Special Section Great Escapes

GREAT

escapes WARM WEATHER is just around the corner — and so is your perfect getaway. March winds may not have you thinking of flip-flops and sandy beaches, but it’s the perfect time to plan a trip. What’s on your travel agenda? Enjoying a decadent dinner at dockside? Hunting for flea-market finds and antiques? Traversing backwoods trails in search of wildlife? Or lounging Edenton on the beach with a cold beverage? Whatever is on your vacation agenda, there are amazing NORTH CAROLINA destinations and new adventures waiting — just a few hours’

The beautifully preserved Colonial village of Edenton is known 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.

Edenton’s history is impressive. Established in 1712, it was North Carolina’s first Colonial capital, a place where signers of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution lived and worked alongside one of the first justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. The 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, still in operation today, is considered the most preserved Colonial courthouse in America.

It was in Edenton, in 1774 that the first organized female political activity in the Colonies took place. Penelope Barker and 50 other women conducted the Edenton Tea Party to protest taxes on British goods.

A stroll through this bayside town showcases immaculately maintained homes, including Penelope Barker’s house, which sits on the bay and serves as a welcome center. A few steps away is the departure point for the Edenton Trolley Tour, a popular attraction for visitors. From spring to fall, Edenton Bay Cruises provide daily maritime excursions along the town’s coastline.

Another popular attraction is the 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse. One of the few remaining screw-pile lighthouses in America, it had been removed from its original river post and brought onshore for a private residence. A town effort about seven years ago restored the lighthouse and placed it in the bay near the waterfront park. It’s now open for regular tours.

Another nice aspect of Edenton is small-scale lodging. A half-dozen inns, several in grand houses, offer the opportunity to relax in a comfortable atmosphere. Meanwhile, numerous vacation rentals are available for social distancing. Travelers arriving by boat can take advantage of boat slips that are free of charge for two nights.

To learn more about the Prettiest Small Town in the South, go to VisitEdenton.com or call (800) 775-0111.

Brunswick Islands

NORTH CAROLINA

THE BEACHES THAT BRING YOU CLOSER.

Perhaps you know the name North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands. Or you know one of our six intimate beaches — Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach, Holden Beach, Oak Island, Caswell Beach and Bald Head Island. Either way, there’s a magical connection that takes place here on these 45 miles of wide, sandy beaches. Simple and real is what we are all about. No flashy neon. No large theme parks. As odd as it may sound, perhaps what we don’t have is the very reason so many families return to N.C.’s Brunswick Islands year after year, generation after generation.

But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do. It’s just that our experiences are authentic, laid-back and much more memorable.

At the far end of Sunset Beach lies a two-mile stretch of shoreline completely free of development. The only hint of humankind is The Kindred Spirit Mailbox, a favorite among visitors and the inspiration for the Nicholas Sparks novel Every Breath. Within this unassuming mailbox tucked in the dunes are notes and stories of wishes, reflections, and loves lost and found. Read a few pages and appease the Kindred Spirit by leaving a story of your own.

The Brunswick Islands are home to North Carolina’s oldest and newest lighthouses. Old Baldy, built in 1817, is the definition of postcard picture-perfect. The Oak Island Lighthouse towers 169 feet above sea level. Plan a climb to the top of both for unsurpassed views of the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Fear River and winding marshlands.

Here, particularly in the town of Southport, is where Hollywood comes to life. Over 50 movies and television productions have been shot in N.C.’s Brunswick Islands. Take some photos and post your own “walk of fame.”

These are just the beginning of a long list of “only Brunswick Islands” things to do. Combine that with family time that’s truly family time, and it’s easy to see why N.C.’s Brunswick Islands just might become your family’s forever beach destination.

Visit NCBrunswick.com and request a free vacation guide.

Corolla

NORTH CAROLINA

Tucked away on the northernmost slice of coastal North Carolina, you’ll find the Currituck Outer Banks, a 24-mile salty strip of windswept remote beaches home to legendary wild horses, iconic historical sites, rich wildlife, fresh coastal cuisine and the finest family-friendly accommodations. The Currituck Outer Banks and mainland truly has something for everyone.

TO DO

Where the road ends in Corolla, wild Spanish mustangs have roamed the shores for centuries. Many visitors set out to explore these remote beaches by taking a guided four-wheel drive tour. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitat can be an unforgettable experience. Also, climb the 220-step Currituck Beach Lighthouse for an unbeatable 360-degree view of the area, and enjoy a tour of Whalehead, a 1920s-era mansion.

RELAX

The Currituck Outer Banks beaches are some of the most tranquil on the East Coast and provide the perfect backdrop to enjoy a good book, listen to the waves or simply close your eyes and breathe in the salty air. Spend a relaxing afternoon sampling awardwinning wine and beer from our local wineries and breweries, shop for treasures at eclectic boutiques, enjoy mouth-watering North Carolina barbecue and freshly caught seafood from a local restaurant, or enjoy an awe-inspiring sunset over the Currituck Sound.

WHERE TO STAY

Whether your vacation plans are for a week or a weekend, there are accommodations to meet your needs on the Currituck Outer Banks. Vacation rental homes offer amenities including swimming pools, hot tubs, in-home theaters, gourmet kitchens and pet-friendly options. Corolla also boasts an oceanfront hotel, a pair of inns and a luxurious bed and breakfast.

HIT THE ROAD

On your way to Corolla, or when it’s time to take a break from the beach, enjoy what mainland Currituck County has to offer. Explore the many unique shops and farm markets along US-158, as well as H2OBX Waterpark, a family-friendly attraction featuring more than 30 exhilarating rides and slides.

For more information and to request a free Currituck Outer Banks visitor’s guide, call (877) 287-7488, or explore CorollaNC.com.

bbq fest on the neuse

KINSTON

It’s early on the first Saturday morning in May and the breeze from downtown Kinston carries smoke, tangy vinegar, and a sweet hint of the mouthwatering sizzle of pork that has cooked low and slow over enormous grills all night. Welcome to the BBQ Fest on the Neuse — “the largest whole hog cookoff in the world.” More than 70 cook teams from across North Carolina gather each year on the banks of the Neuse River in Kinston to roast whole hogs through the night in preparation for judging the next morning. That sweet aroma that fills five blocks of downtown is the result of these cooks perfecting their sauces and making sure their pigs — splayed on giant grates of custom cookers — are perfectly tender, flavorful, and spiced just right. Winners of the tastiest hog go home with bragging rights and a $500 prize. For 40 years, this popular festival has kicked off the springsummer season Down East with two days of cooking, live music and events, a car show, and shopping from vendors of all kinds including pottery, T-shirts, toys and more.

THE 2022 BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE WILL FEATURE:

• Country music star Niko Moon and his band • Artist vendors from the smART Kinston project and beyond • Carolina Classic Car and Truck Show • Beer and wine garden featuring new brews from sponsor Mother Earth Brewing and other local breweries and wineries • Dance performances and opportunities to twinkle your toes with the Kinston Shag Club • Children’s events and games And, of course, • The Chop Tent where you can savor Eastern North Carolina pork in BBQ plates or sandwiches. Come early, as plates are available from 11 a.m. Saturday until they sell out, and they always sell out.

SEE YOU MAY 6 & 7 AT KINSTON’S BBQ FEST ON THE NEUSE!

KINSTONBBQ.COM

New Bern

NORTH CAROLINA

TRY ON THE OUTDOORS

Often, visitors come to New Bern from near and far to explore well-known attractions like Caleb Bradham’s Birthplace of Pepsi-Cola and North Carolina’s first state capitol building, Tryon Palace.

However, it doesn’t take long for them to discover the hidden gems that are New Bern’s outdoor recreational activities.

New Bern is home to one of the four national forests in North Carolina. The Croatan National Forest spans 159,000 acres of coastal landscape. It is here that visitors have the opportunity to hike on a variety of trails, bike and explore the best of North Carolina wildlife.

Just don’t spend too much time in the woods, if you decide to book a tee time at one of the five public golf courses.

Golf isn’t for everyone. This is why New Bern has 25 parks that are strategically located around town that offer recreation like disc golf, volleyball, boat launches and other thrilling activities. The 30 square miles of waterways provide guests the prime opportunity to throw a line in the water and try their hands at fishing.

After participating in an outdoor adventure, there is no doubt that you will have worked up a thirst. Stroll over to the Beer District to enjoy live music, cornhole, and local eats alongside family and friends.

As the day comes to a close, stop by Stand Up Outfitters and let Charley and Kate set you up with a paddleboard or kayak. Locals say that there is no better place to watch the sunset than at the point where the Trent and Neuse rivers intersect.

For more information on booking your trip to New Bern, you can visitvisitnewbern.com. Upon entering the website, our automated travel guide, Ellie, will greet you.

Goldsboro

NORTH CAROLINA

WHERE BEING TOTALLY FLY IS AN ART FORM

It is easy to understand why this North Carolina city’s slogan is “Totally Fly Goldsboro.” The people here have been creating masterpieces from their heritage for centuries, and here art is not just something you can see, but also taste.

Once European settlers introduced pigs to N.C. in

the 1500s, it did not take long before Eastern N.C. Barbecue was born over a bed of hickory or oak coals and a vinegarbased sauce. As one of the top pork-producing counties in the country, it makes sense that Goldsboro-Wayne County is home to some of the most legendary barbecue in the state. Alongside iconic barbecue, an international culinary scene has bloomed. From Peruvian fusion to Korean cuisine, the culinary scene in Goldsboro-Wayne County has produced magic through its diversity.

A dish is never complete without fresh ingredients, and the agricultural community is to thank. Home to Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Cheshire Pork, Nahunta Pork Center, Holly Grove Farms, A Secret Garden Winery, and more, Goldsboro-Wayne County has an ever-growing agritourism scene that allows you to connect with your food on a local level and see the art of working with the land firsthand.

From the wheat field to the glass, craft beer has become one of Wayne County’s favorite art forms. Explore a vintage gas station turned microbrewery at the GBW Filling Station in Downtown Goldsboro and discover the refreshing flavor of pickle beer at R & R Brewing, Wayne County’s first brewery, in Mount Olive, N.C. Find yourself among taprooms and bottle shops whose passion for craft beer flows as strong and fruitfully as their taps.

Still thirsting for more? Find towering sculptures, live music and performing arts all in Downtown Goldsboro. From exhibitions and murals and sculptures throughout the streets, to musical and theatric performances at the Paramount Theatre, and summer music festivals that will have your cup overflowing.

For more information on making your next trip totally fly, visit visitgoldsboronc.com

Topsail Island & Pender Co.

NORTH CAROLINA

TOPSAIL ISLAND AND PENDER COUNTY IS YOUR DESTINATION FOR UNCROWDED BEACHES, FANTASTIC SEAFOOD, HISTORICAL SITES AND OUR FAMOUS SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL.

We are known for our destination beaches, blueberries and battlefields.

If you are destined for a vacation to unplug, visit us. Relax on the beach. Dine at one of our many fine, locally owned and operated restaurants. Enjoy local entertainment, wine and craft beers.

Topsail Island and Pender County is your destination for a special occasion. We offer a wide array of locations for weddings, receptions, reunions and conferences. We are eager to gather again to celebrate special moments in our lives. Celebrate with us on our spacious beaches, farms and historic sites.

If family time is your special occasion, bring the kids and play in the surf — or surf by catching a wave! Take a fishing excursion or a kayak tour on the Intracoastal Waterway. Hike a portion of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, or walk our Hometown Hollywood Tour in the Town of Burgaw. Pick your own blueberries, and savor the area that is home to the annual NC Blueberry Festival. Visit our famous Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center where endangered sea turtles are nurtured back to health. Explore the critters of the sea with Ecological Marine Adventures. Enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise with one of our charters, and watch the dolphins play where pirates once roamed.

Explore our history. Visit Moores Creek National Battlefield, the only National Park in Southeast North Carolina. The site of the first North Carolina victory for the patriots in the Revolutionary War, Moores Creek offers picnicking areas, a historic walk of less than one mile and special events throughout the year. If you’re an “Outlander” fan, you’re destined to love Moores Creek! On Topsail Island, visit Missiles and More Museum, and explore the top-secret Operation Bumblebee, where guided missile technology was born.

Visit Topsail Island and Pender County. Our attractions, venues and events will be a special occasion to remember.

Downtown Waynesville

NORTH CAROLINA

Nothing beats the pandemic blues like a breath of fresh mountain air. There’s plenty for everyone in downtown Waynesville. This lively mountain town is a chance to escape without leaving anything behind.

Stroll the brick sidewalks of Waynesville’s vibrant Main Street against a backdrop of stunning mountain views that change with each season. Or step off the beaten path to experience the quiet wonder of Waynesville’s outdoor surroundings.

Downtown Waynesville is bustling with fine shops and galleries, quaint eateries, awardwinning restaurants, acclaimed coffee shops, traditional street dances, year-round events and live mountain music. It’s a place where Appalachian culture is celebrated and Southern hospitality is a trademark.

Specialty shops offer treats and treasures for everyone — from antiques to boutiques, fine art to local crafts, cashmere to cotton. Along Main Street, shoppers have access to fine furniture and fine jewelry, craft beer and fine wine, fresh baked goods and hand-dipped ice cream, baby clothes and designer fashion, home goods and rich chocolate. This quaint mountain retreat is home to historic bed and breakfasts and Mast General Store, complete with a dog bakery, local market and charming bookstore.

Hungry travelers and food connoisseurs can feast on goat cheese, champagne mustard, fresh mountain trout, homemade banana pudding and fried green tomatoes that can be paired with local cheeses, craft beer or fine wine.

But don’t get carried away and miss the memories waiting to be made in the great outdoors. Nestled among the Great Smoky Mountains and resting on the edge of the Blue Ridge Parkway, downtown Waynesville is conveniently positioned with easy access to exquisite views and scenic hiking trails.

Waynesville is a great place to explore any time of year. Whether looking to take in the colors of a lush blooming spring, retreat to more mild summer weather, gaze at the natural splendor of changing fall leaves, or admire snow-covered peaks — Waynesville is a breath of fresh mountain air for families, couples and solo adventurers looking for an escape.

DowntownWaynesville.com

Wilson

NORTH CAROLINA

We invite you to explore our vibrant community.

Historic Downtown Wilson has brought the creativity of art to life with the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, a public park home to 30 large whirligigs created by folk artist Vollis Simpson. These kinetic, windpowered sculptures are North Carolina’s Official Folk Art. The Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park also hosts the Wilson Artisan and Farmers Market on the weekends.

Following your visit to the park, find out more about the artist at the Vollis Simpson Whirligig Museum, located just across the street. The newly opened museum offers educational tours, displays of smaller whirligigs, facts about Simpson and how he created his art, a gift shop, and additional information about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this important artistic legacy. Visit wilsonwhirligigpark.org for more information.

Surrounding the park, numerous museums, art galleries, gift and antique shops, and locally owned boutiques showcase the history of the area and celebrate the growth and diversity of the Downtown Arts and Culture scene. Highlights include the Selkie, Artisan Leaf, the Barnes Corner Gallery “Art Ventures,” the Gallery Shop, the Imagination Station Science & History Museum, the Freeman Roundhouse Museum, the Wilson Arts Center, Iconstar Art Studio and the Edna Boykin Cultural Center. And you won’t want to miss the internationally acclaimed photography of Jerome De Perlinghi, who established the Eyes of Main Festival.

Historic Downtown Wilson is also the home of the North Carolina Whirligig Festival, a celebration in the fall with more than 200 vendors. Locally owned breweries, cafes and bakeries are also conveniently located in Historic Downtown Wilson to satisfy all your cravings! For more information on Historic Downtown Wilson, visit historicdowntownwilson.org

Come spend the day with us and enjoy the galleries, shops, delicious food and drink, and the whirligigs that make a visit to Wilson a unique experience!