Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Travelers to North Carolina will find, the only thing kinder than the weather, are the people. The North Carolina Triangle and coast region is a beautiful place to travel and play, whether you are passing through or on vacation.

The area referred to as the Triangle encompasses the Cities of, and around Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. Home to the Universities of North Carolina State, Duke, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the region is recognized for its leadership in research. Also famous for great basketball and sports, this is the time of year to be there.

Duke's Blue Devils Men's and Women's Basketball teams are mid season and play through April Tennis is also currently in season as well. The University of North Carolina Tar Heels supports a comprehensive sports program, featuring a a full Men's and Women's Calendar. The schedule for winter and spring includes basketball, tennis, lacrosse, swimming and diving, softball, track, wrestling and golf. What ever your sport is, this is a great time of year to enjoy a game and support your favorite team.

Active sports enthusiasts, look for the 2010 Cycle North Carolina, Spring Weekend Ride. This will be held in April near Edenton.

Would you believe? For a unique running event, runners can try the Krispy Kreme Challenge in Raleigh. Held in April, at the University of North Carolina, it is a Student sponsored event to benefit the North Carolina Children's Hospital. Here's good part: After running the first two miles (half the race), participants must eat a full dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts before returning to the start. Get a sugar high to go along with the runner high, all at the same time – way to go students! (Burlington, NC sponsors a straight forward 5K May day run if you don't like doughnuts)

Foodies are not left out in North Carolina. In mid March The Outer Banks Taste of the Beach is a fun filled weekend centered around the amazing food of the region. The event takes place around Nags Head and is complete with classes, wine tastings and celebrity chefs to compliment the culinary delights. Another food festival, the North Carolina State Fairgrounds in Raleigh is the site for the 2010 Got To Be NC Festival, celebrating the agricultural bounty of the state. A terrific family event it includes a carnival, music, and a petting zoo. Plan for this in May.

Wilmington, near the south coast, is the largest city in the Cape Fear coastal area. Spring time brings the blossoms of the azaleas and lots of activity to the area. The Azalea Triathlon 2010 takes place at the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus in mid March. A good beginners triathlon it includes a 300 yard swim, 10 mile bike ride and 5K run, all within the campus. This is great weekend to kick start towards summer and take advantage of terrific weather, beautiful spring blooms and start the summer exercise regime.

Also in Wilmington, the North Carolina Black Film Festival is scheduled for March for its 9th year run. The film festival features independent films by African-American filmmakers and is sponsored by the Black Arts Alliance. Cameron Art Museum in Wilmington is the festival central headquarters. This is a marvelous chance to see up and coming film makers, and support independent film.

Celebrating the Azalea Coast, the 63rd annual North Carolina Azalea Festival will be held in April. The festival is now runs 5 days, all filled with exciting and fun events and activities. Opening with the crowning of the Azalea Queen the event includes a parade, street fair and circus everyone can enjoy. Gardens will be in full bloom and prime for tours.

Look for major headliners to entertain at the weekend concerts. New this year is the Azalea Cake Challenge where bakers will create elaborate cakes representing the festival. Participants will include professional and novice bakers and both categories will be judged.

No barbecue cook offs out on the coast, the 14th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-Off will be held mid April in Pleasure Island. Enjoy and vote on the best local chowder and enjoy a day long schedule of music and activities. Take your bathing suit if the weather is nice and enjoy the beach.

Western North Carolina

North Carolina's western tip is dominated by the Great Smoky Mountains at the southern end of the Appalachians. Winter and mountains add up to make western North Carolina an excellent winter destination. Take your pick of resorts for skiing, snowboarding and tubing there are nine between Murphy in the south to Jefferson in the north.

The Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bryson is a hub for spring events and river enthusiasts. In March, The Duck and Run Race will debut. This is a biathlon featuring a duck race down the river followed by a five mile foot race along the Flint Ridge Trail. Bank of America sponsors the US Open Kayak Team Trials at the end of March. Enjoy the competition as top paddlers compete in kayak and canoe slalom competitions and more. Mountain Bikers head to the region in April for the Knob Scorcher Mt. Bike Race held at Tsali Recreation Area.

For a fun weekend, head up to The 13^th Annual French Broad River Festival the first weekend in May. This is a family festival complete with a river raft race, auctions and lots of music to celebrate the beautiful scenery and river. 2010 is the 75^th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway and events will be held throughout the year to honor the region and the parkway's construction.

NASCAR Trivia: Charlotte is a dynamic city with many offerings. There are a few cities with the nickname The Queen City, but only one called the NASCAR Valley and this is the Charlotte metro area. Charlotte is home for over 75% of NASCAR drivers and their teams. Dale Earnhardt Day is held at the end of April to honor the life and career of the NASCAR legend. Charlotte was selected as home for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The grand opening will be held in May 2010 and NASCAR fans will be able to experience personally and up close the thrills of NASCAR competition.

The U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte is an outdoor recreation facility located on the banks of the Catawba River. The world's largest recirculating river, 14 miles of biking, hiking and running trails, and a comprehensive climbing center are all available in one spot. Trail runners will enjoy the first annual HardCORE 8K trail run in late February. Two of four of the River Bound Race Series will be held in March (5K) and May (10K) on the 14 miles of trails at the center.

Greensboro is birthplace of the civil right's sit-in movement. In honor of the 50^th anniversary of the initial sit-in, Greensboro is proud to host the grand opening of the International Civil Rights Center and Museum in the original Woolworth building in downtown. The museum is centered around the original lunch counter where the original non violent protest occurred and includes 14 initial exhibits.

The Greensboro Children's Museum hosts the 2^nd Annual Running of the Green in May. The family fun run/race this year will kick off the grand opening of the Museum's Edible Schoolyard. Form a team with friends and family and support this outstanding addition to Greensboro. This is the first Edible Schoolyard at a Museum and will serve as a model for the nation. Promoting children's health and wellness, the schoolyard will present a full 'seed to table' experience, complete with gardens and kitchen facilities.

Basketball fans plan for the 2010 ACC Men's and Women's basketball Tournaments in March. The Men's tournament will follow the week after the Women's, both will be held at the Greensboro Coliseum. For a more unique athletic event the Triad Highland Games will be held at the end of April. This features a full day of Scottish events and activities including the Sheaf Toss, Stone of Strength, and Turning the Caber which are part of the Heavy Athletics. In addition there will be plenty of performances, food and demonstrations. Come early the catch the Whiskey Seminar.