Spring has sprung and I can’t help but plan a whole itinerary to make the most of the changing season in our beautiful state. While some adventures are obvious others might be somewhat unknown. You must do these 15 things to make the most of spring in the Tar Heel state.
- Catch the rhododendron blooms taking over Craggy Gardens in late May.
Flickr / Louise L This is a beautiful sight that happens once a year; plan your trip with our comprehensive guide here.
- Sleep beneath the forest canopy in your very own treehouse.
Treehouse Vineyards Between booking a stay at Treehouse Vineyards or finding your own to rent on Airbnb or VRBO, there are plenty of options for a nostalgic, nature getaway.
- Fall down the rabbit hole at Elizabethan Gardens.
Joe Sledge / Did You See That? The charming and exquisite gardens in Manteo are perfect for a royal spring day trip.
- Swim in a quarry at Carrigan Farms.
Carrigan Farms While this is a late spring activity, the first public swim takes place Memorial Day. Click here for more information.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth with a trip to a chocolate factory
Yelp / Ilona M Black Mountain Chocolate in Winston-Salem is open for comprehensive tours that give you an inside look at what goes behind making the delicious bean to bark chocolate. Perfect for those rainy April days.
- Or keep it classic with some homemade ice cream.
Yelp / Jocelyn Y What goes better with warm weather? Over 120 flavors of homemade ice cream found at Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream in Angier.
- Climb through the treetops at this amazing adventure park.
Facebook / ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure Waterfalls and forest canopies in Fayetteville? Yeah, we didn’t believe at first either until discovering the amazing ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure and now I’m ready to go back for some more adventure!
- Take a trip to this stunning town surrounded by natural beauty.
Flickr / toto Come summer Southport will get somewhat crowded, but you can almost have it all to yourself in spring. Read why it’s so amazing here.
- Venture to the edge of the earth, North Carolina style.
Outer Banks Realty The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is home to ocean views on one side and sound views on the other. It’s a drive that must be done at least ONCE. Come summer it might get fairly clogged with tourists but spring is the perfect time to still enjoy those offseason beach rental rates while also exploring this enchanting drive.
- Take advantage of ‘dollar days’ at Grandfather Mountain.
Flickr / sporadic Throughout April, Grandfather Mountain will be offering a $3 admission fee for residents of neighboring counties and also university students in the area. Know someone who lives here? If you’re their guest you can also get in for a mere three bucks. Perfect for students at App or WCU or those who want to be tourists in their own neck of the woods.
- Witness the mysterious shadow of the bear.
Flickr / Edwin Sutanto This one is ASAP as the shadow of the bear only appears twice a year for a short period over Whiteside Mountain. See it in action from Rhodes Big View Overlook off US 64.
- Wake up to the sound of the ocean while camping on the beach.
Trip Advisor / Xenagirl349 Camping on the beach? That’s a yes from me! Find your perfect spot to pitch tent at these seven beachside camping spots.
- See remote scenery by train.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Hop on board this spring for one of these amazing train rides offered throughout the state.
- Visit this amazing cheese shop to see how it’s made.
Facebook / Ashe County Cheese To be honest, I’d go for the cheese shop before the chocolate shop. What can I say? I love cheese. If you’re like me you’ll find a visit to Ashe County Cheese at the top of your bucket list.
- Plan the perfect road trip.
Flickr / Jim Liestman From waterfalls, to BBQ, to ghost towns, to charming small towns, we have you covered with our 7 best road trips (maps and itineraries included) to fill your spring weekends until summer!
Well, my spring is officially full. See y’all in summer! Which ones will you be visiting first, and are there any you’d add to the list?
Flickr / Louise L
This is a beautiful sight that happens once a year; plan your trip with our comprehensive guide here.
Treehouse Vineyards
Between booking a stay at Treehouse Vineyards or finding your own to rent on Airbnb or VRBO, there are plenty of options for a nostalgic, nature getaway.
Joe Sledge / Did You See That?
The charming and exquisite gardens in Manteo are perfect for a royal spring day trip.
Carrigan Farms
While this is a late spring activity, the first public swim takes place Memorial Day. Click here for more information.
Yelp / Ilona M
Black Mountain Chocolate in Winston-Salem is open for comprehensive tours that give you an inside look at what goes behind making the delicious bean to bark chocolate. Perfect for those rainy April days.
Yelp / Jocelyn Y
What goes better with warm weather? Over 120 flavors of homemade ice cream found at Sunni Sky’s Homemade Ice Cream in Angier.
Facebook / ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure
Waterfalls and forest canopies in Fayetteville? Yeah, we didn’t believe at first either until discovering the amazing ZipQuest Waterfall and Treetop Adventure and now I’m ready to go back for some more adventure!
Flickr / toto
Come summer Southport will get somewhat crowded, but you can almost have it all to yourself in spring. Read why it’s so amazing here.
Outer Banks Realty
The Outer Banks Scenic Byway is home to ocean views on one side and sound views on the other. It’s a drive that must be done at least ONCE. Come summer it might get fairly clogged with tourists but spring is the perfect time to still enjoy those offseason beach rental rates while also exploring this enchanting drive.
Flickr / sporadic
Throughout April, Grandfather Mountain will be offering a $3 admission fee for residents of neighboring counties and also university students in the area. Know someone who lives here? If you’re their guest you can also get in for a mere three bucks. Perfect for students at App or WCU or those who want to be tourists in their own neck of the woods.
Flickr / Edwin Sutanto
This one is ASAP as the shadow of the bear only appears twice a year for a short period over Whiteside Mountain. See it in action from Rhodes Big View Overlook off US 64.
Trip Advisor / Xenagirl349
Camping on the beach? That’s a yes from me! Find your perfect spot to pitch tent at these seven beachside camping spots.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
Hop on board this spring for one of these amazing train rides offered throughout the state.
Facebook / Ashe County Cheese
To be honest, I’d go for the cheese shop before the chocolate shop. What can I say? I love cheese. If you’re like me you’ll find a visit to Ashe County Cheese at the top of your bucket list.
Flickr / Jim Liestman
From waterfalls, to BBQ, to ghost towns, to charming small towns, we have you covered with our 7 best road trips (maps and itineraries included) to fill your spring weekends until summer!
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