The Latest From Carolina Traveler
When we say we can't wait to travel to Captain Sam's Spit, we're not talking about saliva…
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ToggleIn this issue of the Carolina Traveler weekly newsletter, we're sharing new intel on some of the best summer road trip opportunities that will disappear before you know it. When it comes to Captain Sam's Spit, the possibility of disappearance is literal…
Keep reading to uncover the details on what might be your next epic summer road trip. If kayaking isn't on your summer bucket list, check out these other high-octane suggestions for all age ranges in the weekly newsletter below:
๐ฃ๏ธ Push your electric pedal (or chill on cruise control) via open-air railcar through the Andrews Valley
๐งฑ New giveaway alert! Claim your 2 free tickets to Brick Fest Live, the largest LEGO event in Charlotte, NC
๐๏ธ Practice your “dirty dancing” at our pick for the #6 best lake in the Carolinas…
๐ Mark your calendars for our favorite Midsummer 2024 events (including the Fair Bluff Watermelon Festival!)
๐๏ธย ย Sign up now to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber and get first dibs on family-friendly fun, hidden gem summer destinations like Captain Sam's Spit, and seasonal itineraries in NC and SC.
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.
Look out for dolphin-stranding behavior on your kayak adventure to Captain Sam's Spit
Captain Sam's Spit Kayaking Expedition: Is It Worth It?
Captain Sam's Spit is a dynamic barrier island located at the southern tip of Kiawah Island. Named after an 18th-century mariner, Captain Samโs Spit is a critical habitat for many species, including loggerhead sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and numerous shorebirds.
Its ever-changing landscape, shaped by tides and storms, makes it a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts. However, this pristine area faces ongoing threats from proposed developments, which could disrupt the delicate ecosystem and the wildlife it supports. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving this unique environment for future generations.
After your adventure on the water, unwind with a visit to Low Tide Brewing. This local brewery offers a range of craft beers, perfect for a relaxing afternoon. Sample some of their signature brews while soaking in the friendly, laid-back atmosphere.
For dinner, head to one of the best-kept secrets outside of Charleston: The Wild Olive. This charming Italian restaurant offers a farm-to-table dining experience, featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients in their delectable dishes. End your day with a delicious meal, reflecting on the natural beauty and rich history youโve experienced on Johns Island.
If the Captain Sam's Spit kayaking adventure is up your alley, check out some of our top summer destinations featured in the 2024 Thrill-Seekers issue.
If you want to know what it feels like to swim in a sea of LEGOs, check out Brick Fest Live!
Brick Fest
The ultimate hands-on LEGO event is coming back to Charlotte! Brick Fest Live will take place at The Park Expo and Conference Center on August 10-11, 2024, showcasing over a million LEGO bricks ready for play and exploration.
Brick Fest Live offers families the chance to marvel at incredible creations from around the globe, all made entirely of LEGO bricks. Both children and adults will be amazed by life-sized LEGO models and interactive building activities designed to ignite creativity and imagination.
This event is perfect for family bonding, as kids can build alongside their parents, siblings, and even grandparents. Itโs an inspiring experience that encourages the next generation of artists, engineers, and leaders.
In addition to the awe-inspiring models and exciting building challenges, attendees can:
- See life-sized LEGO models
- Contribute to a Guinness World Record-setting floor mosaic
- Express creativity at hands-on build zones
- Race brick-built cars down a 35-foot derby ramp
- Shop for rare and hard-to-find LEGO merchandise
- Build collaborative LEGO mosaics with other attendees
- Enter the GLOW ZONE to build with bricks that shine under blacklight
- Meet LEGO Masters from the hit TV show
- Play in a massive Brick Pit filled with hundreds of thousands of LEGO bricks
When: Saturday and Sunday, August 10-11, 2024
Where: The Park Expo and Conference Center, Charlotte, NC
For tickets and more information, visit Brick Fest Live.
Exclusive Offer for Carolina Traveler VIP Subscribers: We have two free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us to claim your tickets and enjoy this unforgettable LEGO experience!
Need a unique summer date idea? The Andrews Valley Rail Tour is a perfect day trip!
Andrews Valley Rail Tour
If you're searching for a unique and memorable summer day trip just as exciting as an adventure to Captain Sam's Spit, Andrews Valley Rail Tours offers an unparalleled experience. Nestled in the scenic Great Smoky Mountains, these rail tours provide a fantastic way to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the NC mountain region.
Tours leave daily, Wednesday through Sunday, at 8:30 am, 11:30 am, and 3 pm from the Andrews Train Depot. There are three options for riding the rails at Andrews Valley Rail Tours, each for only $59.99 per person.
For those looking for a physical challenge similar to a Captain Sam's Spit paddle, we suggest booking your tour on the 4-person railbike, an electric assisted bike allowing you to do a gentle pedal on the 8.5 mile journey through the Andrews Valley. If you want to be on the same rail bike as your friends and family, please be sure to book in the same booking!
Learn more about the Andrews Valley Rail Tour thrill-seeking experience
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Just tinkering around at the Hillbilly Jam 2024, one of the top midsummer 2024 events!
Midsummer 2024 Events
Time to fill up your July through September calendars with some of the most fun summer events and things to do in the Carolinas. Check out our full breakdown on our Midsummer 2024 Events page or get the essential details for each event below. Can't wait to see you there!
- Through 8/24 โ โThe Lost Colony” Outdoor Drama (Manteo, NC)
- 7/26-7/27 โ Hillbilly Jam 2024 (Maggie Valley, NC)
- 7/27 โ Fair Bluff Watermelon Festival (Fair Bluff, NC)
- 8/02 โ Brew at the Zoo (Columbia, SC)
- 8/09 โ Star Party at Lake Norman State Park (Statesville, NC)
- 8/10 โ Music on the Mountain at Table Rock State Park (Pickens, SC)
- 8/17 โ Battle of Musgrove Mill Commemoration (Clinton, SC)
- 8/17 โ Blue Ridge Brutal (West Jefferson, NC)
- 8/27-8/28 โ16th Annual Sandy Oaks Pro Rodeo (Edgefield, SC)
- 9/06-9/07 โ North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest & Festival (Oxford, NC)
- 9/07 โ Great Guns on the Ashley at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site (Charleston, SC)
- Saturdays through 10/19 โ Emerald Village Black Light Nighttime Underground Mine Tours (Little Switzerland, NC)
Lake Lure is one of the best places to beat the summer heat in the Carolinas
The Best Lakes in the Carolinas: #6 Lake Lure
Lake Lure, nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, is renowned as one of the state's most beautiful and versatile lakes, making it an ideal summer destination. Its shimmering waters, framed by lush green mountains and iconic rock formations, provide a stunning backdrop for a variety of outdoor activities.
One of the most popular activities at Lake Lure is boating. Visitors can rent pontoon boats, kayaks, or paddleboards to explore the lake's tranquil waters and hidden coves. Fishing enthusiasts will find the lake teeming with bass, trout, and catfish, offering an excellent opportunity for a relaxing day on the water.
Swimming at the Lake Lure Beach is a must-do, with its sandy shore and crystal-clear waters perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day. The beach also features a water park with slides and water games, making it a hit with families.
For those who prefer to stay on land, the surrounding area boasts numerous hiking trails, such as the nearby Chimney Rock State Park. The park offers trails of varying difficulty levels, all providing breathtaking views of the Hickory Nut Gorge and the expansive landscape below.
Golfers will appreciate the nearby Rumbling Bald Resort, which offers two championship courses set against the stunning mountain scenery. After a day of adventure, visitors can enjoy dining at one of the many lakeside restaurants, where fresh, local cuisine is served with a side of panoramic lake views.
Lake Lure's combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and charming local attractions makes it a quintessential North Carolina summer getaway.
Interested in planning more summer vacations at the best lakes in NC and SC? Check out our previous highlights below:
Discover #10ย Lake Jocassee SC
Get first dibs on free tickets, top-secret summer destinations, and other travel opportunities when you sign up now to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber! We're regularly giving away tickets and prize packages to Carolina VIP subscribers and members of our Carolina Traveler Facebook group.