Looking for fun things to do in the Carolinas this weekend?
Some days you just need to get out of the house. Whether you're in the mood to wander a village frozen in the 1800s, spend a weekend chasing giraffes, pottery studios, and racing legends through the heart of North Carolina, or pack a day bag and lose yourself in a colonial town, a barrier island, or a Lowcountry harbor, we've got you covered. This week's newsletter is full of the kind of places that make you remember why you love living in the Carolinas. Pick one, pick all three, just don't stay home.
- 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.
Your Perfect Randolph County Weekend Starts HereÂ
Explore one of the world's largest natural habitat zoos in the morning. Enjoy wandering through a hundred pottery studios in the afternoon. Racing history, river trails, and a dinner with indoor golf simulators somewhere in between. Randolph County packs a lot into three days and we've mapped out every stop so you don't have to. This is the weekend itinerary you'll be talking about long after you get home. Check out the full itinerary…
The Town That Time Forgot
Most places work hard to look historic. Gold Hill didn't have to try. Tucked into Rowan County about 20 miles south of Kannapolis, this 1800s village has old-growth wood buildings, front porches with actual rocking chairs, and a real mine shaft you can walk up to and peer into. It's not a theme park and nobody dressed it up for you. It just survived, which turns out to be far more interesting than anything they could have built from scratch. Come on a summer weekend and you might never want to leave. Read more…
🔑 Day Trips That Feel Like Stepping Into A PostcardÂ
A colonial town where independence was declared, a barrier island where sandy toes set the pace, and a waterfront gem draped in live oaks and Lowcountry history. These three day trips couldn't be more different from each other, and that's exactly the point. Whether you're chasing history, surfing, or fresh seafood on a harbor, each one delivers the kind of charm that makes you pull over, slow down, and stay a little longer than you planned. This article is exclusively for magazine subscribers…Read more here!
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
Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival
May 9 | Charlotte, NC ♕ VIP Free Tix
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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