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The Carolinas are golfing royalty, with North and South Carolina’s courses blending scenery and challenge. From coastal links to mountain fairways, these elite tracks draw pros and weekend warriors. Tee up—these are the best swings in town. 1. Pinehurst No. 2 – Pinehurst, NC A U.S. Open legend, Pinehurst No. 2’s sandy dunes and turtleback greens test every club. Designed by Donald Ross in 1907, it hosted the 2024 Open and charges $400+ per round. The pine-lined beauty’s unreal. Best for: bucket-list prestige. 2. Kiawah Island Ocean Course – Kiawah Island, SC Perched on the Atlantic, this Pete Dye masterpiece…
Holiday lights turn the Carolinas into a winter wonderland, with North and South Carolina hosting displays that dazzle kids and adults alike. From drive-throughs to walkable glow-ups, these events light up the season. Here are the brightest for 2025. 1. NC Chinese Lantern Festival – Cary, NC Late November to January, Koka Booth Amphitheatre glows with 36 giant silk lanterns—dragons, pandas, and more. Artisans from China craft them live, paired with acrobats and food stalls. Over 150,000 saw it in 2024 ($25 adults). Best for: cultural sparkle. 2. Tanglewood Festival of Lights – Clemmons, NC Mid-November to New Year’s, this…
Craft beer flows deep in the Carolinas, where North and South Carolina brewers turn hops into gold. From mountain taprooms to coastal patios, these spots stand out for their pints and vibes. Grab a flight—these are the best breweries to sip your way through. 1. Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. – Mills River, NC Near Asheville, Sierra Nevada’s sprawling campus is a beer lover’s shrine. The taproom pours classics like Pale Ale alongside small-batch sours, with a 200-acre backdrop of forest and gardens. The food—think duck fat fries—pairs perfectly. Tours show off their eco-friendly setup (solar panels galore). Best for: big-name…
The Carolinas are packed with cities that nail the weekend escape—history, food, and views in spades. North and South Carolina offer urban gems that mix charm with action, perfect for a quick recharge. These four top the list for a getaway that hits all the right notes. 1. Asheville, NC Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville’s a funky haven. The Biltmore Estate—America’s largest private home—wows with its 250 rooms and sprawling gardens (tickets start at $79). Downtown’s art deco vibe, craft breweries like Wicked Weed, and 360-degree mountain views from the Blue Ridge Parkway make it a winner. With…
Food festivals in the Carolinas are a feast for the senses—think sizzling grills, live tunes, and flavors that scream Southern soul. North and South Carolina host some of the tastiest, pulling crowds with local eats and big vibes. These four are the can’t-miss culinary throwdowns of 2025. 1. NC Oyster Festival – Ocean Isle Beach, NC Mid-October brings this coastal bash, celebrating NC’s briny bounty. Slurp fresh oysters raw, roasted, or fried, paired with shrimp boils and hushpuppies. The 2024 fest saw 15,000 attendees shucking and jamming to beach bands. Cooking demos and an oyster-eating contest keep it rowdy. Best…
Shrimp and grits are the Carolinas’ comfort food crown jewel—creamy, savory, and oh-so-Southern. North and South Carolina’s coastal bounty and Lowcountry roots make this dish a local legend. From hole-in-the-wall diners to upscale joints, these spots serve up the ultimate takes. Here’s where to spoon in. 1. The Wreck of the Richard & Charlene – Mount Pleasant, SC Hidden on Shem Creek, The Wreck is a no-frills seafood shack with a killer shrimp and grits plate. Fresh-caught shrimp swim in a peppery butter sauce over stone-ground grits from nearby Marsh Hen Mill. Named for a shrimp boat sunk by Hurricane…
The Carolinas are steeped in history, and their small towns tell the tale—cobblestone streets, antebellum homes, and stories of pirates and patriots. North and South Carolina’s historic gems blend old-world charm with modern quirks, making them perfect for a day trip or a quiet escape. These four stand out as the most enchanting spots to step back in time. 1. Edenton, NC Tucked on the Albemarle Sound, Edenton’s been charming visitors since 1712. It’s one of NC’s oldest towns, with tree-lined streets and 18th-century gems like the Chowan County Courthouse. The 1767 Cupola House, with its quirky rooftop perch, hosted…
The Blue Ridge Mountains, stretching across North and South Carolina, are a hiker’s dream—rugged peaks, cascading falls, and views that’ll stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re chasing a sweaty summit or a gentle stroll, these trails showcase the Carolinas’ wild heart. Lace up your boots and hit these prime paths for an adventure you won’t forget. 1. Grandfather Mountain – Linville, NC Grandfather Mountain isn’t messing around. The Profile Trail (3.6 miles one-way) climbs 1,900 feet through hardwood forests to Calloway Peak, topping out at 5,946 feet. You’ll scramble over rocks and cross swinging ladders for panoramic payoffs—on clear…
The Carolinas know how to throw a party, and their music festivals are proof. From bluegrass in the mountains to hip-hop on the coast, North and South Carolina offer a lineup of events that draw crowds year after year. With 2025 shaping up to be a big year for live music, these festivals stand out for their vibes, talent, and pure Carolina spirit. Mark your calendars—these are the hottest tickets in town. 1. MerleFest – Wilkesboro, NC Kicking off late April, MerleFest is a roots music mecca held on the Wilkes Community College campus. Started in 1988 to honor Doc…
Barbecue in the Carolinas isn’t just food—it’s a way of life. From smoky pork drenched in vinegar to tender ribs slathered in mustard sauce, North and South Carolina serve up some of the best BBQ in the nation. The rivalry between the two states’ styles (Eastern NC’s whole-hog vinegar kick vs. SC’s mustard tang) only makes the hunt for the perfect plate more delicious. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these joints are the cream of the Carolinas’ BBQ crop. Grab a napkin and dig into our top picks. 1. Lexington Barbecue – Lexington, NC Nestled in the…