Hello June: Blueberry Festivals, Summer Day Trips, and the New Carolina Traveler Issue Worth Opening Right Now
June is here and the Carolinas have a full calendar waiting. This week we have three things worth your attention: the NC Blueberry Festival hits downtown Burgaw on June 20 and 50,000 people will show up for BBQ, live music, and fresh blueberries straight from Pender County farms, so start making plans now. We also just launched the Summer 2026 issue of Carolina Traveler, packed with Revolutionary War road trips, drive-up waterfalls, 4th of July celebrations coast to mountain, and five destinations worth the drive. And if you need something to do this weekend, we have four Carolina day trips that need nothing more than a full tank of gas and a free afternoon. Welcome to summer.
- 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.
Burgaw Turns Blueberry Blue on June 20 and the Whole Town Shows Up
50,000 People, a BBQ Cookoff, Live Music, and Blueberries Grown Right Here in Pender County
The NC Blueberry Festival has been filling downtown Burgaw every third weekend of June since 2003, and this year it lands on June 20. More than 50,000 visitors make the trip for the BBQ cookoff, a 5K, a Tour de Blueberry bike ride, a car and truck show, live music, and vendors selling everything from blueberry jam to blueberry candles. The fresh blueberries come straight from local farms, and Pender County has been one of the state's largest growing regions for decades with farms open mid-May through July. Make a full weekend out of it. Topsail Island is right down the road, the Surf City Ocean Pier has been standing since 1948, and Sears Landing has rocking chairs on the porch and fresh seafood coming in off the water every day. Read more….
The Carolina Traveler Summer 2026 Issue Just Dropped
Waterfalls, Battlefields, Fireworks, and Five Destinations Built for This Season
The Summer 2026 issue of Carolina Traveler is out now and it covers the full season from coast to mountains. Walk behind the thundering mist at Dry Falls near Highlands without getting wet. Watch fireworks over the Cape Fear River at Southport's week-long 4th of July festival. Stand at Cowpens National Battlefield where Daniel Morgan's tactical brilliance stopped Tarleton's force and changed the course of the Revolutionary War. With America turning 250 this summer, the historic sites scattered across the Carolinas carry extra weight, and this issue has a full guide to the best of them. Plus five summer destinations, small-town day trips, and the Carolinians who shaped independence. Read more…
Four Carolina Day Trips You Can Pull Off This Weekend
A Full Tank of Gas Is All the Planning You Need
Davidson's farmer's market and brick-lined sidewalks make for an easy morning, and the Davidson Candle Company lets you make your own candle before lunch at The Soda Shop, which has been serving burgers and fries since 1951. Sullivan's Island sits 20 minutes outside Charleston with Fort Moultrie's Revolutionary War history, paddleboards from Sealand Adventure Sports, and Poe's Tavern for dinner when the day winds down. Hillsborough has 18th-century architecture, antique shops, galleries, and the monthly Last Fridays Art Walk when the whole downtown comes alive. And at Lumber River State Park, the tea-colored blackwater winds through cypress trees tall enough to keep the whole river in shade, cool enough to matter on a hot afternoon. Four towns. Pick one and go.
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
NC Black Bear Festival
June 6 – 7 | Plymouth, NC
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
July 31 – Aug 1 | Cary, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
Liquid Summer Festival
August 15 | Wilmington, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
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.
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