North Carolina has long played a central role in the history of the American South. Situated along the Atlantic coast, this state has contributed to the country's maritime commerce and economic development in a way that few states can match. With its historic contributions to aviation and maritime navigation, North Carolina has long led the nation in many cutting-edge innovations. This forward-thinking leadership, coupled with the state's impressive geography and the pioneering spirit of its people, has given North Carolina a unique culture that any visitor is sure to appreciate. Overall, North Carolina offers travelers a fascinating vacation destination that has something to offer everyone who visits it. North Carolina Cultural Attractions When visiting North Carolina, travelers are sure to find the 1930s shell-shaped gas station in Winston-Salem to be a fascinating sight. to have. This gas station is a monument to America's love affair with the automobile. Active from the 1930s to the 1970s, this gas station served American motorists during the heyday of the American automobile industry. Preserved today in its original style, this gas station is a testament to the creative spirit of North Carolina and is a unique cultural attraction that visitors are sure to enjoy. Another venerable cultural attraction that travelers to North Carolina are sure to love is North Carolina. Raleigh Art Museum. This fabulous museum features exhibits showcasing the works of many North Carolina artists. With dazzling stone and bronze sculptures serving as sentinels at the entrance, visitors are sure to be amazed by the magnificent art on display at this spectacular attraction. Overall, the two stories that Carolina has to offer its visitors make it easy to understand why travelers from all over the world come to this fascinating state. With its majestic mountains and inspiring historical and cultural attractions, North Carolina is truly a place unlike any other in the United States. Perhaps this is why many travelers return to North Carolina year after year. Sources “North Carolina”, Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina “USS North Carolina Battleship Museum”, Battleship North Carolina http://www.battleshipnc.com/“Popular North Carolina Attractions” , visit NChttp://www.visitnc.com/journeys/articles/popular-attractions“Shell-Shaped Gas Station,” Roadside America.comhttp://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/11631“Top 10 Attractions of North Carolina”, Choice Hotelshttp://carolinas.choicehotels.com/north-carolina-hotels/top10attractions