Pimento Cheese Festival neon sign at Downtown Cary Park

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The Latest From Carolina Traveler

Raise your hand if your springtime shenanigans are in full swing…this week's newsletter is bursting at the seams with excitement! From pimento cheese sculpting and BBQ cook-offs to cornhole throwdowns and fireworks displays, this weekend's upcoming events will appeal to your competitive side!

🐸First up, we're shining the spotlight on Rock Hill, South Carolina, where the annual Come-See-Me Festival is gearing up for a 10-day extravaganza. From lively parades to sensational concerts and everything in between, this spring kickoff party promises non-stop fun for all ages!

🧀Cary, North Carolina, is heating things up with its legendary Pimento Cheese Festival in Downtown Cary Park. Do you have what it takes to win the pimento cheese sculpting competition?

🍷Downtown Cary is one of several “social districts” popping up across the Carolinas where you can purchase alcoholic beverages from participating vendors while wandering around — in the case of Cary NC — a splendidly revitalized greenspace. Read our spring restaurants and accommodations recommendations for enjoying downtown Cary NC.

Don't miss your chance to win tickets to four of Charlotte's hottest food festivals this year! VIPs automatically get free tickets (check your email!) while others can enter daily to win.

Stay up to date with the seasonal attractions, spring bucket list items, pimento cheese, and other foods worth building a festival around; follow us on Facebook, where we regularly offer free tickets and other giveaways, and make sure to become a 2024 subscriber to Carolina Traveler magazine!

Birdseye view of Rock Hill SC

Rock Hill is one of our favorite underrated SC cities | Photo: @therockhilldroneguy

Celebrate The Coming Of Spring With The 10-Day Come-See-Me Festival In Rock Hill

Springtime festivities are in full swing at the annual Come-See-Me Festival!

Running for 10 days from April 11-20, the Come-See-Me Festival is a beloved tradition that captures the essence of community spirit and Southern hospitality. Established in 1962, this iconic event has been delighting visitors and locals alike for over six decades, making it one of the longest-running festivals in the Southeast. In fact, more than 100,000 people participate annually!

What makes the Come-See-Me Festival so special? It's a combination of cherished traditions and exciting new experiences. From lively parades and exhilarating concerts to family-friendly activities and delicious food, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights of the festival include:

  • Parade
  • Musical Mania (hands-on music experiences)
  • Free chalk drawing on Main Street
  • Beach music bash (featuring one of the best beach music bands!)
  • 5K and 10K races in residential Rock Hill
  • Cornhole throwdown (with cash prizes!)
  • Healthy Kids Zone outdoor activities
  • Mayor's Frog Jump (featuring live frogs…)
  • Gourmet Gardens food truck event at Winthrop Lake
  • Hops at the Park
  • Movie night in Fountain Park (watch The Super Mario Bros. Movie under the stars!)
  • Disc Golf Open
  • Sundaes with Glen and Mother Goose
  • Golf Classic at the Rock Hill Country Club
  • Glencairn Gardens live music at lunch
  • Coloring contest and awards ceremony
  • Teddy bear tea party
  • Moonlight jazz and blues at Winthrop Lake
  • Barbecue cook-off
  • Touch-a-truck event
  • And the grand finale…tailgating, skydiving, and fireworks!!!

So mark your calendars and join us for a springtime celebration like no other at the Come-See-Me Festival in Rock Hill, SC – where memories are made and good times abound!

Discover our favorite spring 2024 events

 

Block of cheese carving for Cary NC Pimento Cheese Festival

Yes, cheese sculpting is a thing. Check out the Pimento Cheese Festival in Cary NC.

Who Needs Sculpted Abs When You Have Sculpted Pimento Cheese?

It's a valid question. Join us at the 2024 Pimento Cheese Festival in Cary, NC, a delicious event that celebrates a quintessential Southern staple. The party goes down April 13, 2024 from 11 AM to 4 PM at Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy Street, Cary, NC, 27511.

Originating in the early 20th century, pimento cheese has deep roots in Southern cuisine, blending creamy cheese with sweet and tangy pimentos to create a spreadable delicacy that has captured hearts and taste buds across the region. The Pimento Cheese Festival in downtown Cary is a tribute to this culinary icon, offering attendees the chance to indulge in an array of creative pimento cheese concoctions, from classic sandwiches to innovative dishes that push the boundaries of tradition.

What's more, this year's festival takes place against the backdrop of the newly unveiled downtown Cary Park and social district. Nestled in the heart of the city, this vibrant park offers a picturesque setting for festival-goers to mingle, savor delicious bites, and enjoy live entertainment.

The downtown Cary social district adds an extra layer of excitement, providing designated areas where visitors can sip on refreshing beverages while exploring all that the festival and surrounding area have to offer. The full list of activities includes:

  • Wake Moody performances
  • ZimZoom photo booth
  • Food trucks and breweries (over 40 vendors participating!!!)
  • Pimento cheese marketplace
  • Cheese wiz trivia
  • Cheese carving
  • Knockerball
  • Pimento cheese sculpting contest

So mark your calendars and come join the cheesy festivities in Cary – it's sure to be a gouda time for all!

Two guys playing ping pong at Downtown Cary Park

Play ping pong, foosball, and other yard games at Downtown Cary Park — all gear is provided! | Photo: @downtowncarypark

What's The Scoop On Cary NC?

Like a moth to pimento cheese — err, we mean flame — the newly revitalized Downtown Cary Park and bustling social district are beckoning more Carolina Travelers to Cary.

The newly revitalized Downtown Cary Park serves as a picturesque (pet-friendly!) oasis in the midst of the city, offering green spaces for picnics, walking paths for leisurely strolls, and vibrant gathering spots for community events and festivals. With its lush landscaping and inviting ambiance, the park provides a welcome retreat for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

The Downtown Cary Park social district offers a unique experience, providing designated areas where visitors can relax and enjoy their favorite alcoholic beverages in the company of friends and fellow adventurers. Whether you're sipping on a craft cocktail or sampling a local brew, the social district creates the perfect atmosphere for unwinding and soaking in the lively energy of downtown Cary.

To discover the best restaurants and places to stay in Cary, NC, look no further! Explore the culinary delights of downtown Cary's dining scene, from cozy cafes to upscale eateries serving up delicious fare. And when it's time to rest your head, find the perfect Cary NC hotels to suit your style and budget, whether you prefer boutique hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, or convenient lodgings near the city center.

Three woman at the margarita stand

Don't we all smile for margaritas? Taste all you want at the Tacos ‘N Taps Festival in Charlotte.

Enter To Win Tickets To Four Charlotte Food Festivals!

Now's your chance to enter to win FREE tickets to not one…not two…not three…but FOUR (all) food festivals, all in the Queen City in 2024! We're sure you'll even find pimento cheese incorporated in some of the tasty festival concoctions.

Here's a teaser of what you get to experience at three of the festivals that take place over the course of a year:

May 18: 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 rubs, hot sauces, and BBQ accessories. Don’t miss out on this day of indulgence and entertainment!

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