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The U.S. has no shortage of ways to prove why it earned the nickname "America the Beautiful." Just take a look around! There are countless monuments, natural landmarks, bustling cities and hidden alcoves waiting to be explored, some near some far but all absolutely worth visiting at least once to experience for yourself.
House Beautiful compiled a list of 35 of the "most beautiful places" in the U.S., highlighting stunning locales both big and small in various cities around the country. While the list features iconic destinations like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Trinity Church in Boston and the entirety of New York City and Chicago, three spots in North Carolina got a shoutout.
According to the site, Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Airlie Gardens in Wilmington, and the Blue Ridge Parkway rank No. 12, 20, and 22, respectively, among the most gorgeous places in America. Here's what House Beautiful had to say about these breathtaking destinations:
Biltmore Estate
"Spanning over 8,000 acres, the striking Biltmore Estate is worth an excursion to Asheville. The lavish mansion and sprawling, landscaped grounds are open for tours, and you can also stay on the estate for a few nights to experience what it might have been like to be a guest of the Vanderbilts, the family that built the home."
Airlie Gardens
"You have to see the beauty of Airlie Gardens to understand just how stunning it is — as gorgeous as the photos are, imagery simply cant't do it justice. The gardens cover 67 acres of land, featuring wildlife, manicured landscapes, 10 acres of lakes, more than 75,000 azaleas, and butterfly house, and a towering oak tree that dates back to 1545. It's sure to enchant you."
Blue Ridge Parkway
"Coast through 469 miles of the Appalachian Mountains on the Blue Ridge Parkway, affectionately nicknamed 'America's Favorite Drive.' Every mile is basically thought of as a scenic overlook because there's so much natural beauty to revel in. You'll want to be a passenger on this ride so you can look out the window the whole time."
Check out the full list at housebeautiful.com to read up on more of the most beautiful places in the country.