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As the seasons shift, the Carolinas are buzzing with exciting events, festivals, and adventures waiting to be explored! This week's newsletter is full of fun — from celebrating St. Patrick's Day with a pint and parade to enjoying Mardi Gras festivities without leaving the state, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're craving a flavorful day at Wilmington’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival or looking to get the whole family involved in hands-on science fun, the Carolinas get ready to celebrate, explore, and make the most of every moment in the beautiful Carolinas.

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the Carolinas

St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to don your favorite green attire, raise a pint, and join in the fun! Whether you're tapping your feet to Irish tunes, marching in a parade, or trying out some Appalachian clogging, the Carolinas offer plenty of festivities for everyone. Here’s your guide to the top St. Patrick’s Day events in the region. Get ready to celebrate this spirited occasion!

Celebrate Mardi Gras in Beaufort

No need to head to Louisiana for Mardi Gras—Beaufort is bringing the party to the Carolinas! This two-day celebration features parades, colorful costumes, live music, and delicious food, making it the perfect place to enjoy all the Mardi Gras festivities. It’s a celebration you won’t want to miss—join in the fun and let the good times roll!

Wilmington’s Ultimate Flavor Fest

Get ready for an epic day of beer, bourbon, and BBQ at Wilmington’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival! With 60+ craft beers and bourbons to sample, mouthwatering BBQ, and live music, this festival is a food and drink lover’s dream come true. Mark your calendars for a day full of flavor, fun, and unforgettable experiences!

Hands-On Science and Family Fun

Looking for a place where curiosity meets creativity? Head to the Catawba Science Center in Hickory, North Carolina, for an interactive experience the whole family will enjoy. It’s not just your average museum—get ready for hands-on exhibits, fascinating science displays, and fun activities that will ignite a love for learning. A perfect stop for families!

Spring Fever? 6 Boredom Busters

As spring approaches, it’s time to get outside and make some memories! If you're feeling the itch for adventure, the Carolinas have you covered with family-friendly outings, outdoor fun, and fresh air. From nature hikes to local festivals, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. Say goodbye to winter blues and hello to spring fun!

Warm Up with Our Winter Issue

Winter 2025 Carolina Traveler Magazine cover promotion


Dive into the latest Museum Central issue, packed with the best cultural offerings in the Carolinas. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, an adventurous family trip, or looking to explore unique local museums, this issue has all the inspiration you need for a memorable winter experience.

Compare Hotel Rates & Save

Traveling doesn’t have to break the bank! Our newsletter gives you access to the best hotel rate comparisons, so you can save up to 40% on your next stay. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long retreat, we’ll help you find the best deal. Learn more and start planning your next trip today!

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.

Upcoming Events

Here’s a quick look at upcoming events across the Carolinas—perfect for planning your next adventure:

  • Beaufort's Mardi Gras – March 1 – 3 | Beaufort, NC

  • Beer, Bourbon & BBQ – March 15 | Wilmington, NC

  • Hilton Head IrishFest – March 15 | Hilton Head Island, SC

  • Azalea Festival – April 2 – 6 | Wilmington, NC

  • Come See Me Festival – April 3 – 12 | Rock Hill, SC

  • Cary Tacos N Taps – April 12 | Cary, NC

  • Wine & Food Festival Ballantyne – April 15 | Charlotte, NC

These are just some of the incredible events happening around the Carolinas! For more details and updates, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter and stay in the loop. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

♛ VIP Free Tix!

It’s the ultimate holiday giveaway — enter daily for a chance to win four VIP tickets to a dazzling holiday wonderland! With over a million lights, this event is a true spectacle that will leave you in awe. Read more to find out how you can win these exclusive tickets!

Be Prepared with Good Sam

Holiday travel can be stressful, but don’t let car trouble ruin your festive fun. With Good Sam’s Roadside Assistance Plan, you can rest easy knowing you’ve got comprehensive coverage on the road. Find out how Good Sam can keep your holiday travel plans on track, no matter where you’re headed.

Plan an Epic Trip to the Outer Banks with These Tours and Experiences

Warmer weather will be here before you know it, so it's time to start planning your next getaway to the Outer Banks! These exciting tours offer a unique way to experience the Outer Banks, showcasing its beauty and diversity. Witness wild horses in their natural habitat, try out hang-gliding, or enjoy the natural beauty of Alligator River. The adventure never stops!

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.

More VIP Perks You’ll Love

What’s better than having fun? Doing it for free. When you become a Carolina Traveler VIP, you’ll score free tickets to events worth over $200 annually. This year alone, that includes:

  • Kaminski House Holiday Magic
  • Christmas Carousel Holiday Market
  • Holiday Lights Spectacular

Sound too good to be true? It’s not. Just sign up and start reaping the rewards..

Want more ideas? Subscribe to the Carolina Traveler newsletter and make sure you don’t miss a single event.

Here’s to making your holidays as merry and bright as they can be.

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