Western North Carolina

As the gateway to the Appalachian Mountains and the Smoky Mountains, the Piedmont Triad city area in northern North Carolina is a great spring and summer destination. Travelers from all over converge on the area comprised of Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. In Winston-Salem, don’t miss out on the Reynolds House/Museum of American Art. In High Point, guests can check out the High Point Museum, or experience some local flair at the annual City Lake Park Easter Egg Hunt.

West of the triad city area is Asheville – set adjacent to the Pisgah National Forest, it’s home to the Biltmore Estate. A 175,000 square foot, 250 room, French Mansion, the Biltmore Estate is the largest privately owned home in America, and offers tours and exhibits. Scheduled for late February and into early March, be sure to experience the 25th Anniversary Heritage Classic Dancesport Championships – you can compete, if you’re a dancer, or just watch in awe. Set for March 9, be sure to have some laughs at the 24th Annual Comedy Classic Weekend – watch your favorite comedians like Mike Green, Kathleen Madigan, and Rachel Feinstein.

East of Asheville, and near the South Carolina border off I-85, is Charlotte. Home to professional sports teams like the Bobcats, and Panthers, race fans love a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Although the Panthers and the rest of the NFL are currently out of season, you can still catch the fast-paced, slam dunk action of the Bobcats as their season is wrapping up in late May and into June. Be sure take in a game at the Time Warner Cable Arena. Currently set for March 17, plan for the Charlotte Motor Speedway Fan Appreciation Day. And in mid-May, you’ll definitely want to make time for the Beer, Bourbon and BBQ Festival, held at Symphony Park at South Park Mall.

North of Charlotte, along I-85, is Greensboro. Home to Emerald Point Water Park, spring and summer are premier travel seasons for those looking at the northern regions of North Carolina. Looking for a place to celebrate the Fourth? Head to the Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and the Cultural District of downtown Greensboro – this annual event will have food, a Freedom Run, a Kickoff Block Party and, of course, a fireworks finale. In March, don’t miss out on the African American Heritage Extravaganza. Set for March 30 and April 1, make a day of it at the Craftsmen’s Classic Art & Craft Fest.

Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Spring and summer in northern North Carolina – it’s prime time in the Tarheel State. Known for it’s rich college sports traditions – the area is home to Duke University, North Carolina State University, and the University of North Carolina – visitors flock from all over the state and nearby regions to partake in the fast paced, high-flying action of Blue Devils, Wolf Pack, and Tarheels basketball. Head to the coast and check out Wilmington – don’t miss Jazz at the CAM with Stardust. Set for early February, this jazz series is a collaboration between CAM and Cape Fear Jazz Society.

Head into Raleigh, North Carolina’s Capitol and home to North Carolina State University. Get out and explore in the pleasant spring and summer weather – visit the North Carolina State Capitol building, or experience a bit of local history at the African American Cultural Center. In early March, check out Art Garfunkel at the Progress Energy Center for the Performing Art-Meymandi Concert Hall. Early April features the Red Hot Chili Peppers playing at the RBC Center. Additionally, the RBC Center is home to NC State Wolfpack basketball – catch a game in February and March as both the men’s and women’s teams wrap up their seasons.

Creedmoor, north of Raleigh, is a fine city easily accessed from I-85, and is home to Lake Rogers. As a guest of the Best Western hotel in Creedmoor, you’ll have easy access to Falls Lake State Recreation Area. With more than 26,000 acres of woodlands, and a 12,000-acre lake, Falls Lake is a prime area for visitors during the spring and summer. Take the kids on a fun hay ride at Lyon’s Pumpkin Farm. Make the trip south into Durham and watch as the Duke University Blue Devils finish up their basketball season at the Cameron Indoor Stadium.

To the east is Greenville – home to East Carolina University. During the spring, be sure to check out the Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum and watch as the Pirates wrap up their season. Summer features baseball - take in an afternoon game at Clark-LeClair Stadium, on the campus of ECU. Sneak in 18 holes at Bradford Creek Golf Course before lunch, or visit the Greenville Fun Park for an afternoon of mini-golf, go-karts, and bumper boats. Set for April 13, keep an eye open for Piratefest – Arts, Culture, & Music Festival. Set at Uptown Greenville, Piratefest is an annual event that features food, live concerts, and local art.