Winter in the Carolinas: Adventures Worth Leaving the House For
Winter might bring shorter days and heavier coats, but in the Carolinas, it also brings some of our most unexpected adventures. This week’s newsletter dives headfirst into the season with stories that prove cold weather is no excuse to stay home. We’re uncovering museums so bizarre you have to see them to believe they exist, showing you how to explore Charlotte without the traffic headaches, and rethinking Valentine’s Day with romantic getaways that beat any crowded restaurant. You’ll also find Mardi Gras magic rolling into a coastal Carolina town and a full lineup of winter events that turn cabin fever into an excuse to celebrate. Winter in the Carolinas is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
- Discover towering wooden trolls by Thomas Dambo scattered through North Carolina forests, made from recycled materials.
- Experience Victorian holiday charm at the Dickens Christmas Show & Festivals in Myrtle Beach.
- Drive or hike scenic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Table Rock to see peak fall colors.
- Celebrate renaissance fun at the North Carolina Renaissance Festival with jousting, artisans, and family activities.
- Join Carolina Traveler VIP for exclusive perks: free event tickets, hotel rate comparisons, and savings.
You Won’t Believe These Museums Actually Exist
Think museums are all quiet halls and glass cases? These bizarre Carolinas museums blow that idea wide open. From Bigfoot footprints and haunted artifacts to pinball machines you’re encouraged to play, buttons sewn onto everything imaginable, and even an entire museum devoted to house cats, these places exist delightfully outside the norm. They’re strange, playful, a little creepy, and completely unforgettable. These are exactly the kind of stops that turn a simple drive into a story you’ll tell forever. If you crave curiosity over crowds and want winter adventures that surprise you, these offbeat museums prove that the weirdest stops often make the best trips.
Charlotte, Simplified: A Smarter Way to See the Queen City
Charlotte may be a big city, but exploring it doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right home base, smart use of light rail, and a little neighborhood know-how, the Queen City becomes surprisingly easy to navigate. This insider guide shows you how to skip traffic, avoid parking panic, and move at a relaxed pace—whether you’re in town for a weekend getaway, a concert, or a game day. From walkable Uptown and trendy South End to artsy NoDa and laid-back Dilworth, Charlotte rewards travelers who slow down, plan just enough, and let the city’s rhythm do the rest. Check out our guide!
This Valentine’s Day, Pack a Bag Instead of Making a Reservation
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and nobody wants to be the one frantically searching for a last-minute dinner reservation. This year, skip the crowded restaurants and impress your sweetheart with something far more memorable: a romantic getaway for two. These thoughtfully curated Valentine’s escapes trade prix fixe menus for meaningful moments, turning a simple overnight trip into an experience designed to reconnect and indulge. Whether your love language leans classic, vintage, elegant, or wellness-focused, these one-night, two-day itineraries prove that the most unforgettable Valentine’s gifts aren’t found at the table. They’re found on the road, together. Read more…
A Coastal Carolina Take on Mardi Gras
Who says you need Bourbon Street to celebrate Mardi Gras? Beaufort brings the Big Easy to the Carolina coast with a delightfully quirky waterfront festival packed with beads, masks, parades, live music, and Cajun-inspired flavor. Taking over town for a full weekend in February, Beaufort’s Mardi Gras Festival blends small-town charm with big-time fun—think masquerade balls, colorful krewes, flying beads, and a street carnival serving up gumbo, king cake, and plenty of good cheer. It’s festive, flavorful, and proof that winter in the Carolinas is anything but dull. Check out what’s in store this year!
Museum Central Is Here!
If winter has your family restless and out of ideas, Museum Central is your official cure for cabin fever. Our 2026 Winter/Museum Central Issue spotlights museums that turn “just one stop” into an all-day adventure—along with cozy winter day trips, quirky hidden gems, festive seasonal events, and a brand-new 2026 bucket list. From hands-on exhibits to history that actually holds attention, these experiences make winter travel easy, warm, and anything but boring. Whether you’re headed to the mountains, the coast, or a quick city escape, consider this your excuse to bundle up, hit the road, and rediscover how fun learning can be.
Winter doesn’t have to be boring
Winter in the Carolinas is anything but a snooze. Sure, it’s cold—but that just means fewer crowds and more hot chocolate. From mountain towns turning snow and ice into full-blown celebrations to coastal communities serving up oysters, parades, and live music by the bushel, winter is packed with reasons to get out of the house. Whether you’re chasing Mardi Gras vibes, cracking into fresh seafood, cheering on delightfully weird races, or planning a family-friendly weekend escape, these winter events across North and South Carolina prove that a little chill is the perfect excuse to celebrate. Read more…
Upcoming Events
Here’s a quick look at what’s happening this week across the Carolinas — perfect for planning your next adventure!
Animal Park Tree Toss
January 17 | Burlington, NC
Blowing Rock Winterfest
Jan 22 – 25 | Blowing Rock, NC
Tanglewood Festival of Lights
Nov 14 – Jan 1 | Clemmons, NC
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Lowcountry Oyster Festival
February 1 | Mt Pleasant, SC
The Great Outhouse Races
Feb 7 | Jackson County, NC
Beer, Bourbon, & BBQ Festival
March 14 | Wilmington, NC
North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 8 – 12 | Wilmington, NC
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
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- Renaissance Festival Sep 8 – Nov 23 | Huntersville, NC Check back for FREE tickets!!!
- Fall At Fogleman's Farm Sep 14 – Nov 10 | Liberty, NC Details
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..
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Here’s to making your holidays as merry and bright as they can be.
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