The Inside Scoop On The Rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily
Plus, top spring events and unforgettable wildlife encounters across the Carolinas!
Spring has arrived in the Carolinas, and it’s the perfect time to explore the region’s natural beauty and attend fun events. One of the season’s most rare and stunning blooms, the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily, awaits your discovery in parks around the Carolinas. But that’s not all—attend festivals celebrating everything from coastal culture to fine food and music, not to mention incredible wildlife centers dedicated to conservation efforts. Whether you're on a wildflower hunt, dancing at a festival, or getting up close with tigers and sea turtles, the Carolinas are bursting with adventures this spring!
Where To See The Rare Rocky Shoals Spider Lily This Spring
Spring in the Carolinas is a wildflower lover’s dream, and among the region's most striking and rare blooms is the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily (Hymenocallis coronaria). Once abundant throughout the southeastern U.S., these delicate white flowers have become increasingly rare, now appearing primarily in select streams. Not only are they a visual marvel, but the Rocky Shoals Spider Lily is also an important indicator of stream health, as their presence signifies clean, thriving waters. However, habitat loss, especially from dam construction, has put pressure on their populations. Discover where to find this rare beauty, along with other spring wildflowers in the Carolinas!
🔑 Spring Events You Shouldn't Miss
Spring is in full swing across the Carolinas, and it's time to embrace the season with some of the most exciting festivals and events the region has to offer! From the vibrant parades and food trucks of Rock Hill’s Come-See-Me Festival to the floral wonders of Wilmington’s Azalea Festival, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re dancing to beach tunes in North Myrtle Beach, sipping fine wines in Charlotte, or indulging in pickle-themed fun in Mount Olive, these spring events promise unforgettable memories. Grab your calendar and get ready for a season packed with adventure, culture, and Southern charm! We've rounded up the best spring events for our subscribers!
4 Epic Spots For Animal Lovers
Ready to get up close with some incredible wildlife? The Carolinas are home to some amazing conservation centers where you can meet lemurs, sea turtles, birds of prey, and even big cats! From the Duke Lemur Center in Durham to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue in Surf City, these spots are dedicated to protecting endangered species and offer unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re fascinated by lemur acrobatics, watching sea turtles being rehabilitated, or getting face-to-face with tigers, the Carolinas offer wildlife adventures that support vital conservation efforts.
Charlotte Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
Get ready for the ultimate day of flavor at the Charlotte Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival on May 17, 2025, at Ballantyne's Backyard! With over 60 craft beers and bourbons to sample, plus mouthwatering BBQ from the best local vendors, this is a must-attend event for foodies and drink lovers alike. Enjoy live music, fun games, and the chance to meet the makers behind your favorite brews and spirits. VIP Subscribers can score 2 free tickets while supplies last, so don’t miss out! Whether you're sipping, savoring, or simply soaking in the vibes, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Grab your tickets now and bring your appetite for an epic day of food, friends, and flavor!
Enter to Win Pickle Swag!
Calling all pickle lovers — the NC Pickle Festival is just around the corner, and we're celebrating with an amazing giveaway! Enter for a chance to win the Ultimate Pickle Swag bag, packed with Mt. Olive Pickles and other delightful goodies. If you’re a fan of pickles or simply want to get in on the fun, this is the perfect opportunity to score some awesome swag ahead of the big festival on April 26th.
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:
- Come See Me Festival – April 3 – 12 | Rock Hill, SC
- Wine & Food Festival Ballantyne – April 5 | Charlotte, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
- Cary Tacos N Taps – April 12 | Cary, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
- NC Pickle Festival – April 26 | Mount Olive, NC
- Charlotte Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ – May 17 | Charlotte, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
- SOS Spring Safari – April 24 – May 4 | Myrtle Beach, SC
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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