North Carolina can be divided into three general regions: the High Country, the Piedmont and the coast. In the far west of the state, the High Country is a beautiful area to visit year-round. I love the spring, when azaleas, pink laurel and rhododendron trees bloom and grand poplars rise from valley floors. But fall, when the Appalachian Mountains are ablaze in orange, red and yellow foliage, is extraordinary.