This North Carolina Place Has the Best Sunset in the South
You can’t argue with the fact that North Carolina has some beautiful sunsets. Now, travel experts are saying that one North Carolina place has the best sunset in the South. Of course, I think that no matter where you are in North Carolina, you’re going to see a beautiful sunset. But, this special place stands above the rest.
This North Carolina Place Has the Best Sunset in the South
There’s something that’s so peaceful and pristine about watching a sunset in the summer months. Actually, I love watching and photographing sunsets during all of the seasons, but a summer sunset is just special. It’s not lost on me that summer is the season when we can watch a sunset later at night, which just feels right. I mean, it just feels weird in the winter, when the sunset is super early. That said, it’s exciting to think that North Carolina has the best sunset in the South.
Southern Living magazine has a new feature out about North Carolina’s beautiful sunsets. In the piece, they note, “When the day’s finale is especially vibrant, no dazzling Fourth of July fireworks show or manmade special effect can come close to competing.” They add, “A few things we love about sunsets: they’re free, there’s always an encore performance, and you can see one from just about anywhere.” Not to mention that watching the sunset with your significant other can be really romantic. Insert kissy-face emoji here.
So, which North Carolina place has the best sunset in the South? They say that you need to absolutely watch the sun go down at Max Patch in Hot Springs, North Carolina. Max Patch, of course, is located on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Max Patch is a gorgeous bald mountain on the Appalachian Trail with 360° views. As Southern Living explains, “The unusual setting is an ecosystem unique to Southern Appalachia that creates an incredible, almost surreally beautiful backdrop for a sunset.” We’re so lucky to have such a great spot to see the sunset right here in North Carolina. I actually have a friend who lives near that area, so the next time I visit her, I’m definitely going to make a trip to Max Patch to watch the sun go to sleep. There’s also a great hiking trail in Max Patch, so you can make a whole day of it. Hike during the day, and then relax and watch the sunset at night.
Tips to Maximize Your Vacation
1. Save Money
One great way to maximize your vacation is simply to save money. You’ll feel so much better on vacation knowing that you’re saving cash by doing things the right way. One major way to save money is to travel during an off season. Every vacation destination has its own peak time. So, look at the cheapest time to visit your destination, and go then. Find more tips on saving money on vacation, too.
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2. Don't Plan Every Minute of Your Vacation
Sure, you want to do some planning so that you don’t miss the big tourist stops in your destination. But, don’t book every blasted minute. Maximize your vacay by saving some time to be spontaneous. Take a day to just figure out what to do when you’re there. Maybe some locals will recommend a secret spot for you to visit during your “day off.”
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3. Do Plan Ahead, Though
While you don’t want to overbook your trip so that you’re always running from spot to spot, you do want to plan a bit. It’s not a good idea to do zero planning and just feel things out when you get there. Plan some big activities ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling last-minute.
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4. Plan Regular Mini-Vacations
If you only have one big vacation every year, you might feel under a lot of pressure to make it the most amazing experience ever. So, take away that stress. Plan mini-vacations throughout the year, so you aren’t under as much pressure to make your big trip the best thing that’s ever happened to you and your family. For example, in the fall, if you live in an area with beautiful colors, make an annual fall color tour trip and just drive around the state.
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5. Stay an Extra Day
If time and money allows, adding just one day to your vacation can open up a world of possibilities. Many people plan too short a trip, not realizing just how much they’ll want to do in their destination. So, add an extra day. You’ll be glad you did at the end of your stay.
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6. Take Time to Sleep
Sure, you’re on vacation. You want to soak up every minute of your trip. But, if you’re up late every night partying in the clubs and then up early to enjoy the sunrise, pretty soon, you’ll be too tired to enjoy your vacation. So, take time to get some sleep and feel rested.
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7. Let the Small Stuff Go
They say, “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” That’s certainly true on vacation. Nothing is going to go totally as planned. So, expect the unexpected, and roll with it.
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8. Plan Some Recoup Time
When you get back from your vacation, don’t plan to start work the very next day. Take an extra day or two off after your vacation to recuperate, so that you hit the ground running when you’re back at work. The extra time at home will also give you a chance to savor your vacation.
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9. Pick an Experience
People often find experiencing more rewarding that physical things. So, make sure to plan an experience with your trip. Maybe there’s a huge concert you want to see on vacation. Perhaps it’s a sporting event. Whatever it is, plan an awesome experience.
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10. Learn for Next Time
Finally, when you’re home from your trip, decompress and look back on your vacation. What went wrong? What went right? Take notes and learn from your vacation, so you’ll know what to do better next time.
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