The Latest From Carolina Traveler
🌄 Sign up now to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber and get first dibs on family-friendly fun, things to do and see in small towns in NC and SC, and unique seasonal itineraries. Winter, spring, summer, or fall, we're always giving away tickets and prizes to Carolina VIP subscribers and members of our Carolina Traveler Facebook group.
Black Ops Paintball — fun for the whole family!
Myrtle Beach's Best Kept Secret: Black Ops Paintball Challenge
Beyond paintball, Socastee has plenty to offer. Explore the historic Socastee Swing Bridge, or take on archery, disc golf, and other SC thrills at the Socastee Recreation Park. For dining, enjoy Southern comfort food at Socastee Station. Socastee may be small, but it’s packed with adventure, making it a perfect destination for your next getaway.
Visit Dreher Island State Park on Lake Murray
Visit The #2 Best Lake In The Carolinas
Looking for fun on the water in small towns in NC and SC? Lake Murray, SC, is a stunning 50,000-acre man-made reservoir known as the “Jewel of South Carolina.” It was created in the 1930s by damming the Saluda River and was once the world’s largest earthen dam. Once completed, it was one of the largest man-made lakes in the world.
Today, Lake Murray also offers beautiful spots for swimming, especially at Dreher Island State Park, where you can also hike and picnic. Those who enjoy nature and wildlife can paddle to Bomb Island, the largest island on the lake, which was used for bombing practice during World War II. Today, it’s famous for the annual roosting of thousands of purple martins, a birdwatching spectacle that draws visitors.
Before Lake Murray was filled, several towns, churches, and cemeteries were submerged. Some structures, like the old Mount Willing Church, can still be seen by divers. The Lake Murray Dam, which spans 1.5 miles, also features a popular walking and biking path with stunning views of the lake, especially at sunset. Lake Murray is also known as one of the best places in the country to catch striped bass. The lake's fishing reputation attracts anglers from all over.
For more of the best lakes in North Carolina and South Carolina, check out #3-10 below — you're sure to find some epic outdoor date ideas, as well!
- Discover #10 Lake Jocassee SC
- Discover #9 Lake Nantahala NC
- Discover #8 Lake Norman NC
- Discover #7 Lake Keowee SC
- Discover #6 Lake Lure NC
- Discover #5 Lake Gaston NC
- Discover #4 Lake Marion SC
- Discover #2 Lake Hartwell SC
All aboard! Take a trip into yesteryear on a coal-fired steam engine at the Tweetsie Railroad in Blowing Rock. Tell the kids to keep a sharp eye out for bandits!
Experience History in Motion at Tweetsie's Railroad Heritage Weekend
Mark your calendars for Railroad Heritage Weekend at Tweetsie Railroad, taking place on August 24-25, 2024. All activities are included in the park's admission price (except for a special ride on the 1870s vintage Coach No. 5, which requires a $5 donation supporting East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad preservation projects).
Admission: $60 (ages 13+) $40 (ages 3-12) FREE (0-2 years)
On Saturday, enjoy a day full of railroad history with exhibits, locomotive rides, and shop tours. Highlights include rides behind Locomotive No. 190, known as the “Yukon Queen,” and the vintage No. 12 with Coach No. 5. The day concludes with an exclusive evening photo session of the locomotives in scenic settings. On Sunday, visitors can experience a rare double-header train ride, with Locomotives No. 12 and No. 190 working together. Additional activities include the Tweetsie History Exhibit and a final locomotive shop tour, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how these historic trains are maintained.
Located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Tweetsie Railroad is near the charming small towns in NC, such as Blowing Rock and Boone, which offer plenty of additional activities. Spend a day exploring one of our favorite small towns in NC: Blowing Rock. Check outthe Blowing Rock Art & History Museum or take a scenic hike along the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park trails.
Catch a new flick at the Eden Drive-In Twin movie theater, one of the few remaining drive-ins in NC!
Some things AREN'T too good to be true!
Win Free Tickets When You Become A Carolina Traveler VIP Subscriber
Attention VIP subscribers: You're in for a treat! VIP subscribers are eligible for FREE tickets whenever they become available, while supplies last. Keep an eye on your email for instructions on how to claim them. To ensure you receive our notifications, please mark us as a trusted email address to prevent us from landing in your spam or promotions folders. Keep us coming to your inbox for all the latest updates and exclusive offers!
Our current giveaways include adventures in big and small towns in NC:
- August 24- Tacos ‘N Taps– Ballantyne, NC- 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber. Tickets valued at $39/each
- VIP only drawing for Green River Adventures Lower Green River Kayaking for 2 people – Valued at $49/each
Become a VIP Subscriber now to be eligible for our upcoming late summer/fall giveaways:
- VIP only drawing for The Gorge Zipline in Saluda, NC for 2 people – valued at $129/each
- Charlotte Wine & Food Festival – September 28- 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber. Tickets valued at $39/each
- Brick Fest Live Charleston, SC – October 12-13 – 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber – Tickets valued at $19/each
- Charlotte Whiskey Wine & Fire – November 2 – 2 Free tickets available per VIP subscriber – Tickets valued at $59/each
Fall 2024 MyTown Ambassador Sid Eley of Hertford NC
Seeking Ambassadors from Small Towns in NC and SC
Carolina Traveler is searching for our next “MyTown Ambassador” to be featured in our upcoming holiday issue! Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of your small city, mid-sized town, or small town in NC or SC? We’re looking for individuals from towns with populations that are generally under 25,000 and who are deeply involved in their community, have a memorable or even eccentric personality, and boast an interesting career or accomplishment.
Whether it’s a local business owner, a dedicated volunteer, or someone with a unique story, our MyTown Ambassadors should be shining examples of what makes your small towns in NC and SC special. The ideal nominee is personable, passionate about their community, and willing to share their experiences with our writers in an interview. If you know someone who fits the bill, nominate them today and let them be the face of their town in Carolina Traveler's holiday issue!
To submit your MyTown ambassador nominee, email [email protected] with the name (first and last) of your nominee, your town/city in NC or SC, and a brief paragraph outlining your reasons for submitting their name. A writer from our team will follow up with you if your nominee is chosen!
