Summer in the Carolinas is wide open and worth planning.
This week we've got five destinations from Topsail Island's unspoiled barrier island coast to the river trails and revitalized downtown of Gaston County — all featured in our brand new Summer 2026 issue. We've also got adult summer camp in the Great Smoky Mountains, where Skyland Camp & Retreat in Clyde, NC is offering horseback riding, archery, chef-prepared meals, and cocktail hours across four themed camp experiences running June through August. And if your calendar still has some gaps, we've rounded up the season's standout events — from four days of country music on the Myrtle Beach waterfront to fireworks over the Cape Fear River in Southport to a living history week in Charleston marking America's 250th anniversary. Summer in the Carolinas doesn't wait. Here's how to make the most of it.
- 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.
5 Carolina Destinations That Were Made for Summer
River Trails, Big Chairs, and Blueberry Festivals — The Summer 2026 Issue Is Here
Beautiful beaches await at the barrier island at Topsail Beach in Pender County. Paddle the Catawba River and explore the growing arts scene in Gastonia. Discover Alamance County's Revolutionary War history on the Haw River trails. Take it slow in Lumberton along the cypress-lined waterways of the Lumber River State Park. And don't leave Thomasville without a photo with the iconic Big Chair. Five destinations. One very good summer. Check out our favorite summer destinations here…
Horseback Riding, Archery, and Cocktail Hour — Adult Summer Camp Is a Real Thing
Skyland Camp & Retreat in the Great Smoky Mountains Is Taking Reservations Now
Remember when summer meant horseback rides through the woods, cannonballing into the lake, and staying up too late around a campfire? Skyland Camp & Retreat in Clyde, NC is bringing all of that back — for adults. Set in the Great Smoky Mountains, Skyland offers four themed camp experiences between June and August: a Women's Golf Retreat (June 7-10), a Mother-Daughter Camp (July), Grown-Up Girls Camp (July 29–August 2), and Soul Camp, a mountain reset built around equine-facilitated learning and meditation (August 13-16). Chef-prepared meals, daily cocktail hours, lodge rooms, and everything from archery to hammock time are included. All you have to do is show up. Read more…
The Carolina Summer Event Calendar Is Stacked! Here's What to Put on Your List
From Myrtle Beach to Boone, the Carolinas Have a Full Summer of Festivals, Fireworks, and Living History
This summer's event calendar runs the full length of the Carolinas. In June, the Carolina Country Music Fest takes over the Myrtle Beach waterfront for four days of national country acts, while the NC Blueberry Festival brings 50,000 people to downtown Burgaw. July brings fireworks over the Cape Fear River at Southport's NC 4th of July Festival, a living history week at Charleston's Marion Square for America's 250th anniversary, and South Carolina's oldest running festival — the Hampton County Watermelon Festival, now in its 87th year. And if you're craving the kind of summer the Carolinas do best, the Lizard Man Stomp in Bishopville is exactly as good as it sounds. Check out the best summer events here…
Live music at the NC Blueberry Festival
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this week across the Carolinas — perfect for planning your next adventure!
Search All Events
On CarolinaTraveler.com
NC Black Bear Festival
June 6 – 7 | Plymouth, NC
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
July 31 – Aug 1 | Cary, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
Liquid Summer Festival
August 15 | Wilmington, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
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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