It’s March Madness! 6 NC & SC Teams Are Dominating the 2024 NCAA Tournament

New Promo Alert: Get FREE Entry to Five Festivals in 2024!

What's better than your March Madness team going on a winning streak? Carolina Traveler VIP subscribers — check your email for FREE tickets to five festivals in 2024! Here's a teaser of what you get to experience at three of the festivals that take place over the course of a year:

April 20: Wine & Food Festival Ballantyne Experience an idyllic afternoon at Ballantyne’s Backyard, cherished by over 100,000 guests in Charlotte. Indulge in culinary delights with renowned chefs showcasing their signature dishes in the Tasting Theater. Savor a plethora of wines, beers, and spirits in an All-You-Care-To-Taste format, accompanied by lively music from ‘Trial By Fire – a tribute to Journey' and ‘Mallow Hill.' Upgrade to the VIP Experience for exclusive perks like access to the Champagne Lounge, extended sampling hours, souvenir items, and VIP amenities. Don't miss this opportunity for a memorable day of food, drinks, and entertainment in a delightful ambiance.

May 18: Charlotte Beer Bourbon & BBQ Return to the beloved setting of Ballantyne’s Backyard for Charlotte’s premier event: the Beer Bourbon & BBQ Festival. This 17th annual celebration promises a true Southern experience, featuring beer, bourbon, barbeque, live music, and more. Admission grants a souvenir glass for unlimited beer and bourbon tastings, with the iconic Shrine of Swine showcasing whole hogs and surprises. VIP Admission offers extended sampling hours, a BBQ Dinner Plate, exclusive lounge access, and live entertainment. Indulge in seminars with industry experts, groove to live bands, and explore a variety of brewerania, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories. Don’t miss out on this day of indulgence and entertainment!

August 24: Charlotte Tapas & Taps Get ready for a fiesta at the South of the Border Beer & Tequila Festival! Indulge in unlimited tastings of tacos, Mexican cuisine, margaritas, and more, complemented by lively music, contests, and surprises. Experience dueling margarita bars, over 15 taco trucks and restaurants serving up 30+ types of tacos, and vibrant mariachi bands. Explore boutiques offering brewerania, jewelry, and hot sauces. Choose between VIP and General Admission tickets for an unforgettable celebration that's anything but average. Let the flavors and festivities transport you to a spicy paradise!

Want in on this culinary March Madness that you can enjoy all year?? There has never been a better time to become a Carolina Traveler VIP subscriber. Subscribe now

Fun fact: Glass artist Dale Chihuly developed a specific technique for weaving glass threads into his sculpture works.

New at the Biltmore: Purchase Discounted Tickets to the Chihuly Exhibit

Dale Chihuly stands as one of the most accomplished artists of his time due to his groundbreaking innovation and mastery of glass artistry. His bold and imaginative creations push the boundaries of traditional glassblowing techniques, resulting in stunning and larger-than-life sculptures that captivate viewers worldwide.

Chihuly's artistry transcends mere craftsmanship; it embodies a profound sense of creativity, emotion, and wonder. People are drawn to his glass art for its mesmerizing beauty, vibrant colors, and intricate designs, which evoke a sense of awe and fascination. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting Chihuly's boundless imagination and relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.

Carolina Travelers can now experience the magic of Dale Chihuly's mesmerizing art at Biltmore's intimate gallery setting, Amherst at Deerpark®. This spring brings a specially curated collection of Chihuly's iconic creations to captivate visitors anew. Be among the first to reserve admission tickets and special admission-inclusive overnight packages for this remarkable experience. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of Chihuly's world-renowned works, showcased against the backdrop of Biltmore's timeless elegance.

Looking for something extra special? Indulge in an unforgettable evening at the Chihuly at Biltmore Dinner Series, a limited-capacity event destined to sell out swiftly. Begin with an elegant sparkling wine reception, followed by a premium multi-course plated dinner at Deerpark Restaurant. Conclude the night with a private exploration of the exhibition, immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Chihuly's art. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity to savor gourmet cuisine amidst the enchanting ambiance of Biltmore Estate, complemented by the awe-inspiring works of Dale Chihuly. Reserve your seats now for a truly extraordinary dining experience.

Add a visit to the Chihuly Exhibit to your March Madness schedule. It runs from March 25, 2024 to January 5, 2025. Biltmore annual pass holders are eligible to purchase discounted tickets.

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Bet you've never been on an Easter egg hunt quite like this one!

All Aboard the Bunny Hopper Express! Embark on an Epic Easter Egg Hunt/Train Adventure!

All aboard, folks! We've got some March Madness on wheels for ya…

Get ready for an egg-citing adventure aboard the Bunny Hopper Express Easter Train, coming back to the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad on March 29th and 30th. Departing from the historic Bryson City Depot at 11:00 AM, this 4 and a half-hour round trip special event train will chug through the breathtaking Smoky Mountains to a picturesque layover destination, where Easter-themed activities and an egg hunt await.

Keep your eyes peeled for those mischievous train-hopping bunnies sneaking on board for a free ride! Enjoy an Easter egg hunt with prizes, a giveaway bag filled with activities for the ride, and a tasty Easter treat for our junior railroaders. Don't forget your cameras for plenty of photo ops with our bunny hoppers!

Choose from four ticket options online or by calling the reservations department at (800) 872-4681. Ticket prices start at $59 for Adults (13 and up), $35 for Children (2-12), and complimentary for Infants (23 months and under). Book now for a hopping good time!

Throughout the year, the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad hosts a variety of events for all ages. From themed train rides like the Polar Express and Peanuts Pumpkin Patch Express to special holiday celebrations and wine tasting excursions, there's always something exciting happening aboard the rails. Plus, the scenic train journeys through the Smoky Mountains offer breathtaking views and opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

In Bryson City, NC, there's no shortage of fun activities to enjoy on a day trip. Explore the charming downtown area with its quaint shops, galleries, and restaurants serving up delicious Southern cuisine. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of nearby hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or go fishing and tubing on the Tuckasegee River. For a dose of history, visit the Smoky Mountain Trains Museum or take a leisurely stroll along the Tuckasegee River Trail. No matter your interests, Bryson City offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and adventure for a memorable day trip.

Overland South 2024 takes place at the Woodland Nature Preserve in Charleston, SC | Photo: Overland South

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