Looking Forward: The North Carolina Edition

Well, it's officially moving week.  Tomorrow is my last day in the office, the movers come Thursday morning to pack/load my belongs and my car, and then I will be staying with Phil until Sunday when I take my one-way flight to Charlotte...  Yikes.  I think that might be a 'sunglasses on' kind of flight to hide the tears I imagine I'll be crying. 

That said, I think I am well overdue for a positive post about this move, given the fact I have not written anything positive about it thus far.  So I thought I'd do a looking forward post with a North Carolina focus.

When I move to NC, I'm looking forward to...

- spring.  I know Charlotte has had cooler weather lately, but it's still a walk in the park compared to what we've had lately (hello 8 degrees with the windchill on April 1st).  I am looking forward to green grass and trees with leaves and blooming flowers.  And temps that don't require a winter coat, hat, and gloves!!  And maybe I can wear my cropped pants without freezing!  

- attending a good friend/co-worker's wedding later this month.  She graciously invited me to her wedding when she found out I would move in time to be there for her special day.  She is getting married in the Lake Norman area, which is apparently a very beautiful area.  I will also be attending her 'last night out' dinner the first weekend I am in Charlotte.  It feels good to have social plans the first two weekends I will be in Charlotte.

- visiting John and his family in the Raleigh area!  I have known John through blogging for many years and we met briefly last year when I was in Charlotte for work.  In June I am planning to visit him, his wife, and their 2 adorable girls.  John is preparing for an Ironman in the fall (I might go spectate since it's in Wilmington which is about 3-4 hours from Charlotte!) so we will definitely be doing a long run together!

- checking out the U.S. National Whitewater Center.  It's about 20 minutes from Charlotte, so very easy to get to.  I am considering getting a season pass for this place as I can see myself going there often.  Judging by the name you might think I will go white water rafting, but I am actually not a huge fan of that; instead I want to paddle board, kayak, zip-line, check out their trails (Kyria, I might actually try trail running!), try canyon crossing (whatever that means), and maybe try rock climbing. 

- visiting the Asheville area.  I have heard nothing but wonderful things about Asheville.  It's in the mountainous area of NC and that is where the Biltmore is located (which apparently looks like a French Castle!).  There are so many things to do, I might have to go here more than once to take it all in.

- visiting the Outer Banks.  This is another area that I have heard nothing but good things about.  It sounds like such a beautiful, charming place to visit.  It's a LONG drive from Charlotte, though, so I am not sure if I will get there this year, but we'll see.

So there you have it.  Some positive aspects to this move, most of which I'll work on discovering after the CFA exam is behind me.  I think I am going to treat myself to a North Carolina travel guide book after the move as I figure that will help me find other areas to explore.  After all, I do want to make the most of this year (or however long it ends up being) that I spend in Charlotte.

Have you been to North Carolina?  Any must-see places I should add to my list?