The Best of the Carolinas Right Now: Antiques, Old-School Beach Towns, and Waterfalls You Won’t Have To Hike ToÂ
This week in the Carolinas: 100 miles of Highway 301 turns into the region's biggest antique sale on June 19-20, with vintage furniture, old farm tools, and genuine finds waiting at every roadside stop from Weldon to Dunn. On the coast, Pender County's Topsail Island is serving up the kind of old-fashioned beach trip that's getting harder to find. Enjoy pier fishing at a structure that's been standing since 1948, fresh seafood pulled from local waters, and a blueberry festival in Burgaw that draws 50,000 people to the town square. And in Western North Carolina, five of the most stunning waterfalls in the state are sitting just steps from the parking lot… including one where you walk directly behind the falls and come out the other side completely dry.Â
- 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.
Antique Lovers, This Is Your Super Bowl
One Road. 100 Miles. Thousands of Antiques.
This June, Historic U.S. Highway 301 becomes a 100-mile stretch of vendors, scores, and surprises running from Weldon all the way to Dunn. We're talking vintage records, retro furniture, old farm tools, genuine antiques, and the kind of unexpected finds that make you pull over twice. Serious hunters know to start early. The best pieces go fast, and don’t forget to bring cash, leave trunk space, and talk to the sellers. The stories behind the stuff are half the reason to go. Check it out!Â
The Beach Trip Your Grandparents Took…and You Still Can
No high-rise hotels. No chain boardwalk. Just 26 miles of barrier island where the Surf City Ocean Pier has been casting lines since 1948, the sandbars fill up with boats on warm afternoons, and the seafood comes straight from local waters. Inland, Burgaw's courthouse square hosts a free concert series all season and a blueberry festival every June that draws 50,000 people. Pender County is the Carolinas beach trip that skipped the makeover, and that's exactly why people keep coming back. Read more…
All of the Waterfall. None of the Hike.
Western NC's Best Waterfalls Are Closer Than You Think
At Dry Falls near Highlands, a short paved path leads you directly behind a thundering waterfall — the sound fills the air, the mist surrounds you, and you walk out the other side completely dry. At Looking Glass Falls in Brevard, a 60-foot cascade drops into a rocky pool right off the roadside. At Bridal Veil Falls, you can see it without leaving your car. Five of Western North Carolina's most spectacular waterfalls, all within steps of a parking lot. No trail miles. No steep climbs. Just the falls. Read more..
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
NC Fossil FestivalÂ
May 23 – 24Â | Aurora, NC
NC Black Bear FestivalÂ
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 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.
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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