Adventures in the Carolinas: A Tiger Encounter, a Jurassic Giveaway, and the Largest Antique Mall in the South
This week in the Carolinas: Tiger World in Rockwell, NC puts you close enough to help feed tigers, lions, leopards, and wolves on a VIP Safari Tour. Every animal there was rescued or rehabilitated, and the whole experience is unlike anything at a typical zoo. We are also giving away a family 4-pack to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory, including museum admissions and VR experience tickets. enter daily before August 14 for more chances to win. And for Carolina Traveler subscribers, we have an exclusive look inside the Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord, the largest antique mall in the South, with 325,000 square feet of vendors, vintage finds, and things you did not know you needed until you found them. Adventure in the Carolinas comes in a lot of forms. Here are three.
- Tar Heel athletes competing across sled hockey, short-track, skeleton, and Olympic ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Romantic Valentine’s ideas offering spa dates, scenic hikes, candlelit dinners, and art-filled afternoons in the Carolinas.
- One-night getaways from cozy vintage escapes to luxury and wellness retreats designed for couples.
- Quirky museums showcasing Bigfoot, pinball arcades, cat mummies, haunted dolls, and unexpected local oddities.
- Family-friendly picks including Greenville’s top playgrounds, winter events, and museum experiences for kids and families.
Tigers, Lions, Wolves, and Kangaroos. All in Rockwell, North Carolina.
Tiger World Is Not a Typical Zoo Visit and That Is Exactly the Point
Most people will never stand close enough to a tiger to hear it breathe. At Tiger World in Rockwell, NC, that moment is part of the experience. VIP Safari Tours put visitors face to face with tigers, lions, leopards, and wolves under the guidance of trained staff, with stops to meet kangaroos, giant tortoises, and colorful birds along the way. Every animal at Tiger World was rescued, rehabilitated, or given a permanent home, and every admission funds their lifelong care. The facility is fully accessible with paved pathways, wheelchairs, and driving carts on site. Adults are $15, kids $12, parking is free. Open most days. Closed Wednesdays. Read more!Â
Win a Jurassic Adventure for Your Family. Enter Daily Before August 14
4 Museum Admissions Plus 4 VR Experience Tickets to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory
Carolina Traveler is giving away a family 4-pack to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory. 4 museum admissions plus 4 tickets to the immersive VR Experience with motion chairs and VR headsets. The Catawba Science Center has 35,000 square feet of exhibits, live animals, aquarium galleries, a digital planetarium, and the Dinosaurs! exhibit running all year with 16 animatronic dinosaurs and a T-Rex worth the trip on its own. Enter daily at the link below to increase your chances. Contest closes August 14, 2026. Winner announced August 15. Enter here!Â
🔑 You Came In Looking for a Pyrex Bowl. Three Hours Later You're Carrying a Cast-Iron Skillet and Something You Can't Explain.
The Largest Antique Mall in the South Is Right Here in the Carolinas. Exclusively for Carolina Traveler Subscribers
The Depot at Gibson Mill in Concord is the largest antique mall in the South, housed inside a historic textile mill with more than 325,000 square feet of vendors. Furniture, artwork, vintage clothing, collectibles, jewelry, tools, records, and things you won't be able to name until you pick them up. Don't miss the Fabric Center in the Cotton Room if you're working on a project. Bring your swatches. When you need a break, the Depot Deli is right there before you head back in for round two. Come with a list or come with nothing. This story is available exclusively to Carolina Traveler subscribers. Read more!
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this week across the Carolinas — perfect for planning your next adventure!
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On CarolinaTraveler.com
Titanic – The ExpeditionÂ
May 15 – Sept 7 | Charlotte, NC
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
July 31 – Aug 1 | Cary, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
Liquid Summer Festival
August 15 | Wilmington, NC  ♕ VIP Free Tix
Carolina Traveler VIPs Scored $1436 in Free Tickets Last Year!
Want in on the perks? Carolina Traveler VIPs enjoy exclusive access to free tickets for events, festivals, and top attractions across the Carolinas. From beer festivals and aquariums to historic tours and adventure parks, we’re unlocking hundreds in savings every year—just for our subscribers. 👉 Sign up now and make this your best summer yet!
Make the most of your summer—discover, explore, and create memories that last long after the season fades.
Travel FearlesslyÂ
Traveling is an adventure, but sometimes things don’t go as planned. In this week’s issue, we share some expert tips on how to travel fearlessly and handle unexpected emergencies with ease. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind. Learn more about smart travel practices to ensure a safe, stress-free journey.
Save Big, Travel More
Got family coming into town? Or maybe you’re planning a holiday escape yourself? Carolina Traveler has the inside scoop on unpublished hotel rates that’ll stretch your vacation dollars. Join Tripfox and start planning that extended stay—or just bank the savings for more eggnog.
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