Raleigh-Durham International Airport’s Busiest Domestic Flights

Data for domestic flights from RDU are from April 2023 – March 2024

10. Newark, New Jersey (263,600)

263,600 passengers took the flight from RDU to Newark with the top carriers being Delta and United. On average, there are 15 flights a week traveling from RDU to Newark.

9. Boston, Massachusetts (268,920)

The 1 hour and 27 minutes flight from RDU to Boston carried 268,920 passengers. The top carriers for the flight were Delta, Frontier, and JetBlue. Flights from RDU to Boston are operated 40 times a week, 6 flights a day on average. 

8. Chicago-O’Hare, Illinois (289,450)

RDU to Chicago had 289,450 passengers with American Airlines, Frontier, and United as the top carriers. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

7. New York, LaGuardia (291,790)

291,790 passengers traveled from RDU to LaGuardia between April 2023 and March 2024. The top carriers are American Airlines, Delta, and Frontier with a flight time of approximately 1 hour and 32 minutes.

6. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas (309,150)

The flight from RDU to Dallas Fort Worth carried 309,150 passengers with American Airlines and Frontier as the top carrier. The flight time lasts around 2 hours and 30 minutes.

5. New York, JFK International (310,470)

RDU to JFK International flew 310,470 passengers from April 2023 to March 2024. The flight lasted approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes and the top carriers were American Airlines, Delta, and JetBlue. 

4. Denver, Colorado (313,970)

The flight from RDU to Denver takes approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes and carries 313,970 passengers. The top carriers are Frontier, Southwest, and United Airlines. This is the longest of the top domestic flights at 1,436 miles.

3. Orlando, Florida (405,150)

Orlando, a popular tourist destination, had 405,150 passengers from April 2023 to March 2024. The top carriers include Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, and Southwest. The flight from RDU to Orlando takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

2. Charlotte, North Carolina (496,120)

Charlotte, a popular flight connection, is the second busiest route from RDU with 496,120 passengers. The top carrier is American Airlines and the flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. This is the shortest of the top destinations at 129 miles.

1. Atlanta, Georgia (702,900)

The most popular domestic destination out of RDU is Atlanta, Georgia with 702,900 passengers. The top carriers include Delta, Frontier, and Southwest. A flight from RDU to Atlanta, GA takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

9 Fun Winter Activities in North Carolina

Cary

NORTH CAROLINA CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL

Nov. 16th – Jan. 12th

Cary

The annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheater is an ideal holiday activity for the whole family. Running from November 16th through January 12th, the festival features all-new displays with hundreds of parts and thousands of lights. In addition to the dazzling lanterns, the event includes a rich history, tasty food, performances, and numerous retail vendors.

Raleigh

SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS FAIR

December 7th

Raleigh

The Scandinavian Christmas Fair, also known as Julmarknad, will be held at the State Fair Grounds on December 7th. This authentic celebration showcases traditions from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Attendees can find traditional food, dancing, and vendors. Additionally, tickets are available online or in person, making it a wonderful yearly tradition for the entire family.

RALEIGH CHRISTMAS PARADE

November 23rd

Raleigh

The 2024 Raleigh Christmas Parade will take place on November 23rd at 9:30 am and stands as the largest parade between Atlanta and Washington DC. As the parade makes its way down the 1.4-mile route, there is something for everyone. Over its 2-hour duration, attendees can enjoy local marching bands, various organizations, balloons, dancers, and floats. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the Raleigh Christmas Parade!

THE NUTCRACKER

Dec. 12th to Dec. 24th

Raleigh

The Nutcracker, presented by Carolina Ballet, takes place in downtown Raleigh. The shows run from December 12th to the 24th and are the most-attended Carolina Ballet production ever. Held at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, the production features fresh choreography, vibrant sets, and stunning costumes.

THE RINK

November to January

Raleigh

THE RINK, a natural ice skating rink in the heart of downtown Raleigh, will operate from November to January. This year, visitors can enjoy a snack bar, games, and lounging stations. The event will take place at Red Hat Amphitheater. In addition, tickets start at $15 for skaters and $6 for non-skaters.

Greater North Carolina

POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE

Nov. 7th to Dec. 31st

Bryson City

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad presents the Polar Express train ride. The ride lasts 1 ½ hours and guests will enjoy beautiful scenery, hot cocoa, and treats while experiencing the story. The train finishes up at the North Pole where children can meet Santa Claus and be presented their silver bell. The experience finishes back at Bryson City Depot and tickets range from $29 to $63.

CHRISTMAS AT BILTMORE

Nov. 2nd to Jan. 5th

Asheville

Christmas at Biltmore will run from November 2nd to January 5th. Tickets, which range from $110 to $420 per person depending on the package, offer various experiences. Visitors can tour the grounds during the daytime or evening; thus, they will encounter stunning decorations, enjoy complimentary wine tastings, and participate in candle-lit tours.

Mike’s Farm

November 23rd

Beaulaville

Christmas festivities at Mike’s Farm begin on November 14th and run until December 23rd. During this period, activities include the Festival of Lights Hayride, Wilmington Celebration Choir, Supper with Santa, Christmas Show, and more. For further details, including all dates and times for individual events as well as ticket information, visit their website.

WINTERFEST AT CAROWINDS

Nov. 15th to Dec. 31st

Charlotte

Winterfest at Carowinds runs from November 15th through December 31st. During this festive period, activities include Christmas lights, ice skating, live entertainment, and holiday food. With something for all ages, the event also offers free admission for children two years old and under. For tickets and additional information, visit their website.

Top 10 Biggest North Carolina State Parks

10. William B. Umstead State Park (5,599 acres)

First on our list of North Carolina state parks Is Umstead State Park. Located in Wake County, William B. Umstead State Park has everything you need for a weekend away with the family. The grounds include camping, activities, trails, and facilities. Trails range from a 0.4-mile loop called Inspiration Trail to the Sycamore Trail, a 7.2-mile loop. Spanning a large 5,599 acres, there is plenty to do at Umstead State Park.

9. Morrow Mountain State Park (5,702)

Morrow Mountain State Park in Stanly County spans 5,702 acres. At Morrow Mountain, there are hiking trails, bridle trails, boat rentals, museums, Kron House, and boat rentals. You can “glamp” in a vacation cabin or connect with nature in the tent sites while enjoying beautiful scenery and fun activities.

8. Pettigrew State Park (5,951)

Pettigrew State Park spans a large 5,951 acres across Terrell and Washington Counties. 75 miles northeast of Greenville, you can find a rich habitat and fun activities. There are five trails, ranging from 1.3 miles one way to 4.2 miles one way.

7. Gorges State Park (7,709)

Gorges State Park is located in Transylvania County, where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet. 56 miles of hiking, 17 miles of biking, and 12 miles of hiking span across 7,709 acres. Not the hiking kind? No worries! There is fishing, picnicking, and camping on site.

6. Chimney Rock State Park (8,014)

25 miles southwest of Asheville in Rutherford County, you can find Chimney Rock State Park. The 8,014 acres feature hiking, fishing, rock climbing, restaurants, an amphitheater, and more. You can take a hike (or an elevator) to the top of the 315-foot freestanding rock spire. While there is no camping on site, camping can be found at Lake James State Park.

5. Hanging Rock State Park (9,011)

In Stokes County, 30 miles north of Winston Salem, you’ll find 9,011 acres of Hanging Rock State Park. There is everything from hiking and rock climbing to swimming and lounging at the lake. There are a whopping 31 trails ranging from 0.1 miles to 7.4 miles (one way).

4. Lumber River State Park (13,695)

Lumber River State Park runs 13,695 acres across Scotland, Hoke, Robeson, and Columbus counties. 60 miles south of Fayetteville, a 115-mile river means possibilities are endless. There is a boat ramp and opportunities to paddle and fish. There are two accesses located in Princess Ann and Chalk Banks.

3. Stone Mountain State Park (14,353)

Stone Mountain State Park is the perfect getaway for rock climbers and hikers alike. There are 10 miles for horseback riding, 20 miles for hiking, and fishing, and plenty of room for rock climbing. There is camping on-site, both tent sites and RV sites. Stone Mountain State Park is 14,353 acres across Alleghany and Wilkes County. Stone Mountain is known for its 600-foot granite dome and beautiful waterfalls.

2. Dismal Swamp State Park (14,432)

Dismal Swamp State Park has 14,432 acres of abundant plant and wildlife. Located in Camden County, you can find 21.5 miles of hiking trails and 21.5 miles of biking trails. There are no camping spots at the State Park but sites can be found at Merchants Millpond State Park.

1. South Mountain State Park (20,949)

The Largest of North Carolina’s state parks is South Mountains State Park. South Mountains State Park features beautiful scenery, waterfalls, and trails. Elevations reach up to 3,000 feet with nearly 50 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, and bikers. Located 55 miles east of Asheville in Burke County, South Mountains State Park boasts a whopping 20,949 acres.

9 North Carolina Food and Beverage Chains

Pepsi (New Bern, NC)

In 1893, Pharmacist Caleb Bradgam began experimenting with soft drink concoctions for his friends and patrons to sample. One of Caleb’s beverages was “Brad’s Drink” which was eventually renamed to Pepsi-Cola in 1898. In 1902, he applied for a trademark and formed the Pepsi-Cola company. As of 2024, Pepsi has a net worth of $226.74 billion and is one of the most well-known of the NC chains.

Krispy Kreme (Winston Salem, NC)

During the Great Depression in 1937, Owner Vernon Rudolph founded Krispy Kreme, another one of the most famous chains. Rudolph bought a year-raised recipe from a New Orleans chef, rented a building, and began selling to local grocery stores. That year, Vernon opened his store in Winston-Salem. Winston-Salem is where his favorite cigarette company, Camel Cigarettes, is headquartered. The first international location was in Penrith, New South Wales, Australia. As of 2024, there are now 1,400 locations and it operates in the United States, Canada, and over 36 other countries across the world and is one of the most popular North Carolina food and beverages.

Cheerwine (Salisbury, NC)

In 1917, Lewis D. Peeler founded “the oldest continuing soft drink company still operated by the same family,” in Salisbury, North Carolina. Cheerwine officially became a registered trademark in 1926. Cheerwine began partnering with NASCAR, Krispy Kreme, and Old Carolina Barbeque, getting the name out to the public.

Hardee’s (Greenville, NC)

Wilber Hardee, the founder of Hardee’s, began with his namesake restaurant in Greenville in 1960. A year later, Wilber expanded, opening a location in Rocky Mount as the first company store. At the end of the 1960’s, the corporation had expanded to almost 200 restaurants with its first international location being in West Germany.

Mt. Olive Pickle Company (Mount Olive, NC)

In 1926, Shikrey Baddour founded the largest independent pickle company in the United States. It started in the mid-1920s when Baddour, a Lebanese immigrant, wanted to find a way to use wasted cucumber crops. This idea did not go as planned, leaving Baddour with no buyers, but by 1926 he began coming up with a new plan. The Mt. Olive Pickle Company became formally established when Baddour connected with the Mount Olive business people, led by Headley Morris Cox.

Texas Pete (Winston-Salem, NC)

Don’t let the name fool you… Winston-Salem is the birthplace of Texas Pete. In 1929, Sam Garner, the operator of the Dixie Pig barbecue stand, introduced Texas Pete. After customers began asking for a spicier sauce, his son, Thad Garner, developed the hot sauce we know today. The original name “Mexican Joe,” was shut down by his father, saying the name should be American.

Biscuitville (Graham, NC)

The idea of Biscuitville came to Maurice Jennings in 1966 with the first official Biscuitville opening in Danville, VA in 1975. The original concept was a Pizza restaurant named Pizzaville in Burlington in 1967. Maurice wanted a way to have the business work for morning hours so he started offering made-from-scratch biscuits, a Jennings family recipe. Eventually, the biscuits began selling more than the pizzas. As of April 2024, there are over 82 Biscuitville locations across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Bojangles (Charlotte, NC)

Jack Fulk and Richard Thomas of Charlotte, North Carolina developed the concept of Bojangles in 1977. Bojangles became popular after being the only restaurant to remain open during Hurricane Hugo. The chain has restaurants in 17 US states, Honduras, Grand Caymen Island, Jamaica, Mexico, and China. Ot’s home state of North Carolina has the largest number of chains with 353 restaurants.

Cook Out (Greensboro, NC)

Cookout was founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina by Morris Reaves. He remains the owner of Cook Out with his son, Jeremy Reaves, serving as the CEO. As of November 2022, there are 326 locations across ten states, primarily in the Southeast. Bojangles is the most recent of the food and beverages but has risen to popularity across the state.

Bright Leaf Hot Dogs (Smithfield, NC)

Originally the Carolina Packing Company, Bright Leaf Hot Dogs was founded in Smithfield, North Carolina by John A. Jones Senior. Bright Leaf Hot Dogs is a family-owned business that was founded in 1939. The name “Bright Leaf” is a nod to North Carolina’s agriculture and tobacco industries.