Pickles, BBQ & Springtime Escapes! 

Spring has officially sprung in the Carolinas, and this week’s newsletter is bursting with flavor, fun, and fresh air. We’ve rounded up the best of what’s happening—from quirky festivals and VIP events to scenic getaways and money-saving travel tips. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, pickles, or perfect beach vibes, there’s something for every kind of traveler this week. Let’s get into it!

The Iconic NC Pickle Festival Is Almost Here!

On April 26th, Mount Olive, North Carolina becomes the epicenter of all things dill. The NC Pickle Festival draws tens of thousands of pickle lovers from near and far for a weekend full of zany contests, creative food (yes, even pickle margaritas), live entertainment, and more briny goodness than you can shake a spear at. Whether you’re competing in the pickle eating contest or just there for the free samples, it’s guaranteed to be a crunchy good time.

Last Chance To Enter The Ultimate Pickle Swag Bag Giveaway!

In honor of the festival, we’re giving away the Ultimate Pickle Swag Bag, loaded with fun and funky pickle-themed goodies. It's your last chance to enter, and you can boost your odds by coming back daily. Don't miss out on this chance to take home the tangiest prize of the season! Enter Today! 

 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.

🔑 7 Spots To See Epic Trees Across The Carolinas

Ready to trade screen time for tree time? From moss-draped trails on the coast to towering giants in the mountains, the Carolinas are home to some truly spectacular natural scenery. We’ve rounded up seven of the most awe-inspiring tree-filled spots to explore this spring, perfect for hiking, relaxing, or snapping the perfect nature pic. Read more…

Beaches For Every Type Of Traveler

Whether you're looking for a quiet escape surrounded by nature, a lively beach town with nightlife, or a family-friendly destination packed with activities, the Carolinas have it all. We’ve picked the best beaches for every type of traveler, so you can find your perfect patch of sand and sunshine—without the guesswork.

The Perfect Spring Break In The OBX

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 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:

• StemTrek – April 16 | Hickory, NC

• NC Tribute To The King – April 25–27 | Lexington, NC

• SOS Spring Safari – April 24–May 4 | Myrtle Beach, SC

• Liberty Antiques Festival – April 25–26 | Liberty, NC

• NC Pickle Festival – April 26 | Mount Olive, 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!

♛ 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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