Not sure if it has to be concealed in NC. Here in TN it is pretty lax but this smartcarry allows you to pic the location in the front for easy access. I only carry mine when on trips.
NC's an open carry state so, visibility is not an issue. I have a CWP, and I carry concealed where I legally can. There are places - schools, certain government buildings, and those few businesses that think a sign on the door is going to to deter criminals where I have to lock it securely in the vehicle.
NC recently - last Oct - corrected a few issues relating to CWP holders where we can now carry in restaurants that serve alcohol - of course, cannot drink. We can also now have the weapon in the vehicle on public school grounds - has to remain in a container, and cannot be out of the vehicle, and they also relieved the local authorities of the ability to restrict concealed carry in parks and playgrounds, other than a few exceptions like I can't carry my weapon in a pool, or an a playing field - if it is marked as prohibited by the controlling local authority.
As far as easy access while in the vehicle goes, the gunholder (cupholder) in the Charger door fits my G 26 in a holster nicely.
As far as only carrying when you are on trips, you might consider that as long as you have a head on your shoulders, you will likely never be sorry that you are carrying and don't need it, while the opposite may not be true.