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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!

Here is how to enjoy a weekend in Mount Holly by getting outside and onto the Catawba River in Gaston County, located just outside of Charlotte, NC. Let the adventure begin! Make your way to Tailrace Marina, where you can rent a variety of personal vessels available for hourly and…

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Goldsboro, NC Nestled in the heart of eastern NC between Raleigh and the coast, we are a destination with rich culture and heritage. Our heritage has deep military and agricultural roots. And, let us not forget to mention our legendary BBQ! We sum up ourselves with 3 Ps: pigs, pickles, and…

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Lexington, NC A story that begins with a teenage boy in North Carolina building a chest in shop class and winning an industrial arts award now has chapters that span a 50-year professional art career. Those chapters include such accomplishments as a world-renowned furniture line, paintings and prints hanging in…

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Henderson County, NC Western North Carolina is known for black bears. They roam the Blue Ridge Mountains and are often a topic of conversation among visitors. Downtown Hendersonville honors the furry natives each year by populating Main Street with 20 colorful versions for the Bearfootin’ Art Walk. Each sculpture is…

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Avery County, NC Exciting outdoor adventures – both new and old – await this summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This high-elevation resort town is surrounded by thrilling experiences. The newest adrenaline rush comes with downhill speeds reaching up to 27 miles per hour. Wilderness…

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Burke County, NC 2020 was a crazy year for everybody, including our pets. Our four-legged friends found their lives turned upside down when their owners suddenly didn’t leave the house to go to work, drastically altering life as they knew it. Now that workers are returning to the office, our…

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Driving on a cloudless Carolina blue sky day is always fabulous but the destination anticipation is exhilarating! You see the mountain ahead however there’s so much more to explore. Downtown Pilot Mountain is open for visitors. Along with several events scheduled this summer downtown has many places for you to…

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Avery County, North Carolina Every Friday, running May 31 through August 30, our Brewhouse will host Purposeful Pints. As always, Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is a family-friendly environment. Bring the kids, bring the whole family! Our unique brewery is nestled in the village of Beech Mountain Resort which offers mountain…

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3 Locations | Saturdays & Sundays | May – September Gaston County, NC If you haven’t taken a spin on the open water aboard a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, it’s probably just a matter of time. Participation in paddling has been on the rise over the past few years…

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Stokes County, NC Discover your best summer days in a “Stokes State of Mind” along the sandy banks of the Dan River or along the trails of Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, North Carolina.  This summer picnic with friends, family and Doggo in the wide open spaces within…

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Weekly Destinations to Enjoy