North Carolina

For travelers who gravitate to the genuine, North Carolina welcomes with the freedom to explore, experience and discover. Even its state motto — esse quam videri — translates as “to be, rather than to seem,” and there’s no better place than North Carolina for travelers to live in the moment and leave enriched. The following is just a sample of what you can find in this state on your next extended weekend getaway:

Coastal Fun

ONSLOW COUNTY – Onslow County is a coastal playground on the shores of central North Carolina. Visitors are welcomed here with a host of activities and attractions that allow fun on land and on water. Near I-95, north of Wilmington and east of Raleigh and I-40, Onslow offers easy access for travelers.

SWANSBORO – For those who want guided tours of the waterways, charters depart from Swansboro’s docks. Lady Swan Boat Tours offers nature tours and sunset cruises aboard a comfortable 40-foot sailing vessel. There are scheduled tours but private trips are available as well. With Marsh Cruises, the captain welcomes visitors aboard his 23-foot Bay Rider Skiff and into a world of wonder. Seeing wildlife in natural habitats, searching for sand dollars and discovering sharks’ teeth are all part of the Marsh Cruise experience. Pogie’s Fishing Center offers fishing trips, guided tours and more. Boat and kayak rentals, nature cruises and boat taxis are all options.

Visit Durham Performing Arts Center (DPAC)

DURHAM – Since its opening in 2008, DPAC (Durham Performing Arts Center) has become the center for live entertainment in North Carolina. Recognized for its contemporary design, DPAC features 2,704 seats, intimate sightlines and state-of-the-art sound and video. Ranked annually among the top-ten theaters in America by three leading national magazines that cover live entertainment events and venues, DPAC attracts over 500,000 guests per year.

With a mission of presenting one-of-a-kind live entertainment events, DPAC truly has “something for everyone,” hosting more than 200 performances a year, including spectacular touring Broadway productions, high-profile concert and comedy events, family shows and the heralded American Dance Festival. Owned by the City of Durham and operated under the direction of Nederlander and Professional Facilities Management (PFM), since 2011 DPAC has been listed as the #1 performing arts organization in the region by the Triangle Business Journal.  For more information please go to www.DPACnc.com.

Live@The Rudy

SELMA – Throwback Sounds of Summer returns this summer with the musical memories that bring back your favorite days on the beach. Summer Jubilee with favorites like V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N, Blue Bayou, See You In September, Superstition and many more sing-along favorites. Then in August, the Classic Country Jubilee will bring from Hank to Garth and Dolly to Taylor. You’ll be toe tapping and humming along with the all-new classic show.  For tickets, complete schedule and more information, visit https://www.rudytheatre.com/

If you are a history buff, a visit to Fort Macon State Park is in order. Here, you will find a reconstructed fort standing guard over Beaufort Harbor as it did during the Civil War. History and educational programs are presented often during the winter where you can see re-enactments on the parade ground and take a guided tour of the fort to learn more about its history. Nearby, the Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area and the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores also make for great winter destinations. The turtle maze is a kid-favorite, showing what it feels like for a just-hatched turtle to make it to the sea.

Another city full of history is Mount Airy, the home of Andy Griffith. Take a police car tour of this famous town, complete with siren, and learn about the “real” Mayberry. >MORE

Raleigh, N.C., is often called the “Smithsonian of the South,” because there are so many free museums, historic attractions and educational institutions. Discover a rich history, culture, and science through captivating, state-of-the-art exhibits. And, join in broadening your horizons through an enticing array of visual and performing arts exhibitions. >MORE