Great escapes: top-notch activities, accommodations and dining make North Carolina a world-class destination for work and play.

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At 6,684 feet, Mount Mitchell near Burnsville is the highest peak in the East. Its lowest point came about 100 years ago. Timber companies, which were mowing down forests across the Black Mountains, had set their sights on Mitchell's spruces and firs. Residents' concerns grew as fast as nearby trees fell, so state lawmakers moved to protect the mountain. In 1915, Gov. Locke Craig signed the bill that made Mitchell's summit North Carolina's first state park. For his work, the East's second-highest mountain, a few miles north of Mount Mitchell and about 35 feet lower, was named in his honor.

The state's park system has grown to 74 sites, from the waterfalls and back-country camping at Gorges State Park in Sapphire to hiking at Raven Rock State Park's Fish Trap Rapids in Lillington to the sandy beaches and history at Fort Fisher State Recreation Area on the coast. "North Carolina has managed to set aside an astounding array of natural resources readily available to every citizen," says Mike Murphy, director of the state's Division of Parks and Recreation. "During 2016, every state park will hold a special centennial event, and each one will be unique, reflecting the local flavor of the park and its bond with the community."

There will be plenty of revelers. More than 17 million people visited state parks and recreation areas in 2015. That's 11% more than the year prior. "We encourage North Carolinians and our guests to come celebrate with us and rediscover North Carolina's state parks as places to learn about our environment, to relax with family and reconnect with nature," Murphy says. "On a deeper level, the centennial is a time to renew our commitment to conservation in North Carolina and the stewardship of its resources."

North Carolina's parks are just the start of its world-class attractions, which include luxurious accommodations and tasty cuisine from Murphy to Manteo. Washington, D.C.-based U.S. Travel Association says domestic travelers spent $21.3 billion across North Carolina in 2014. That's 5.4% more than in 2013. They come for many reasons: 35.3% visit relatives or attend family reunions, 20% shop and 17.8% enjoy the beaches. "There's absolutely no question that the beaches are a top destination during the summer, as are the mountains," says Suzanne Brown of VisitNC, the tourism of North Carolina Inc. "There are appealing places all across the state."

Wilmington's riverfront was recently voted the country's best by USA Today readers. It starts with the Riverwalk, which links hotels in the historic district, water-taxi tours, dining, shopping and event spaces, including the 107,000-square-foot Wilmington Convention...