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The Carolinas’ seafood game is unmatched—fresh catches turned into plates that sing. North and South Carolina’s coastal joints deliver the goods. These are the top spots to dive in. 1. The Crab Shack – Tybee Island, SC Near Savannah but a Carolina fave, this shack fries shrimp and steams crabs with marsh views. The platter ($25) piles it high—oysters, claws, and corn. Best for: casual feasts. 2. Blue Marlin – Columbia, SC Inland but coastal at heart, Blue Marlin grills mahi-mahi and serves shrimp over grits ($20). The Vista district spot’s a 25-year staple—busy but worth it. Best for: upscale…

The Carolinas satisfy sweet tooths with treats—pies, cakes, and scoops that hit the spot. North and South Carolina’s dessert scenes blend Southern classics with surprises. These stops are irresistible. 1. Amelie’s French Bakery – Charlotte, NC This 24/7 NoDa gem bakes éclairs, macarons, and salted caramel brownies in a quirky, Parisian vibe. The Charlotte flagship serves 1,000 daily—try the petit fours ($3 each). Best for: fancy sweets. 2. Krispy Kreme – Winston-Salem, NC The original Krispy Kreme (since 1937) still churns out hot, glazed doughnuts that melt in your mouth. The “Hot Now” sign draws lines; a dozen’s $10. Best…

The Carolinas’ heritage shines in festivals—music, food, and history woven into lively celebrations. North and South Carolina’s cultural bashes honor roots with flair. These are the vibrant ones for 2025. 1. NC Folk Festival – Greensboro, NC Mid-September, downtown Greensboro hosts this free three-day fest. Expect 300 artists—bluegrass, gospel, and world beats—across six stages. Since 2015, it’s drawn 100,000 for crafts and NC eats like BBQ. Best for: folk roots. 2. Gullah Festival – Beaufort, SC Late May, this three-day event celebrates Gullah Geechee culture—African traditions kept alive in the Lowcountry. Drumming, storytelling, and sweetgrass baskets fill Henry C. Chambers…

Anglers flock to the Carolinas for bass, trout, and saltwater hauls—North and South Carolina’s waters teem with keepers. From mountain streams to ocean piers, these fishing holes are the best to cast a line. 1. Fontana Lake – Bryson City, NC This 10,000-acre lake in the Smokies brims with smallmouth bass and walleye. Tucked in Nantahala National Forest, its 240 miles of shoreline hide quiet coves. Boat rentals ($50/day) or shore fishing work; permits are $10. Best for: big catches in peace. 2. Santee Cooper Lakes – Moncks Corner, SC Lakes Marion and Moultrie (171,000 acres combined) churn out catfish—some…

The Carolinas’ rivers, lakes, and coasts make kayaking a thrill—calm paddles or whitewater runs, it’s all here. North and South Carolina’s waterways beckon adventurers. These spots are the best to launch your boat. 1. French Broad River – Asheville, NC This 218-mile river cuts through Asheville with Class I-III rapids and mountain views. The 7-mile urban paddle from Bent Creek to the River Arts District pairs calm stretches with brewery stops like New Belgium. Rentals start at $30/day. Best for: city-to-wild vibes. 2. Waccamaw River – Conway, SC A blackwater gem, the Waccamaw flows 140 miles from NC to Georgetown,…

The Carolinas’ state parks pack natural wonders—lakes, cliffs, and trails galore. North and South Carolina’s best offer outdoor thrills for all. These parks top the list. 1. Hanging Rock State Park – Danbury, NC Hanging Rock’s 7,000 acres feature a 250-foot namesake peak (1.5-mile hike) with Piedmont views. Waterfalls like Upper Cascade and a lake for kayaking ($6/hour) shine. Best for: rugged hikes. 2. Hunting Island State Park – Beaufort, SC This 5,000-acre barrier island has 5 miles of beach and a 1859 lighthouse ($2 to climb). Marsh boardwalks spot gators; it’s $8 entry. Best for: coastal wild. 3. Crowders…

The Carolinas’ roads wind through mountains, coastlines, and forests, serving up views that demand a slow roll. North and South Carolina’s scenic drives are adventures on wheels. These routes are the stunners to cruise. 1. Blue Ridge Parkway – NC This 469-mile ribbon (252 in NC) snakes from Virginia to Cherokee, topping out at 6,000 feet. Highlights: Linville Falls and Mount Mitchell vistas. Fall foliage peaks in October; it’s free and open year-round. Best for: mountain majesty. 2. Cheraw to Georgetown – SC Hwy 521 to US 17 (130 miles) cuts from Cheraw’s historic oaks to Georgetown’s marshy coast. Stop…

Summer in the Carolinas means music under the stars—big names, local acts, and sweaty, happy crowds. North and South Carolina’s outdoor venues host concerts that define the season. These are the epic ones to catch in 2025. 1. Red Hat Amphitheater – Raleigh, NC Downtown Raleigh’s Red Hat rocks June to August with 6,000 fans per show. Past summers brought Foo Fighters and Jason Isbell; 2025’s lineup (TBD) should follow suit. Tickets start at $40—skyline views are free. Best for: urban rock vibes. 2. Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre – Charlotte, NC This 5,000-seat spot in Uptown Charlotte hosts summer…

The Carolinas’ coastlines dish out seafood that’s fresh, fried, or steamed to perfection. North and South Carolina’s eateries turn ocean hauls into must-try meals. These spots are the unmissable kings of the catch. 1. Bowens Island Restaurant – Charleston, SC This James Island shack steams oysters by the bucket—briny, plump, and pulled from local waters. The all-you-can-eat deal ($25) comes with a mallet and a view of Folly Creek. It’s rustic—graffiti walls, no frills—but a 2024 Lowcountry staple. Best for: oyster overload. 2. Calabash Seafood Hut – Calabash, NC In the “Seafood Capital of the World,” this hut fries flounder,…

North Carolina’s mountains hide treasures beyond the tourist trails—quiet towns, secret falls, and vistas that feel untouched. These Blue Ridge beauties in the western Carolinas offer peace and discovery. Here are the hidden gems worth seeking out. 1. Highlands, NC Perched at 4,118 feet, Highlands is a chic escape with waterfalls like Bridal Veil, where you can drive under the cascade. Main Street’s galleries and eateries like Wolfgang’s feel upscale yet cozy. It’s a summer haven—population swells from 1,000 to 20,000. Best for: posh seclusion. 2. Hot Springs, NC This tiny Appalachian Trail stop (population 560) boasts natural mineral baths…