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From cozy retreats that offer the perfect escape from cabin fever to exciting events, there's no shortage of things to look forward to this winter.

As winter settles in, it’s easy to fall back on spending evenings on the couch scrolling or binge-watching Netflix. But just because the weather is chilly doesn’t mean you have to slow down your adventures! Whether you're warming up with inspiring cultural experiences or tackling unexpected car troubles with ease, we've got you covered. This season, take advantage of the opportunities to relax, explore, and celebrate, all while staying warm and enjoying the best of the Carolinas.

Escape the Cold Weather with a Cozy Retreat

Beat the winter chill with a cozy getaway designed for relaxation and comfort. These retreats offer the perfect escape from cabin fever, giving you the chance to unwind, indulge, and enjoy a peaceful winter break. Whether it’s a cabin in the mountains or a cozy beach cottage, these destinations provide the ultimate cozy comfort when you need it most.

LAST CHANCE to Enter! Win VIP Tickets to the Southern Oyster Festival


Don’t miss out on your chance to win VIP tickets to the Southern Oyster Festival! Enter for a chance to score free tickets or grab them before they sell out. This exciting event promises delicious seafood, live music, and plenty of fun – and you’ll get to experience it all as a VIP!

Warm Up with Our Winter Issue

Winter 2025 Carolina Traveler Magazine cover promotion


Dive into the latest Museum Central issue, packed with the best cultural offerings in the Carolinas. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, an adventurous family trip, or looking to explore unique local museums, this issue has all the inspiration you need for a memorable winter experience.

🔑 Explore America's First Museum


Discover the rich history of Charleston by visiting America’s first museum. Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, this museum invites you to explore the city’s heritage through engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about Charleston’s pivotal role in American history.

Experience Charleston's rich history

Kick Off Black History Month

The Carolinas are buzzing with events to celebrate and honor Black History Month. From community celebrations to cultural exhibits, these events offer the perfect opportunity to reflect, learn, and connect with the history and contributions of African Americans. Join in and be part of these inspiring experiences throughout the month.

♛ VIP Free Tickets to the Southern Oyster Festival

Oysters are in season, and we’ve got the VIP tickets you need to enjoy the best of them! Head to Charlotte for the Southern Oyster Festival, where you can indulge in oysters served up hot and cold. Get your tickets while they’re HOT—and enjoy a seafood feast like no other. Read more to claim your free tickets!

Compare Hotel Rates & Save

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank! Our newsletter gives you access to the best hotel rate comparisons, so you can save up to 40% on your next stay. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat, we’ll help you find the best deal. Learn more and start planning your next trip today!

Travel Fearlessly 

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.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a quick look at upcoming events across the Carolinas—perfect for planning your next adventure:

  • Blowing Rock Winterfest – Jan 23 to Jan 26 | Blowing Rock, NC
  • NC Smokies Ice Fest Weekend – Jan 30 to Feb 2 | Haywood, NC
  • Southern Oyster, Wine & Beer Festival – Feb 1 | Charlotte, NC ♛ VIP Free Tix
  • Great Outhouse Races – Feb 15 | Sapphire Valley, NC
  • Beaufort's Mardi Gras – March 1 to March 3 | Beaufort, NC
  • Rumba On The Lumber – March 7 to March 8 | Lumberton, NC
  • Hilton Head IrishFest – March 15 | Hilton Head Island, SC

These are just some of the incredible events happening around the Carolinas! For more details and updates, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and stay in the loop. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

♛ VIP Free Tix!

It’s the ultimate holiday giveaway — enter daily for a chance to win four VIP tickets to a dazzling holiday wonderland! With over a million lights, this event is a true spectacle that will leave you in awe. Read more to find out how you can win these exclusive tickets!

Be Prepared with Good Sam

Holiday travel can be stressful, but don’t let car trouble ruin your festive fun. With Good Sam’s Roadside Assistance Plan, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got comprehensive coverage on the road. Find out how Good Sam can keep your holiday travel plans on track, no matter where you’re headed.

Plan an Epic Trip to the Outer Banks with These Tours and Experiences

Warmer weather will be here before you know it, so it's time to start planning your next getaway to the Outer Banks! These exciting tours offer a unique way to experience the Outer Banks, showcasing its beauty and diversity. Witness wild horses in their natural habitat, try out hang-gliding, or enjoy the natural beauty of Alligator River. The adventure never stops!

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.

More VIP Perks You’ll Love

What’s better than having fun? Doing it for free. When you become a Carolina Traveler VIP, you’ll score free tickets to events worth over $200 annually. This year alone, that includes:

  • Kaminski House Holiday Magic
  • Christmas Carousel Holiday Market
  • Holiday Lights Spectacular

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Just sign up and start reaping the rewards..

Want more ideas? Subscribe to the Carolina Traveler newsletter and make sure you don’t miss a single event.

Here’s to making your holidays as merry and bright as they can be.

Share your adventures on Facebook when you join the Carolina Traveler Facebook group

Charlotte Hornets logo

Score a Discount on Charlotte Hornets Tickets

This winter, enhance your Charlotte Hornets experience with an exclusive offer from Carolina Traveler! Whether you're planning a fun family outing or a night out with friends, we’ve teamed up with the Hornets to provide discounted tickets without the usual Ticketmaster fees. Learn more about the Charlotte Hornets ticket discount.

This season, make time for the experiences that matter most. Whether you’re skating under the stars, soaking up the charm of a festive town, or sharing a laugh courtside, the Carolinas are ready to make this your most memorable holiday yet.

For more exciting adventures, sign-up for our newsletter!

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