From Charlotte’s neighborhoods to coastal parades, Black History sites, and scenic escapes, discover the best fun things to do in the Carolinas!
Stress-Free Charlotte: Your Smart Guide to Exploring the Queen City
Visiting Charlotte doesn’t have to mean traffic jams and parking headaches. The key is choosing the right home base: Uptown for walkable attractions like museums, parks, and major venues, or South End for a trendy, neighborhood feel with easy light rail access. The LYNX Blue Line and free CityLYNX Gold Line make getting around simple, while rideshares and parking apps help streamline event days.
- 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.
Each neighborhood offers its own vibe, from artsy NoDa to charming Dilworth and eclectic Plaza Midwood. Plan around rush hour, book attractions in advance, and explore at a relaxed pace. With the right strategy, Charlotte is easy to navigate, and even easier to enjoy. Check out the guide.
20 Epic Things to Do in the Carolinas in 2026
Ready to explore more of the Carolinas? From scenic drives and small-town day trips to outdoor thrills and cultural gems, this list rounds up 20 unforgettable experiences to add to your calendar this year.
Stroll through Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden, cruise the Blue Ridge Parkway, or paddle through Congaree National Park. Chase adventure whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River or at the U.S. National Whitewater Center. Tour landmarks like the Biltmore Estate, explore charming small towns, take an art class, go antiquing, catch a game, or plan a weekend staycation close to home.
However you like to travel, there’s something on this list to make 2026 a year well spent. Your 2026 Bucket List awaits!
Black History Month Is Here! These Are The Best Places to Visit & Reflect Across the Carolinas
February is a time to honor the people, stories, and traditions that shaped the Carolinas. From powerful museums to living cultural communities, these meaningful destinations invite you to learn, reflect, and celebrate.
In Charlotte, the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African-American Arts + Culture showcases Black art and storytelling through thought-provoking exhibitions. In Greensboro, the International Civil Rights Center & Museum preserves the legacy of the 1960 sit-ins that helped transform the Civil Rights Movement. Along the coast, Gullah Geechee communities continue to share West African traditions through language, music, and craft. And in Charleston, the International African American Museum traces centuries of resilience and impact.
This Black History Month, explore the places where history lives, and celebrate the culture, courage, and creativity that continue to shape the Carolinas. Read more..
Beaufort Brings Mardi Gras to the Coast
Beaufort, North Carolina, puts a waterfront spin on Mardi Gras with a full weekend of festivities beginning February 20, 2026. The celebration opens with a ticketed Masquerade Ball at the Beaufort Historic Site, followed by Saturday’s lively parade along Front Street featuring colorful krewes, flying beads, and the ever-popular Sweet Potato Queens. A free Street Carnival on Middle Lane and Turner Street rounds out the fun with New Orleans–inspired food, live music, vendors, and scenic waterfront views. Visitors can stay at the Beaufort Hotel, the official event lodging, for convenient access to the weekend’s festivities. Check out the article!
Winter Doesn’t Have To Be Boring!
Winter may be chilly, but the Carolinas are anything but quiet. From mountain towns celebrating snow and ice to coastal festivals filled with oysters, parades, and live music, the calendar is packed with reasons to get out and explore. Whether you’re chasing Mardi Gras vibes, craving fresh seafood, cheering on quirky races, or planning a family-friendly weekend getaway, these upcoming events across North and South Carolina offer something for every kind of traveler. Bundle up, grab your beads (or your appetite), and let the season’s best festivals lead the way. Read more here!
The Winter Issue Is Here!
If winter has your family restless and out of ideas, Museum Central is your official cure for cabin fever. Our 2026 Winter/Museum Central Issue spotlights museums that turn “just one stop” into an all-day adventure—along with cozy winter day trips, quirky hidden gems, festive seasonal events, and a brand-new 2026 bucket list. From hands-on exhibits to history that actually holds attention, these experiences make winter travel easy, warm, and anything but boring. Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the coast, or a quick city escape, consider this your excuse to bundle up, hit the road, and rediscover how fun learning can be.
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this week across the Carolinas — perfect for planning your next adventure!
Search All Events
On CarolinaTraveler.com
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
March 14 | Wilmington, NC
North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 8 – 12 | Wilmington, NC
Dare A250: Life, Liberty, and Liftoff
April 18 | Kill Devil Hills, Nc
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 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.
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.
Newsletter & Facebook
Want more travel ideas? Subscribe to the Carolina Traveler newsletter and make sure you don’t miss a single event.
Share your adventures on Facebook when you join the Carolina Traveler Facebook group
