The clocks have sprung forward. The trees are regaining their color. Flowers are blossoming and crimson cardinals are preening on our newly green lawns. By any measure, spring is here.
The Carolinas are known far and wide as an area with beautiful beaches, majestic mountains and crystalline lakes and rivers. Our two states are so well-liked, temperate and livable that many retirees are now heading here (sorry, Florida). Between the natural beauty and the soaring price of gas, there’s no need to travel outside the region for a wonderful spring getaway.
In fact, we’ve even taken the guess work out of your vacation planning. Presented here are Q-Notes’ Top Carolinas Spring Destinations and Recreation Activities.
Blue Ridge Mountains |
A trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway should be included on everyone’s getaway list. Driving this twisting, winding road through the Carolinas’ beautiful western mountain ranges has become something of a cherished tradition to North and South Carolinians — especially in the spring and fall.
Take the time to plot out your trip by visiting www.blueridgeparkway.org or www.blueridgeonline.com.
Take a trip to North Carolina’s treasured Outer Banks. Lighthouses, museums, aquariums, recreation activities and the arts all beckon you to the narrow strips of sand where Sir Walter Raleigh and the first colonists found their way through the New World’s wilderness. A quick look at the event calendars at www.outbanks.org reveal a treasure trove of unique and exciting activities for you and your family.
Visit Kitty Hawk for their annual Spring Kite Festival (April 5-6) or take the time to celebrate Wilbur Wright’s 141st birthday with the Wright Brothers National Memorial at Kill Devil Hills (Apr. 16, more information at www.nps.gov/wrbr). Roanoke Island at Manteo will also showcase Shoreline Entertainment’s production of “Kicking Country” (Apr. 17-27, more information at www.roanokeisland.com).
Azalea Festival |
While you’re at the coast, take the short drive down to Wilmington, N.C., for the 61st Annual N.C. Azalea Festival, Apr. 9-13. The Port City’s premier annual event, the Azalea Festival features the Azalea Queen Pageant, a parade, coin show, circus, boxing tournament, a horse show, shag dancing contest and more. With all this, there is something to interest everyone in your family or circle of friends.
More information is availble at www.ncazaleafestival.org.
As one of the oldest and most charming colonial cities in the South, Charleston has been known for centuries as “a city set in a garden.” Take a weekend to join the Charleston Historic Foundation as they present their annual International Antiques Show. The first weekend of the show kicks off with the 61st Annual Festival of Houses and Gardens, Mar. 13-Apr.12.
A complete calendar of events and ticket prices are available at www.historiccharleston.org or by calling 843-722-3405.
Another historic Southern city is Savannah, Ga., just across the S.C. state line. Its magnolia trees and luscious public spaces invite visitors right into the center of town. The city’s quirky charm, highlighted in the best-selling “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil” as well as Clint Eastwood’s film adaptation, make Savannah a must-visit spot.
More information is available at www.savcvb.com/events/?ms=631
If you’re a queer car lover, you don’t want to miss the Food Lion Auto Fair at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Thousands of vendors and more than 50 auto clubs will fill up the speedway for a four-day event, April 3-6, that is the Carolinas’ largest automotive extravaganza. Only minutes north of Charlotte, off I-85, Lowe’s has the benefit of being close to other great attractions — perfect for a one-day or weekend-long trip with the family. Take a break from the auto show and visit Concord Mills, or drive south of Charlotte and spend a day at Paramount’s Carowinds.
In the mood for a movie? Take a trip to Nickelodeon Theatre’s Indie Grits Film Festival, Apr. 9-13 in Columbia, S.C., featuring independent, low-budget and unique films by artists from South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Louisiana and Florida. The festival showcases films that embrace “grittiness” and “transcend boundaries.”
For more information, visit www.indiegrits.com.
With whitewater rafting, kayaking, mountain biking and hiking, flatwater paddling and rock climbing, the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte features everything from high-thrill activities for outdoors enthusiasts to moderate, group activities for families to quiet springtime hikes into the woods. Rates vary for the Center’s activities, and it’s best if plans are pre-booked. Be sure to eat at the Center’s Eddy Restaurant and Bar for the full experience.
More information is available at www.usnwc.org.
Greensboro Bicentennial |
This year Greensboro, N.C., celebrates its bicentennial with a huge, municipal celebration. Founded in 1808, Greensboro has become home to a buzzing downtown nightlife, numerous colleges and universities, arts, culture and business. Join the festival’s Dance through the Decades on Apr. 11 at the downtown Carolina Theater, or go to the May 17 Parade of Decades. For a special treat, visit North Carolina A&T University on May 11, when the North Carolina General Assembly meets in special session in honor of the city’s milestone.
More information is available at www.greensboro200.com. |
<
