Avery County, NC Exciting outdoor adventures – both new and old – await this summer in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Banner Elk, North Carolina. This high-elevation resort town is surrounded by thrilling experiences. The newest adrenaline rush comes with downhill speeds reaching up to 27 miles per hour. Wilderness…

Burke County, NC 2020 was a crazy year for everybody, including our pets. Our four-legged friends found their lives turned upside down when their owners suddenly didn’t leave the house to go to work, drastically altering life as they knew it. Now that workers are returning to the office, our…

Driving on a cloudless Carolina blue sky day is always fabulous but the destination anticipation is exhilarating! You see the mountain ahead however there’s so much more to explore. Downtown Pilot Mountain is open for visitors. Along with several events scheduled this summer downtown has many places for you to…

Avery County, North Carolina Every Friday, running May 31 through August 30, our Brewhouse will host Purposeful Pints. As always, Beech Mountain Brewing Co. is a family-friendly environment. Bring the kids, bring the whole family! Our unique brewery is nestled in the village of Beech Mountain Resort which offers mountain…

3 Locations | Saturdays & Sundays | May – September Gaston County, NC If you haven’t taken a spin on the open water aboard a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, it’s probably just a matter of time. Participation in paddling has been on the rise over the past few years…

Stokes County, NC Discover your best summer days in a “Stokes State of Mind” along the sandy banks of the Dan River or along the trails of Hanging Rock State Park in Stokes County, North Carolina.  This summer picnic with friends, family and Doggo in the wide open spaces within…

Davie County, NC What better way to spring into summer but with outdoor concerts on the square. We love inviting all of our friends, family, and bringing the kiddos to hit the square and stroll through town.  Downtown Mocksville has so many options to grab dinner and drinks before the…

Avery County, North Carolina Beat the heat this summer with a trip to Beech Mountain, eastern America’s highest town. A full schedule of fun family-friendly activities, many of them free, awaits you here in North Carolina’s high country, where just a few hours of driving takes you into North Carolina’s…

Surry County, North Carolina Four new Explore Elkin itineraries showcase wine, music, outdoors and weekend getaways in this popular Yadkin Valley town in the Blue Ridge foothills of North Carolina. A Weekend in Elkin Itinerary wraps 72 hours of fun into one convenient schedule. Local experiences include shopping in the…

Surry County, North Carolina It is spring in North Carolina, but I can feel summer creeping in quickly. I take the winding turns of the Blue Ridge Parkway slowly, enjoying the scenery around me. Cows graze behind old split rail fences in fields spotted with dandelions. Eventually, I arrive at…

Henderson County, NC What’s better than a Blue Ridge Mountain weekend getaway? A mountain trip that offers plenty of shopping opportunities to stock up on spring annuals, perennials, and vegetable and herb plants. Hendersonville once again hosts Garden Jubilee on Memorial Day weekend, May 28-30. Last year, the event was…

Granville County, NC As the weather improves it is time to head outdoors and enjoy the Carolina weather and also the North Carolina strawberry season. Three farms in Granville County take the lead in delivering fruit and produce. Lyon Farms in Creedmoor, Christmas Place Strawberry Farm in Bullock, and Dixon…

Are you looking for somewhere to go and something new to do? There’s plenty to do in Downtown Mocksville! Shop downtown bridal at Laced With Grace, an art gallery-like Southermood, and home décor and furniture at Lydia Jaynes, Artisan Crafts at Artist Market on Main, and vintage collectibles at Vintage…

City of Eden, Rockingham County, NC The City of Eden will host the 18th Annual Piedmont Pottery Festival on Saturday, June 5, 2021, from 9 am until 4 pm at the First Presbyterian Church located at 582 Southwood Drive in Eden, NC. This event has always featured the finest in…

Avery County, North Carolina What makes you happy? Maybe it’s wandering along a mountain path, breathing in clean, fresh air, and letting warm sunshine and cool breezes comfort your body and soul. Maybe it’s reveling in magnificent long-range views, across mountain ranges far below your mile-high perch, or savoring the…

Gaston County, NC The Carolina Thread Trail will bring back its annual National Trails Day celebration on Saturday, June 5, 2021 with an increased focus on safety and social distancing. National Trails Day is a great way to kick off the summer and safely enjoy the outdoors. This free, family-friendly…

Stokes County, NC Some may have walked this section of trails from Pilot to Hanging Rock but not realized that the Sauratown Trail is a unique 25 mile bridle and hiking trail connecting both parks. It is an official section of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail following Segment 7 and…

Burke County, NC Burke County is the perfect destination for all sorts of water lovers, whether you are a thrill junkie, want a relaxing float or are looking to experience the water without getting wet. One of the pinnacles of the Burke County countryside is Lake James. The 6,812-acre lake…

Burke County, NC Valdese is excited to celebrate the summer with several events ranging from the annual Craft Market at the Old Rock School to the Summer Concert Series Kickoff Celebration! While 2020 was a quiet year for Valdese, the town is excited to welcome locals and visitors alike to…

Surry County, North Carolina Join us this Spring for the annual North Carolina Trail Days Festival, a multi-day festival celebrating the great outdoors, the NC Mountains-to-Sea Trail, and our local trails with activities and adventures all weekend long! The festival kicks off Thursday, June 3rd, and runs through Saturday, June…

The Old Nick Williams Farm and Distillery, located in the Piedmont of NC, was first established in 1768 and was once known as one of the most revered whiskey distilleries in the United States.  The Eighteenth Amendment in 1919 and subsequent prohibition forced the distillery to temporarily close.  In 2015,…

The paved trail that marks the beginning of the hike to Waterrock Knob looks harmless enough… but you’ll be glad for an opportunity to stop and take in the views when you realize it’s a steep climb (412 feet) to the summit. Located at Milepost 451.2, Waterrock Knob is the…

Surry County, North Carolina Join us this Spring for the second annual NC Trail Days June 4-6, a multi-day festival celebrating the great outdoors, the NC Mountains to Sea Trail, and our local trails with activities and adventures all weekend! The Festival is held every first weekend in June in…

Avery County, North Carolina Dream of a treasure hunt, to be done at your leisure from the comfort of your own car, which leads past timeless works of art, on quiet mountain backroads.  The Avery County Quilt Trail is such a dream, brought to life and headquartered at the Beech…

The new Surry County Four Rivers Map provides locations for all paddling access points in the county, as well as stream details and parking info for each access point.

Stokes County, NC Stokes County, North Carolina, has long been your mountains just down the road. Bordering with Virginia Stokes County has always been “your mountains just down the road.” In contrast to the timeless beauty of the area, new to the region is the growing number of options for…

City of Eden, Rockingham County, NC Get ready girls! Uptown Eden is set to host a fun and memorable day of deals, dining and drinks!! The newly revitalized uptown area in Eden will keep you busy for the day and into the evening and have you wanting to come back…

Burke County, NC Spring is here and the adventures are waiting for you in Burke County! Enjoy spending time outdoors after a long winter of being cooped up inside by following streams, ridgelines or lakeshores to get to the perfect destination. Experience hiking in the cool weather, where the leaves…

Henderson County, NC Cider, Wine & Dine Weekend returns to Hendersonville this spring. The four-day event, April 15-18, celebrates the start of a new growing season, as apple blossoms emerge in the orchards and budbreak occurs in the vineyards. Participating wineries, cideries and tasting rooms offer nearly 60 happenings throughout…

Gaston County, NC After navigating the threat of Covid-19 for a year, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden reopened to the public on March 17. The Garden has operated under various scenarios over the past year, but with vaccinations increasing and the spread on the decline, the Garden will now open more…

Granville County, NC Did Covid put a halt to your wedding day plans? Do you still need a venue and reliable vendors? Do you want more space to safely say “I do”? If so, we invite you to be part of the Granville County BOWs Bridal Tour. Come see what this community just outside of the Triangle…

Burke County, NC The Catawba River is named for the Catawba Native American Tribe which translates to “the people of the river.”  This area was their home for more than 12,000 years prior to European exploration.  Now the Catawba River Valley is home to more than 2 million people who…

Henderson County, NC On your next trip to the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Hendersonville, consider an alternative form of transportation. Hop aboard the HVL Pedal & Brews pubcycle for a fun-filled cruise to downtown breweries and taprooms. After opening in late 2019, the pub tour business started strong in…

Stokes County, NC A diverse region of artists, agriculture, fine dining, and scenic beauty, Stokes County, North Carolina is a gloriously good time in the wonderland of Mother Nature’s splendor. Conveniently located from Winston- Salem, Greensboro, and Charlotte a stay here is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of…

City of Eden, Rockingham County, NC You can enjoy a savory charcuterie board in Uptown Eden,  the best pizza you can find or a hamburger and fries at one of our nostalgic drive-in restaurants. And if coffee and dessert is all you’re looking for the best can be found right…

Gaston County, NC Thinking that our destination’s outdoor brand could enjoy growth through greater consumer diversity, we reached out for BFCT’s help. In spring 2020, the Travel & Tourism team hosted Earl on a site visit so he could see first-hand what our potential guests would experience during a weekend…

Ghostface Brewing’s Scratch Kitchen Traveling for a living, we’re always looking for a cool place to grab a great meal. We found a new dining destination in Mooresville we have to share. Ghostface Brewing’s Scratch Kitchen is your local Gastropub focusing on local fresh ingredients made from well, scratch!  After…

Goldsboro, Wyane County, NC Most people visit museums to experience a place’s heritage, but in Goldsboro, our heritage is one you just have to taste to understand. For Goldsboro, Wayne County Barbeque is more than just food. It’s our heritage. No matter where you’re from or the color of your…

Carolina Craft Passport Trail Post Interaction with others who share your enthusiasm for discovering new places and trying new things is a big part of getting out and supporting craft producers across the region.  But needlessly interacting with somebody isn’t cool, like having to hand your phone to somebody to…

Local artists are putting Mocksville on the map one paint stroke at a time! Mocksville is just west of the Yadkin River, a day trip to see the massive “Running of the Horses” Mural.  While the horses running reflects the past, the Day and Night themes are reflected with the…

Hendersonville is known for many things year-round, apples in the fall, fairs and festivals throughout the spring and summer, and plenty of family fun during the holidays. But if you haven’t been to this Blue Ridge Mountain town in the winter, you’re missing one of its most peaceful and romantic…

Stokes County, NC This February, spend a little time closer than six feet apart, and cozy up with loved ones for Valentine’s Day, while staying safe and healthy in the great outdoors of Stokes County.  Home to over 40 unique vacation rentals ranging from an entire 15 person lodge at…

Snow tubing ranks among the easiest — and most fun — winter sports because it requires little preparation, equipment and skill. Just hop on a tube and whoosh down the hill. The Banner Elk area is an ideal tubing spot with four of the top places to snow tube in…

The Visit NC Farms Phone app, developed by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, connects millions of North Carolina residents and visitors to farmers and local food – one community at a time and Gaston County is now one of those places. Using cell phone technology, residents and…

Start your new year out with a healthy, fun and affordable trip to Beech Mountain. In the highest town in eastern America, the 5506’ altitude provides the perfect climate for outdoor activities year-round. Winter sports abound, with the Beech Mountain Ski Resort right in town. The slopes complex also contains…

There’s good news for skiers and snowboarders heading to Banner Elk this winter. Beech Mountain Resort and Sugar Mountain Resort are participating in the national Ski Well, Be Well initiative to promote COVID-safe skiing. Both resorts follow protocols set forth by the National Ski Areas Association. Those include a face…

Stokes County, NC A diverse region of artists, agriculture, charming general stores, local eateries, and scenic beauty, Stokes County, North Carolina is a gloriously good time in the wonderland of Mother Nature’s splendor. Find your escape from the everyday hustle and bustle by distancing yourself from the crowds for a little…

Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just two hours west of Charlotte and half an hour south of Asheville, Hendersonville maintains the small-town charm many search for in a mountain vacation — shopkeepers who say hello, pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and back roads ripe for rambling rides through the countryside. For visitors…

Gaston County Travel & Tourism has created a free game pass to promote the Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail experience and the eight individual businesses that are part of it in both Gaston and Cleveland counties. The Ridgeline Craft Beverage Trail derives its name from the Ridgeline Trail which connects Crowders…

Carolina Craft Passport Trail Post Happy New Year! We hope that during 2021 you get a chance to take care of yourself, and step back from the stress of the time. Relax, explore, reboot. We suggest discovering boutique craft beverage producers across the state responsibly and supporting small communities while…