Kid standing in front of a muddy ATV at Carolina Adventure World

The Latest From Carolina Traveler

If you haven't been to Carolina Adventure World, have you even lived?

In this week’s edition of the Carolina Traveler weekly newsletter, we’re zoning in on some of the fastest, hottest, loudest events in the Carolinas going on this week! Whether you’re seeking a family thrill-seeking adventure at Carolina Adventure World, a new family-friendly festival, or informative and entertaining military reenactments, we’ve got you covered.

⛺ Camp-out and ride ATVs all weekend at Carolina Adventure World

🌶️ Here's the smoke on the North Carolina Hot Sauce Festival and Great Guns On The Ashley — two events happening this weekend in NC and SC

🛶Book a trip in Currituck, one of the best fall destinations in the Carolinas

🎟️ Free ticket offers: The Gorge Zipline and Whiskey Wine & Fire Festival

🤠 Calling all small town residents: Nominate your “MyTown” ambassador

🌄 Sign up now to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber and get first dibs on family-friendly fun, Labor Day weekend and holiday round-ups, and other awesome attractions like Carolina Adventure World. 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.

Carolina Adventure World

For the dad who isn't afraid to get (really) dirty!

4-Wheeling with the Family at Carolina Adventure World

Carolina Adventure World is the perfect fall 2024 family destination, offering outdoor excitement for all ages. Nestled in the heart of South Carolina, this sprawling 2,600-acre park features over 100 miles of trails for ATVs, dirt bikes, and side-by-sides, making it an ideal spot for families seeking adventure.

Fall is the best time to visit Carolina Adventure World, with cooler temperatures enhancing the thrill of riding through vibrant autumn foliage. The park also hosts special fall events, including the Field & Stream Music Fest on October 4-6. Come watch Eric Church, Lainey Wilson, Lynrd Skynrd, and Riley Green perform alongside more than 30 other major country artists!

Camping options at Carolina Adventure World abound, with sites for tents, RVs, and even cabins available. Choose from rustic camping or stay in one of the fully equipped cabins for a more comfortable experience. The park’s spacious campgrounds offer easy access to all the trails and amenities, including a bathhouse and general store.

Whether you're tearing up the trails, participating in fall events, or roasting marshmallows by the campfire, Carolina Adventure World promises a memorable fall getaway for the whole family.

NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival

Have fun at the NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival!

Test Your Tastebuds at the NC Hot Sauce Festival

The 2024 NC Hot Sauce Festival, set for September 6-7 in downtown Oxford, NC, is a must-attend fall event. Celebrating its 19th year, this fiery festival draws thousands of spice enthusiasts from across the state to experience the best hot sauces, BBQ sauces, and salsas North Carolina has to offer.

The NC Hot Sauce Contest & Festival features a full day of activities for all ages. Enjoy live music from local bands, cooking demonstrations, and the ever-popular pepper eating contest, where brave participants face off to see who can handle the heat. Stroll through vendor booths showcasing a wide variety of sauces, local crafts, and artisanal foods, and vote for your favorite hot sauce in the People’s Choice Award.

For the kids, there’s a dedicated play area with inflatables and games, ensuring fun for the entire family. The festival also includes a classic car show, showcasing beautifully restored vehicles from past eras. With its blend of spicy flavors, family fun, and local culture, the 2024 NC Hot Sauce Festival is an unforgettable fall event you won’t want to miss. If you love culinary thrills, you'll definitely enjoy a weekend trip to Carolina Adventure World.

Great Guns on the Ashley at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site

17th-century replica cannon

Great Guns on the Ashley! Watch an Artillery Demonstration

Experience a blast from the past at the Great Guns On The Ashley artillery demonstration at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site, happening on September 7 and October 5, 2024. This exciting event offers a unique opportunity for families to witness history come to life as reenactors fire 17th-century cannons and muskets along the scenic Ashley River.

Set against the backdrop of Charleston's fall foliage, this event is not just an auditory spectacle but also an educational experience. Kids and adults alike will be captivated by the thunderous cannon blasts and the sight of costumed interpreters explaining the importance of artillery in defending the early Carolina colony.

After the demonstration, families can explore the state historic site, including the Adventure, a replica 17th-century ship, and the Animal Forest, home to native species that early settlers might have encountered. The cooler fall weather makes it an ideal time for a picnic in the park, surrounded by history and nature.

Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun, educational outing, the Great Guns On The Ashley offers an unforgettable fall experience for the entire family. It's another great option for families who had a blast at Carolina Adventure World.

Whalehead Club at Historic Corolla

The mansion's original name, “Whalehead Club,” remains a bit of a mystery. While some speculate it refers to a nearby whale's head-shaped sand dune, others believe it reflects the opulent lifestyle and nautical theme embraced by the Knights.

Explore the Whalehead Mansion on Your Fall Day Trip to Currituck

A fall day trip to Currituck, NC, offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm. Start your visit with a tour of the Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla, a stunning 1920s Art Nouveau mansion that transports you back to the grandeur of the Roaring Twenties. As you explore the beautifully preserved rooms, your guide will share fascinating stories about the mansion’s history and its place in Currituck’s past.

Whalehead in Historic Corolla is a treasure trove of fascinating history and unique architectural features. Here are some interesting facts about this remarkable site:

  1. Art Nouveau Masterpiece: Whalehead is one of the finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the United States. The mansion's design is characterized by flowing lines, intricate details, and a strong connection to nature, making it a standout in the region.
  2. Built as a Hunting Lodge: The mansion was originally built in the early 1920s by Edward Collings Knight Jr. and his wife, Marie-Louise, as an opulent hunting lodge. The couple, avid waterfowl hunters, created a luxurious retreat that included all the modern conveniences of the time, such as indoor plumbing and electricity—rare features for the Outer Banks in the 1920s.
  3. Handcrafted Details: The interior of Whalehead features stunning craftsmanship, including hand-carved woodwork, Tiffany-style lighting fixtures, and custom-made cork floors designed to muffle noise and add comfort during hunting season.
  4. Innovative Design: The mansion was ahead of its time with innovations like a basement-level kitchen to prevent cooking smells from permeating the living areas and a unique heating system using steam radiators.
  5. Restoration Efforts: After decades of neglect, the mansion underwent a significant restoration in the 1990s to bring it back to its former glory. Today, visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms and learn about the Knights' lavish lifestyle.
  6. Wildlife Refuge: The surrounding area, known as the Currituck Heritage Park, is not only beautiful but also serves as a refuge for local wildlife, including the wild horses of Corolla, which roam freely in the region.

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:

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
Sid Eley of Hertford NC

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!

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