Spring is finally right around the corner, which means it’s time to get out of the house and start enjoying the sunshine and warmer weather. It’s also the perfect time for taking some day trips or weekend excursions to start exploring new places and trying new things. If you haven’t been to North Carolina (or even if you have), the Tarheel State has lots of ways to celebrate the changing of the season, no matter what your interests are. From arts and culture to sports and food, here are some of the best things you’ll want to check out in North Carolina this spring.
Go to a Wine Festival
What Is It? North Carolina has quickly been gaining notoriety over the years as a front runner in the wine industry.
Why Do It? North Carolina is home to the “Mother Vine” – a scuppernong muscadine vine that is a whopping 400 years old. But even though sweet muscadine wines are popular here, there are plenty of other varieties that appeal to every palette – from sweet to dry. And there’s no better way to sample them all than at one of the state’s annual wine festivals.
Good to Know: There are numerous events held each year in cities all across the state, but some of the best include the North Carolina Wine & Beer Festival held in Selma in April, the North Carolina Wine Festival held in Clemmons in May, and the Great Grapes Wine & Food Festival, which also takes place in May in the town of Cary.
Have an Adventure
What Is It? If you’re an adventure junkie or you always just secretly wanted to be one, North Carolina is the perfect place to let it out.
Why Do It? Whether you prefer to stay on dry land or are ready to get out on the water, there’s something for every level of adrenaline.
Good to Know: You can try a ropes course or take a tour down the rapids at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, fly over the treetops and waterfalls on a zipline at Zipquest in Fayetteville, or hit the open road and experience “The Dragon” – a 318 curve, the 11-mile thrilling road through the North Carolina mountains.
Stop to Smell the Flowers
What Is It? There’s no better time to enjoy all the beauty and tranquility that nature has to offer than the spring.
Why Do It? Not only are there plenty of natural blooms to enjoy across the state of North Carolina, but there are also several botanical gardens that offer manicured gardens, winding paths, and more.
Good to Know: Stop into Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont to see over 380 acres of blooms and tropical plants, Airlie Gardens in Wilmington where you’ll find a 2,700 square foot butterfly house, or the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, which features a collection of flowering plants native to Southeast Asia.
Ride a Roller Coaster
What Is It? Winter is finally over, which means it’s time to get out there and start having fun. So, why not go all out and be a kid again at a giant amusement park?
Why Do It? Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte actually sits on the border of NC and SC and has some areas of the park located in each. In addition to 13 roller coasters, including 2 of the 10 tallest coasters in the world, you’ll also find plenty of other rides, shows, attractions, games and food that will have the kid in you jumping for joy.
Good to Know: Carowinds is only one of the top amusement parks in North Carolina.
Play a Round of First-Class Golf
What Is It? Golf lovers will definitely want to head to North Carolina this spring to check out one of their many first-class golf courses.
Why Do It? Although there are numerous quality golf courses spread across the state, one of the most popular is the Pinehurst Resort, where you can choose from nine different challenging courses.
Good to Know: The club has been home to more championships than any other club in the country and has seen the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer on its greens. In fact, one of the courses was designed by Nicklaus himself, while two others were designed by famous golf architect, Donald Ross.
Tour a Lighthouse
What Is It? How many people can say they’ve been inside a real, working lighthouse? Well, you can if you take a trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where seven different lighthouses await you.
Why Do It? Whether you want to actually climb the 214 steps to the top of the Currituck Beach Light Station in Corolla, or just take in the view from the base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in NC that is still in operation, you’ll find each one of them steeped in rich history and surrounded by breathtaking beauty.
Good to Know: Make sure to check out the Oak Island Lighthouse – which is considered one of the world’s most powerful lighthouses with a light that can be seen for 24 miles.
