An easy walk that is shaded year-round, and can be easily tackled by hikers of all abilities and in virtually any season, the Hoop Pole Creek Nature Trail is a great way for newcomers to uncover the more secluded natural landscapes of this otherwise...
It's impossible for oceanfront beach-goers to miss Myrtle Beaches' literal top attraction, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel. The nearly 190' tall Ferris wheel is a relatively new beachside attraction, but is easily one of the Grand Strand's biggest and...
Visitors to Edenton's Colonial Park will find a veritable world of local attractions and gorgeously scenic landscapes just minutes away from the expansive parking area. A postcard-perfect place to picnic, paddle, or just take off for a leisurely...
Arlie Gardens is home to a stunning collection of natural gardens and eye-catching artworks which continually impresses visitors to the Wilmington area. Established in 1901, and originally used as a private garden for the wealthy Pembroke family...
One of Columbia's "newest" attractions happens to reside in one of its most prestigious old downtown buildings. The Columbia Theater Cultural Resources Center is a widely successful project of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources...
Like many of Charleston's institutions, The Citadel is an impressive nationally recognized landmark that both serves an instrumental community function, while boasting a long and fascinating history. This South Carolina military college, one of the...
The Cape Lookout National Seashore is a 56-mile long stretch of the Southern Outer Banks barrier island terrain that runs from Ocracoke Inlet to the northeast side of Beaufort Inlet. Comprised of three separate islands – the North Core Banks...
The Cape Lookout Lighthouse is one of the most distinctive lighthouses along the Outer Banks coastline, due to its black and white diamond-patterned exterior, as well as its remote location along the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Accessible only...
Folly Field Beach Park is a gorgeous stretch of shoreline that is known informally by residents and long-time visitors alike as a "local's beach." Seldom overcrowded, with parking spots that are almost hidden by a line of live oaks and squat...
The Oak Island Pier has a legendary reputation as one of the best places to reel in a king mackerel, and its recent history speaks for itself. With over 250 kings being reeled in from the pier on an annual basis, the structure has become an oasis...
The home of one of North Carolina's best known jurists and politicians, it has an interesting blend of Federal and Greek Revival details. Its awkward symmetry and rambling plan lend credence to local legend that Biggs added a room with the birth of...
Nature lovers who want to take an in-depth and self-guided exploration of Southport's wild terrain can take an easy stroll down the "Marsh Walk." This long boardwalk that begins along Brunswick Avenue on the edges of the busy downtown ends...
The expansive James Island County Park has a unique distinction as being one of the most entertaining and diverse destination in the Lowcountry. Able to accommodate a world of interests, from camping and fishing to splashing around in a seasonal...
Old Time Photos on the Outer Banks by Miss Kitty's are Fun, Affordable with a variety of costumes from infant to adult and custom-built sets, there is something for everyone.
There's no question that the small southern Elizabeth City is growing in population, prestige, and overall culture, and the Encore Theatre Company is doing a fine and longstanding job of making this transition come to fruition. The company, which...
Visitors to historic Beaufort typically can't help but notice the distinguished St. Helena's Episcopal Church, a beautiful site with a sky-high steeple that towers over the lush, evergreen scene. In addition to its exterior beauty, the church has...
Dive into a wealth of coastal artifacts, folklore, and legendary figures with a visit to the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Operating as one of three maritime museums along coastal NC, this distinctive site is known for its unique...
Fishermen, sightseers, and even history buffs will find plenty of reasons to take a quick trek to the Sunset Beach Fishing Pier, a sprawling wooden pier that is conveniently located at the end of Sunset Blvd., the main road on and off Ocean Isle...
Visitors do not necessarily have to be a horticulturalist or garden lover to appreciate the toweringly impressive Angel Oak Tree, one of the most significant and oldest trees in Johns Island, if not the entire East Coast. With far-reaching branches...
The completely wild and uniquely pre-historic Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge is a fascinating natural adventure for cyclists, hikers, nature photographers, and anyone who wants to discover the untamed aspects of this otherwise...
If it weren't for the telltale palmetto trees and notable landmark neighbors, like the historic Dock Street Theater, a visitor might mistake this church for an authentic French house of worship, tucked away in a European countryside of decades ago.
Cap off a leisurely day of exploring Southport with a scenic walk along the waterfront, courtesy of the Southport Pier and Riverwalk. Located on the edge of Howe and Bay Streets, and therefore easy to reach for veritably any Downtown Explorer...
The Rice Museum is a fascinating treasure within the Downtown Georgetown scene which is impossible to miss, and hard to forget. Detailing one of the darkest periods in American history, with a mixture of local prominent residents and maritime...
Edenton visitors who haven't explored this northern corner of the Inner Banks in a few years may be surprised to find a new, stunning structure perched above the open sound-facing waters of Edenton Harbor. This remarkable site is the Roanoke River...
The postcard-worthy Driessen Beach Park is a little hard to find, and for most Hilton Head Island regulars, that's a very good thing. Seldom crowded, with plenty of parking spaces to go around, this relatively expansive park has plenty of room to...
The Arts of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City is a multi-faceted center that features arts in all mediums, from live theater and music to the showcased works of more than 250 local and regional artists, craftsmen and photographers. Ever-changing with...
The Riverwalk in Downtown Wilmington is a showstopper of a stroll that is a distinctive attraction all its own. Originally conceived in the 1980s as a way to generate more interest and tourism to the Cape Fear River waterfront regions of...
The Charles Creek Park, located just a block away from the waterfront at most, is a favorite local destination on a warm summer day. Featuring a wide range of activities that can easily be tailored to all age levels and outdoor interests, this small...
The Jarvis Mansion is a small and hard-to-find bed and breakfast located along a quiet portion of New Bern's main Pollock Street, just a block or so away from the scenic waterfront. The historic two-story white home, built around the turn of the...
Lawson Creek Park is an active destination that's suitable for nature lovers and outdoors fans of all genres. Encompassing a massive 140 acre site surrounded by the waters of Lawson Creek and Trent River, this park is a perfectly scenic locale that...
Explore Hatteras Island at its natural best with a visit to the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Covering 13 miles of Cape Hatteras National Seashore land, this attraction is hard to miss, although there aren't many giant signs, hotels or...
The Beaufort National Cemetery is a somber but historically important site located in the heart of Beaufort County. Quietly beautiful, with the region's renowned live oaks towering over the lines of small, white headstones, the cemetery holds a...
Before there was the infamous Jersey Shore crew, or the Southern California surfing hang-outs, there was the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. A southern icon for beach vacationers of multiple generations, from biker gangs to young families, the boardwalk...
Coligny Beach Park is easily one of Hilton Head Island's top-rated beaches, and it won't take new visitors very long to discover why. From the extensive free parking to the kid-friendly splash pad, the park is remarkably accommodating, and simply...
The Kitty Hawk Woods Reserve is a large parcel of maritime forest, marshes, and even brackish swamplands that border the Currituck Sound. Located well off the main US 158 Bypass and jutting out into both the sound and the Kitty Hawk Bay, the Kitty...
The New Hanover County Arboretum, located on the outskirts of Downtown Wilmington on Oleander Drive, is a peaceful retreat for nature lovers everywhere. With seven acres of greenery, and gorgeous foliage that changes with the season, every visit...
Enjoy miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and scenic views in every direction with a visit to Fort Fisher State Recreation Area. Located just south of Kure Beach, and renowned for its 6 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this sunny beach...
The unique waterfront community of Hilton Head's Harbour Town features a world of activities that are sure to wow and engage visitors of all interests, all while providing a spectacular view of the neighborhood's "harbor," and the adjoining...
Long Leaf Park is a centrally located public park that features a wealth of natural beauty and scenery, as well as plenty of activities to keep park-goers of all ages engaged. Located just south of the UNCW campus, and easy to reach for visitors...
The aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a top rated attraction for Crystal Coast visitors of all ages. A fascinating destination for kids and adults alike, the sprawling coastal facility, located along the Bogue Sound on Roosevelt Drive, is an...
A treasure of a home that is managed by The Charleston Museum, the Joseph Manigault House is a prime example of Charleston's hardworking efforts to protect the relics of its lush, although often somber, past. The grand three story home is considered...
It's hard to confuse the Old Baldy Lighthouse with the other Carolina lighthouses that guard the Eastern Seaboard. The unique structure has undergone some interesting natural and manmade changes during its nearly 200 year lifespan, but many visitors...
The Mullberry Hill house has been an acclaimed residence along the banks of the Albemarle Sound for centuries, and today, visitors in the market for an elite and relaxing stay can enjoy the unique Mulberry Hill Inn's undeniable charm and prestige...
Nature and art lovers will find endless winding trails and tranquil gardens to enjoy at Brookgreen Gardens, a sprawling outdoor attraction set on a 9,100 acre property that is a masterpiece of decadent sculpture gardens, wildly natural local...
Life in Little Washington revolves around the water, and this extends to all forms of recreation, including the local parks. The Havens Garden Park is a peaceful retreat located just off of Park Drive and Washington's thriving downtown, and offers...
Washington's Festival Park may look like a scenic and quiet natural park during a typical day in the downtown area, but the park comes to life regularly with an assortment of movies, concerts and festivals that have put the small town of Washington...
On a sunny Fall Saturday afternoon, the Johnson Hagood Stadium may very be one of the most popular and exciting spots in the city of Charleston. Home to the Citadel Bulldogs, the official football team of the world-renowned Citadel, the stadium can...
The seasonally open Downtown Waterfront Market is a great locale for shoppers, art aficionados, and foodies to come together in an outdoor, homegrown environment that features the very best products that Albemarle residents have to offer. An...
Clean and uncluttered beaches and a remarkable local history combine to make the Fort Fisher State Historic Site one of coastal North Carolina's most treasured barrier island attractions. This incredible locale, just miles away from Carolina Beach...
It's easy to see why vacationers fall in love with Carova. Located almost literally off the Outer Banks map, while other towns along the barrier islands of North Carolina grew and developed over the decades and became popular East Coast tourism...
The Knotts Island Ferry is a year-round free ferry that's managed by the North Carolina Department of Transportation's ferry system. An instrumental mode of transportation for Knotts Island locals, and a fun on-the-water day trip for Currituck...
Perhaps the reason that this area of maritime forest goes unnoticed, (an area which in fact comprises the majority of Frisco Village), is simply because the oceanfront beaches just yards away are too alluring to ignore, and garner the lion's share...
Spend an early morning outdoors with a hot cup of coffee and a gorgeous waterfront sunrise, or enjoy a romantic stroll around sunset watching Beaufort's ships come in, with a visit to the exceptionally beautiful Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park...
Beaufort explorers who want an easy launching point in the heart of town, or just a scenic spot to enjoy a quick picnic lunch and an incredible view, can head to the centrally located Grayden Paul Park. Tucked away along the waterfront on Front...
Sunset Beach Park is a peaceful public space that captures the essence of coastal relaxation and small-town charm. Tucked along the Intracoastal Waterway just before the bridge to Sunset island, this scenic park provides visitors with a tranquil...
The Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is easily one of the most spellbinding sites in the city of Charleston, with acres of wildly growing gardens that have captivated visitors for generations. A romantic and altogether enchanting destination located...
Outer Banks and Inner Banks Coast Guard personnel, as well as Coast Guard recruits from all over the nation, are very much familiar with the Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) in Elizabeth City. This flagship station has been instrumental in leading the...
The Miles Brewton House may seem, at first glance, one of many impressively grand and antique southern mansions that line the downtown streets of Charleston, but this home is a favorite among any guided or self-led walking tour for both its story...
The sunny Wrightsville Beach Park, conveniently located in the heart of town, is a fantastic destination for an outdoor adventure that doesn't necessarily entail a trip to the beach. Adjacent to the Wrightsville Beach Parks & Recreation's main...
Emerald Isle vacationers don’t have to venture too far to discover an entirely different coastal environment via the community’s newest park, Emerald Isle Woods Park. Located just off of Coast Guard Road, and only a few blocks away from...
Visitors to New Bern's historic downtown are advised to take a break from the shopping, antiquing and dining, and enjoy a comfortable seat and a great view at the scenic and newly revitalized, Union Point Park.
The Oriental Harbor Marina, located at the mouth of the wide open Neuse River, is a paradise for local boat lovers or mariners just passing through along the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW).
The small Pigeon Point Park, located appropriately along Pigeon Point Road on the Beaufort Riverbanks, is a small but beautifully relaxing public park located in a quiet residential area on the western borders of historic Beaufort. A perfect stop...
Experienced Outer Banks travelers attest that a local ferry ride either to or from the barrier island shorelines is a huge part of the fun, and a relaxing 2.25 hour cruise across the Pamlico Sound is certainly a welcome diversion for many road-weary...
New Charleston visitors are often advised to start their regional tour with a visit to the historic City Market, a massive four block meeting place that sells homegrown goods and exquisitely crafted arts and crafts from all over the low country. A...
While Downtown Southport has an ample supply of wide front porches to take a load off and enjoy a breeze, many longtime visitors attest there's no better place to relax than the Southport waterfront Park.
Located at the edge of the Ashley River, next to the Joseph P. Riley, Jr. minor league baseball stadium, Brittlebank Park is a refreshing breath of fresh air that serves up some of the best water views in the region, while serving as an occasional...
It's perfectly possible for a Myrtle Beach visitor to spend their entire vacation at the renowned Broadway at the Beach complex and never run out of things to do, attractions to see, and fantastic shops to explore. The sprawling 350 acre shopping...
Look at an aerial photo of the southern region of Hilton Head Island, and the Sea Pines Forest Preserve will thick out like a vibrant green thumb. This unique parcel of land, which features sand ridges, maritime forest, long wetlands and ponds, and...
For Charleston locals and frequent visitors, Marion Square is much more than just a pretty block of green space in between Meeting Street and King Street. Like many of Charleston's attractions, beneath the surface lies a history of stories that date...
North Myrtle Beach locals who want to unwind and relax off the beach head to the gorgeous, centrally located McLean Park. Located in the heart of the city, just 2 blocks west of Ocean Boulevard between 1st and 3rd Avenues, this sprawling natural...
Fort Moultrie, one of the oldest still-standing forts along the Eastern Seaboard, is a "must see" destination for history buffs. The low-laying coastal structure, which encompasses a large parcel of Atlantic Ocean bordering beaches on the southern...
A fascinating find off the beach, the Coastal Discovery Museum is sure to engage Hilton Head visitors of all ages, with a world of indoor and outdoor exhibits, all found on the site of a rich coastal ecosystem. With a series of exhibits that are...
The Fun Plaza on Ocean Blvd. lives up to its name as one of the most entertaining North Myrtle Beach attractions inside and out. Located just steps away from the oceanfront, and easy to get to for both area resort guests and beach goers, the classic...
The Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim Synagogue, a famous icon just off of Market Street, has a fitting place among Charleston's long list of historical churches and buildings as the county's second oldest Synagogue, and the oldest Synagogue that remains in...
Mitchelville Freedom Park is a deeply meaningful and historically rich destination that offers both a scenic natural setting and a powerful connection to America’s past. Located on the northern end of the island near Port Royal Sound, this...
East Bay Park is located on the upper portion of a small peninsula that jets out into Sampit River and Winyah Bay, and as a result, visitors will admire distant water views from virtually any part of the park.
The Sullivan's Island Lighthouse, also commonly known as "Charleston Light" holds a unique title in Carolina Lighthouse lore as one of the most modern lighthouses in the country. The unique triangular and slim structure, which is broken up into two...
The Old Exchange is one of the most visited historic sites in Charleston, both for its grand stature as one of the colonies' earliest statuesque public buildings, and its unique array of interior assets - including the famous Provost Dungeon in the...
The Ocracoke Island Lighthouse may not be the most imposing of the Outer Banks lighthouses, but as North Carolina's oldest lighthouse in operation, (and the second oldest in the United States), it is certainly one of the most beloved. At just 65...