For Friends

Set in the heart of Beech Mountain, Alpine Village Shops offers a relaxed, scenic browse through art galleries, boutiques, and eateries—great for finding souvenirs, outdoor gear, and handcrafted gifts from local makers.

Try your hand at gem mining in the Appalachian foothills as you sift through mining dirt to uncover garnets, emeralds, sapphires, and more—a hands-on way to connect with local mining history amid the North Carolina mountains.

A laid-back Boone hangout pouring craft beers inspired by the Appalachians, with live music, mountain views, and a brew for every palate.

Beech Mountain Resort is a year-round Appalachian getaway—Eastern America’s highest ski area—offering winter skiing and snowboarding plus summer hiking and mountain biking with sweeping mountain views.

La Farm Bakery in Cary, NC is a cozy French bakery known for artisan breads, authentic pastries, and fresh, seasonal breakfast and lunch options—all made from scratch with time-honored techniques.

An early-summer oceanfront tradition on the East Coast, this all-day festival brings top beach music bands to the sand for live tunes, dancing, and laid-back vibes—kick back with a blanket or chair and enjoy local food and drinks by the sea.

A family-friendly spot with go-karts, bumper cars, a small Ferris wheel, and an arcade, open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day (weather permitting) at 2788 Highway 105 South.

A nostalgic oceanfront boardwalk with arcades, rides, shops, and eateries—perfect for an easy afternoon, summer events, and sunset strolls along the pier.

Carolina Beach is a laid-back coastal escape with wide golden sands, gentle waves, and a lively boardwalk—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, paddling, or simply catching sunrise and sunset by the water.

Set in a lovingly restored 1860s railway hotel, the Page-Walker Arts & History Center blends rotating art exhibits, local history displays, and community events. With workshops, performances, and a peaceful historic garden, it offers a fresh, engaging visit for all ages.

A scenic lakeside venue in Cary featuring concerts, theater, festivals, and movie nights, with relaxed vibes, great acoustics, picnic-friendly lawns, local food vendors, and views of Symphony Lake—something for every live entertainment fan.

A beloved UNC–Chapel Hill landmark, Morehead Planetarium and Science Center offers interactive exhibits, immersive star shows, and engaging programs that bring astronomy, physics, and technology to life for visitors of all ages.