North Carolina's Top 25 Distinctive Spring Events
If you love North Carolina's fall colors, wait until you see our spring display.RALEIGH, N.C. (Feb. 22, 2007) North Carolina hosts a vivid spectrum of spring events and destinations. This spring, sample some of these 25 distinctive spots as 90,000 tulips bloom at America's largest home, native bluegrass and folk music float up to the stars at twilight concerts, kites pepper the sky at the Outer Banks and food and wine festivals stir the state with conviviality. We even celebrate the pickle. North Carolina is the must-see destination for spring, so get a jumpstart and plan your getaways now at VisitNC.com or 1-800 VISIT NC (847-4862).
Retreat to the Coast
Mild temperatures make spring a perfect time to get away to the coast.
60th Annual North Carolina Azalea Festival
April 11 - 15, Wilmington, N.C. - Tour historic homes and lush private gardens at this annual springtime tradition celebrating Wilmington's architecture, gardens, history and culture. Concerts by Sara Evans and Michael McDonald, a riverfront street fair with arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, a Saturday morning parade with floats and marching bands, the princess pageant, triathlon and more make this a spring celebration not to miss!
Downtown Wilmington, Water Street
Wilmington, N.C. 28401
(910) 794-4650
http://www.ncazaleafestival.org/
3rd Annual Beaufort Wine and Food Weekend
April 26 - 29, Beaufort, N.C. - Don't miss this culinary experience - four days of seminars, wine tastings, dinners and more. Held in Historic Beaufort and at the Olde Beaufort Seaport, the event showcases signature wine and food in unique venues. Saturday's "Vin de Mer" includes 300 pours of wine with national chefs demonstrating cooking specialties. That evening, "Carolina Nights" showcases North Carolina wine and beer. Visitors can finish the weekend's festivities with a champagne brunch on Sunday.
130 Turner St.
Beaufort, N.C. 28516
(252) 646-5230
http://www.beaufortwineandfood.com/
8th Annual Kite Week
March 26 - 31, Nags Head, N.C. - At the Outer Banks, keep your eye on the sky for a vivid rainbow of kites! You can make or buy your own kite, then learn the tips from the experts through demos, lessons and games. Next, join everyone else on Saturday at Jockey's Ridge State Park for a massive group kite flight. Milepost 12, South Croatan Hwy.
Nags Head, N.C. 27959
1-877-FLY-THIS (359-8447)
http://www.kittyhawk.com/
6th Annual Cine Noir: A Festival of Black Film
March 15 -18, Wilmington, N.C. - Discover independent motion pictures by African-American filmmakers at this four-day juried festival. Among other luminaries who attend, last year's Trailblazer Awardee, Dwayne McDuffie, co-owns Milestone Media, Inc., which is the most successful black-owned comic book company in history. He has written and edited for Marvel, DC, Harvey, Archie Comics and Cartoon Network's What's Up Scooby-Doo? Before enjoying a film, stop by for a bite at the museum's gourmet bake shop and café, then check out N.C. native Romare Bearden's collage mural as well as work by Cassatt and Matisse.
3201 S. 17th St.
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 350-2681
http://www.blackartsalliance.citymaker.com/
29th Annual Newport Pig Cookin' Contest, Newport Community Park
March 30 - 31, Newport, N.C. - Celebrate eastern N.C. barbecue, beloved for its vinegary, secret sauce recipes and whole hog cooking techniques. Friday's lineup includes rides, crafts and live entertainment. Come early on Saturday to sample the different varieties of award-winning 'cue.
200 Howard Blvd.
Newport, N.C. 28570
(252) 223-PIGS (7447)
http://www.newportpigcooking.com/
17th Annual Battle of Plymouth Living History Weekend
April 27 - 29, Plymouth, N.C. - Experience the adrenaline rush of the front line as hundreds of reenactors commemorate one of the largest Civil War battles fought in North Carolina. Get in touch with re-created encampment sites downtown and along the banks of the Roanoke River plus period music and traditional crafts. Be an eyewitness to the battles, complete with authentic artillery pieces and a dozen working cannons.
302 Washington Street
Plymouth, N.C. 27962
(252) 793-1377
http://www.livinghistoryweekend.com/
11th Annual Pleasure Island Chowder Cook-off
April 21, Carolina Beach, N.C. - Order up a serving of the state's best chowder as eight regional restaurants compete in a cook-off for the coveted Judge's Choice and People's Choice awards. Enjoy family fun activities including paddleboats around Carolina Beach Lake, clowns and face painting before heading back for a second helping.
Corner of North Lake Park Blvd. and Atlanta Avenue
Carolina Beach, N.C. 28428
(910) 458-8434
http://www.pleasureislandnc.org/
Battleship Alive, USS NORTH CAROLINA
April 27 - 29, Wilmington, N.C. - Come aboard the USS NORTH CAROLINA to walk her decks and envision daily life as well as fierce combat faced by crew in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Be a part the excitement as the ship comes to life by helping enact daily ship duties with volunteers in period uniforms. Interact with exhibits throughout the ship and stop by the Ship's Store for unique gifts before heading across the river into Downtown Wilmington.Battleship Rd.
Wilmington, N.C. 28401
(910) 251-5797
http://www.battleshipnc.com/
Spring in the Piedmont
Sharpen your gardening skills, relax to the sounds of bluegrass music or just enjoy the pretty blooms.
MerleFest
April 26 - 29, Wilkesboro, N.C. (west of Winston-Salem on Highway 421) - Cheer with the crowd when Tony Rice and Alison Krauss & Union Station perform as special guests at this year's MerleFest. An annual event hosted by Doc and Richard Watson and named in memory of Doc's son, this Americana music celebration draws more than 80,000 fans during its four-day run. Round out this don't-miss event with crafts, food, dance and family activities.
Wilkes Community College campus, Highway 421
Wilkesboro, N.C. 28697
(336) 838-6267
http://www.merlefest.org/
Spring Kiln Opening
April 21 - 22, Seagrove, N.C. - Stand in awe as 50 potteries open up their kilns to pull out treasures for this annual celebration. New pots have a sheen of freshness that makes every kiln opening like a breath of fresh spring air.
966 S N.C. Hwy 705
Seagrove, N.C. 27341
(336) 873-7304
http://www.discoverseagrove.com/
21st Annual North Carolina Pickle Festival
April 27 - 28, Mount Olive, N.C. (near Goldsboro) - Good, green family fun salutes the agricultural heritage of this area, home to the Mt. Olive Pickle Company. Get free pickles and don't miss Mr. Crisp, an eight-foot pickle. Whether your idea of fun is biking in the "Tour de Pickle," participating in the Pickle Derby, cheering on the N.C. Pickle Princesses, dancing to beach music or helping your kids with the Pickle Treasure Hunt, there are two full days of activities to suit all tastes!
123 N. Center Street
Mount Olive, N.C. 28365
(919) 658-3113
http://www.ncpicklefest.org/
Celebrate Spring! Plant & Craft Festival, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
April 21 - 22, Belmont, N.C. - After shopping for your favorite plants and listening to master gardeners share garden tips, unpack your picnic and stroll through animal-shaped topiaries and walk-through water fountains. This festival features a variety of vendors offering top-quality, hard-to-find plants, garden furniture and accessories, fine arts and crafts.
6500 S. New Hope Rd.
Belmont, N.C. 28012
(704) 829-1286
http://www.dsbg.org/
Taste Carolina Wine Festival
April 28, Colfax, N.C. (west of Greensboro) - Come out to the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market and celebrate the rich array of North Carolina's wines with live jazz music, food, crafts and fun.
2914 Sandy Ridge Rd. (off I-40 at the Sandy Ridge Exit)
Colfax, N.C. 27235
1-866-208-2400
http://www.tastecarolina.com/
Powell's Gardens Iris Season
April 22 - June 18, Princeton, N.C. (less than one hour from Raleigh) - Since she started gardening at eight years old, Lolita Powell dreamed of having a garden where guests could come and visit for free. Now she gardens daily amid a display of 7,000 varieties of bearded irises and day lilies and the largest collection of hostas in the Southeastern United States. Ms. Powell has propagated this garden for more than 50 years.
9468 U.S. Hwy. 70
Princeton, N.C. 27569
(919) 936-4421 evenings
http://www.visitnc.com/tools_search_schedule.asp?propertyid=5418
25th Annual Fayetteville Dogwood Festival
April 27 - 29, Fayetteville, N.C. (90 miles south of Durham) - Come to the "City of Dogwoods" and celebrate the state"s official flower at one of the Southeast's most renowned festivals. Kick off the celebration with the Friday Night Street Dance, then hit Saturday's Dogwood MusicFest with local and regional music all day. Choose from family-friendly crafts, a carnival, street fair and other kids' activities.
Festival Park, 335 Ray Ave.
Fayetteville, N.C. 28301
(910) 323-1934
http://www.fayettevilledogwoodfestival.com/
Southern Spring Home & Garden Show
February 28 - March 4, Charlotte, N.C. - This year's show celebrates spaces indoors and out with ideas and inspiration. Find all the professionals and products to create those ideal settings in your home. Wander through model gardens, hear speakers' expert advice and find inspiration for your own rooms and gardens.
2500 E. Independence Blvd.
Charlotte, N.C. 28205
1-800-849-0248 Ext. 125
www.southernshows.com/sss/
Birdhouses on Parade, Carolina Inn
March 25 - April 15, Chapel Hill, N.C. - Drop by to see these one-of-a-kind birdhouses and feeders crafted by North Carolina artists, or linger after lunch, dinner or afternoon tea at the historic Carolina Inn. Check website for full schedule of spring events, including talks about "Steel Magnolias" and "Southern Culture and the History of Tea."
211 Pittsboro St.
Chapel Hill, N.C. 27516
1-800-962-8519
http://www.carolinainn.com/
22nd Annual Yadkinville Bluegrass Contest & Fiddlers Convention
April 21, Yadkinville, N.C. - Experience small-town charm as you tap your foot with almost 1,000 fans from across the Southeast who come to hear the best in regional bluegrass talent. Esteemed judges pick the winners as this annual convention picks up momentum every year.
Yadkinville Elementary School, US 601 N.
Yadkinville, North Carolina 27055
(336) 463-5624
www.angelfire.com/music2/bluegrasscontest/
8th Annual Cleveland Strawberry Festival
April 28, Clayton, N.C. - Sample the sweetest strawberries right off the vine and join in an all-day celebration focused on family fun and entertainment. Craft vendors, live music, food, face painting and activities for kids please everyone who celebrates the succulent flavors of strawberry season.
Technology Drive (at Highways 40 and 42)
Clayton, N.C. 27520
(919) 773-8448
www.greaterclevelandchamber.com/strawberry.htm
Spring in the Mountains
Get outside and breathe fresh mountain air at these destinations.
Land of the Waterfalls, Transylvania County
Open year-round, Brevard, N.C. - Nothing spells the beginning of spring in the mountains more than the rushing sound of a waterfall - there are more than 250 in Transylvania County alone. Easily accessible and located in three state parklands, major falls include: Connestee Falls, twin falls that each cascade 110 feet to the rushing river below; High Falls plummets 25 feet; Looking Glass Falls plunges 85 feet; Rainbow Falls, 20 feet; Toxaway Falls spills over the rocks from 123 feet high and Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States, drops 441 feet.
Transylvania County
Brevard, N.C. 28712
1-800-648-4523
http://www.visitwaterfalls.com/
Festival of Flowers, Biltmore Estate
April 7 - May 20, Asheville, N.C. - Spring arrives with a rush of colorful, fragrant blossoms outside and delicate arrangements inside this 19th century estate, the most visited home in America. Tour the home, then wander through its 8,000-acre backyard; see a stunning display of more than 90,000 tulips in the Walled Garden while listening to musicians play on the weekends. Pull up a seat and relax as jazz and blues musicians perform at the wine bar. Make reservations and stay at the elegant inn on the property or at one of the many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts nearby.
1 Approach Rd.
Asheville, N.C. 28803
(828) 225-1333
http://www.biltmore.com/
Birdhouse Competition, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
April 10 - May 13, Asheville, N.C. - Take a relaxing stroll through the Inn and inspect this unique collection of handmade, artistic birdhouses. This competition launches the annual Sunset Mountain Spring celebration making it a great time to have lunch or coffee by the lobby fireplace and enjoy special spring floral displays throughout the Inn.
1-800-438-5800
290 Macon Ave.
Asheville, N.C. 28804
http://www.groveparkinn.com/
Blue Ridge Wine Festival
April 12 - 15, Blowing Rock, N.C. - Look forward to attending the wine tastings, seminars and classes, a winemaking competition, children's activities and other downtown events that make this an annual celebration. Enjoy "Fire on the Rock" on Saturday as renowned area chefs battle each other in a fierce cooking competition. Then settle in at Chetola Resort's "Grand Cru" to enjoy live entertainment and samples from more than 20 regional wineries.
Park Avenue
Blowing Rock, N.C. 28605
1-800-295-7851
http://www.blueridgewinefestival.com/
Spring Splash, Nantahala Outdoor Center
April 13 - 15, Bryson City, N.C. - Kick off the season with a smorgasbord of fun activities ranging from the Spring Club Cup Challenge for paddling clubs, mountain biking on Flint Ridge Trail, kayak instruction, family adventure race and more. Take the challenge of rafting the recently released Class IV Cheoah River or any of the other adrenaline rush routes NOC has to offer. Add mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, swimming and music on Saturday night to round out a family fun-filled weekend.
13077 Highway 19 W
Bryson City, N.C. 28713
1-888-905-7238
http://www.noc.com/
61st Annual Block House Steeplechase
April 21, Tryon, N.C. - Cast your vote for the best hat, enjoy a tailgate picnic while listening to live music or take in the "Parade of Carriages and Hounds." The late 19th century English and Irish tradition of racing from steeple to steeple continues as horses race toward the finish at Tryon Riding & Hunt Club's Running of the Block House Steeplechase. Advance tickets required. Location map sent with tickets.
1-800-4-EVENT-1 (438-3681)
http://www.trhcevents.com/
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