Spring is calling!
Winter is loosening its grip and the Carolinas are coming alive. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with parades from Charlotte to Hilton Head, or let rainy days spark curiosity at offbeat museums where Bigfoot, haunted dolls, and pinball await. Hit the coast for sun, surf, and solitude from family-friendly Atlantic Beach to wild horses roaming the Northern Outer Banks. Or slow down with a day steeped in southern charm, exploring historic streets, Revolutionary War sites, and colonial waterfronts. Whatever your style, festive, quirky, adventurous, or cozy, these Carolina escapes promise fresh air, local flavor, and springtime inspiration.
- Tar Heel athletes competing across sled hockey, short-track, skeleton, and Olympic ice hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Romantic Valentine’s ideas offering spa dates, scenic hikes, candlelit dinners, and art-filled afternoons in the Carolinas.
- One-night getaways from cozy vintage escapes to luxury and wellness retreats designed for couples.
- Quirky museums showcasing Bigfoot, pinball arcades, cat mummies, haunted dolls, and unexpected local oddities.
- Family-friendly picks including Greenville’s top playgrounds, winter events, and museum experiences for kids and families.
Get Your Green On: St. Patrick’s Day in the Carolinas
Spring is calling, and the Carolinas are answering with parades, festivals, and plenty of green. From Charlotte’s city streets to Hilton Head’s coastal charm, and beaches to riverfronts, there’s a celebration for every kind of Irish-at-heart adventurer. March 14–15, grab your friends, your kids, or just your favorite green gear, and join the fun. You might even catch a leprechaun or two along the way. Check out five awesome events to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!
Rainy Day? Get Weird at These Museums
Bored kids, gray skies, and cabin fever? We’ve got the cure. The Carolinas are full of offbeat museums where Bigfoot meets haunted dolls, pinball is a time machine, and house cats even get their own exhibits. These quirky spots turn rainy days into adventures, spark curiosity, and make the whole family ask, “What on earth is that?” Pack your sense of wonder and plan a mini museum road trip that’s anything but ordinary. Check out our favorite unique museums!
Find Your Perfect Carolina Beach
Adventures are waiting for every kind of traveler at the many beaches scattered across the Carolinas. From calm, kid-friendly waves at Atlantic Beach to secluded shell-hunting on Capers Island, dog-friendly Morris Island, and surf-ready Emerald Isle, there’s a beach for every mood and interest. Looking for sunsets, wildlife, or even a wedding backdrop? Pack your sunscreen, pick your vibe, and hit the coast. You’ll find your spot to soak up the sand, surf, and spring sunshine. Check out the best beaches for every type of traveler!
Wild OBX: Northern Outer Banks Adventures
Untamed beaches, roaming wild horses, and sunlit marsh trails. Northern Outer Banks is where the spirit of the OBX comes alive. Explore Art Nouveau mansions at Whalehead, wander peaceful Pine Island Audubon Sanctuary, and spot iconic Spanish mustangs along Carova Beach. Top it off with fresh seafood, ice cream treats, and a stay just steps from the sand. Pack your sense of adventure because the wild side of the Outer Banks is calling. Discover the Northern Outer Banks here!
Southern Charm Escapes
Shake off the winter blues with a day of history, hospitality, and charm. Explore Charlotte’s interactive museums and Victorian neighborhoods, stroll Camden’s Revolutionary War sites while sipping tea, or wander Edenton’s colonial waterfront with lanterns flickering in centuries-old windows. These cozy escapes prove that warmth isn’t just about the weather. It's about slowing down, discovering local stories, and soaking up that unmistakable Carolina charm. Read more!
The Winter Issue Is Here!
If winter has your family restless and out of ideas, Museum Central is your official cure for cabin fever. Our 2026 Winter/Museum Central Issue spotlights museums that turn “just one stop” into an all-day adventure—along with cozy winter day trips, quirky hidden gems, festive seasonal events, and a brand-new 2026 bucket list. From hands-on exhibits to history that actually holds attention, these experiences make winter travel easy, warm, and anything but boring. Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the coast, or a quick city escape, consider this your excuse to bundle up, hit the road, and rediscover how fun learning can be.
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this week across the Carolinas — perfect for planning your next adventure!
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On CarolinaTraveler.com
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
March 14 | Wilmington, NC
North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 8 – 12 | Wilmington, NC
Dare A250: Life, Liberty, and Liftoff
April 18 | Kill Devil Hills, Nc
Carolina Traveler VIPs Scored $1436 in Free Tickets Last Year!
Want in on the perks? Carolina Traveler VIPs enjoy exclusive access to free tickets for events, festivals, and top attractions across the Carolinas. From beer festivals and aquariums to historic tours and adventure parks, we’re unlocking hundreds in savings every year—just for our subscribers. 👉 Sign up now and make this your best summer yet!
Make the most of your summer—discover, explore, and create memories that last long after the season fades.
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.
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.
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