While visiting the Piedmont, it's easy to forget what state you're in. Though it’s in the geographic center of North Carolina, this collection of growing urban areas and college towns is like nothing else in the Tar Heel State—or the Southeast.

This is a region on the move, where change is constant and often for the better. Continual evolution keeps the local culture vital. The Piedmont's gently rolling hills are home to North Carolina's three major metropolitan areas—the Triangle (Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill), the Triad (Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point), and Charlotte. Though their histories differ, these sprawling population clusters now have much in common. They're full of big-city highlights like huge sports complexes, sparkling new museums, and upscale restaurants. Hip, innovative elements abound, fueled by new residents combining the best aspects of the South with modern, progressive sensibilities. Farmers' markets, indie cinemas, and monthly art walks show off the area's growing creative scene. The transition is not only fascinating to watch but also fun to take part in. You should never be at a loss for things to eat, see, or do.