Winter Destinations 2023

Your clicks make a difference. When you buy something from the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.


If you're looking for things to do this winter, we have several recommendations! Museums make great places to go when the weather outside is frightful, so check out the museums featured in the Winter issue of Carolina Traveler Magazine. If you enjoy browsing historical items, but want to take something home, try antiquing in Thomasville. And if you miss the sand between your toes, head over to North Topsail Beach where you can take in the sand and surf while exploring the Jacksonville-Onslow County African American Heritage Trail.

Sponsored by…

The recovered remains of the Confederate gunboat, CSS Neuse are displayed at the CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center

Explore the recovered remains of a Confederate gunboat at the CSS Neuse and Civil War Interpretive Center in Kinston, NC.

Museum Central

From race cars to sunken ships and flying machines, the special Museum Central section of Carolina Traveler Magazine features an interesting assortment of museums. Discover fascinating adventures at these museums:

  • Petty Museum
  • Neal Agricultural & Industrial Museum
  • North Carolina Pottery Center
  • North Carolina Aviation Museum
  • American Classic Motorcycle Museum
  • CSS Neuse Civil War Interpretive Center
  • Cape Fear Museum
  • South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
  • Learn more about all of them at Museum Central

Find things to do in Carolina Traveler magazine

Get more Carolina! Subscribe to Carolina Traveler Magazine and we’ll deliver it to your home.


inside an antique store in Thomasville, NC

Historic treasures you can take home! Get your antique-picking fix in Thomasville, NC.

Antique Shopping in Thomasville, NC

Come visit beautiful historic downtown Thomasville, North Carolina, where you will find one of the largest selections of antique shops in North Carolina. There’s something for everyone in this small town located in the Piedmont Triad with great deals to be found everywhere. You can find unique gifts or items for your home including handcrafted items by local makers. Thomasville has quickly become a must-shop location for deal-seeking vintage and antique shoppers from our surrounding urban centers – Raleigh to Winston to Charlotte. Discover an extraordinary selection of antique farmhouse, rusty relics, industrial decor, vintage and locally handmade items at one of our many retail venues. Make Thomasville, NC your must-stop location for vintage shops. Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 25th when many retailers and restaurants in Thomasville will be 10% off!

couple dances in the sand on north topsail beach, NC

Dance like no one is watching! Experience the wide open beaches of North Topsail Beach, NC.

Discover North Topsail Island and the Beaches of Onslow County, NC

Make you next beach trip historic! Explore the African American Heritage Trail which is comprised of historical markers and sites throughout Onslow County that highlight African-American heritage, as well as significant individual contributions to the Onslow County community. One of those prominent sites is Ocean City Beach on North Topsail island. How did Ocean City Beach get its start? Wilmington attorney and former Mayor Edgar Yow purchased 6 miles of beachfront property on Topsail Island which later became Ocean City Beach, a popular beach destination for the black community.

A modeler applies the finishing touches to the Firebase Ripcord diorama at the South Carolina Relic Room and Military Museum

A modeler applies the finishing touches to the Firebase Ripcord diorama at the South Carolina Relic Room and Military Museum in Columbia, SC.

Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum (Columbia, SC)

Take a day trip to the museum and check out the enormous, painstakingly rendered model of the Vietnam War's Fire Support Base Ripcord. The last significant fight of the Vietnam war involving American troops. It was one of the bloodiest of the conflict, yet most back home never even realized it had taken place. This is a tale that wants to be heard and told. Send your history buffs to the museum for a day of learning and exploration!


 

Find things to do in Carolina Traveler magazine

Get more Carolina! Subscribe to Carolina Traveler Magazine and we’ll deliver it to your home.

 

You might also like…