/ ALL ARTICLES CHRONOLOGICALLY

Destinations off the beaten path

The Secret Reason Foodies Are Heading to Hanging Rock (And It’s Not the View!

Ready to swap the daily grind for serious mountain magic? Pack your bags and escape to Stokes County, North Carolina! Ditch your alarm, soar on high-flying ziplines, conquer Hanging Rock Summit, and indulge in a fabulous multi-stop culinary tour. Loosen your belt for incredible local eats and claim your paradise this weekend!

Hiding Inside This Restored Historic NC Fire Station…

Ditch your alarm and grab your keys for an off-the-beaten-path escape to Albemarle, North Carolina! Pack your bags for panoramic vineyard views, effortless mountain summits, and craft beers in a historic fire station. Loosen your belt for global bistro eats and toast to the ultimate backyard adventure this weekend!

What Secret is at the End of This Only-By-Boat NC Peninsula?

Pack your bags and escape the summer heat in stunning Burke County, North Carolina! Ditch your alarm to explore the cool mountain waters of Lake James and Lake Rhodhiss. Loosen your belt after a day of sandy beaches, scenic pontoon cruises, and effortless kayaking. Claim your ultimate foothills paradise today!

The Unexpected NC Town Hosting a Massive International Film Bash This July!

Ditch your alarm and head straight to Kings Mountain, North Carolina, for the Real to Reel International Film Festival! Pack your bags for an incredible weekend of world-class independent cinema, thought-provoking documentaries, and exclusive filmmaker Q&As. Loosen your belt at local spots and unlock spectacular global storytelling this July!

Which Iconic Mountain Resort Just Completely Scrapped Resort Fees?

Ditch your alarm and escape to the beautifully reimagined Fontana Village Resort! Pack your bags for renovated Smoky Mountain lodge rooms and cabins with zero resort fees. Loosen your belt at three distinct on-property restaurants, drift down the lazy river, and begin an unforgettable family tradition in paradise this weekend!

The Massive 2-Day NC Street Extravagant That Costs Absolutely Nothing to Enter!

Pack your bags for the legendary Waldensian Festival in downtown Valdese, North Carolina! Ditch your alarm for a massive classic car cruise-in, high-energy live music, and over 160 bustling food and craft vendors. Loosen your belt, tackle the epic obstacle courses, and dive into the ultimate weekend of non-stop family excitement

The Secret Class II Rapids and Hidden Waterfall Locals Try to Keep Quiet!

Ditch your alarm and head straight to Mayodan, North Carolina, for the ultimate summer escape! Pack your bags for a patriotic July 4th festival, exhilarating Class II rapids, and a hidden waterfall. Loosen your belt for classic holiday treats and tackle tight mountain bike switchbacks in paradise this weekend!

Burke County, NC Festivals are one of the main ways that we celebrate heritage in Burke County. In Valdese, every year in August, the town celebrates the Waldensians, a group of people who escaped religious persecution in Italy and eventually settled Valdese. The local theater company, the Old Colony Players,…

View more

Reevestock Music Festival, slated for August 6 & 7th,2021, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This grassroots festival has grown into a vibrant two-day celebration of music in both Downtown Elkin and Elkin’s Hidden Amphitheater. It’s not only a signature annual event for Elkin, but a much-anticipated gathering for guests from…

View more

Private island getaways are the stuff of travel blogs and bucket-list dreams. Perhaps you’ve found yourself dreaming of the idea only to decide it was probably unrealistic for anyone other than rockstars and the wealthy. Sucked in by the promise of beautiful scenery, the idea of staying at a truly…

View more

Stokes County, NC. Neill Caldwell – The Stokes News Experience the mighty Dan River flowing from the northwest in Westfield at Jessup Mill Access, to southeast at Pine Hall Bridge Access. The Dan passes through the Sauratown range keeping waters cool and refreshing for kayaking, canoeing, or river tubing. In…

View more

Henderson County, NC Art means more when you meet the person who created it. This July, Hendersonville encourages you to meet the artists who live and work along some of the most creative routes in the region. Blue Ridge Craft Trails Month highlights three distinct trails throughout Henderson County that…

View more

Avery County, NC Banner Elk’s summertime Art on the Greene shows return this year after the coronavirus pandemic forced cancelation last summer. The fine art shows take place on the grounds of the Historic Banner Elk School the following weekends: July 3-4, Aug. 7-8 and Sept. 4-5. Booth space will…

View more

Burke County, NC The foothills of Western North Carolina have long been known for the craft culture and amazing artisans that live in these parts. From the founding of the Piedmont Blues to famous bluegrass musicians and stunning pottery, Burke County especially is no stranger to craftsmanship. This is evident…

View more

The beautifully preserved Colonial village of Edenton is often referred to as the Prettiest Small Town in the South. All it takes is one visit to see why. Seemingly around every corner is an Instagram-worthy view. For many, Edenton offers the ideal combination of historic charm and scenic beauty. Established…

View more

Weekly Destinations to Enjoy