away from Raleigh.
Georgia
Savannah, Georgia
Moss-draped, molasses-sweet Savannah, like Charleston and New Orleans and other Southern port towns, is forever linked to its past. Savannah is Charleston’s South Carolinas sister city rich in history and antebellum charm. This is an excellent place to visit if you want a taste of the south. Great restaurants, small hotels, and historical activities. Although Savannah has a lot to offer visitors be aware immediate beach access is limited.
Savannah is approximately 5 to 6 hours away from Raleigh.
