If you're looking to have the best summer ever, add these destinations to your summer itinerary
Visit charming small towns, stock up on summer gear, and channel your inner Sherlock Holmes this summer.
Thomasville, NC
Thrills, tradition, and room to roam.
Adventure comes in all forms, and in Thomasville, NC, it's everywhere you look. This vibrant town blends high-energy recreation with small-town character—making it a top summer pick for thrill seekers who want more than just a destination.
Start your day at Lake Thom-A-Lex Park, a sprawling outdoor oasis perfect for kayaking, hiking, and lakeside lounging. Looking for a challenge? Book a tee time at Winding Creek Golf Course or catch a home game with the HiToms, the city's beloved collegiate summer baseball team. Thomasville’s legacy in recreation runs deep—since 1949, its Parks and Recreation Department has been building a community where sports and outdoor activity take center stage. Today, the city maintains more than 100 acres of green space, including a 7,000-square-foot skate park, multiple athletic fields, courts, playgrounds, and one epic football stadium.
After working up an appetite, check out the local eats that fuel this active town. Craving comfort food? Try Max’s Family Restaurant or the retro vibes at Sunrise Diner. For a little spice, Tres Amigos, Mazatlan, and Taqueria Acapulco deliver authentic Mexican flavors. Or, cool down with a sweet treat at B & E Ice Cream and Coffee Shop or Granny’s Donuts. If you're up for something fresh and trendy, Poppi’s Waffles and Health Juices or The Blend are great post-hike hangouts.
Don’t forget to stop by the Thomasville Tourism & Visitors Center to pick up maps, event info, and unique souvenirs from Old North State Candy & Gifts.
Whether you're skating, fishing, cheering at a ballgame, or simply exploring the city’s heritage, Thomasville makes it easy to fill your summer with movement, memories, and maybe a milkshake or two.
Cook’s Sports and Outfitters — Wilkesboro, NC
The adventure starts here.
Heading for the mountains this summer? Start strong at Cook’s Sports and Outfitters in Wilkesboro, NC. For generations, this family-run outfitter has been a trusted partner for thrill seekers exploring western North Carolina’s wild side.
Whether you're packing for a strenuous hike, a fishing weekend, or just trying to stay cool and dry while paddling a hidden cove, Cook’s carries the gear you need—boots, outerwear, backpacks, and trail-tested accessories from trusted outdoor brands.
But what sets them apart isn’t just their inventory. It’s their team—real outdoorspeople with firsthand knowledge of the Blue Ridge. They’ll not only outfit you right, they’ll give you tips on where to go and what to see: secluded swimming holes, uncrowded trails, and fishing spots you won’t find on the map.
Before you head into the wilderness, make a stop at Cook’s. Your gear—and your whole adventure—will be better for it.
Whether you're looking for fishing gear, pickleball equipment, or other outdoor toys, Cook's has you covered.
Sherlock Holmes Escape Room — Beaufort, NC
Think fast. Escape faster.
Sure, summer’s about sunshine and sand—but it’s also about testing your limits. At the Sherlock Holmes Escape Room in Beaufort, NC, you’ll swap the hiking boots for a magnifying glass and dive into one of the most immersive mystery experiences on the coast.
This expertly crafted escape room isn’t just about locks and riddles—it’s about story. From foggy London alleyways to eerie Victorian libraries, the scenes are richly designed, and the puzzles are packed with twists. With the clock ticking, your group will need to piece together clues, crack codes, and outsmart Moriarty-style puzzles before time runs out.
Located in historic Beaufort, the escape room is a perfect way to beat the heat—or a coastal storm—without dialing back the adrenaline. And once you’ve made your great escape, the charming waterfront is just steps away, ready to reward you with seafood, sunsets, and maybe a well-earned cocktail.
