Discover Spring Escapes in North Carolina
Spring in North Carolina is more than just a change in the weather—it’s an invitation to explore. From the vibrant wildflower trails of the Carolinas to the black bear sightings at Alligator River and the spawning striped bass along the Roanoke River, nature is putting on a show. For a mix of culture and curiosity, the Schiele Museum in Gastonia offers immersive exhibits and planetarium shows that make for a perfect day trip. And down along the coast, Onslow County shines with charming towns, outdoor adventures, and mouthwatering Southern cuisine. Whether you're chasing blooms, spotting wildlife, or simply soaking in the season, North Carolina has a spring escape waiting for you.
Discover the best things to do in Onslow County this spring!
From coastal adventures to charming small towns and unforgettable local eats, spring is the perfect time to explore Onslow County, NC. Whether you're kayaking to Bear Island, sampling moonshine, or strolling historic Swansboro, this guide has everything you need for a memorable getaway.
Beautiful Spring Blooms In The CarolinasÂ
Spring transforms the Carolinas into a wildflower wonderland, with vibrant blooms from mountain trails to riverbanks. Discover the most breathtaking spots to witness this seasonal spectacle—perfect for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. Ready to chase the blooms? Here's where to go.
Get Your Planetarium Fix in Gastonia NC at the Schiele MuseumÂ
Looking for a fun and educational day trip? Discover the Schiele Museum in Gastonia, NC—a hidden gem where you can travel through time with dinosaur fossils, experience hands-on science exhibits, walk scenic nature trails, and catch a dazzling show at the planetarium. It’s the perfect blend of learning and adventure for all ages!
Spring Rituals With Chris DouglasÂ
Spring is on the horizon, and North Carolina’s wild landscapes are bursting back to life! From massive black bears at Alligator River to thousands of spawning striped bass on the Roanoke River, these off-the-beaten-path wildlife spots offer unforgettable springtime encounters you won’t get from your backyard.
 VIP Free Tix: Charlotte Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
If smoky barbecue, bold bourbons, and craft brews are more your style, you won’t want to miss this flavor-packed event in Charlotte. The Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is a celebration of the South’s best tastes and traditions, and we’re giving away VIP tickets! Treat yourself to a day of sipping, sampling, and southern-style fun—with live music and plenty of good vibes.
Exciting OBX ToursÂ
The Outer Banks is more than just stunning beaches—it’s a hub for outdoor adventure, history, and unique local experiences. From wild horse tours and scenic lighthouses to kayaking and nature trails, we’re highlighting all the ways to make your OBX spring break unforgettable. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, there’s always something new to discover. Learn more…
Save Money On Your Hotel Room
Tired of opening a dozen tabs just to find a decent hotel rate? We get it. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to help you save big on hotel bookings throughout the Carolinas. Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, let us help you stretch your travel budget further—so you can spend more on the fun stuff. Read more…
Wherever the road takes you this week, we hope it's full of sunshine, surprises, and sweet Southern memories. Don’t forget to tag us in your travel pics @carolinatravelr—we’d love to follow along!
Bloom with Our Spring Issue
Inside the spring Carolina Traveler Magazine you'll find all the briny details about the NC Pickle Festival, majestic trees, the best places to see wildflower blooms and a lot more!
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 FearlesslyÂ
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:
- SOS Spring Safari – April 24–May 4 | Myrtle Beach, SC
- SC Strawberry Festival – May 2 – 3 | Fort Mill SC
- Goat Island Games – May 2 – 3 | Cramerton, NC
- Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival – May 3 | Smithfield, NC
- Wings over Wayne Air Show – May 3 | Goldsboro, NC
- Charlotte Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ – May 17 | Charlotte, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
- Spring Break – Save up to 50% | Tripfox
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!
â™› 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.
Last year we offered VIPs more than $700 in free tickets!
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.
Share your adventures on Facebook when you join the Carolina Traveler Facebook group
For more exciting adventures, sign-up for our newsletter!