The Latest From Carolina Traveler
We should clarify…have you been to North Carolina's blue(berry) zone?
Yeah, North Carolina doesn't technically have a “Blue Zone” — one of those rare locations across the globe where people live considerably longer than other human populations. A phenomenon largely attributed to healthy diet, low stress, and fulfilling lifestyle, Blue Zones are a bit more difficult to find in the Carolinas, where tangy BBQ, crispy fried chicken, and Bojangles' breakfast menu reigns supreme.
However, you could make the argument that one small town in North Carolina could come pretty close to qualifying…In this issue of the weekly newsletter, we're spilling the juice on the NC Blueberry Festival, set to take place in Burgaw NC on June 14-15.
Here's something else to sink your teeth into — have you been to or read about the just-discovered moonshine cave beneath the North Wilkesboro Dragway! Naturally, we had to go to Wilkesboro to learn more (and curate the best itinerary for summer adrenaline seekers…)
Looking for something a bit more leisurely? If you guessed the “Newbold-White House” as the name of the historical home featured in our email newsletter, you are correct! History buffs and architecture admirers, mark Perquimans County as your next favorite hidden gem in the Carolinas…
When one door closes, another opens…This week is your last chance to win two tickets to a private garden tour at Mount Airy Blooms on June 8. Speaking of things opening, we just can't keep our mouths shut about our upcoming Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber giveaway…
How about some blueberry BBQ?
Sneak Peek: The 2024 NC Blueberry Festival
Who needs pina coladas and getting caught in the rain when you can sip on blueberry mules and dance in the street?! Mark your calendars for June 14-15, when the NC Blueberry Festival descends upon Pender County, as it does every year! Features of the 2024 festival include:
- BMX stunt show
- Gigantic bounce house
- Magic shows
- Whole hog BBQ cook-off
- Blueberry recipe contests
- Live music
- 5Ks and bike rides
- Maybe a blueberry or two…
Have you been looking for the perfect family-friendly weekend getaway this summer? Pender County has all the essential ingredients for an unforgettable summer day: blueberry picking, farm animal encounters, and an illuminating tour through a carefully preserved national battlefield.
Read our Pender County summer itinerary
Put the pedal to the metal (or forest floor!)
Drag Racing Thrills And Moonshine Distilling Chills
You may have read the recent news blurb about the moonshine cave discovered underneath the North Wilkesboro Speedway. In short, a sinkhole opened up a 700 square-foot vestibule beneath the Turn 1 grandstands. As if that isn't enough reason for any curious Carolina Traveler to skip on over to Wilkes County, the area also plays host to thrills for adrenaline seekers.
Our Wilkesboro NC summer itinerary includes the following sites and activities:
- Frolicking in the fountains at the Heritage Square Splash Pad
- Visiting the Wilkes Heritage Museum and Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame
- Spotting the Doc and Merle Watson mural at the Garden of the Senses
- Watching a race at the North Wilkesboro Speedway
- Taking on the Warrior Creek Mountain Bike Trail
- Eating a Glizzy Burger at Dooley's Tavern
- Shopping while drinking (responsibly) in the N Wilkesboro Downtown Social District
Have you been looking for more social districts popping up across the Carolinas? Check out the family-friendly Downtown Cary Park social district
Truly engaging hands-on activities and exhibits at the Perquimans County History Museum
Have You Been? A Family-Friendly Getaway In Perquimans County
“400 years of history and 100 miles of coastline” — Perquimans County's tagline underscores the wealth of historical and architectural richness within its borders. Hertford NC and the surrounding Perquimans County area is also an ideal destination for families. Our ultimate Perquimans County summer itinerary includes these must-visit locations:
- The Perquimans County History Museum (and Jim “Catfish” Hunter Museum)
- The Nicholson House Gift Shop & Restaurant
- The Creecy-Skinner Whedbee House and other old homes on the Downtown Hertford “Turtle Walk”
- Good food and beverages at Brew 2 Rescue, Layden's Supermarket, and 252 Grill
Summer is a magnificent time to visit Perquimans County, especially since it's on the water. Have you been looking for items to add to your late summer calendar? Consider a visit during mid-September when the Indian Summer Festival takes place.
Carolina Traveler Giveaway Central
When one “garden gate” closes, another opens… the gate is officially coming to a close on our 2024 Mount Airy Blooms ticket giveaway. It's an ideal day trip for gardening enthusiasts, couples looking for landscaping inspiration, and families with young children. Enter to win daily through the day of the tour on June 8.
Our upcoming Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber giveaway guarantees to take you to unparalleled heights…but we're only revealing a few hints for now. Can you guess who's partnering with us for our next giveaway?
- Named Top 10 best aerial adventure parks by a national publication
- Fun to do by yourself, but way more fun with a group
- Cross a sky bridge and plunge 1100 vertical feet
- Best described as “steep” “fast” and “beautiful”
Have you been inspired by these teasers? Is your heart going thump-thump in all the best ways? Sign up now to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber and get first dibs on free tickets! 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.
