Pack your bags and fuel your spirit—summer is calling!

From farm-fresh culinary escapes at Farmbelly near Saxapahaw, to the largest natural grass putting course at The Palmetto Traverse in South Carolina, and heart-pounding whitewater rafting with Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson City—our Thrill Seekers 2025 issue has something for every outdoor enthusiast. Whether you crave hands-on cooking, laid-back family fun on the greens, or adrenaline-fueled river rapids, these carefully curated Carolina experiences invite you to connect with nature, savor local flavors, and dive into adventure. 

From Garden to Gourmet: Your Culinary Escape Starts Here

Step into the fields and flavors of summer with a hands-on cooking adventure at Farmbelly, a 10-acre working farm near Saxapahaw, NC. This seasonal farm-to-table workshop takes you from garden to plate—harvesting fresh produce, learning essential cooking techniques, and enjoying a shared meal in a serene countryside setting. With small group sizes, open-air kitchens, and a focus on seasonal, simple dishes, it’s an intimate, immersive experience that blends culinary learning with rural charm.

🔑 The Ultimate Put 

Discover a fresh take on summer golf at The Palmetto Traverse in Santee, South Carolina — the state’s largest natural grass putting course. Spanning 35,000 square feet with 18 ever-changing holes, it’s a laid-back, family-friendly experience that combines real-grass authenticity with weekly design updates. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just out for some casual fun, this unique course offers a low-pressure way to enjoy the outdoors, complete with free gear and unlimited play for resort guests.

Cool Off The Wild Way 

Dive into summer adventure with a whitewater rafting trip from Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) in Bryson City, NC. With six scenic rivers and trip options ranging from family-friendly floats to adrenaline-packed rapids, NOC offers something for every age and thrill level. Whether you're paddling the cool, Class II-III rapids of the Nantahala River or tackling the wild waves of the Chattooga, expert guides make the journey safe, fun, and unforgettable. It’s the perfect way to cool off, connect with nature, and add a splash of excitement to your summer plans.

Discover Our Thrill Seekers 2025 Issue

Whether you’re a seasoned adrenaline junkie or simply looking to try something new, Thrill Seekers 2025 invites you to pack your bags, fuel your spirit, and explore the wild, beautiful Carolina outdoors like never before. Let the adventure begin!

The Liquid Summer Festival is coming to Wilmington — and it's bringin' the heat!

Enter now for your chance to win 4 VIP tickets to Liquid Summer Festival 2025 in Wilmington! It’s one unforgettable day—Saturday, August 16—filled with 100+ craft beer, wine, cider, and spirit tastings, live music, and beach-town vibes.

VIP winners get early entry, 3 food tickets, a craft cocktail, VIP-only bathrooms, and exclusive swag—including a souvenir cup and beach towel. That’s a $384 value—for FREE!

🎶 Sip, dance, and send off summer in the coolest way possible. Enter to win today!

Carolina Traveler VIPs Scored $762 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.

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:

Ghost Tour Season – June 21–Oct 25 | Wilkesboro, NC

Myrtle Beach Tours – Book now for summer fun

Bourbon & BBQ Festival  August 1 – 2 | Cary, NC

Liquid Summer Festival  August 16 | Wilmington, NC

Bon Temps Paddle Battle  August 16 | Belmont, NC

WNC Bigfoot Festival August 23 | Marion, NC

Cary Whiskey, Wine, and Fire September 13 | Cary, NC

♛ 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.

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